Articles and Blogs

In response to the economic distress resulting from COVID-19, Congress has passed a number of stimulus bills providing financial relief for small businesses. The programs created by these stimulus bills are available to a variety of small businesses, both within and outside the health care sector, including independent physician groups, home health agencies, dental... READ MORE

On March 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) issued a statement soliciting questions from the health care community regarding the application of the fraud and abuse laws such as the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) and the Civil Monetary Penalty Law (“CMP”) prohibition on inducements to... READ MORE

On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (“IDES”) published guidance in the form of FAQs that address the COVID-19 related reasons an Illinois resident might qualify for unemployment benefits. Temporary Layoffs The guidance clarifies that an individual who is temporarily laid off because of COVID-19 may qualify for unemployment benefits... READ MORE

If you haven’t thought about it already, it’s important to start thinking about insurance claims your business can make as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that your business acts quickly to preserve your rights on an insurance claim. Here’s what you need to know: You might be covered under your... READ MORE

NATIONAL 4 questions medical students are asking on the COVID-19 pandemic AHA Urges HHS to Clarify EMTALA, HIPAA Waivers AMA supports Telehealth Initiative to improve health care access Amid mounting shortage, 5 facts about the nation’s stockpile of emergency medical supplies CMS provides reporting exemptions for Medicare payment programs CMS relaxes hospital, nursing home... READ MORE

Thursday, March 26 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.​ Congressional Outlook Just before midnight last night, the Senate approved the CARES... READ MORE

The lack of medical supplies and equipment necessary to treat patients and to protect individuals and health care workers from becoming infected with and spreading COVID-19 has been a constant refrain during this pandemic. The overall supply of these essential items, ranging from ventilators to personal protective equipment (“PPE”) to prevent the spread of... READ MORE

On March 24, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) issued a joint statement offering an insight into the Agencies’ approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and how entities can engage in pro-competitive collaboration that does not violate the antitrust laws. While much of... READ MORE

Wednesday, March 25 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.​ Congressional Outlook Early this morning, the Senate finally reached a tentative agreement... READ MORE

On March 23, 2020, the Health Resources & Services Administration (“HRSA”) launched a new webpage providing COVID-19 information related to the 340B drug discount program (“340B Program”), including responses to frequently asked questions related to COVID-19. HRSA’s COVID-19 Resources webpage is available here. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and other 340B Program... READ MORE