How State Law Issues May Affect ACOs

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "How State Law Issues May Affect ACOs"

Transcription

1 13 How State Law Issues May Affect ACOs Michael F. Schaff Alyson M. Leone Grace D. Mack Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A Introduction With the arrival of federal health care reform, the heatlth care community has been engrossed in the discussion of accountable care organizations (ACOs) established pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the ACA) 3 and how ACOs will improve the delivery of health care in the United States. As of 2014, there are ACOs in all fifty states. 4 Although there has been significant discussion and guidance concerning the organization and operation of ACOs at the federal level, an ACO must exist as a legal entity governed by state law. Accordingly, an ACO must be formed and operated not only in compliance with federal law but also in compliance with the laws of the state or states in which it is formed and operates. State laws and regulations covering a broad range of areas (such as licensing, corporate practice of medicine, antitrust, fraud and abuse, provider referrals, securities law and privacy) may influence how ACOs are formed and operate. It is therefore essential for ACO participants to consider how their applicable state s legal framework supports or interferes with the goals of their ACO. An example of a state law area of concern for ACOs is the treatment of federal fraud and abuse waivers. Due to the web of regulatory implications affecting the formation and operation of ACOs, the ACA authorized the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to waive certain fraud and abuse laws as necessary to carry out the Medicare Shared Savings Program. On April 7, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) published a joint notice 5 describing and soliciting comments regarding possible waivers of the application of the Physician Self-Referral Law (the Stark Law ) 6, the Federal anti-kickback 1 The authors would like to give a special thanks to John P. Murdoch II, Jeffrey M. Kole and Jason Krisza from their firm for their invaluable assistance with this chapter. 2 Pub. L Pub. L David Muhlestein, Accountable Care Growth in 2014: A Look Ahead, Chart 4 (2014) Fed. Reg U.S.C. 1395nn (codified at 42 C.F.R et seq.). The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition 243

2 statute 7 and certain civil monetary penalties law provisions 8. On October 20, 2011, CMS and the OIG published a joint Interim Final Rule with Comment Period addressing these waivers. 9 These waivers were established to reduce some of the federal law barriers surrounding the operation of an ACO. In the midst of all of the discussion regarding the waivers established by CMS and the OIG, potential ACO participants cannot lose sight of the fact that these waivers only address waivers of federal law. Most states have established their own fraud and abuse laws prohibiting or restricting certain kickbacks or provider self-referrals. In the future, states may adopt parallel waivers providing certainty for ACOs. However, in the absence of state waivers, ACOs need to carefully consider how to structure arrangements (even those that fit within a federal waiver) to comply with state fraud and abuse laws. For further discussion of federal waivers see Chapter Five. In addition to the possible implication of state fraud and abuse laws, ACOs also need to comply with various other state laws. This chapter addresses some of the types of state laws that may affect the structure and operation of an ACO. Due to the fact that the ACO arena and the state law response to ACOs is evolving rapidly, we have only given an overview of some of the various types of state laws that might apply. Moreover, the laws of each jurisdiction vary greatly and must be reviewed in detail to determine the effect of state law on the formation and operation of an ACO in any particular state. Finally, ACOs seeking to operate in more than one state must be structured to comply with the myriad of laws in each state in which it operates, which may pose logistical problems if the states have conflicting laws Corporate Practice of Medicine ACO participants need to consider state corporate practice of medicine laws. Operating in an ACO in a state with corporate practice of medicine laws may limit the types of permissible organizational structures available to the ACO. Some states prohibit general business corporations from practicing medicine or employing a physician to provide medical services. This doctrine has become known as the corporate practice of medicine. Generally, this doctrine provides that only a licensed physician may be permitted to provide medical services. The American Medical Association promulgated the initial version of the corporate practice of medicine doctrine to protect the public as well as the professional status of medical doctors. 10 The corporate practice of medicine doctrine essentially prohibits any person other than a licensed physician from owning, controlling or deriving the profits from a physician practice. The rationale for the doctrine is that individual physicians, not entities, should be licensed to practice medicine. 11 Often, the corporate practice of medicine doctrine is not explicitly stated in state laws or regulations. The authority for these state laws ranges from statutes 7 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b) U.S.C. 1320a-7a Fed. Reg See Nicole Huberfeld, Be Not Afraid of Change: Time to Eliminate the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine, 14 Health Matrix: Journal of Law-Medicine 243, (2004) (citing Am. Med. Ass n, 1922 Report of The Judicial Council (interpreting Section 6 of the Principles of Medical Ethics), abstracted in Principles of Medical Ethics 40 (1960)). 11 See Painless Parker v. Board of Dental Examiners, 216 Cal. 285, 14 P.2d 67 (Cal. 1932) (California case law). 244 The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition

3 and rules to case law and state attorney general opinions. 12 It is sometimes derived from common law or public policy. Certain states have exceptions to the corporate practice of medicine doctrine which may apply to an ACO. Usually, the corporate practice of medicine doctrine does not apply in cases where there are rigorous licensure requirements for a health care facility. The underlying theory is that the rigorous licensure requirements will impose necessary oversight to ensure that the provision of health care services is properly done and that the patients are protected. In addition, some states permit hospitals to employ physicians because hospitals are formed to treat patients and provide health care. Further, many states permit professional service entities to practice medicine, but only if owned by physicians licensed in that state. 13 A violation of the corporate practice of medicine doctrine could result in a physician s loss of his or her medical license. Other penalties include repayment of all revenue for billed services to insurance companies and the government, criminal or civil penalties, and/or injunctive relief. The corporate practice of medicine doctrine is extremely relevant to ACOs because of its potential to inhibit the formation of ACOs among multiple types of providers. In states with corporate practice of medicine laws, ACOs that render professional services in those states must be formed as entities permitted under the state s law and must be carefully structured to avoid control of physicians by any other person or entity who is not a licensed physician. These laws may prevent a true integration of providers and thus frustrate the purpose of the ACO and the goal of the ACA to encourage collaboration to promote efficiency and better outcomes. In the future, states may elect to modify their corporate practice of medicine laws to align them with the proliferation of ACOs and the current or evolving health care delivery models. In support of this position, the American Hospital Association suggested that Congress and regulatory agencies make changes to laws and regulations including to re-evaluate the impact of state laws governing the corporate practice of medicine on the ability of providers to collaborate. 14 Further, the American Academy of Medical Colleges recently stated that in states with [corporate practice of medicine] laws, a variety of care models and structures for hospital-physician relationships have been developed to comply with the various state statutes structures that may not fit easily with the structure or goals of an... ACO. We urge the Federal government to work with the states to ensure that state laws and regulations do not undo any actions that CMS, FTC, HHS, OIG, or other Federal agencies undertake to promote innovation. 15 Until changes are made to state corporate practice of medicine laws to address ACOs, ACO participants must be cognizant of these restrictions when forming and operating ACOs. 12 Md. Code Ann., Health Occ , (a), , N.Y. Educ. Law 6522, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112(g)(6); See also Michael Schaff and Glenn Prives, The Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine: Is it Applicable to Your Client?, AHLA Business Law & Governance Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 2, May See Stuart Silverman, AHLA Corporate Practice of Medicine: A Fifty State Survey. 14 American Hospital Association, Statement of the American Hospital Association to the Senate Finance Committee Roundtable on Health Care Delivery System Reform (Apr. 21, 2009). 15 American Academy of Medical Colleges, Statement of the Association of American Medical Colleges on Legal Issues Related to Accountable Care Organizations and Healthcare Innovation Zones (Oct. 5, 2010). The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition 245

