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.

Supreme Court

Welcome to the Post-Chevron World: HHS on the Defensive

Loper plays a prominent part in several cases we'll discuss in this post, and these cases illustrate in many respects how litigation post-Chevron is likely to proceed.
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Pennsylvania Extends Reach of the FTC’s Noncompete Ban to Health Care Practitioners   

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, pursuant to the Act, certain noncompete covenants within employment contracts for certain health care practitioners will be barred.

Key Considerations in Utilizing a Letter of Intent in Health Care Transactions

If the deal is financially material to the parties, then utilizing a letter of intent is likely worthwhile to ensure parties are on the same page before committing significant time and resources to the transaction.
supreme court

A New Arena for Future Challenges to CMS Regulations – the Overturn of Chevron

Loper will have significant implications for heavily regulated industries, including health care, and will directly impact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
FTC Definition in a book

Challenging the FTC’s Constitutionality in the Aftermath of Jarkesy

In limiting its decision to the Seventh Amendment issue, the Court side-stepped the remaining constitutional questions that we have been tracking relating to the question whether the structure and therefore operation of the FTC is unconstitutional.

PA’s Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine: Challenges and Compliance Surrounding Management Services Agreements

Failing to draft management services agreements that comply with Pennsylvania’s corporate practice of medicine doctrine may result in lengthy scrutiny and high costs to rectify.

Novant Health Abandons Proposed Purchase Following Fourth Circuit’s Issuance of Injunction

After a split Fourth Circuit panel granted the FTC’s motion for injunction and enjoined Novant Health’s hospital acquisitions pending appeal, Novant announced that it was abandoning the planned purchase.
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District Court Denies Most Recent FTC Attempt to Stop Novant/CHS Transaction

The District Court denied the FTC’s requested injunction, but it did grant the FTC’s alternate request to extend the temporary restraining order that has been in place until June 21 to allow the FTC time to seek an injunction from the Fourth Circuit.
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District Court Denies FTC Request to Block Novant’s Purchase of Hospitals from CHS — Purchase Can Go Forward

We delve into the District Court’s analysis of the FTC’s arguments and how assessments of competitive benefits weighed against assertions of competitive harm.
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District Court Dismisses Welsh Carson While Allowing the FTC to Proceed Against U.S. Anesthesia Partners

HHS has issued a final rule under the Affordable Care Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex in covered health care programs and activities.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Issues Final Rule Expanding Nondiscrimination Protections

HHS has issued a final rule under the Affordable Care Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex in covered health care programs and activities.

Charles M. Honart Recognized by JD Supra as Among the Top Authors on Health Care and M&A

Charles M. Honart has garnered two 2024 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards in the areas of Health Care and M&A as a result of his insightful authorship on the Health Law Observer blog.

Spring Cleaning: Why Businesses Should Take Time Now to Review Corporate Records and Agreements

To maximize the efficiency of any strategic transactions, refinancings or a range of other plans later in the year, spring is an ideal time for business owners to take inventory of their corporate records, governing documents and other relevant agreements.

The FTC’s Final Rule – A Sweeping Ban on Noncompetes

We examine the Federal Trade Commission’s intention for banning noncompete clauses, and key details, exceptions and upcoming challenges to the final rule.
Judge gavel & doctor with stethoscope intertwining

Maryland Extends Reach of the FTC’s Proposed Noncompete Ban to Veterinary and Health Care Professionals

Though Maryland’s actions follow a nationwide trend to significantly limit noncompetes, the state goes further by covering the “gap” left within the FTC’s Proposed Rule.

FTC Announces Special Open Commission Meeting and Vote on Rule Banning Noncompete Clauses

The FTC’s virtual Open Commission Meeting will be held for purposes of voting on whether to issue a proposed final rule that would generally prevent most employers from enforcing noncompete clauses against workers.

HIPAA Implications of Using Web and App Data Tracking Tech

Website and app data tracking technologies may fall under HIPAA scrutiny when electronic protected health information is collected.
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Health Care Antitrust Update Part II: Recent Federal and State Enforcement Initiatives and Litigation Involving the FTC’s Constitutional Authority

The FTC, DOJ and HHS launched a major public inquiry into merger and acquisition transactions involving private equity firms, health systems and private payers to learn more about the impact of these efforts.

Health Care Antitrust Update Part I: Key Developments in Antitrust Litigation Involving Health Care Acquisitions and Mergers

Recent lawsuits spotlight the specific types of conduct that may give rise to lawsuits alleging antitrust violations and offer a glimpse into likely developments with respect to federal and state initiatives.

New CMS Informed Consent Guidance for Sensitive Examinations of Unconscious Patients

Effective immediately, the CMS Guidance requires hospitals to ensure that medical professionals obtain and document the patients’ informed consent before sensitive examinations or invasive procedures.

Corporate Transparency Act: Reporting Requirements for Health Care Entities

To comply with the recent Corporate Transparency Act, owners and operators of a wide range of healthcare entities may be subject to report beneficial ownership information.

Update to Federal Substance Use Disorder Treatment Records Privacy Regulations – Part 2

The long-awaited federal Final Rule modifying the regulations that govern the privacy of substance use disorder treatment records remain stricter than HIPAA, especially regarding disclosures.

FTC, DOJ and HHS Launch Public Inquiry into Transactions Involving Private Equity Firms, Health Systems and Private Payers

the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, and the Department of Health and Human Services announced that they were “launching a cross-government public inquiry into private equity and other corporations’ increasing control
Stethoscope on Money

Estate Planning Essentials for Health Care Providers: Protecting Legacy and Loved Ones

Estate planning is especially important for healthcare providers who often have unique assets, liabilities and professional responsibilities.
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