On February 20, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) issued guidance (the “Guidance”) addressing frequently asked questions about sharing mental health information under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Guidance clarifies when HIPAA permits a health care provider to share information with a […]
Health Law Alert
Late-released 2014 OIG Work Plan Has Something For Everyone
on Wednesday, 26 March 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
Long recommended as a key document in compliance risk assessment, the 2014 Work Plan covers all provider types and continues the practice of reprinting the descriptions of projects that are conducted over more than one year. The Work Plan is usually issued in October, but was released late (January 31, […]
Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protection
on Monday, 10 February 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
Certain federal grantees have received a letter from the Health Resources and Services Administration, regarding the Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protection (the “Pilot Program”). This communication informs federal grantees, subgrantees, contractors, and subcontractors of their obligations under the Pilot Program, as authorized by the National Defense Authorization […]
National Practitioner Data Bank Issues Draft Revised Guidebook
on Monday, 10 February 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
On November 22, 2013, a new revised draft of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Guidebook was made available to the public. The previous publication date was in 2001, so there were many controversial issues to be addressed in the revised draft. The availability of the revised draft Guidebook was […]
Clarification of Therapy Coverage Under New Manual Updates Stemming from the Jimmo v. Sebelius Settlement.
on Monday, 10 February 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued Transmittal #R175BP which became effective January 7, 2014, updating the Benefit Policy Manual sections governing skilled nursing facilities (SNF), inpatient rehabilitation facilities( IRF), home health (HH) agencies and outpatient therapy (OPT) benefit coverage requirements. The settlement agreement in the Jimmo v. […]