4 13.3 Anti-Kickback Laws The federal anti-kickback law states: Whoever knowingly and willfully solicits or receives [or offers or pays] any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind (A) in return for referring an individual to a person for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of any item or service for which payment may be made in whole or in part under a Federal health care program, or (B) in return for purchasing, leasing, ordering, or arranging for or recommending purchasing, leasing, or ordering any good, facility, service, or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part under a Federal health care program, shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. 16 As stated earlier, the OIG has adopted waivers from the federal anti-kickback law for ACOs under certain circumstances. In addition, even without a waiver, ACOs may be structured to satisfy a federal anti-kickback safe harbor. However, ACO waivers and the federal anti-kickback safe harbors only apply to the federal anti-kickback law and do not apply to state anti-kickback laws. It is important to keep in mind that many states also have laws prohibiting kickback arrangements which may differ significantly from the federal anti-kickback law. Therefore, ACOs must be carefully structured to comply with both laws. One key difference is that some, or all, of the federal anti-kickback law s safe harbors may not be available under the state s law. As a result, even if an ACO is structured to conform to a federal anti-kickback safe harbor, the same protection may not be available to ensure compliance with the state s law. Another notable state difference may include the expansion of a state s kickback prohibition to include the referral of any patients (not just Federal health care program patients), as well as the absence of the federal law s intent requirement. One example of a state kickback prohibition is found in the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners regulations which state: a licensee shall not, directly or indirectly, give to or receive from any licensed or unlicensed source a gift of more than nominal (negligible) value, or any fee, commission, rebate or bonus or other compensation however denominated, which a reasonable person would recognize as having been given or received in appreciation for or to promote conduct by a licensee including: purchasing a medical product, ordering or promoting the sale or lease of a device or appliance or other prescribed item, prescribing any type of item or product for patient use, or making or receiving a referral to or from another for professional services. 17 New Jersey s anti-kickback law is much broader than the federal anti-kickback law, in that it does not limit the prohibition to federal health care program patients, and does not require intent for a violation. Further, although U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b). 17 N.J.A.C. 13: (c)(1). 246 The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition

5 New Jersey s proscription on kickbacks does have some exceptions, they are not as extensive as the safe harbors offered by the federal anti-kickback law. The penalties for violating a state s anti-kickback law may be severe and cannot be overlooked. In addition to fines, penalties may include imprisonment and/or exclusion from other programs. The receipt of a waiver of the federal anti-kickback law under the waiver program established by the OIG or compliance with a federal anti-kickback will not avoid the application of state anti-kickback laws. Therefore, all payments or other consideration to and from ACO suppliers and all distributions to and from ACO participants must be structured to comply with the applicable state anti-kickback law. For further discussion of the anti-kickback implications of ACOs, see Chapter Self-Referral Laws It is likely that ACO participants will refer their patients within the ACO rather than to unrelated providers and suppliers. Accordingly, a careful self-referral analysis under federal and state law will have to be done in connection with each potential referral source to and from the ACO. Generally, the federal Stark Law prohibits physicians (and other licensed health care providers) from referring a patient for Medicare designated health services to a person or entity in which the physician (or an immediate family member of the physician) has a financial relationship (ownership or compensation). 18 Many states have comparable self-referral laws, also known as Baby Stark laws. As with the state anti-kickback laws, some state self-referral laws may be much broader than the federal Stark Law. Often, state laws prohibiting self-referrals apply to any health care service, not just the enumerated health services which implicate the Stark Law. In addition, state laws may apply to all payers and not just federal programs. Also, a state s self-referral law may not include the same exceptions as set forth by the Stark Law. An example of a broad state self-referral law is Maryland, which prohibits any physician or other licensed health care practitioner from referring a patient, or directing an employee or contractor of the practitioner to refer a patient, to a health care entity (1) in which the health care practitioner or the practitioner in combination with the practitioner s immediate family owns a beneficial interest; (2) in which the practitioner s immediate family owns a beneficial interest of 3 percent or greater; or (3) with which the health care practitioner, the practitioner s immediate family, or the practitioner in combination with the practitioner s immediate family has a compensation arrangement, unless the beneficial interest or compensation arrangement meets a specific exemption in the statute. 19 CMS has also established a number of waivers to the Stark Law. These include a pre-participation waiver related to the establishment of ACOs, a participation waiver that applies during a provider s participation in the Shared Saving Program, and a waiver for certain distributions of shared savings received by an ACO from CMS under the Medicare Shared Savings Program under certain conditions. 20 However, these waivers do not automatically apply to state self-referral laws, and thus ACOs U.S.C. 1395nn. 19 Maryland Health Occupations Article, through Fed. Reg The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition 247

6 must be carefully structured to comply any state self-referral laws. For further discussion of the selfreferral implications of ACOs, see Chapter Five Fee Splitting Prohibitions Many states have stringent fee splitting laws that prohibit the sharing of fees obtained from providing professional health care services with persons not licensed to provide the same or similar services. State fee splitting laws may be implicated by payments made to suppliers and providers who participate in the ACO. Many of the fee splitting prohibitions are contained in the various licensing boards rules and regulations or in the definition of unprofessional conduct. State fee splitting laws and the scope of such laws vary significantly. By way of example, fee splitting laws may prohibit a physician from sharing his professional fees with any other health care facility, including a hospital or nursing facility. Some states only prohibit fee splitting when coupled with patient referrals. In Illinois, licensees may not directly or indirectly divide, share or split any professional fee or other form of compensation for professional services with anyone in exchange for a referral or otherwise, except as specifically provided. 21 In Tennessee, it is an offense for any licensed physician or surgeon to divide or to agree to divide any fee or compensation of any sort received or charged in the practice of medicine or surgery with any person, without the knowledge and consent of the person paying the fee or compensation, or against whom the fee may be charged. 22 Due to the nature of shared savings that will be split among the ACO and other ACO participants and the potential payments to suppliers, the financial arrangements among the participants must be analyzed to ensure compliance with any state fee-splitting laws Insurance Laws The advent of ACOs also raises the question as to whether shared savings from health care services subjects ACOs to state insurance and managed care laws. A shared savings arrangement may result in the ACO bearing some risk and being accountable for financial losses. In its joint notice on the proposed regulations, CMS acknowledged that states may subject ACOs to state insurance laws. CMS stated that under [CMS s] proposal for a two-sided model under the Shared Savings Program, the Medicare program retains the insurance risk and responsibility for paying claims for the services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries. 23 The notice sought comments on whether any of [CMS s] proposals for the two-sided model in particular, or the Shared Savings Program in general, would trigger the application of any State insurance laws. 24 In the final regulations, the concern regarding state insurance and managed care laws was mitigated by the ability of an ACO to opt for a model in which they share only in the savings during the entire term of the first agreement. In the proposed rule, ACOs in this one-sided model were required ILCS 60/ Tenn. Code Ann Fed. Reg Fed. Reg The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition

