On May 9, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a dental hygiene bill that allows dental hygienists to use nitrous oxide and local infiltration anesthesia to assist dentists with all dental procedures. The bill, which was originally introduced in the State Senate in May 2021, amends section 6605-b of the Education Law effective
Addressing Patient Capacity Issues
By Rivkin Rounds Staff on
On Thursday, June 16, in the next installment of Rivkin Radler’s Healthcare Lunch & Learn series, firm partners Frank Izzo and Wendy Sheinberg will present a program on Addressing Patient Capacity Issues. The program will take place from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM Eastern time via Zoom.
The topics to be covered will include:
- Article
…
OIG Permits Arrangement Involving Physician-Owned Medical Device Company
In a recent Advisory Opinion, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined that an arrangement involving certain physicians who have an ownership interest in a medical device company that manufactures products that may be ordered by the physician owners (the “Company”) was not considered a suspect physician-owned…
Transitioning to a DSO: An Emerging Trend in Orthodontic Practice Transitions
By Rivkin Rounds Staff on
Posted in Dentistry, Mergers and Acquisitions
Over the last several years, the dental services industry has become increasingly consolidated, creating significant financial opportunities for investors as well as financial and exit opportunities for dentists. This consolidation has been driven in large part by Dental Services Organizations (DSOs) formed by dentists and/or private financial investors (e.g., private equity) through the acquisition of…
New NY Agency Established to Oversee PBMs
On May 11, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the establishment of the Pharmacy Benefits Bureau within the State’s Department of Financial Services (DFS). The Bureau will handle the licensing and supervision of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and in particular their impact on consumers and the cost of healthcare. The Bureau will also have authority…
Did Your Practice Get Burned Online? Reach Out — and Redirect
By Rivkin Rounds Staff on
Posted in HIPAA
An article published on May 16 in Part B News, “Did your practice get burned online? Reach out — and redirect,” discussed how (or whether) professional practices should respond to negative reviews online from patients. Rivkin Radler’s Eric Fader was quoted in the article.
Eric said that he advised one of his…
Prepare and Monitor: Take Extra Steps when the Patient’s a Medical Tourist
By Rivkin Rounds Staff on
An article published on May 16 in Part B News, “Prepare and monitor: Take extra steps when the patient’s a medical tourist,” discussed issues that U.S. medical practices can face when a patient receives medical treatment abroad. The medical tourism industry has been growing rapidly, led by a demand for cosmetic surgery…
OIG: Biopharma Company’s Provision of Free Genetic Tests Does Not Warrant Sanctions Under AKS
With the proliferation of precision and individualized medicine, genetic testing and counseling will likely remain on the radar of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Justice for years to come. Biopharma companies and manufacturers must carefully consider the facts and safeguards applicable to any sponsored…
Mental Health Parity – After Years of Failure to Comply, Enforcement is Underway!
Regulators are now better armed to cite and fine health plans that are not complying with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008. A recent report to Congress highlights the enforcement work to date and illustrates the extent to which many plans are noncompliant with the law. The result is that…
OIG Issues Favorable Opinion for Providing Free Smartphones to Patients to Promote Telehealth Services
By Ada Janocinska on
The increased use of telehealth services is a trend that is expected to continue long after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. In keeping with this trend, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently issued a favorable Advisory Opinion that allowed a federally qualified health center (FQHC) to provide free…