Law & Malpractice

Although healthcare is riddled with potential legal issues, there are several key laws that every physician should understand. Here are four of them.

State HIPAA laws typically work in tandem with federal rulings. And, in the case of legal action, related state statutes are found to apply.

As CMS' bureaucracy morphs meaningful use quality reports to meaningless busywork, it converts quality incentives to penalties to enforce compliance.

Five recommendations to help ensure your medical practice has clear, consistent staff benefit and compensation policies that comply with state law.

The confidentiality and integrity of protected health information should be a primary goal for all who handle it.

EHRs can be expensive for small practices. But a stipulation of the Stark Law allows a hospital to donate funds and partner with you for meaningful use.

The last 60 days of the year are a key selling window for both good and bad tax reduction schemes. Make sure you cover all your bases.

At the MGMA 2014 conference, attendees learned about key elements of HIPAA compliance they may be overlooking. Many have to do with changes to patient rights.

The HIPAA audit program under the Office for Civil Rights is expanding and changing. Is your practice prepared?

Despite a recent expose by The Wall Street Journal, the in-office ancillary exception to the Stark Law will remain the most commonly used tool by practices.

Physicians have a great opportunity to bargain shop for high quality malpractice insurance. But they must remember their priorities, and above all, buy quality.

The turn of the calendar to 2015 means year-long reporting of meaningful use under CMS' EHR Incentive Programs. Here's how to prepare.

The last quarter of 2014 is the last chance for eligible professionals to get meaningful use incentive payments. Here's how to ensure you attest properly.

Robert M. Tennant of the MGMA explores how to keep patient interactions at your medical practice HIPAA compliant.

Robert M. Tennant of the MGMA looks at the effect HIPAA is playing on the daily work flow at medical practices nationwide.

Robert M. Tennant of the MGMA looks at the effect HIPAA is playing on the use of health IT at medical practices.

Meaningful use requirements that require more patient engagement may be the most difficult for physicians. Here's how to meet them head on at your practice.

While new technology brings great opportunities to medical practices, it also raises new challenges when attempting to keep protected health information secure.

Make sure you are aware of these legal changes: medical malpractice cap limits; third-party billing practices; and enforcement of Notice of Privacy Practices.

The end of the year is a time when doctors begin thinking of ways to reduce their income tax exposure. Be wary: it is also a time rife with abusive tax plans.

Confidentiality, integrity, and encryption are all items that need to be addressed within a medical practice's data security policy for business associates.

Looking to report to cancer and special registries as part of your Stage 2 attestation? Here's what your medical practice needs to know first.

Here's what physicians and medical practices should do if a parent asks if his child can be seen without the parent being present.

Physicians who buy a medical practice assume a large spectrum of risk beyond their personal medical malpractice liability.

The misdiagnosis of the Dallas Ebola patient who recently died raises several liability issues for physicians.