7 to share in the losses in the third year of the initial term. Thus, these ACOs would not bear any downside risk of losses and would avoid application of these state laws. However, these ACOs will be required to participate in the two-sided model upon the expiration of the initial three-year period. In addition, ACOs can elect to participate in the two-sided model from the beginning, exposing them to the risk of financial loss, but allowing them to potentially share in greater savings. Thus, state insurance and managed care laws may be impacted. In its comments to the final rule, CMS states: We disagree with the commenters that participating in the Shared Savings Program ultimately involves insurance risk. ACO participants will continue to receive [fee-forservice] payments for all services furnished to assigned beneficiaries. It is only shared savings payments (and shared losses in the two-sided model) that will be contingent upon ACO performance. As a result, we believe that we will continue to bear the insurance risk associated with the care furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, but ACOs desiring to participate in Track 2 should consult their State laws. 25 CMS has stated that it did not believe that it would be appropriate to subject ACOs to the same standards as health plans, because ACOs are very different from health plans. 26 CMS emphasized that under the Shared Savings Program, the Medicare program retains the insurance risk and responsibility for paying claims for the services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, and that the agreement to share potential losses against the benchmark would be solely between the Medicare program and the ACO. 27 Of course, even though it is CMS s view that ACO s are very different than health plans, this conclusion is not binding on the states and ACOs must still analyze state insurance and managed care laws to determine if compliance is necessary. In the 1990s, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners addressed certain risk-bearing financial arrangements, such as capitation payments, and concluded that they do require the assumption of risk and thus subject an entity to regulation as a insurance provider or managed care organization. 28 Some states provide an exception for physicians who only accept downstream risk, i.e. to provide medical services to members of an insurer or health maintenance organization and be paid through a capitation arrangement. 29 In other states, physicians who are at financial risk and pay other physicians who provide services may need a third party administrator s license. 30 Most states have yet to pass any legislation aimed directly at governing ACOs, and the state insurance departments have not adopted a formal position on whether, or when, an ACO would be subject to licensure. It is recommended that organizations contemplating forming an ACO should determine the applicable state s department of insurance s current position on this issue Fed. Reg Medicare Program: Medicare Shared Savings Program: Accountable Care Organizations, 76 Fed. Reg. 67,802, 67,944 (Nov. 2, 2011). 27 Id. at 67, National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Regulation of Health Risk Bearing Entities. Washington, DC: NAIC, 1999 at I Id. at I-26- I See, e.g., N.J.S.A. 17B:27B-1 et seq. The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition 249

8 If an ACO is determined to be subject to state insurance laws, it will likely be required to obtain licensure or certification. Further, the ACO may need to meet, possibly onerous, financial solvency and capital reserve requirements and reporting obligations. Compliance with insurance laws may be burdensome and costly for an ACO. These state laws must be carefully reviewed to determine whether ACOs with capitation or other arrangements will be governed by insurance or managed care regulations. In addition, if an ACO is not a licensed health plan but is assigned certain functions, such as claims adjudication or premium collection, it must be determined whether the applicable state requires the ACO to obtain a third party administrator or other type of license or certification. Prior to establishing an ACO, participants should ascertain the applicable state s insurance department s position on the managed care and licensing rules applicable to ACOs in that state Antitrust Laws The majority of states have antitrust prohibitions that would effectively prohibit competitors from jointly negotiating with each other. The main purpose of the antitrust laws is to prevent combinations that restrain competition. Some states attorneys general aggressively enforce their state antitrust laws against participants in the health care industry. 31 Violations of these laws may result in both civil and/or criminal penalties. Concurrent with the publication of the final ACO regulations and interim final rule by CMS and OIG on waivers, the Department of Justice ( the DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) issued their final Statement of Antitrust Enforcement Policy Regarding Accountable Care Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program on the application of antitrust laws to ACOs (the Statement). 32 The Statement provides for a rule of reason analysis for any ACO that is eligible and intends or has been approved to participate in the Shared Savings Program. It also provides a safety zone to ACOs with a market share of 30% or less and meet certain criteria. In addition, the Statement provides guidance for ACOs with a market share of greater than 30%, and identifies conduct that may raise competitive concerns. This Statement makes a significant departure from the proposed Statement by no longer requiring ACOs with greater than 50% of market share to request an antitrust review. Notwithstanding the guidance provided by the DOJ and the FTC, the Statement does not control situations when state antitrust laws are implicated. Any exception or waiver adopted by the FTC would not apply to non-medicare ACOs and would not protect ACOs from state antitrust issues. Thus, in forming an ACO, participants must carefully consider state antitrust laws to avoid potential state antitrust scrutiny. For further discussion of the antitrust implications of ACOs, see Chapter Tax Laws Tax-exempt organizations, such as hospitals, are expected to be significant participants in ACOs. These organizations must consider whether their involvement in ACOs will result in impermissible private inurement or private benefit, thereby placing an entity s tax-exempt status in jeopardy. 31 In Urology of Central Pennsylvania, No. 11-CV-1625, Final Order (M.D. Pa. Sept. 1, 2011) Fed. Reg The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition

9 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a notice (the Notice) reviewing its existing guidance that may apply to a tax-exempt organization s participation in an ACO. 33 The Notice states that the IRS does not expect a tax-exempt organization s participation in an ACO to result in impermissible private inurement or private benefit so long as certain guidelines are met. Further, the IRS does not believe that such participation will cause any shared savings received from an ACO to be treated as unrelated business taxable income. The Notice solicited comments on whether the IRS s existing guidance was sufficient to allow tax-exempt organizations to participate in the Shared Savings Program through ACOs. On October 20, 2011, the IRS issued a Fact Sheet, Tax-Exempt Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program through Accountable Care. 34 The Fact Sheet confirmed that the Notice continues to be an expression of the IRS s expectations regarding the Shared Savings Program and ACOs. In addition, the Fact Sheet provided some additional information for charitable organizations that want to participate in ACOs. However, the IRS s position on tax issues related to an ACO is not binding on a state s taxing authority. Therefore, in addition to the federal tax consequences, non-profit entities and other ACO participants will need to consider state tax implications resulting from their participation in ACOs. For further discussion of the tax implications of ACOs, see Chapter Licensure Requirements for Licensed Facilities Licensed facilities in nearly every state are subject to stringent regulations governing many aspects of their operation. Such requirements may range from certificate of need laws to general licensure rules to other administrative requirements. Some states also impose strict requirements on the governance and ownership of these licensed facilities. In forming an ACO, a state s licensure laws must be carefully examined to ensure that any type of collaboration between a licensed facility and other health care providers does not trigger any type of approval from the respective licensing agency Privacy Laws In certain states, the laws protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information provide greater protections or rights than the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 35 Since the core value of the ACO model is to coordinate care and share information among ACO participants, state laws governing the sharing of patient data must be considered. For a further discussion of ACO privacy issues and information technology, see Chapter Seven State Security laws An ACO will undoubtedly need to raise capital for its formation and operation. If an ACO intends to sell ownership interests to raise money, it must consider and comply with both federal and state security laws and regulations. If an offering is exempt under the federal securities laws, that does 33 IRS Notice IRS FS See, e.g., Texas House Bill 300 (HB 300); 2001 Me. Laws 346; 2001 Fla. Sess. Law Serv The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition 251

