Health Law

House Will Study Behavioral Health, Early Childhood Intervention, and More - 12/02/2019

Among a number of health care-related topics, the Texas House of Representatives during the interim “off” year in 2020 will study the state’s behavioral health system, child trafficking prevention, and the effect of technology and “big data” on insurance. House Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) released the chamber’s interim charges last week.

Steering Clear of Trouble - 09/01/2017

Pharmacies that compound topical creams and gels of questionable or nonexistent efficacy and then bill insurance for huge amounts are a growing problem, especially in the Texas workers' compensation program. Sometimes, they convince physicians to play a part in their schemes, offering kickbacks or other inducements in exchange for referrals. It's a nasty business doctors need to know is out there — and strictly avoid.

When Drug Enforcement Agents Come Knocking - 05/02/2017

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents turn up in your office wanting to ask you questions. They announce they have a right to inspect your records without warning. ...

Houston Heart Surgeon Wins Millions in Defamation Claim - 04/06/2017

A Harris County jury has awarded $6.4 million in damages to a Houston cardiothoracic surgeon whom TMA supported in his years-long battle with Memorial Hermann Health System over a defamation claim.

Physical Therapy in a Physician’s Office - 03/16/2017

Is it legal for me or one of my employees to perform “physical therapy” within the confines of my medical practice office, or would that violate a licensing code?

Victory: Anthem-Cigna Merger Blocked by Court - 02/15/2017

In a significant win for organized medicine and the nation's patients, federal judge Amy Berman Jackson blocked the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger. She found that the merger would have substantially lessened competition for the sale of health insurance to national employers, resulting in higher prices and diminished prospects for innovation. Anthem Inc. planned to take over Cigna for $50 billion. American Medical Association findings show the Anthem-Cigna merger would enhance market power in 85 metropolitan areas within 13 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.

Four Stark Law Tips Worth Noting - 12/06/2016

The Stark (physician self-referral) and antikickback laws are nothing if not complicated. That’s why we asked the health care attorney who “wrote the book” on these topics to highlight a few areas that may be of interest to many physicians.

Deadline for Business Associate Agreements: Sept. 22 - 11/08/2016

If you are a HIPAA covered entity, all of your business associate (BA) agreements must comply with the HIPAA Omnibus Rule by Sept. 22, 2014.

One Last Shot - 07/01/2016

Texas' right-to-try law makes experimental drugs more accessible to terminally ill patients when all other FDA-approved treatment options are unavailable or are unlikely to prolong life.