Articles and Blogs

Pharmacies, distributors and third-party logistics providers (“3PLs”) that ship prescription drugs into Alaska should take careful note of the new Alaska Board of Pharmacy regulations that took effect on October 31, 2019.[1] Among other elements, the rules: 1) now require licensure of nonresident wholesale drug distributors (“WDDs”), 3PLs and outsourcing facilities (“OFs”) to ship, mail... READ MORE

NATIONAL Hospitals enter opioid litigation, sue drugmakers for cost of treating addiction Could Amazon be the next national telehealth player? Payments to high financial risk APMs slightly increased in 2018 compared to 2017: survey Healthcare Purchasing Strategies: How 2 Employers Are Driving Referrals Through RAND Hospital Price Transparency Findings Wave of deals expected as... READ MORE

The centuries-old practice of homeopathic medicine, which has been the subject of much controversy and debate for nearly the entire length of its existence, may finally be going to the mat with the Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”). Amidst growth in the homeopathic products industry and associated concerns with their safety, efficacy and quality,... READ MORE

Recently, hospitals operating nursing and other allied health (“N&AH”) education programs have experienced increased scrutiny during Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”) audits concerning their receipt of pass-through cost reimbursement. In many instances, MACs have begun disallowing or reclassifying costs that N&AH education programs received without issue for many years. Oftentimes the MACs are citing new... READ MORE

 NATIONAL By Targeting Skilled Nursing Ownership Transfers, States Look to Prevent More Skyline-Style Implosions Building better healthcare: 5 factors shaping next-generation hospitals and outpatient facilities Surescripts CEO on monopoly accusations, private sector’s role in interoperability 2020 outpatient proposals: 5 rules you should know from CMS AMA CEO: Innovation isn’t about theory — it’s ‘a... READ MORE

It isn’t only the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) and Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) that are interested in all things cannabis. Today, the FDA followed earlier warning letters[1] by posting yet another press release regarding an October 10, 2019 warning letter that was issued jointly by the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission... READ MORE

On October 9, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a proposed rule (the “Proposed Rule”) to amend the regulations interpreting the Stark Law. The Proposed Rule revises material portions of the Stark Regulations and includes critically necessary guidance on leasing arrangements subject to the Stark Law. This article provides a... READ MORE

NATIONAL Here’s 26 facts you might not know about how hospitals operated 100 years ago HHS may make changes to Stark Law, anti-kickback rules: 5 details More states exit Healthcare.gov to run their own insurance marketplaces The key to streamlined care transitions? Interfacility relationships, according to 2 health IT experts MGMA 2019: Making the... READ MORE

NATIONAL What ‘Significant’ AseraCare Ruling Means for Home Health Providers State-by-state breakdown of new ASCs in 2019 so far Is Walmart Setting Its Sights on the Healthcare Market? Researchers tackle data breaches that threaten healthcare 25% of total US health care spending estimated to be waste HHS releases regulations to overhaul the Stark Law... READ MORE

On September 6, 2019, OIG issued Advisory Opinion No. 19-05 (“the Opinion”) regarding the proposed purchase of real estate from an entity owned and managed, in part, by an excluded individual. The facts that gave rise to the Opinion involved a community health center receiving federal grant funding and Medicare reimbursement which was looking... READ MORE