In light of the ongoing investigation of Change Healthcare’s ransomware attack that resulted in the improper disclosure of thousands of individuals’ PHI, now seems like a perfect time to discuss HIPAA’s requirements surrounding the notification process following a breach. Whether it’s a small breach where someone in your organization accidentally sent a patient’s contact information
2024
Businesses Challenge FTC’s Ban on Non-Compete Agreements
By Adam Appleberry & Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Legal News
As expected, businesses have sued the FTC challenging the recent final rule that ends non-compete agreements, as reported by the Wall Street Journal Wednesday morning (read WSJ article here). The U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenged the final rule in federal court in East Texas, which has been joined by other business groups. A lawsuit…
FTC Votes to Ban Non-Compete Agreements
By Adam Appleberry on
Posted in Legal News
- This rule only applies to for-profit businesses, as is within the scope
FTC To Rule on Banning Non-Compete Agreements
By Adam Appleberry on
Posted in Legal News
The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it will be holding a Special Open Commission Meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 2pm EST regarding the rule to ban non-compete agreements (read the announcement here). The expectation for this meeting is that the FTC will disclose the proposed final rule followed by remarks by…
PA House Passes Physician Non-Compete Limitations
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Legal News
- The bill is effective immediately for new restrictive covenant only after current license
HIPAA Fundamentals for Providers
By Adam Appleberry on
Posted in HIPAA, HIT, and EHR
In March of this year, The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services issued a letter addressing the recent cybersecurity incident impacting many health care entities, primarily Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealthcare Group (read the letter here). This incident was a great reminder of the constant vigilance required…
Medicare Conversion Factor Increased to $33.2875
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Medicare & Reimbursement
The 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act passed and signed on Saturday, March 23, 2024, increased of Medicare Conversion Factor from $32.7442 to $33.2875, an increase of slightly over $0.54.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Provides Corporate Fraud Enforcement Update
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Articles, Legal News
- Emphasizing the DOJ’s top priority being the prosecution of “corner office bad actors”
Change Healthcare Cyberattack Disrupts Physician Payments
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Articles, Legal News
“On February 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group was the victim of the most significant cyberattack on the US healthcare system in American history. Change Healthcare is the predominant source of more than 100 critical functions that keep the healthcare system operating.”
–American Hospital Association Letter March 4, 2024
This hack…
Penn State Health Agrees To Pay Over $11 Million Due To Violations Of Medicare Rules & Regulations
By Adam Appleberry on
Posted in Articles, Medicare & Reimbursement
Penn State Health has agreed to pay $11,712,336 to settle allegations of civil liability from submitting improper claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit services.
Penn State Health has voluntarily disclosed that between December 2015 and November 2022 claims were submitted to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit services that were not…