Legal Updates

Department of Health and Human Services’ Final Rule Expands HIPAA Obligations, Violation Penalties

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | April 1, 2013

Physicians’ business associates can now face civil and criminal penalties for violating HIPAA laws guarding the confidentiality of protected health information

Legal Updates: As Opioids for Pain Treatment Come Under Greater Scrutiny, Controlled Substance Agreements Matter More

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | March 1, 2013

These contracts can communicate a physician’s expectations for a pain treatment plan and guidelines for safe use by their patients

Tail Insurance Protects Against Medical Malpractice Claims from Previous Jobs

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | February 1, 2013

Physicians who are resigning, retiring, switching jobs, or are terminated should consider tail insurance to cover malpractice claims brought after they’ve left their current employer

No Easy Solution for Lack of Transparency in the Practice of Medicine

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | December 1, 2012

Several well-publicized episodes highlight the apparent lack of disclosure of conflicts of interest in medicine, but will disclosure laws fix the problem or add to the confusion?

How to Bring the Physician-Patient Relationship to a Peaceful End

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | December 1, 2012

Direct communication and a concern for the patient’s welfare should guide the process of terminating a physician-patient relationship

What Rheumatologists Need to Know About Borrowing Money

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | November 1, 2012

Tips for expanding, or contracting, your rheumatology medical practice

What Rheumatologists Should Know About Noncompetition Clauses

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | October 1, 2012

How rheumatologists can manage, and avoid, a restrictive noncompetition clause in an employment contract

New Fraud Detection Probes by Medicare

Staff | September 5, 2012

The National Fraud Prevention Program aims to cut the rate of improper payment claims in half.

Extended Warranties for Medical Equipment

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | September 5, 2012

The art of purchasing a piece of medical equipment requires the perfect combination of medical, financial, business, and legal expertise.

Physician Texting Could Violate HIPAA

Steven M. Harris, Esq. | August 8, 2012

HIPAA requires that healthcare providers maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect patient information. This safeguard requirement has many physicians’ attorneys worried that their clients are violating HIPAA on a regular basis.