Vimala Devassy

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HHS Proposes Rule Strengthening Section 1557 Protections Against Nondiscrimination in Health Activities

Photo of Justin ChavezPhoto of Vimala DevassyBy Justin Chavez and Vimala Devassy on Posted in Healthcare
On Aug. 4, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its proposed rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Care and Activities (Proposed Rule), to revise its regulations pertaining to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The aim of Section 1557 is to ensure access to health care and coverage in certain health programs … Continue Reading

HHS and DOJ Issue Joint Guidance on Nondiscriminatory Telehealth Practices

Photo of Vimala DevassyPhoto of Justin ChavezBy Vimala Devassy and Justin Chavez on Posted in Healthcare
To coincide with the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (CRT) jointly issued Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth: Federal Protections to Ensure Accessibility to People with Disabilities and Limited English Proficient Persons … Continue Reading

Structuring Clinical Practices to Prevent Pitfalls – Deeply Rooted Corporate Practice Doctrine Remains Strong

Photo of Vimala DevassyPhoto of Ernessa McKieBy Vimala Devassy and Ernessa McKie on Posted in Uncategorized
With growing patient demands, advanced technology and payer restraints, healthcare providers are increasingly exploring management agreements with experienced companies to handle the daily operations of their clinical practice. However, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the potential pitfalls in doing so, especially given the deeply rooted corporate practice of medicine doctrine in many states, … Continue Reading

OIG Report Estimates CMS Paid Millions in Erroneous Meaningful Use Incentives

Photo of Kyle GregoryPhoto of Vimala DevassyBy Kyle Gregory and Vimala Devassy on Posted in Uncategorized
On June 12, 2017 the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report entitled Medicare Paid Hundreds of Millions in Electronic Health Record Incentive Payments That Did Not Comply With Federal Requirements (Report) which estimates that between May 2011 and June 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services … Continue Reading

Hold the Phone! The Joint Commission Reinstates Ban on Texting Orders

Photo of Vimala DevassyBy Elizabeth O’Connell and Vimala Devassy on Posted in Uncategorized
The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took a firm stance against physicians texting patient orders in a recent joint statement, clarifying that it is not acceptable for physicians or licensed independent practitioners to text orders for patient care, treatment or services to hospitals or other healthcare providers. Instead, computerized … Continue Reading

ONC Contracting Guide Aims to Restore Balanced Bargaining Between Providers and EHR Vendors

Photo of Vimala DevassyBy Vimala Devassy and Elizabeth O’Connell on Posted in Uncategorized
The HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently published a contracting Guide to assist healthcare providers when entering into electronic health record (EHR) contracts with EHR vendors. Issued in response to provider complaints that EHR contracts often contain hidden fees and restrictions that prevent sharing of patient health records with other providers, … Continue Reading
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