Articles and Blogs

The Medicare therapy caps have been the subject of many changes over the past couple of years, and several of those changes were set to expire on December 31, 2012.  However, due to the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”), some of the changes will be extended until the end…Read More

On January 2, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) announced that it had reached a settlement with a hospice provider (“Hospice”) arising from potential violations of the Security Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).  HHS learned of the circumstances giving rise to the enforcement action through…Read More

Late last night, Congress approved a bill to avoid the widespread tax increases and 2% across-the-board spending cuts known as the “fiscal cliff.”  While the legislation permanently raises taxes on individuals with incomes over $400,000 and couples making over $450,000, it only delays the 2% across-the-board spending cuts (including Medicare reimbursements) for two months and…Read More

Michigan Governor Signs “Internet Privacy Protection Act.” The Basics of the New Michigan Law On December 28, 2012, Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan signed into law the Internet Privacy Protection Act.  In general, the law, which takes effect immediately, prohibits an employer from requesting that an employee or applicant disclose or provide access to his…Read More

Overview and Executive Summary On Friday, December 21, 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) released an important proposed rule governing the secure disposal of unused controlled substances.  This rule (the “Proposed Rule”) was developed to implement provisions of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 (“Disposal Act”) and proposes a number of new…Read More

Fiscal Cliff Update Late last night, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) canceled the vote on his “Plan B” alternative to avoid part of the fiscal cliff set to take effect on January 1. Given the stalemate in negotiations, Congress is leaving town for the Christmas holiday and will reconvene on December 27.  Despite the setback, Boehner…Read More