Articles and Blogs

On May 22, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) published a proposed rule regarding both Medicaid State directed payments (“SDPs”) and Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement. The proposed rule is based on two distinct but reinforcing authorities: (i) section 71116 of H.R. 1 (a/k/a the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”); and (ii) the... READ MORE

As announced on May 1, WakeMed plans to merge with Atrium Health. However, a recent article reported that UNC Health submitted an unsolicited $5B merger proposal to WakeMed (as compared to the $2B bid offered by Atrium). WakeMed’s board of directors ultimately proceeded with Atrium, citing concerns over market consolidation and reduced health care... READ MORE

In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (“IPPS”) Proposed Rule (“Proposed Rule”) to update IPPS payment rates and uncompensated care payments, refine CMS’s definition of new GME residency programs, request input on new quality measures, expand the joint replacement payment model, CJR-X, on... READ MORE

If you’ve been watching the real estate news over the past two years, you have probably noticed an increase in senior housing transactions. A number of the health care real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and specialty REITs that have historically focused on nursing homes have pivoted to investing in senior housing communities that offer... READ MORE

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued a policy memo titled Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process (the “Policy Memo”). According to the Policy Memo, adjustment of status to Lawful... READ MORE

Health care enforcement is entering a data-driven era in which artificial intelligence (“AI”) and large-scale analytics increasingly shape how fraud is identified and pursued, as reflected in the U.S. Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) launch of the Fraud Oversight through Careful Use of Statistics (“FOCUS”) initiative. Overview of the FOCUS Initiative On April 7, 2026,... READ MORE

NATIONAL After FDA commissioner departure, drug center head is out AHA Statement on House Health Subcommittee Hearing Examining Physician Fees, Payment Reforms AMA taps new COO from UnitedHealth Amid legal dispute, Leapfrog debuts ‘full transparency’ badges CMS finalizes ACA marketplace overhaul for 2027: 6 notes CMS pauses hospice, home health Medicare enrollments in fraud... READ MORE

On May 1, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) posted Advisory Opinion 26-09 (“AO 26-09”), which opines on a pediatric dental and orthodontic service provider’s (“Requestor’s”) proposal to offer free orthodontic treatment for one patient per year at each of Requestor’s three practice locations (the “Proposed Arrangement”).... READ MORE

Hall Render is pleased to announce that Mara Wilber has joined the Firm as an attorney. Mara is a health care regulatory and transactional attorney who advises hospitals, health systems and other providers. She works closely with clients, including safety-net providers, to develop practical, solution-oriented strategies that support community access, financial sustainability and evolving... READ MORE

Hall Render is pleased to announce that David Stoltzfus has joined the Firm as a Shareholder in its Washington, D.C. office. Dave is a health care antitrust attorney who advises hospitals, health systems, physicians and other providers on federal and state antitrust matters affecting transactions, investigations and business operations. He represents clients in mergers... READ MORE