
Many physicians fail to review or update their informed consent forms to ensure they comply with state laws, standards of practice, and specific regulations.

Ericka L. Adler, JD, LLM has practiced in the area of regulatory and transactional healthcare law for more than 20 years. She represents physicians and other healthcare providers across the country in their day-to-day legal needs, including contract negotiations, sale transactions, and complex joint ventures. She also works with providers on a wide variety of compliance issues such as Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and HIPAA. Ericka has been writing for Physicians Practice since 2011.

Many physicians fail to review or update their informed consent forms to ensure they comply with state laws, standards of practice, and specific regulations.

In preparing for 2014, make sure you consider the changes in the benefits your practice may offer.

Physicians without proper opioid prescribing policies may unknowingly help patients engage in illegal activities, and they could face liability issues.

Physicians need to talk with advisers about the new ethical and business dilemmas that will be posed by high-deductible insurance plans.

Physicians must think twice before sending any potentially critical information regarding a colleague via e-mail or other casual form of communication.

Studies show that bullying is common in healthcare settings. Here's how to identify it and address it.

Earlier this week, new HIPAA mandates went into effect. Is your practice in compliance?

A bill proposed in Congress would significantly revise the current IOAS exception.

While there is little to recommend this film overall, the idea of humans desperate for healthcare is not a very futuristic idea at all.

Treating family members may seem like an easy and convenient option, but it can lead to big problems. Here's why.

Think carving out Medicare and Medicaid patients from your business arrangements makes you safe from federal fraud and abuse laws? Think again.

Physician practices must constantly review existing restrictive covenant provisions to ensure they are compliant with state law.

Physicians considering changing their status as enrolled and participating Medicare providers must be aware of their options and legal requirements.

Medicare and Medicaid providers must return overpayments once identified. Here are two different refund approaches for practices to consider when necessary.

Opportunities to practice telemedicine are emerging due to improved technology and reimbursement. Still, there are some legal issues to consider.

Medical practices must screen prospective providers to identify those excluded from federal healthcare programs.

Your practice may want to consider purchasing insurance to cover the costs of a potential HIPAA breach.

President Obama’s proposed 2014 federal budget includes changes that could affect many practices providing in-office ancillary services.

Recent OIG alert includes a warning to physicians involved in physician-owned distributorships and important considerations for those considering involvement.

Physicians must consider both the benefits and burdens before participating in clinical studies.

Becoming a medical home could help independent practices survive, but it may not be the right step for all independent practices to take.

Review your medical practice’s contracts to ensure you are prepared to handle distributing EHR incentive payments before they arrive in the mail.

Physicians should think twice before doing business with laboratories that offer the opportunity to profit from your business relationship.

The HIPAA final rule, released Jan. 17, 2013, includes new guidance regarding the transfer of medical records.

Some of the key items outlined in the Physician Payment Sunshine Act final rule and how physicians can prepare for enforcement.

Importing drugs that are not FDA approved can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties and poor patient care.

A look at some of the specific changes included in the HIPAA omnibus final rule that will impact your medical practice.

Providers across the country are questioning what should be done if they believe a patient poses a threat to others. Here’s some guidance.

Legislative interference in the operation of your medical practice is evident across the U.S. Here are some examples.

From increasing HIPAA training among staff to stepping up billing compliance efforts, here are key action steps to consider making in the New Year.