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California Dental Practice Pays $23,000 Settlement For Potential HIPAA Privacy Violations Involving Yelp Posts

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 14, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) settled with New Vision Dental (NVD) over a potential HIPAA Privacy violation. The California-based dental practice paid $23,000 to OCR and agreed to implement a corrective action plan after allegedly including protected health information (PHI) in its responses to reviews on Yelp.

The Complaint and Investigation.

On November 29, 2017, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) received a complaint alleging New Vision Dental had posted responses to several unfavorable reviews by patients on Yelp and frequently disclosed confidential protected health information (PHI) in its responses. For example, in some posts, patients were allegedly identified, and NVD revealed their full names when the patient may have only chosen to use a made-up name on the platform. Other information allegedly posted included detailed information about the patient’s visits, treatment, and health insurance, when that information had not been posted publicly by the patient.

The federal agency’s investigation found potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, including impermissible uses and disclosures of PHI and failures to provide adequate Notice of Privacy Practices and implement Privacy policies and procedures. “This latest enforcement action demonstrates the importance of following the law even when you are using social media. Providers cannot disclose protected health information of their patients when responding to negative online reviews. This is a clear ‘NO,’” said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer in a statement.

In addition to the settlement, NVD agreed to implement a corrective action plan (CAP) that will be monitored for two years by OCR. As part of its CAP, the dental practice agreed to develop, revise, and maintain written policies and procedures to comply with federal privacy and security standards. All workforce members will also receive training on those policies and procedures, and NVD is required to remove all social media postings that include PHI.

The resolution agreement and CAP can be viewed here.

Guidelines for Appropriate use of Social Media and Social Networking.

Healthcare professionals are discouraged from interacting with current or past patients on personal social networking sites and should never, under any circumstances, reveal personal information about the patient or the patient’s treatment or care. Online interaction with patients should only occur when discussing the patient’s medical treatment within the physician-patient relationship and with written, signed consent by the patient to use e-mail or other online services for such messaging. These interactions should never occur on personal social networking or social media websites.

Patient privacy must be protected at all times, especially on social media and social networking websites. Breaches in patient confidentiality could harm the patient and violate federal privacy laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and applicable state privacy laws.

Failure to Comply With HIPAA Can Result in Both Civil and Criminal Penalties.

This penalty was the 21st financial penalty to be imposed by OCR in 2022 to resolve HIPAA violations, more than in any other year since it was given the authority to enforce HIPAA compliance. With the increased popularity and availability of social media platforms also comes an increase in potential privacy violations. To read a previous blog I wrote on this, click here.

If Notified of a HIPAA Investigation or Audit, Consult an Experience Health Law Attorney Immediately.

If you receive notice that you have a HIPAA Privacy Complaint, are suspected of a HIPAA breach, or are subject to a HIPAA audit, consult with an experienced health care attorney immediately. There are many technicalities to these laws and regulations, and what may initially seem like a violation may be proven to be nothing. Many defenses can be raised, and often a complaint may be dismissed by the OCR once the correct facts are shown to it by your attorney.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late, Contact a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Defending HIPAA Complaints and Violations.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers and institutions in investigating and defending alleged HIPAA complaints and violations and in preparing Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).

For more information about HIPAA violations, electronic health records or corrective action plans (CAPs) please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620.

Sources:

Alder, Steve. “OCR Fines California Dental Practice for PHI Disclosures on Yelp.” HIPAA Journal. (December 14, 2022). Web.

McKeon, Jill. “OCR Settles Potential HIPAA Violation After Dental Practice Discloses PHI on Yelp.” Health Care It News. (December 14, 2022).

Health News Weekly. “California Dental Practice Pays $23,000 to Resolve Potential HIPAA Violations Involving Social Media Posts.” AHLA. (December 16, 2022). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Current Open Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm always seeks qualified individuals interested in health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a current member of The Florida Bar or a qualified professional who is interested, please forward a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax them to (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2023 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Many Adverse NPDB Actions Are Reported That Should Not Be; Here Are Examples

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

We are constantly being contacted by physicians, nurse practitioners and other licensed health professionals seeking to appeal adverse National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports. Often, we find that an adverse report has been made when the matter should not have been. Federal regulations and NPDB guidelines establish the types of incidents that are authorized to be reported to the NPDB. When an employer or other organization makes an improper report, it should be challenged and removed.

Types of Matters That Are Not Authorized for NPDB Reports.

Following are some of the incidents for which we have seen adverse NPDB reports that were improperly made:

–Physician or nurse practitioner employed by hospital fired.

–Physician’s contract with a medical group or hospital terminated for cause.

–Hospital medical staff takes action against a physician or nurse practitioner requiring that individual to take continuing education courses on a certain subject.

–Physician’s clinical privileges are administratively suspended because of late medical records or notes.

–Physician or nurse practitioner has clinical privileges summarily suspended for less than 30 days while an investigation or inquiry occurs.

–Adverse action against or findings of substandard care made against an intern or resident physician are not reportable because they do not have clinical privileges.

–Withdrawal of an initial application for clinical privileges in order to avoid a denial (note: not a renewal application, an initial application).

–Adverse action a hospital takes based on the individual’s fees or advertising.

–Payment of a medical malpractice settlement because a hospital, nurse or different individual was negligent.

–Termination of clinical privileges because of inability to obtain board certification or failure to meet other eligibility criteria.

–Withdrawal of an initial application for a state license to avoid a denial (note: not a renewal application, an initial one).

–Resigning from or allowing membership in a professional association to expire before a final adverse decision by that association is made is not reportable (note: this is unlike the situation from hospital clinical privileges or action by a state licensing board).

