Articles and Blogs

On May 11, 2020, CMS released the 2021 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (“IPPS”) Proposed Rule (“Proposed Rule”). Among other changes in the Proposed Rule, CMS is adopting updated labor market area delineations to take effect on October 1, 2020. Hospitals should review whether they are in a county that is affected by the updated... READ MORE

On April 30, 2020, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) announced its first criminal felony charge in an ongoing probe of the Florida cancer treatment industry. The DOJ alleged that from 1999 to 2016, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (“FCS”) and unnamed co-conspirators conspired to allocate the... READ MORE

The OIG has issued updated guidance on the provision of a telemedicine platform by hospitals to physicians with an additional FAQ, which deviates slightly from OIG’s April 3, 2020 Policy Statement. In its original Policy Statement, which can be found here, OIG stated it would apply enforcement discretion to transactions that fully comply with... READ MORE

Tuesday, May 12 Recap Note – ​We believe this is the most up-to-date information available at this time, but it is subject to change ​as circumstances warrant. Also, all finalized resources can be found ​on the COVID-19 ​Resource ​Center page ​of Hall Render’s website.​ CMS Updates Medicare Blanket Waivers CMS provided new Medicare blanket waivers expanding... READ MORE

Monday, May 11 Recap Note – ​We believe this is the most up-to-date information available at this time, but it is subject to change ​as circumstances warrant. Also, all finalized resources can be found ​on the COVID-19 ​Resource ​Center page ​of Hall Render’s website.​ OIG Updates FAQs on Administrative Enforcement Authorities on COVID-19 Arrangements OIG updated... READ MORE

The U.S.  Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently issued a new compliance assistance document that answers some of the frequently asked questions it has received during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding employer responsibilities and employee protections under the WARN Act. Any employer that was hoping for an official confirmation that the WARN Act notice requirements do... READ MORE

Earlier this spring and shortly before Indiana began to feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana legislature passed, and Governor Eric Holcomb signed, House Enrolled Act 1004 (“HEA 1004“). HEA 1004 contains a number of sweeping health law changes in Indiana. Importantly, the law goes into effect on July 1, 2020. Two... READ MORE

NATIONAL 96% of older adults support requiring nursing homes to provide video visits Academic hospital finances pummeled by COVID-19: 3 unique challenges CMS issues second round of changes to support health system during COVID-19 pandemic Expanded Telehealth Has Provided a Boost for Rural America. Will It Last? FDA authorizes NASA-designed ventilator for COVID-19 Health... READ MORE

Thursday, May 7 Recap Note – ​We believe this is the most up-to-date information available at this time, but it is subject to change ​as circumstances warrant. Also, all finalized resources can be found ​on the COVID-19 ​Resource ​Center page ​of Hall Render’s website.​ HHS Extends Deadline for Attestation, Acceptance of Terms and Conditions for Provider... READ MORE

Nursing homes face possible fines and the need to navigate F-Tags as they embark on the new COVID-19 reporting requirements to the CDC. On May 6, 2020, the Quality, Safety & Oversight Group at CMS issued a memorandum entitled “Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents... READ MORE