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
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FTC’s Updated Health Breach Notification Rule Puts Health App Developers on Notice
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) years-long effort to modernize its Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR) in the midst of a swiftly changing technological landscape appears to be coming to an end. On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the FTC published its
What’s it to You? Justice Scalia’s 41-Year-Old Gatekeeping Question on “Standing” Influences Court to Uphold FDA’s Regulation of Mifepristone
Mifepristone is safe for now. On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court unanimously held that the plaintiffs — doctors and medical associations alike — lacked standing to challenge 2000 and 2019 FDA approvals of mifepristone (brand name: Mifeprex), a drug
Attention, Group Health Plans: New HIPAA Privacy Rule Governing Reproductive Health Care Information Imposes Obligations, Deadlines
It is critical for employers and plan fiduciaries/administrators to stay informed of HIPAA privacy and security-related legal developments because most employer sponsored group health plans — regardless of the employer’s industry or size — are considered covered entities under the
When a Gift Becomes a Kickback: Gifts from Florida Pharmacies to Long-Term Care Facilities
The Florida Board of Pharmacy permits pharmacies serving residents and patients at long-term care facilities (nursing homes, ALFs, homes for DD residents, etc.) as either Special Closed System Pharmacies or Community Pharmacies. Normally the pharmacy and the long-term care (LTC)
On the Basis of Sex…Discrimination in Group Health Plans and What Employers Should Know
In just a few days’ time, recently promulgated federal final rules addressing sex-based nondiscrimination in the administration of health care benefits have created a flurry of healthcare industry activity. The angst arises from providers, payers, and certain health plans alike.
Don’t Panic! – A Guide for Healthcare Employers to Understand the Potential Impact of FTC’s Non-Compete Ban
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), through a 3-2 vote, approved a final rule (the Final Rule), banning most forms of non-compete clauses with workers. A non-compete clause generally prevents a worker from getting a different
Did You Know Medicare Implemented New Provider and Supplier Enrollment Requirements?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised certain payment policies under the Medicare physician fee schedule, and updated provider and supplier enrollment regulations. CMS recently published a final rule (the Final Rule) effective January 1, 2024.
Rx for Safety: Workplace Violence Policies in Healthcare Settings
Hospitals, urgent care clinics, doctors’ offices — these are the places we go when we are sick and want to get better. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are the people who treat us, help us recover, and even save
New Safe Harbor and General Compliance Program Guidance Provides Opportunity for Buyers to Mitigate Litigation and Fraud Risk
By maintaining a robust compliance program, healthcare companies are better able to identify potential red flags early and to prevent violations of fraud and abuse laws. A failure to maintain an effective compliance program may become particularly problematic for companies