10 not necessarily mean that it is exempt from any of the state security laws. The failure to comply with securities laws can have significant consequences, including criminal penalties, for those involved Charity Care If a hospital participates in an ACO, careful attention must be given to the effect such participation may have on the hospital s eligibility for any charity care payments. This issue is extremely complex and must be carefully considered before a hospital agrees to partake in an ACO State Action Many states have already started addressing inconsistent state laws related to ACOs. Some have proposed safe harbors and encouraged waivers if necessary to remove barriers to ACO implementation. An example of one state on the forefront is New York. On June 22, 2012, New York State passed An Act to Amend the Public Health Law in Relation to Accountable Care Organizations, which states: the formation and operation of accountable care organizations under this article can be consistent with the purposes of federal and state anti-trust, anti-referral, and other statutes, including reducing over-utilization and expenditures... To the extent the formation or operation of an ACO or its arrangements with third-party health care payers or health care providers may violate the federal civil monetary payment laws, or federal or state anti-kickback, patient referral, or fee-splitting laws, the commissioner shall provide reasonable and appropriate regulation, supervision, and waivers under those statutes and their regulations to enable such formation, operation or arrangements to proceed and to make sure that they do so consistently with the purposes of this article. 36 The New York ACO law provides state action immunity under the state and federal antitrust laws for certain ACO activity and authorizes regulations related to the creation of safe harbors and exemptions from restraint of trade laws, fees splitting arrangements and health care practitioner referrals. 37 There is also pending legislation in Massachusetts that is intended to encourage the formation of ACOs to achieve improved health outcomes and lower the costs of care. 38 The Massachusetts Act gives the attorney general certain powers related to ACOs, including to: take appropriate action to prevent excess consolidation or collusion of providers of ACOs and to remedy these or other related anti-competitive dynamics in the health care market; [and] provide assistance as needed to support efforts by the commonwealth to obtain exemptions or waivers from certain provisions of federal law including, from the federal office of the inspector general, a waiver of the provisions of, or expansion 36 New York State Assembly Bill No. A New York Public Health Law 2999-r, 2999-s. 38 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bill H.1849, filed February 17, The ACO Handbook: A Guide to Accountable Care Organizations, Second Edition

Statement of the Association of American Medical Colleges on Legal Issues Related to Accountable Care Organizations and Healthcare Innovation Zones

Statement of the Association of American Medical Colleges on Legal Issues Related to Accountable Care Organizations and Healthcare Innovation Zones Statement of the Association of American Medical Colleges on Legal Issues Related to Accountable Care Organizations and Healthcare Innovation Zones Public Workshop hosted by the FTC, CMS, HHS OIG October

More information

Accountable Care Organizations Multiple Comment Periods

Accountable Care Organizations Multiple Comment Periods Accountable Care Organizations Multiple Comment Periods Proposed Waivers CMS and OIG CMS and HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) jointly issued a notice with comment period outlining proposals for waivers

More information

In early April, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued

In early April, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued April 26, 2011 If you have any questions regarding the matters discussed in this memorandum, please contact the following attorneys or call your regular Skadden contact. John T. Bentivoglio 202.371.7560

More information

II. SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM AND COST-REDUCTION INCENTIVES

II. SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM AND COST-REDUCTION INCENTIVES E-ALERT Health Care April 15, 2011 ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION BASICS The Affordable Care Act establishes the Medicare Shared Savings Program ( Program ), which provides for the development of accountable

More information

ACOs: Fraud & Abuse Waivers and Analysis

ACOs: Fraud & Abuse Waivers and Analysis ACOs: Fraud & Abuse Waivers and Analysis Robert G. Homchick and Sarah Fallows Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP I. Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) fosters the development

More information

Additional Information About Accountable Care Organizations

Additional Information About Accountable Care Organizations Additional Information About Accountable Care Organizations For more information, please contact: April 2011 On March 31st, the federal government outlined proposed actions relating to Accountable Care

More information

KATHLEEN L. DEBRUHL & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. 614 TCHOUPITOULAS STREET NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130 504.522.4054 (OFFICE) 504.522.9049 (FAX) WWW.MD-LAW.

KATHLEEN L. DEBRUHL & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. 614 TCHOUPITOULAS STREET NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130 504.522.4054 (OFFICE) 504.522.9049 (FAX) WWW.MD-LAW. CMS RELEASES PROPOSED ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION REGULATIONS By: Kathleen L. DeBruhl, Esq. and Lindsey E. Surratt, Esq. On March 31, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) issued

More information

HCCA 2013 COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE 101 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

HCCA 2013 COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE 101 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON UW MEDICINE HCAA 2013 Compliance Institute HCCA 2013 COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE 101 April 23, 2013 Robert S. Brown Senior Compliance Specialist UW Medicine Compliance SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

More information

Department of Health and Human Services. No. 209 October 29, 2015. Part III

Department of Health and Human Services. No. 209 October 29, 2015. Part III Vol. 80 Thursday, No. 209 October 29, 2015 Part III Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 42 CFR Chapter IV Office of Inspector General 42 CFR Chapter V Medicare

More information

Fraud & Abuse Waivers Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program

Fraud & Abuse Waivers Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program Fraud & Abuse Waivers Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program Robert G. Homchick Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP I. Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) fosters the development

More information

CMS Releases Proposed Rule Governing Accountable Care Organizations

CMS Releases Proposed Rule Governing Accountable Care Organizations CMS Releases Proposed Rule Governing Accountable Care Organizations Health Care Organizations Face Complex Strategic Decisions Authors: Robert D. Belfort Paul M. Campbell Susan R. Ingargiola Stephanie

More information

Amy K. Fehn. I. Overview of Accountable Care Organizations and the Medicare Shared Savings Program

Amy K. Fehn. I. Overview of Accountable Care Organizations and the Medicare Shared Savings Program IMPLEMENTING COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATIONS Amy K. Fehn I. Overview of Accountable Care Organizations and the Medicare Shared Savings Program The Medicare Shared Savings Program

More information

False Claims Act CMP212

False Claims Act CMP212 False Claims Act CMP212 Colorado Access is committed to a culture of compliance in which its employees, providers, contractors, and consultants are educated and knowledgeable about their role in reporting

More information

Legal Issues to Consider When Creating a Health Care Business Model

Legal Issues to Consider When Creating a Health Care Business Model Legal Issues to Consider When Creating a Health Care Business Model Connie A. Raffa, J.D., LL.M. Business practices considered standard in other industries may in the health care industry be considered

