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. […]
Health Law Alert
FTC Joining the Regulatory Framework for Health Care Data Security Practices
on Monday, 10 February 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
On January 16, 2014, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) issued a decision denying a motion to dismiss by LabMD, Inc. (LabMD) in an administrative proceeding against it. The bulk of the decision centered on rejecting LabMD’s argument that the FTC lacked authority to regulate LabMD’s data security practices […]
CMS Addresses CPR in Nursing Homes
on Thursday, 30 January 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
A Survey and Certification Letter (S & C 14-01-NH) issued in October 2013 reinforces the requirement for nursing facilities to initiate cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) unless otherwise directed by the resident’s advance directive or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. The guidance follows several highly publicized cases of nursing facilities adopting […]
Meaningful Use Update: CMS Announces Revised Timeline
on Monday, 27 January 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
Over the past several years, the health care industry has seen rapid adoption of electronic health record (EHR) technology by health care providers and facilities. Recent adoption of EHR technology was spurred by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) EHR Incentive Program (also known as Meaningful Use). Under […]
HHS Announces Proposed Rule Amending the HIPAA Privacy Rule for Reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System
on Monday, 20 January 2014 in
Health Law Alert: Kristin N. Lindgren, Editor
On January 3, 2014, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to revise the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to expressly permit certain covered entities to disclose specific information about individuals subject to the Federal mental […]
