The District Court of Appeal of the State of Florida affirmed a lower state court holding that certain aspects of a restricted covenant were not enforceable. In Florida Hematology and Oncology v. Rambabu Tummala, M.D., the Practice had terminated Dr. Tummala allegedly after he began questioning certain billing practices. Although Dr. Tummala was subject to a restrictive covenant prohibiting competition for two years within fifteen (15) miles of any office of the Practice, Dr. Tummala immediately opened a competing practice within the proscribed area. The Practice sought an injunction forcing the restrictive covenant. Continue Reading FLORIDA STATE COURT INVALIDATES RESTRICTIVE COVENANT
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FEDERAL MALPRACTICE REFORM STYMIED
Further progress towards malpractice or tort reform was delayed, perhaps permanently, by the failure of the Senate to approve cloture. The Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006
(S. 22) and the Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act (S. 23), both sponsored by Republicans and both of which would impose limits on…
President Bush Proposes New HSA Tax Breaks
President Bush has included two tax measures in his fiscal 2007 budget proposal intended to encourage the development of health savings accounts (HSAs).
Continue Reading President Bush Proposes New HSA Tax Breaks
2006 MCARE Abatement Passed By PA Legistaure
Both houses of Pennsylvania have extended the MCare abatement program for 2006. The bill now goes to Governor Rendell for signature.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Developments
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are touted by proponents within the healthcare industry as a means to both improve quality and reduce cost through a combination of reduced errors and improved communication. The drive to standardize the process for the utilization of electronic healthcare records gained its greatest impetus from the electronic transaction standards of HIPAA,…
HHS and CMS Issue Final Rules re ePrescribing
HHS/CMS announce ePrescribing regulations. The Department of Health and Human Services and CMS issued a final rule for ePrescribing standards. The final rules were published in the Federal Register under November 7, 2005 at 70 FR 67568.
Highmark Announces eHealth Collaborative to Help Physicians with EHR
Highmark announces the Highmark E Health Collaborative. The Highmark E Health Collaborative is a joint project between Highmark and the Pittsburgh Foundation to foster the adoption and utilization of electronic prescription systems. The Collaborative will provide funding to eligible physicians who wish to acquire and use electronic technology. Highmark will contribute $26.5 million , $18.5…
2006 MCARE Surcharge
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department announced on October 31, 2005 that the 2006 MCARE assessment will be 29% of the primary prevailing premium. Earlier in the week, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell promised extending the MCARE abatement program for 2 more years.
Malpractice Cases Not Reported
Several hundred medical malpractice cases settled or adjudicated by the Department of Health and Human Services between 1997 and 2004 were not reported to a national repository of provider data, the HHS Office of Inspector General said in report released Oct. 19.
Continue Reading Malpractice Cases Not Reported
Tennessee Supreme Court Bans Restrictive Covenants
In MurfreesboroMedical Clinic vs. Udom, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that restrictive covenants are not enforceable against physicians, unless specifically prescribed by law. In handing down this decision, the Court overturned an appellate court decision enforcing the restrictive covenant. Although restrictive covenants are otherwise enforceable in Tennessee, the Court found that interfering with patient…