More information

A Closer Look at the Final ACO Rule

A Closer Look at the Final ACO Rule A Closer Look at the Final ACO Rule October 2011 For more information, please contact: On October 20th, the federal government released a final rule and other companion releases relating to Accountable

More information

Legal & Policy Issues Related to ACO Formation by Independent Physician Groups

Legal & Policy Issues Related to ACO Formation by Independent Physician Groups Legal & Policy Issues Related to ACO Formation by Independent Physician Groups Troy Barsky Arthur Lerner Crowell & Moring LLP America s Health Insurance Plans ACO Summit May 15, 2013 Background Government

More information

Guidance Released on Accountable Care Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program

Guidance Released on Accountable Care Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program M A Y 2 0 1 1 Guidance Released on Accountable Care Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program On March 31, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department

More information

Entities eligible for ACO participation

Entities eligible for ACO participation On Oct. 20, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized new rules under the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) to help doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers better

More information

Thursday, October 10, 2013 POTENTIAL BARRIERS TO HOSPITAL SUBSIDIES FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THOSE IN NEED

Thursday, October 10, 2013 POTENTIAL BARRIERS TO HOSPITAL SUBSIDIES FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THOSE IN NEED Thursday, October 10, 2013 POTENTIAL BARRIERS TO HOSPITAL SUBSIDIES FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THOSE IN NEED AT A GLANCE The Issue: A number of hospitals and health systems have inquired about whether it

More information

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a proposed rule to implement

More information

The Stark Law Opportunities to Address Barriers to Clinical Integration January 29, 2016

The Stark Law Opportunities to Address Barriers to Clinical Integration January 29, 2016 The Stark Law Opportunities to Address Barriers to Clinical Integration There are several rules governing compensation relationships between hospitals, physicians and other caregivers, including the Anti-kickback

More information

January 14, 2011. Dear Chairman Issa:

January 14, 2011. Dear Chairman Issa: The Honorable Darrell Issa Chairman Committee on Oversight and Government Reform U.S. House of Representatives 2157 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Issa: On behalf of

More information

Rules of the Engagement: Compliance, Legalities and Ethics in Audiology Today. 2011 AAA Convention Chicago, IL

Rules of the Engagement: Compliance, Legalities and Ethics in Audiology Today. 2011 AAA Convention Chicago, IL Rules of the Engagement: Compliance, Legalities and Ethics in Audiology Today 2011 AAA Convention Chicago, IL 1. Ignorance is NOT a defense 2. Rules, regulations, guidance and laws do not have to be interpreted

More information

PROPOSED MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS (ACO) PROGRAM RULES

PROPOSED MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS (ACO) PROGRAM RULES PROPOSED MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS (ACO) PROGRAM RULES The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other affected agencies released their notice of proposed rulemaking/request for comment for

More information

Cms Finally speaks: organization (ACO) proposed regulations and WhaT They mean For anesthesiologists

Cms Finally speaks: organization (ACO) proposed regulations and WhaT They mean For anesthesiologists ANESTHESIA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS SUMMER 2011 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 Cms Finally speaks: The accountable Care organization (ACO) proposed regulations and WhaT They mean For anesthesiologists Since the passage

More information

CHAPTER 114. AN ACT establishing a Medicaid Accountable Care Organization Demonstration Project and supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes.

CHAPTER 114. AN ACT establishing a Medicaid Accountable Care Organization Demonstration Project and supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes. CHAPTER 114 AN ACT establishing a Medicaid Accountable Care Organization Demonstration Project and supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes. BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the

More information

The following presentation was based on the

The following presentation was based on the Fraud Waste and Abuse Presentation The following presentation was based on the Medicare Parts C & D Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training and General Compliance Training developed by the Centers for Medicare

More information

CHAPTER 6 FLORIDA PATIENT BROKERING ACT

CHAPTER 6 FLORIDA PATIENT BROKERING ACT CHAPTER 6 FLORIDA PATIENT BROKERING ACT A. Summary of the Florida Patient Brokering Act The Patient Brokering Act is a criminal statute which specifically prohibits any health care provider or health care

More information

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS. Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Briefing Paper on the Proposed Medicare Shared Savings Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a proposed rule to implement

More information

Some Laws Affecting Healthcare Transactions. Kim C. Stanger (10-15)

Some Laws Affecting Healthcare Transactions. Kim C. Stanger (10-15) Some Laws Affecting Healthcare Transactions Kim C. Stanger (10-15) This presentation is similar to any other legal education materials designed to provide general information on pertinent legal topics.

More information

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse These training materials are divided into three topics to meet the responsibilities stated on the previous pages: Fraud, Waste, Compliance Program Standards of Conduct Although the information contained

More information

USC Office of Compliance

USC Office of Compliance PURPOSE This policy complies with requirements under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and other federal and state fraud and abuse laws. It provides guidance on activities that could result in incidents

More information

Compliance and Program Integrity Melanie Bicigo, CHC, CEBS mlbicigo@uphp.com 906-225-7749

Compliance and Program Integrity Melanie Bicigo, CHC, CEBS mlbicigo@uphp.com 906-225-7749 Compliance and Program Integrity Melanie Bicigo, CHC, CEBS mlbicigo@uphp.com 906-225-7749 Define compliance and compliance program requirements Communicate Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) compliance

More information

RE: File Code CMS-1345-NC2 Medicare Program Waiver Designs in Connection with the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Innovation Center

RE: File Code CMS-1345-NC2 Medicare Program Waiver Designs in Connection with the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Innovation Center Donald Berwick, M.D., M.P.P. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services Attention: CMS-1345-NC2 Room 445-G Hubert H. Humphrey Building 200 Independence Ave. S.W.

More information

Look Before You Leap: Legal and Practical Obstacles with ACOs

Look Before You Leap: Legal and Practical Obstacles with ACOs Look Before You Leap: Legal and Practical Obstacles with ACOs Houston ACO Conference May 7, 2013 Edward Vishnevetsky, Esq. Coordinated Care and ACOs Coordinated Care Goal: ensure that healthcare providers

More information

Frequently Used Health Care Laws

Frequently Used Health Care Laws Frequently Used Health Care Laws In the following section, a select few of the frequently used health care laws will be briefly defined. Of the frequently used health care laws, there are some laws that

More information

Medicare ACO Road Map

Medicare ACO Road Map PYALeadership Briefing Medicare ACO Road Map January, 2013 Medicare ACO Road Map The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) has announced 106 new accountable care organizations ( ACOs ) have

More information

How To Get A Medical Bill Of Health From A Member Of A Health Care Provider

How To Get A Medical Bill Of Health From A Member Of A Health Care Provider Neighborhood requires compliance with all laws applicable to the organization s business, including insistence on compliance with all applicable federal and state laws dealing with false claims and false

More information

COMMENTARY. HHS Announces Next Generation ACO Model of Payment and Care Delivery. Potential Participants. Focus of the Next Gen ACO Model

COMMENTARY. HHS Announces Next Generation ACO Model of Payment and Care Delivery. Potential Participants. Focus of the Next Gen ACO Model April 2015 COMMENTARY HHS Announces Next Generation ACO Model of Payment and Care Delivery On March 10, 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) announced the Next Generation Accountable

