Articles and Blogs

CMS Issues Proposed Rule Updating Conditions of Participation for Hospitals On June 13, CMS released a proposed rule amending the conditions that hospitals and critical access hospitals (“CAHs”) must meet to be eligible to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The agency’s proposal, which includes comprehensive requirements to reduce infections, curb the overuse... READ MORE

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision today in Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, and it will have an enormous effect on False Claims Act (“FCA”) cases throughout the nation. In Escobar, the FCA case was based upon the theory that counseling was provided by practitioners who were not properly... READ MORE

On May 13, 2016, the Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued a final rule (“Final Rule”) implementing Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). A copy of the Final Rule is available here. The rule is scheduled to become effective on... READ MORE

On June 10, 2016, CMS released a final rule regarding the Medicare Shared Savings Program (“MSSP”).  The rule modifies MSSP’s benchmarking methodology, including, for MSSP ACOs commencing their second or subsequent agreement period in 2017 or thereafter, the use of regional factors in resetting benchmarks.  The rule also provides a new option for MSSP... READ MORE

House Passes Bill that Includes Provision to Revise HOPD Site-Neutral Payment Policy On June 7, the House of Representatives passed the Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 (H.R. 5273) that would modify payment policies under Medicare for certain hospital outpatient departments and some hospital inpatient services. The bill would also change meaningful... READ MORE

Hall Render is pleased to announce that Kimberly Adams has been named a recipient of the 2016 Golden Laurel award presented by the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. The Golden Laurel award is presented annually to distinguished minority professionals in the field of law. READ MORE

On June 3, 2016, CMS released a memorandum that answered questions regarding the agency’s criteria for selection of enforcement remedies for long-term care facilities with deficiencies. The document reported data on enforcement actions taken by the agency when a nursing home is not in compliance with the Medicare and Medicaid requirements of 42 C.F.R.... READ MORE

Hall Render is proud to present a series of informative labor and employment law webinars intended specifically for health care employers. The webinars address some of the more critical areas of labor and employment law, focusing on both the distinctive needs of health care employers and the law’s unique treatment of the industry. We... READ MORE

OIG Releases Report on Health Care Fraud and Abuse On May 31, the HHS Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) issued its Semiannual Report to Congress outlining the agency’s operations during the first half of fiscal year 2016. According to the report, OIG recovered $2.77 billion in improper payments, including $554.7 million from audits and $2.2... READ MORE

Hall Render is pleased to announce attorney Rob Welch has joined the firm’s Michigan office. Rob Welch practices health care law with a focus on general corporate matters and contracting. Rob’s experience includes defense of catastrophic medical malpractice claims, defense of correctional health care professionals from 42 U.S.C. §1983 “Deliberate Indifference” claims, the defense... READ MORE