2008

Levy v. Clinton Memorial Hospital, a recent Ohio state court case, confirms the longstanding concept that hospitals may close medical staffs or departments for quality of care reasons, but also reaches the absurd legal conclusion that medical staff bylaws do not constitute contracts and that clinical privileges are equipment specific. 

FACTS

Clinton Memorial Hospital

The NPI is here.  The NPI is now.  Are you using it?

Industry-Wide Enforcement of the NPI Compliance Date

 The compliance date for the NPI for all HIPAA covered entities except small health plans was May 23, 2007.  (Small health plans have until May 23, 2008 to comply.)  In guidance provided on April 2, 2007,

For the first time in 16 years, the Federal Government has changed

the I-9 Immigration Form.

It has now been released and ALL employers, regardless of size are

required to fill one out for each new employee. Only this amended

version of the Form I-9 will be accepted as valid after December 26,

2007.

PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS & ISSUES

INTRODUCTION

The structure, purpose and terms of every physician contract are different. The content and style vary with the institutional or private practice nature of the employer and the needs and leverage of the physician.  Following is a list identifying major issues or components.

I.          COMPENSATION

1.         Base Compensation.

A.         Fair market value

EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES CONFIRMED AGAIN

A Colorado Federal District Court has confirmed the applicability of the doctrine of exhaustion administrative remedies regarding credentialing disputes. In Catholic Health Initiatives, Colorado v. Gross, Dr. Gross terminated the hospital peer review process by resigning during the early stages of an investigation. The facts of the case indicate that

HSA limits for 2008 are as follows:

Annual Contribution Limits:   The maximum HSA contribution is  $2,900 for individual coverage and $5,800 for family coverage.

High Deductible Health Plan Limits:  

·        Deductible:  The minimum deductible for HSA-qualified high deductible health plans is $1,100 for individual coverage and $2,200

On December 28, 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued two advisory opinions approving gainsharing arrangements. Advisory Opinion 07-21 deals with cardiac surgeons and Advisory Opinion 07-22 with anesthesiologists. Consistent with prior gainsharing approvals
Continue Reading OIG Issues Advisory Opinions For Cardiac Surgeon And Anesthesiologist To Gain Sharing Programs

JOINT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES MS.1.20 TASK FORCE

The Joint Commission today announced the establishment of a special fact finding task force that will examine implementation issues related to revised hospital medical staff standard MS.1.20 and address issues of concern that have been raised.   The Joint Commission expects the task force report at the Board of Commissioners

As of February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens may begin to apply for the New Passport Card. The passport card will facilitate travel between the U.S. and land border as well as sea ports-of-entry countries such as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The new passport card will carry the same rights and privileges as a