More information

New Safe Harbors and Stark Exceptions for Electronic Prescribing and Electronic Health Records Arrangements

New Safe Harbors and Stark Exceptions for Electronic Prescribing and Electronic Health Records Arrangements New Safe Harbors and Stark Exceptions for Electronic Prescribing and Electronic Health Records Arrangements November 15, 2006 Steve Nash and Sara Hill, Holme Roberts & Owen LLP Agenda Introduction Background

More information

ReedSmith. CMS and the OIG Extend Protections for Electronic Health Record Donations. Client Alert. Life Sciences Health Industry Group

ReedSmith. CMS and the OIG Extend Protections for Electronic Health Record Donations. Client Alert. Life Sciences Health Industry Group The business of relationships. SM SM Client Alert Life Sciences Health Industry Group CMS and the OIG Extend Protections for Electronic Health Record Donations Written by Robert J. Hill, Susan A. Edwards

More information

CLINICALLY INTEGRATED NETWORKS: BUSINESS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

CLINICALLY INTEGRATED NETWORKS: BUSINESS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS CLINICALLY INTEGRATED NETWORKS: BUSINESS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS Claire Turcotte, Esquire, Bricker & Eckler LLP Jim Yanci, MS MT (ASCP), Dixon Hughes Goodman Agenda BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS How Fast are

More information

Federal and State Laws Relating to Referrals

Federal and State Laws Relating to Referrals POLICY: Federal and State Laws Relating to Referrals DATE: June 24, 2008 PAGES: 1 of 5 INTRODUCTION POLICY The process of referring patients to health care providers has been the subject of significant

More information

DETAILED SUMMARY--MEDCIARE SHARED SAVINGS/ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) PROGRAM

DETAILED SUMMARY--MEDCIARE SHARED SAVINGS/ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) PROGRAM 1 DETAILED SUMMARY--MEDCIARE SHARED SAVINGS/ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION (ACO) PROGRAM Definition of ACO General Concept An ACO refers to a group of physician and other healthcare providers and suppliers

More information

Washington Scene. Safe Harbor Rules issued for Medicare/Medicaid antikickback law

Washington Scene. Safe Harbor Rules issued for Medicare/Medicaid antikickback law Washington Scene KATHLEEN A. MICHELS, RN, JD Director of Federal Government Affairs AANA Federal Government Affairs Office Washington, DC Safe Harbor Rules issued for Medicare/Medicaid antikickback law

More information

Valuation of Physician Contracts and Structuring Physician Compensation Insights from Recent Judicial Precedent

Valuation of Physician Contracts and Structuring Physician Compensation Insights from Recent Judicial Precedent Health Care Litigation Insights Valuation of Physician Contracts and Structuring Physician Compensation Insights from Recent Judicial Precedent James Rabe, CPA Health care reform continues to motivate

More information

THE CHRIST HOSPITAL POLICY NO. 4.21.113 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY PAGE 1 OF 6 COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE AND STARK LAW

THE CHRIST HOSPITAL POLICY NO. 4.21.113 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY PAGE 1 OF 6 COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE AND STARK LAW ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY PAGE 1 OF 6 POLICY TITLE: ORIGINATED BY: APPROVED BY: COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE AND STARK LAW COMPLIANCE OFFICER COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE REVIEWED/REVISED: 1/2011;

More information

CMS proposed rule on ACOs: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/fr-2011-04-07/pdf/2011-7880.pdf

CMS proposed rule on ACOs: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/fr-2011-04-07/pdf/2011-7880.pdf April 7, 2011 Dear Physician Colleague: On March 31, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its long awaited proposed regulations on the Medicare Shared Savings/Accountable Care

More information

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 42 CFR Chapter IV Office of Inspector General 42 CFR Chapter V [CMS-1439-IFC] RIN 0938-AR30 Medicare Program; Final Waivers

More information

Newsroom. The quality measures are organized into four domains:

Newsroom. The quality measures are organized into four domains: Newsroom People with Medicare will be able to benefit from a new program designed to encourage primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other care providers to coordinate their care under a final

More information

STARK AND ANTI-KICKBACK PROTECTION FOR E-PRESCRIBING AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

STARK AND ANTI-KICKBACK PROTECTION FOR E-PRESCRIBING AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS STARK AND ANTI-KICKBACK PROTECTION FOR E-PRESCRIBING AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS Andrew B. Wachler, Esq. Adrienne Dresevic, Esq. Wachler & Associates, P.C. Royal Oak, Michigan On October 11, 2005, in

More information

SUMMARY OF EXPRESS TERMS. These proposed regulations would: (1) add a new Part 1003 to 10 NYCRR, entitled

SUMMARY OF EXPRESS TERMS. These proposed regulations would: (1) add a new Part 1003 to 10 NYCRR, entitled Accountable Care Organizations Effective date: 12/31/14 SUMMARY OF EXPRESS TERMS These proposed regulations would: (1) add a new Part 1003 to 10 NYCRR, entitled Accountable Care Organizations, to establish

More information

Fraud and Abuse Primer. Stark Law The Anti-Kickback Statute False Claims Act

Fraud and Abuse Primer. Stark Law The Anti-Kickback Statute False Claims Act Fraud and Abuse Primer Stark Law The Anti-Kickback Statute False Claims Act Stark Act 42 U.S.C. 1395nn The Stark II Act prohibits a physician from making a Referral to an entity; for the furnishing of

More information

ACO Antitrust Guidelines: Coordination Among Federal Agencies

ACO Antitrust Guidelines: Coordination Among Federal Agencies theantitrustsource w w w. a n t i t r u s t s o u r c e. c o m D e c e m b e r 2 011 1 ACO Antitrust Guidelines: Coordination Among Federal Agencies Susan DeSanti is the Director of Policy Planning at

More information

Medical Billing and Agreements For Health Care - A Primer

Medical Billing and Agreements For Health Care - A Primer SMITH ANDERSON ACOs: Navigating The Legal Minefield Accountable Care Organizations ( ACOs ) hold great promise, but they are being placed upon a legal framework premised upon the fee-for-service health

More information

Fraud and Abuse Considerations for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

Fraud and Abuse Considerations for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) Fraud and Abuse Considerations for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) By: Chris Rossman, Foley & Lardner LLP, Detroit, Michigan 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) and the Office

More information

The Accountable Care Organization

The Accountable Care Organization The Accountable Care Organization Kim Harvey Looney kim.looney@ 615-850-8722 3968555 1 ACOs: Will I Know One When I See One? Relatively New Concept Derived from Various Demonstration Programs No Set Structure

More information

The Anti-Kickback Statute: A continuing compliance challenge. Suzanne Dallas Castaldo

The Anti-Kickback Statute: A continuing compliance challenge. Suzanne Dallas Castaldo Compliance TODAY February 2014 a publication of the health care compliance association www.hcca-info.org Congratulations, Brian! an interview with Brian Patterson the 6,000 th person actively certified

More information

Solicitation of New Safe Harbors and Special Fraud Alerts. SUMMARY: In accordance with section 205 of the Health Insurance

