On August 27, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs announced Final Rules that make changes to the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”), and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (“VEVRAA”). This is a huge change for […]
Health Law Alert
North Dakota Supreme Court Reviews Negative Reference for Former Physician Employee
John Schmitt, M.D. was employed as a surgeon by Dakota Clinic from August 2002 through December 2004, when his contract was not renewed. He was subsequently employed by MeritCare Health from June 2005 until he terminated his employment effective July 2005. Dr. Schmitt contracted with a physician placement agency, which […]
OFCCP: “TRICARE Providers Are Subject to Affirmative Action Requirements”
For years, we have been tracking the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ (“OFCCP”) efforts to expand its jurisdiction to health care employers. Generally, the OFCCP enforces regulations that require employers with at least 50 employees, who hold a single contract or subcontract of at least $50,000 […]
OIG Report Revives Debate over Critical Access Status
On August 15th, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report sure to add fuel to the continuing debate over Medicare payments to rural providers: “Most Critical Access Hospitals Would Not Meet the Location Requirements if Required to Reenroll in Medicare.” After digitally plotting critical access hospital (CAH) and […]
Proposed Amendment to False Claims Act: Relief for Innocent Mistakes?
Health care providers and suppliers are well aware that they are living in a world of increased enforcement and that the Federal government has a growing arsenal of tools it uses to enforce the Federal health care laws and regulations. The Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human […]