Governor Greg Abbott recently issued an executive order that requires medical professionals to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are “not immediately medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician.”
HHS relaxes HIPAA requirements during COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted hospitals and private practices in many ways. Leaders in these organizations need to change how they operate their practices to better ensure patients receive the care they need while also reducing the risk of exposure to the virus for patients and medical care providers.
3 things to know about TMB’s response to Executive Order GA-09
Governor Abbott recently issued Executive Order GA-09 in response to the current coronavirus pandemic. The order essentially requires all licensed health care professionals to postpone elective procedures in an effort to better ensure the availability of hospital facilities and protective equipment to assist those who fighting COVID-19.
Can public intoxication lead to loss of a medical license?
Having a few too drinks many can lead to some bad choices. If these bad choices catch the eye of the police, this moment to unwind after a long day can also translate to an arrest for public intoxication.
Feds continue crackdown on opioid meds, TMB provides guidance
The federal government is continuing to investigate and prosecute allegations of the abuse of opioid medications. These prosecutions extend beyond patients who are accused of misusing the medication - they also involve a focus on medical professionals that may prescribe these medications. Cases abound of federal prosecutors charging medical professionals who allegedly illegally prescribe opioid pills to patients. To make matters even more difficult, the rules that govern prescription of these medications are changing. Texas lawmakers recently passed a number of rules that directly impact how medical professionals use these medications.
TX pharmacist faces decades imprisonment for health care fraud
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently accused a Texas pharmacist of partaking in a scheme to defraud the government. The agency claimed the medical professional and his wife billed the federal government for over $20 million for medically unnecessary topical medications. A third medical professional also faces allegations of criminal activity but is not in custody. The police are still attempting to locate this individual.
3 things providers need to know to get expedited CMS payments
The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced expansion to its accelerated and advanced payment program. The agency states the changes are intended to help providers who receive payment from Medicare to get the funds they need while battling the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
