The healthcare industry broke private equity activity records in 2017. Becker’s Hospital Review reports six big deals that were announced just this month. They include everything from a physical therapy practice management company to a healthcare software company....
Year: 2018
Will midterm elections lead to regulatory change?
The results are in — Democrats gained at least 28 seats in the House of Representatives and have control of the chamber while the Republicans hold their majority in the Senate. This shift could impact a number of areas, including the push for regulatory relief in the...
Insurance company demands TX hospital return $1 million
Navigating the intricacies of insurance payments is difficult, even for hospital officials. One local hospital is attempting to figure out what went wrong that led to an insurance company accusing the hospital of fraudulent billing practices.Practices elaborated: Was...
Physicians and labs: New law increases risk of investigation
The “Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communications Act,” also known as the SUPPORT Act, is a broad piece of legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump on October 24, 2018. The law will impact...
Texas doctor faces seven years in prison for fraud
The Department of Justice continues to crack down on allegations of bribery in the healthcare industry. In the latest case, the government accused a Texas surgeon of paying and receiving bribes in relation to his medical practice.The scheme allegedly involved the...
Escobar decision and implied certification in FCA cases
The False Claims Act (FCA) makes it illegal to use false or fraudulent claims to seek payment from government sources, like Medicare and Medicaid. This law is complex. Court cases have questioned the best way to apply the FCA to establish a violation. These cases...
How will the SUPPORT Act impact medical professionals?
Lawmakers recently passed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act. This proposal passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on October 24, 2018. The SUPPORT Act will have a...
Health care industry take note: Current enforcement trends
The health care industry is heavily regulated. Various laws and court cases impact the practices of drug manufacturers, physicians, nursing homes and others in the medical field. Those that are part of this field are wise to stay abreast of changes that could impact...
Diagnostic labs victims of “aggressive audit tactics”
Audit activity by government regulators and private payers has been on the rise. These investigations ramped up throughout 2017 and accelerated through 2018. The dramatic increase in audits is likely connected to the price cuts implemented with the new Medicare Part...
Nurse wins $28 million in retaliation suit: 3 lessons
Retaliation, in the legal world, occurs when an employer illegal responds to an employee’s actions with a negative consequence. This consequence could range from loss of a bonus to termination of the employee’s position. Depending on the details, an...