Health Law Observer

Timely insights and legal commentary on various health care issues and developments surrounding regulations, employment, transactions and a range of key industry matters. This blog is maintained by the Health Care Department of Stevens & Lee.

Stethoscope on Money

The End of the Stark Law Blanket Waivers: What Do Providers Need to Do Now?

Parties to a covered transaction would be well-advised to develop strategies to predict and avoid pitfalls, in addition to assuring compliance with legal requirements. We examine Key workforce, logistical and messaging considerations.
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Practical Considerations of New NJ/NY Health Care Transaction Requirements

Parties to a covered transaction would be well-advised to develop strategies to predict and avoid pitfalls, in addition to assuring compliance with legal requirements. We examine Key workforce, logistical and messaging considerations.
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The End of the Public Health Emergency: Updated Guidance

The Public Health Emergencyarising from the COVID-19 pandemic will officially end May 11, 2023. The Biden administration will attempt to advance a number of priorities that resulted from COVID-19.

Navigating Parent Notifications When Minor Consents to Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment in PA

Under certain parameters, professional and administrative services outside of those covered by Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors can be provided for free to referring physicians.

Change of Ownership Regulatory Changes for PA Long-Term Care Facilities

Under certain parameters, professional and administrative services outside of those covered by Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors can be provided for free to referring physicians.
Stethoscope on Money

Proposed NY Legislation Requires DOH Approval of Health Care Entity Transactions

Passage of the Bill would vest substantial authority in the DOH to scrutinize Material Transactions and apply additional, material conditions on Health Care Entities that wish to consummate covered transactions.
Mergers and Acquisitions

U.S. DOJ Announces Withdrawal of Health Care Market Policy Statements

Providers should adjust merger plans and advocacy to recent DOJ enforcement actions rather than "outdated" statements.
non compete agreement

FTC’s Proposed Non-Compete Ban: What Prior Decisions and Guidance May Reveal About the Impact on Nonprofit Healthcare Providers

New Jersey’s “Change of Ownership” (CHOW) requirements in health care transactions span a range of employment, employee benefits and notification obligations.
Stethoscope on Money

Reminder: NJ “Change of Ownership” Requirements for Health Care Transactions Have Changed

New Jersey’s “Change of Ownership” (CHOW) requirements in health care transactions span a range of employment, employee benefits and notification obligations.
puzzle with new piece

FTC Proposed Non-Compete Ban: Impact on Nonprofit Hospitals and Nonprofit Affiliates

Cross-market mergers have received increased attention among health care economists and lawyers and as of late have received the increased interest of the enforcement agencies.

New OIG Opinion Permits the Provision of Free Nurse Practitioner Services by a Hospital to Referring Physicians

Under certain parameters, professional and administrative services outside of those covered by Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors can be provided for free to referring physicians.
non compete agreement

FTC Proposes Banning and Rescinding Worker Non-Competes

If finalized, this non-compete ban would have a monumental impact on the health care industry, among numerous others.
Doctor at Computer

Biden Administration Proposes New Religious Conscience Rule for Health Workers

The Proposed Rule focuses on strengthening protections for health care workers with conscience or religious freedom complaints without sacrificing access to a range of necessary services.

Federal Case Details How a Relator-Whistleblower Satisfies the False Claims Act’s “Original Source” Requirement

Cross-market mergers have received increased attention among health care economists and lawyers and as of late have received the increased interest of the enforcement agencies.
Pile of Medical Bills

Medicare Implications of the Omnibus Spending Bill

FDA guidance for veterinarians, state-licensed pharmacies and federal facilities regarding compounding animal pharmaceuticals will take effect April 2023.
Pharmacy Drugs

FDA Guidance on Drug Compounding for Veterinarians and Pharmacists

FDA guidance for veterinarians, state-licensed pharmacies and federal facilities regarding compounding animal pharmaceuticals will take effect April 2023.
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Continued Spotlight on Cross-Market Hospital Mergers

Cross-market mergers have received increased attention among health care economists and lawyers and as of late have received the increased interest of the enforcement agencies.
Updated FAQ on Corporate Integrity Agreements Details Obligations for Reportable Event Disclosures

HHS Proposes Updates to “Part 2” Regulations on Substance Abuse Record Confidentiality

Proposed changes to Part 2 include updates to consent requirements, redisclosure permissions, patient rights, enforcement and others.
gavel on a keyboard

The Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Axon v. FTC

Following oral arguments in Axon v. FTC, numerous questions and comments by the Court indicate that it may ultimately side with the petitioners.
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Pennsylvania Permanently Allows Audio-Only Behavioral Health Services

House Bill 1630 made permanent the relaxation of regulatory requirements regarding telehealth behavioral health services provided on an “audio-only” basis.
gavel and stethoscope

2022 Guidance on No Surprises Act Compliance

We examine numerous updates and changes regarding the No Surprises Act (NSA) and the subsequent compliance implications.
Mergers and Acquisitions

Challenging the Constitutionality of the FTC’s Fundamental Structure/Processes

Health care providers and others in health care contemplating merger and other transactions subject to FTC review should be ready for significant implications arising from Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission.
Stethoscope on Money

Selling Your Health Care Practice? Consider Timing and Effort Before Saying “Yes”

For a number of reasons, the calendar is among most effective tools for advancing a transaction from “potential transaction” to a “closed transaction.”

Is PA Getting Closer to Eliminating Noncompetes for Health Care Practitioners?

New legislation is intended to help retain health care practitioners in the Commonwealth and maintain continuity of care.
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