Articles and Blogs

On August 23, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued the updated Final Rule on financial conflict of interest regulations for institutions applying for or receiving Public Health Service (“PHS”) funding, including from the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”).  The rule amends the 1995 PHS regulations “Responsibility of Applicants for... READ MORE

CMS recently published a Survey & Certification Memorandum (S&C:11-35-NH) detailing progress in the implementation of Section 6121 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Section 6121 of the ACA mandates enhanced nurse aide training in nursing homes.  The enhanced training focuses on two areas: 1) how to care for residents with dementia, and 2) how... READ MORE

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The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) just issued a final rule that will require most private employers, including those that are long-term care providers, to post a Notice of Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  The notices must be posted by November 14, 2011.  The text of the notice is available in... READ MORE

Hall Render is proud to announce that attorney Thomas M. Donohoe has recently been made Chair of the Indianapolis Bar Association Health Care Section. As Chair, he will be responsible for overseeing the Executive Committee of the Section and developing and coordinating the Section’s activities, including continuing legal education programming and community outreach efforts.... READ MORE

The US Office of Management and Budget has approved the revised Medicare Provider-Supplier Enrollment Applications, the CMS-855 forms.  These updates to the 2008 versions include multiple changes to comply with enhanced disclosure requirements. Such changes include:   READ MORE

Hall Render has once again been ranked by Modern Healthcare as the second largest health care law firm in the country. The publication released the rankings of “Largest Healthcare Law Firms” in its August 8, 2011 issue. Firms were ranked according to their total memberships in the American Health Law Association. Hall Render was... READ MORE

The proposed agenda for today’s Home Health, Hospice & DME/Quality Open Door Forum is as follows: Hospice wage index final rule published; Hospice CR 7518 with FY 2012 updated rates and cap amount issued; Timeline for Hospice CAP changes; HHCAHPS Updates.  This is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 2:00pm-3:00pm EST. Resistration for this... READ MORE

On July 29, 2011, CMS issued the following guidance for the use of video cameras in ICFs/MR: To ensure that clients’ rights are protected, the use of video cameras in the ICF/MR must be reviewed, approved and monitored by the Specially Constituted Committee (SCC) of the facility as constituted per 42 CFR 483.440(f)(3)(i-iii).  If... READ MORE

Earlier this week, we highlighted the implementation by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of enrollment revalidations and screening categories, and which categories CMS places certain long-term care providers. It is important for providers and suppliers to understand what each screening category (limited, moderate, or high) entails and be aware of any events... READ MORE