Solicitation of New Safe Harbors and Special Fraud Alerts. SUMMARY: In accordance with section 205 of the Health Insurance This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 12/23/2015 and available online at http://federalregister.gov/a/2015-32267, and on FDsys.gov DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

More information

CMS-1345-NC2: Waiver Designs in Connection With the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Innovation Center

CMS-1345-NC2: Waiver Designs in Connection With the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Innovation Center Submitted Electronically Donald Berwick, M.D., M.P.P. Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services Room 445-G, Hubert H. Humphrey Building 200 Independence

More information

Legal Issues for Accountable Care Organizations

Legal Issues for Accountable Care Organizations Legal Issues for Accountable Care Organizations Health Care Reform Strategies Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq. ACO Summit June 7, 2010 ACOs in PPACA The Basics Section 3022 of the Protection and Affordable Care

More information

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Training

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Training Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Training The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires annual fraud, waste and abuse training for organizations providing health services to MA or Medicare

More information

GAO MEDICARE. Implementation of Financial Incentive Programs under Federal Fraud and Abuse Laws. Report to Congressional Requesters

GAO MEDICARE. Implementation of Financial Incentive Programs under Federal Fraud and Abuse Laws. Report to Congressional Requesters GAO United States Government Accountability Office Report to Congressional Requesters March 2012 MEDICARE Implementation of Financial Incentive Programs under Federal Fraud and Abuse Laws GAO-12-355 March

More information

UPDATED. Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs

UPDATED. Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs UPDATED Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs Issued May 8, 2013 Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation

More information

General Policy Statement and Standards on Prohibition on Self-Referrals, Kickbacks and Inducements to Refer. Refer to document abstract on Pulse

General Policy Statement and Standards on Prohibition on Self-Referrals, Kickbacks and Inducements to Refer. Refer to document abstract on Pulse POLICY Department: Corporate Compliance and Audit Services Mnemonic: COM Type: S Number: LL-010 Policy Title: General Policy Statement and Standards on Prohibition on Self-rals, Kickbacks and Inducements

More information

The true meaning of ACO is Awesome Consulting Opportunities. - The Weekly Standard, 04/12/11. Consultants

The true meaning of ACO is Awesome Consulting Opportunities. - The Weekly Standard, 04/12/11. Consultants Accountable Care Organizations: Proposed Regulations and the Local Landscape May 26, 2011 John Clark, MD, JD Isaac M. Willett Medical Director, Clinical i l Informatics Attorney Indiana University Health

More information

CMS Mandated Training for Providers, First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities

CMS Mandated Training for Providers, First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities CMS Mandated Training for Providers, First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities I. INTRODUCTION It is the practice of Midwest Health Plan (MHP) to conduct its business with the highest degree of ethics

More information

Bundled Payment and Health Care Reform

Bundled Payment and Health Care Reform Bundled Payment and Health Care Reform A Users Guide to Current Legal Issues June 2012 Prepared by Gerald A. Niederman Shareholder, Health Care Practice Group, Law Firm Polsinelli Shughart, PC 303-583-8204;

More information

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY NURSING HOME SUMMARY OF ANTI-FRAUD AND ABUSE POLICIES

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY NURSING HOME SUMMARY OF ANTI-FRAUD AND ABUSE POLICIES 1. PURPOSE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY NURSING HOME SUMMARY OF ANTI-FRAUD AND ABUSE POLICIES Champaign County Nursing Home ( CCNH ) has established anti-fraud and abuse policies to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse

More information

Department of Health and Human Services. No. 249 December 27, 2013. Part III

Department of Health and Human Services. No. 249 December 27, 2013. Part III Vol. 78 Friday, No. 249 December 27, 2013 Part III Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General 42 CFR Part 1001 Medicare and State Health Care Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Electronic

More information

M E M O R A N D U M. CMS Proposed Rule & Related Agency Notices on Accountable Care Organizations

M E M O R A N D U M. CMS Proposed Rule & Related Agency Notices on Accountable Care Organizations 1501 M Street NW Seventh Floor Washington, DC 20005-1700 Tel: 202.466.6550 Fax: 202.785.1756 M E M O R A N D U M To: From: Clients and Friends Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, PC Date: April 10, 2011 Re:

More information

BAKER DONELSON BAKER S DOZEN

BAKER DONELSON BAKER S DOZEN Thirteen Things Health Care Providers Should Know About Accountable Care Organizations and Health Reform Thomas E. Bartrum, 615.726.5641, tbartrum@bakerdonelson.com With passage of the Patient Protection

More information

Health October 2005. Proposed Health Information Technology Protections Under New Antikickback Statute Safe Harbors and New Stark Exceptions

Health October 2005. Proposed Health Information Technology Protections Under New Antikickback Statute Safe Harbors and New Stark Exceptions Health October 2005 Proposed Health Information Technology Protections Under New Antikickback Statute Safe Harbors and New Stark Exceptions On Tuesday, October 11, the Department of Health and Human Services

More information

Health Law Section Spring Conference May 7, 2013 Scott S. Bell. parsonsbehle.com

Health Law Section Spring Conference May 7, 2013 Scott S. Bell. parsonsbehle.com ANTI-KICKBACK STATUTE AND STARK LAW UPDATE Health Law Section Spring Conference May 7, 2013 Scott S. Bell parsonsbehle.com Anti-Kickback Statute Don t pay for referrals! 2 Anti-Kickback Statute Prohibits

More information

CONTRACT COMPLIANCE GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING. August 13-15, 2014

CONTRACT COMPLIANCE GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING. August 13-15, 2014 GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH ANNUAL SUMMER MEETING August 13-15, 2014 CONTRACT COMPLIANCE Daniel J. Mohan Partner Health Law Group CONTRACT COMPLIANCE Presentation will cover the

More information

Stark, False Claims and Anti- Kickback Laws: Easy Ways to Stay Compliant with the Big Three in Healthcare

Stark, False Claims and Anti- Kickback Laws: Easy Ways to Stay Compliant with the Big Three in Healthcare Stark, False Claims and Anti- Kickback Laws: Easy Ways to Stay Compliant with the Big Three in Healthcare In health care, we are blessed with an abundance of rules, policies, standards and laws. In Health

More information

Health Care Compliance Association 888-580-8373 www.hcca-info.org

Health Care Compliance Association 888-580-8373 www.hcca-info.org Volume Thirteen Number Five Published Monthly Meet the Co-chairs of HCCA s Upper North East Regional Conference, Caron Cullen and Eric Sandhusen page 13 Feature Focus: What your board needs to know about

More information

The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act and Healthcare Reform: Implications for Compliance Initiatives and Fraud Investigations

The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act and Healthcare Reform: Implications for Compliance Initiatives and Fraud Investigations The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act and Healthcare Reform: Implications for Compliance Initiatives and Fraud Investigations Presented by: Robert Threlkeld, Esq. Holly Pierson, Esq. Paul F. Danello,

More information

Discovering a Potential Overpayment: An Law, and Medicare Reimbursement Considerations

