On March 27th, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act (“Act”). The Act is a massive piece of legislation, covering a number of aspects of economic life, including programs to maintain employment, assist workers, families and businesses, supporting the health
FAQs clarify relaxed HIPAA rules for telehealth in COVID-19 emergency
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has relaxed HIPAA privacy rules for health care providers engaging in telehealth activities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. To provide greater clarity to the Notification of Enforcement Discretion regarding COVID-19 released on March 17, 2020, the OCR has released FAQs available here.
As OCR Director Roger Severino
Criminals exploit COVID-19 outbreak with counterfeit personal protective equipment
The FBI, Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General are asking health care providers to be on the lookout for scams regarding the sale of counterfeit personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, goggles or full-face shields, and N95 respirator masks as required PPE during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The notice posted here includes
COVID-19 update: Waiver of cost-sharing obligations for telehealth services
On March 17, 2020, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) issued a Policy Statement that will provide yet another avenue of relief from regulatory requirements as health care providers across the nation deal with the COVID-19 public health emergency.
This specific action by the OIG relieves physicians and other health care practitioners from administrative sanctions
HHS issues limited waiver of HIPAA sanctions and penalties during nationwide public health emergency
Effective March 15, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Bulletin announcing that HHS Secretary Alex Azar has exercised his authority to waive sanctions and penalties against a covered hospital that does not comply with certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
When the secretary issues such a waiver
EMTALA in the age of coronavirus: CMS releases new guidance
As the virus continues to spread, U.S. hospitals will likely see increasing numbers of potential cases of COVID-19 in their emergency departments. Hospitals are obligated under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide these individuals with certain examinations and, if necessary, stabilizing treatment or transfer. This raises a host of issues for
Part B News interviews Lucie Huger on medical record fee policies
A recent article published in Part B News features an interview with Greensfelder Officer Lucie Huger about the implications of a court ruling on medical record fees charged to patients and third parties.
The article, titled “Court throws out fee policies for medical record sharing; watch for new rules,” summarizes the recent news
HR Dive interviews Amy Blaisdell about employer response to coronavirus outbreak
In an article titled “Quick tips for employers as coronavirus outbreak continues,” Greensfelder attorney Amy Blaisdell discusses the steps employers can take as a precaution when dealing with sick employees. From the article:
There are several steps U.S. employers can take as precaution, but they must tread carefully: overreaction to the virus may cause them
Hospital Peer Review interviews Greensfelder attorneys Amy Blaisdell, Kathy Butler
The February 2020 issue of the health care industry publication Hospital Peer Review features interviews with Greensfelder attorneys Amy Blaisdell and Kathy Butler on what hospitals should know about the risks and protections related to the peer review process.
In an article titled “Avoid Legal Pitfalls in Peer Review Process With Bylaws, HCQIA Standards,” Butler
Telemedicine and the Provision of Dental Sleep Medicine
In the Winter edition of Dental Sleep Practice, Greensfelder attorney Jayme Matchinski discusses the key issues and regulations dentists and dental practices should consider and navigate with the increase in telemedicine services. From the publication:
The expansion of telemedicine is changing the landscape of providing Dental Sleep Medicine and oral appliances. This article will