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The CMS has issued an informational only brochure regarding the EMTALA and the Born Alive Infant Protection Act of 2002. This states that any born alive infant is a person and is protected as such. They are to be given a screening exam and stabilizing treatment within their capabilities. The brochure also suggests that OBs discuss during the pre-natal period what to do if an emergency arises.
CMS is proposing a new way to pay radiation oncologists less. They are rolling out a proposed episodic payment which will require risk sharing and quality measures. Less pay and more work.
The administration has reversed its stance on drug rebates and has dropped its push to end the rebates from drug makers to middlemen who negotiate. Too bad they caved on this.
As many struggle after California makes the individual mandate required for insurance and takes away the potential for cheaper insurance the pols made free healthcare to illegal immigrants up to age 25. This is via Medicaid.
North Dakota fined Blue Cross/Shield $125,000 for violating the parity state laws on mental health, preauthorization and telehealth. Top
Connecticut has told Connecticut Valley Hospital, a mental health facility that they are in danger of losing their funding. This has to do with one patient who likes to ingest foreign objects requiring surgery. The latest was swallowing batteries from a headset he was given while a staff member slept outside of his door. Previously he had eaten a nail. razor, top of a beer can, paper clips. Each time he was taken to the acute care hospital and needed surgery. The hospital reported the incidents.
Houston, There is something wrong. A third hospital has been sanctioned in this city. Harris Health System's Ben Taub Hospital did not report a death as required. The hospital is now under federal authority. Prior MD Anderson and Baylor St. Luke's were sanctioned.
Seattle Children's Hospital was cited by CMS for multiple safety violations related to mold. They had to close all their ORs for several days to get rid of the Aspergillus. At least one has died from the mold. Top
California is stingy with Medicaid payments to physicians. Physicians will not see Medicaid patients unless told to by an employer. California is attempting to bribe physicians with the offer to help repay student loans if they have at least 30% Medicaid patients in their practices. The bribe is up to $300,000 over five years. 1300 applied and 247 were taken depending on their commitment to the underserved, location and specialty.
California, starting July 1 this year, has a law that requires all physicians going forward that are put on probation for serious stuff to verbally tell their patients about their wrongful acts and have them sign a form stating they have been told. Top
DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the
time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers
should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the
information presented.