Discovering a Potential Overpayment: An Law, and Medicare Reimbursement Considerations Discovering a Potential Overpayment: An Overview of the False Claims Act, Stark Law, and Medicare Reimbursement Considerations, Stockholder, Reid & Riege, P.C., Stockholder, Reid & Riege, P.C. Outline

More information

Accountable Care Organization. Medicare Shared Savings Program. Compliance Plan

Accountable Care Organization. Medicare Shared Savings Program. Compliance Plan Accountable Care Organization Participating In The Medicare Shared Savings Program Compliance Plan 2014 Corporate Location: 3190 Fairview Park Drive Falls Church, VA 22042 ARTICLE I INTRODUCTION This Compliance

More information

Accountable Care Organizations and Provider Integration Under Health Care Reform. Sarah Swank 202.326.5003 seswank@ober.com

Accountable Care Organizations and Provider Integration Under Health Care Reform. Sarah Swank 202.326.5003 seswank@ober.com Accountable Care Organizations and Provider Integration Under Health Care Reform Sarah Swank 202.326.5003 seswank@ober.com February 26, 2014 Overview Affordable Care Act and ACOs Trends in Integration

More information

What is the Meaning of Meaningful Use? How to Decode the Opportunities and Risks in Health Information Technology

What is the Meaning of Meaningful Use? How to Decode the Opportunities and Risks in Health Information Technology What is the Meaning of Meaningful Use? How to Decode the Opportunities and Risks in Health Information Technology Rick Rifenbark and Leeann Habte1 To achieve greater efficiencies in health care, enhanced

More information

TM Nightingale. Home Healthcare. Fraud & Abuse: Prevention, Detection, & Reporting

TM Nightingale. Home Healthcare. Fraud & Abuse: Prevention, Detection, & Reporting Fraud & Abuse: Prevention, Detection, & Reporting What Is Fraud? Fraud is defined as making false statements or representations of facts to obtain benefit or payment for which none would otherwise exist.

More information

FRAUD AND ABUSE (SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS)

FRAUD AND ABUSE (SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS) FRAUD AND ABUSE (SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS) (Information compiled from the Democratic Policy Committee (DPC) Report on The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education

More information

Fraud Waste and Abuse Training First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities

Fraud Waste and Abuse Training First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities Fraud Waste and Abuse Training First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities Revised: 04/2010 OVERVIEW Centene Corporation Purpose Bridgeway Compliance Program Definitions of Fraud Waste & Abuse Laws and

More information

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Senior Care Division and Volunteer State Health Plan

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Senior Care Division and Volunteer State Health Plan BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Senior Care Division and Volunteer State Health Plan Fraud Waste and Abuse Training for Providers, First Tier, Downstream and Related Entities Overview The Centers for

More information

Analysis and Overview of the Medicare Shared Savings Program for Accountable Care Organizations

Analysis and Overview of the Medicare Shared Savings Program for Accountable Care Organizations Analysis and Overview of the Medicare Shared Savings Program for Accountable Care Organizations Table of Contents Analysis and Overview of the Medicare Shared Savings Program for Accountable Care Organizations...

More information

Anti-Referral and Anti-Kickback Laws: A Guide for Home Health Agencies and Hospices Operating in Texas

Anti-Referral and Anti-Kickback Laws: A Guide for Home Health Agencies and Hospices Operating in Texas Anti-Referral and Anti-Kickback Laws: A Guide for Home Health Agencies and Hospices Operating in Texas Prepared for the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice, Inc. July 15, 2010* Patrick Kinder Dallas

More information

Accountable Care Organizations A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1st Edition

Accountable Care Organizations A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1st Edition Accountable Care Organizations A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons 1st Edition AAOS Health Care Systems Committee February, 2011 model, Fairview Health Services in Minnesota, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of

More information

Summary of Medicare Shared Savings Program Final Rule on Accountable Care Organizations

Summary of Medicare Shared Savings Program Final Rule on Accountable Care Organizations Summary of Medicare Shared Savings Program Final Rule on Accountable Care Organizations On November 2, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ) published a Final Rule implementing the

More information

Structuring Physician Recruitment Arrangements in Accordance with the Stark II/Phase II Interim Final Rule

Structuring Physician Recruitment Arrangements in Accordance with the Stark II/Phase II Interim Final Rule Structuring Physician Recruitment Arrangements in Accordance with the Stark II/Phase II Interim Final Rule Stacey A. Tovino satovino@central.uh.edu June 25, 2004 On March 26, 2004, the Centers for Medicare

More information

Addressing Government Investigations. Marcos Daniel Jimenez Partner

Addressing Government Investigations. Marcos Daniel Jimenez Partner Addressing Government Investigations Marcos Daniel Jimenez Partner November 14, 2014 Agenda Statistics Key Players Fraud and Abuse Laws Potential Consequences Mitigation Strategies 2 Key Health Care Fraud

More information

Accountable Care Organizations The Future Integrated Health Care Delivery Model?

Accountable Care Organizations The Future Integrated Health Care Delivery Model? Accountable Care Organizations The Future Integrated Health Care Delivery Model? Maria T. Currier Randy Fenninger Holland & Knight LLP Adventist Health System Annual Legal Retreat October 25, 2010 Orlando,

More information

Provider Participation in ACOs May Hinge on HHS Regulations

Provider Participation in ACOs May Hinge on HHS Regulations Source: Health Law Reporter: News Archive > 2010 > 04/15/2010 > BNA Insights > Provider Participation in ACOs May Hinge on HHS Regulations Provider Participation in ACOs May Hinge on HHS Regulations 19

More information

MEDICAID AND MEDICARE (PARTS C&D) FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE TRAINING

MEDICAID AND MEDICARE (PARTS C&D) FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE TRAINING MEDICAID AND MEDICARE (PARTS C&D) FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE TRAINING Why Do I Need Training/Where Do I Fit in? Why Do I Need Training? Every year millions of dollars are improperly spent because of fraud,

More information

Developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Every year millions of dollars are improperly spent because of fraud, waste, and abuse. It affects everyone. Including YOU. This training will

More information

Under section 1128A(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (the Act), enacted as part of

Under section 1128A(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (the Act), enacted as part of OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL SPECIAL ADVISORY BULLETIN OFFERING GIFTS AND OTHER INDUCEMENTS TO BENEFICIARIES August 2002 Introduction Under section 1128A(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (the Act), enacted

More information

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering the application of the. provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) governing tax-exempt bonds to

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering the application of the. provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) governing tax-exempt bonds to Part III - Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous Private business use of tax-exempt bond financed facilities Notice 2014-67 SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is considering

More information

Touchstone Health Training Guide: Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention

Touchstone Health Training Guide: Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Touchstone Health Training Guide: Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention About the Training Guide Touchstone is providing this Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention Training Guide as a resource for meeting Centers

More information

Stark Law and Related Limitations on Financial Interests in Health Care Reimbursement

Stark Law and Related Limitations on Financial Interests in Health Care Reimbursement Stark Law and Related Limitations on Financial Interests in Health Care Reimbursement Linda Grimms, Assistant Attorney General Oregon Department of Justice January 6, 2012 Context This Report was prepared

More information