As you probably know, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued its final non-discrimination rule for the Affordable Care Act (see, 45 C.F.R. Part 92, effective June 18, 2016). The final rule has generated a lot of discussion, […]
In previous posts, we discussed recent federal-level action taken to address opioid drug use and abuse in this country. Commentators have criticized the federal government for being slow to act in this area because of its relationship with pharmaceutical companies, […]
The federal government has employed a number of strategies to deal with the opioid public health crisis. Recognizing the complexity of trying to keep legal prescription drugs available to the patients who need them, while preventing their abuse by others, […]
The recent passing of Prince, possibly from alleged use of opioid medication, is one of the many tragic news stories we read every day regarding opioid use. For the past few years, many Americans have voiced concern over the nation’s […]
Telemedicine and HIPAA
Any time information is transmitted, there is a risk that it will be seen by someone who is not supposed to see it. That risk seems like it is even greater when the information is transmitted electronically. News reports and […]
Telemedicine Reimbursement
Telemedicine—using electronic communications to exchange medical information—is growing in popularity. It is convenient for both the patient and the provider, and it delivers good outcomes. Telemedicine is also less expensive than caring for patients solely by means of in-person consultations. […]
What is “Telemedicine?”
Telemedicine, or telehealth, is a topic that is getting a lot of discussion in the health care field. As with many topics in any field that get a “lot of discussion,” there can be misunderstanding about what the term really […]
The rights of transgendered people have received a lot of media coverage in recent months. Despite a growing social acceptance, many transgendered people report unfair treatment by health care providers. This mistreatment includes denials of coverage, as well as harassment […]
Recently, we discussed a possibility of compromise in a court challenge to the contraception mandate in the Affordable Care Act. The case, Zubik v. Burwell (commonly known as the “Little Sisters of the Poor” case), is based on the argument […]
In the legal battle over the Clean Power Plan (“CPP”), nearly every state has aligned with one of the two sides. The deadline for submitting briefs to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was April 15, 2016, and the lines […]