Via Medicare Learning Network (MLN) article, CMS announced its implementation of finger-print based background checks as part of the Heightened Medicare Enrollment Standards set out in Section 640 of the Affordable Care Act. (See MLN Matter Number SE1417.) The more intensive screening will be phased in during 2014. When fully […]
Health Law Alert
Part I: Patents 101 for the Healthcare Industry
on Monday, 28 April 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Erin E. Busch, Editor
A patent is a property right granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. An owner of a U.S. patent (e.g., an inventor of the invention covered by the patent) may exclude others from making or selling the invention in the United States for a limited period of time. […]
OCR Announces First HIPAA Settlement with County Government
on Wednesday, 23 April 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Erin E. Busch, Editor
On March 7, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it reached a settlement with Skagit County, Washington over potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Skagit County agreed to pay $215,000 and enter into a […]
Federal Court Decision in Nebraska Receives National Attention: US District Court Upholds ZPIC Sampling Methodology for Extrapolation to Determine Medicare Overpayment
on Wednesday, 16 April 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Erin E. Busch, Editor
On January 22, 2014, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska granted a motion for summary judgment by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), upholding an extrapolation from a statistical sampling of claims for chiropractic services, to recover $37,580 in Medicare overpayments. Wisconsin Physician […]
HIPAA Audits Round Two: Is Your Organization Prepared?
on Friday, 11 April 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Erin E. Busch, Editor
On February 24, 2014, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it will begin a second round of HIPAA compliance audits. The audits will address compliance with the HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules. The audit program will affect covered entities, […]
