The Department of Justice (DOJ) released its annual False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement statistics on January 15, 2025, announcing that it had recovered in excess of $2.9 billion from FCA resolutions during Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 (ending September 30, 2024).
Health Law Rx
Akerman Insights on the Latest Developments in Healthcare Law
Health Law Rx, published by Akerman LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory issues affecting the healthcare industry. The blog covers topics such as Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies, healthcare compliance and enforcement actions, data privacy and security regulations, information blocking and interoperability rules, healthcare fraud and abuse investigations, and state-specific healthcare laws and regulations. It also addresses emerging challenges in healthcare delivery, patient rights, and administrative requirements for providers and facilities. The blog provides updates on government agency initiatives, legislative changes, and enforcement trends relevant to healthcare providers, payors, and industry stakeholders.
Latest from Health Law Rx - Page 4
Update: Appellate Showdown Over FCA Qui Tam Provision’s Constitutionality Reaches Eleventh Circuit
As we anticipated in our October 17, 2024, blog, both the Government and the Relator have appealed the district court’s decision in U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates, LLC, et al. (Zafirov), the first case to hold…
New Year, New HIPAA Security Rule Requirements? OCR Proposes Sweeping Changes for HIPAA Security Rule To Bolster Cybersecurity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently proposed a sweeping rewrite of the HIPAA Security Rule that, if finalized, will require that many Covered Entities and their Business Associates (Regulated Entities) invest…
Year-End Watch List: Possible Simplification to Employer Group Health Plan Reporting
2024 might almost be over, but the Senate recently passed two bills that are intended to ease at least some employer burdens under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bills, both of which are pending signature by President…
Don’t Be Suspicious, Don’t Be Suspicious: New OIG Special Fraud Alert Warns About Suspect Payments in Medicare Advantage Marketing Arrangements
The latest Special Fraud Alert from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) warns about marketing schemes involving questionable payments and referrals among Medicare Advantage plans, health care professionals, and third-party marketers, such as…
NYDFS Highlights Strategies to Combat AI Cybersecurity Risks
The increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the banking, insurance, and financial services industries has led the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS or Department) to publish an Industry Letter on October 16, 2024, that highlights cybersecurity…
New York Focuses on Healthcare Cybersecurity: Recent Regulatory and Enforcement Activities
The healthcare sector has seen an alarming uptick in cybersecurity incidents, including ransomware attacks, in recent years. In response to these cybersecurity threats, New York State is ramping-up efforts to protect patient data by issuing new cybersecurity regulations governing “general…
Zafirov Decision Sets Stage for Appellate Showdown Over Constitutionality of FCA’s Qui Tam Provision
For the first time ever, a judge has ruled that the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act (FCA), which whistleblowers have used to recover $52 billion on behalf of the government since 1986, is unconstitutional. …
MHPAEA Final Rule: Clarity on Mental Health Parity?
The three federal agencies tasked with enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) — the Departments of Labor, Health & Human Services (through CMS), and Treasury (the Departments) — issued their Final Rule to implement the…
The Admera Health Settlement Is a Cautionary Tale for Paying Outside Sales Staff on a Commission Basis
The Office of Inspector General recently announced the more than $5.5 million settlement of a qui tam action brought against Admera Health, LLC (Admera). In addition to the fine incurred, the legal fees typically incurred for defending such claims and…