–Termination of clinical privileges or state license because of medical reasons.

There are many others. We see them all the time.

Improperly Reported to the NPDB? Get a Lawyer and Challenge It!

If you are reported improperly to the NPDB, you need to retain the services of a good health lawyer experienced with NPDB issues. An adverse NPDB report can follow you for life and can make future employment very difficult. An experienced health lawyer will know exactly what to do to have the improper report removed.

Click here to read one of my prior blogs on how to fight back against adverse NPDB reports.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late, Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys.

The Health Law Firm attorneys routinely represent physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurses, nurse practitioners (NPs), dentists and other health professionals in dealing with reports being made to the NPDB, disputing NPDB reports and appealing NPDB reports, hospital clinical privileges hearings, medical staff fair hearings, medical staff peer reviews. Its attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Current Open Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm always seeks qualified individuals interested in health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a current member of The Florida Bar or a qualified professional who is interested, please forward a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax them to (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

No part of this work may be reproduced in any form in any medium without the express written permission of the copyright holder. The copyright holder reserves the exclusive right to have his name associated with this work.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:09-04:00April 1, 2024|Categories: Dental Law Blog, Health Facilities Law Blog, Nursing Law Blog|Tags: appeal of National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report, attorney for medical staff fair hearings, Attorney to challenge adverse NPDB report near me, health law defense attorney, healthcare license defense attorney, hospital medical staff clinical privileges hearing, legal representation for Air Force physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report, legal representation for challenge of adverse report to NPDB, legal representation lawyer for Army physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) adverse report, Medicaid defense lawyer, medical license defense lawyer, medical staff clinical privileges hearings defense lawyer, medical staff peer review defense lawyer, Medicare audit investigation defense lawyer, military physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report lawyer, National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report attorney, Navy physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report defense attorney, NPDB appelaa lawyer near me, OIG exclusion termination letter defense attorney, OIG Medicare termination exclusion letter defense lawyer, physician suspension probation defense attorney, representation for medical professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Veterans Administration (VA) adverse National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report attorney|Comments Off

When the DEA Comes Knocking: 15 Tips If You Find Yourself Facing a “Routine” DEA Inspection

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

As the United States continues to open back up from the COVID-19 shutdown, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is resuming on-site routine inspections. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure compliance and regulatory efforts are in place.

This is part 1 of a 2-part blog series. Check back for part 2 of this blog series soon!

DEA Inspections and Site Visits: Subpoenas.

DEA agents are often pushy, demanding, and intimidating. They will try to use subpoenas (which are merely requests for documents that afford you at least ten days to produce the requested documents) as search warrants. THEY ARE NOT. They will try to use an administrative subpoena to obtain documents and get your testimony immediately. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PRODUCE THEM RIGHT AWAY. A copy of a sample subpoena used by the DEA is on our website for reference here.

Not Just a Routine Audit, Inspection, or Investigation.

Beware the “Notice of Inspection of Controlled Premises” (DEA Form 82). Although the DEA often treats it as one, it is not a search warrant. Also, it is probably NOT a “Routine Inspection.” IT WILL NOT TAKE ONLY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.

We have had several clients who have had to close down their businesses all day to try to accommodate the demands of the agents performing their “routine inspection.” The DEA should not cause you to shut down or should not cause you to turn away patients. It should not interfere with your patient services or your ability to provide them. You can ask them to come back at a later date.

The DEA often refers to “routine audits” as “Accountability Investigations” and requires the pharmacy or registrant to be given certain rights in connection with it. For example, DEA Form 82 states you are given the following rights:

1.    The constitutional right not to have an administrative inspection without an Administrative Inspection Warrant (AIW),
2.    Has the right to refuse consent to such an inspection,
3.    Presented with a Notice of Inspection,
4.    Given consent voluntarily, without threats of any kind,
5.    May withdraw consent at any time during the course of the inspection, and
6.    Incriminating evidence may be seized and used in criminal prosecution.

Although the DEA agent may tell you that the site visit is “completely random,” do not believe it. If the DEA agent has brought a list of records to obtain from you, try to keep a copy of it, as your lawyer may find it very useful later when they are defending you.

What to Do When Confronted with a DEA Inspection or Site Visit.

1.    Notify the owner right away. If you are not the owner, don’t sign anything, give permission, or agree to anything. You probably have no authority to do so.

2.    Call your health lawyer and get them over immediately. This is an emergency!

3.    Yes, you have the right to consult with your attorney; do not believe them if they say you can’t (which they may do, believe it or not).

4.    Request photo identification from everyone to ensure the individuals are who they say they are. No identification? No access. Federal agents, including DEA agents, will always have their photo ID.

5.    Obtain a business card from each person present. DEA agents always carry business cards. If they do not have one, you will have to write all contact information for that agent from their photo id card (or photocopy, if they will allow you to do so).

6.    Do the same as the above for anyone else the DEA brings, whether they claim to be a federal or state investigator, Department of Health investigator, or local police. Please note that our experience has been that the DEA and state agencies contend that they don’t go on joint inspections or investigations (however, we don’t believe this to be true). Therefore, get all parties’ information at the very start, or you may never get it until they testify against you.

7.    DO NOT SIGN A VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT TO RELINQUISH YOUR DEA REGISTRATION. Agents may try to pressure and intimidate you into signing one by telling you it will be easier if you sign it. They might even try to scare you by warnings of criminal prosecution unless you sign it. Yes, you have the right to consult with an attorney before deciding whether or not to sign it (they may falsely tell you that you don’t). However, once you sign it, it is gone. If you are a prescribing physician or health professional, your authority to prescribe is gone forever. If you are a pharmacy/pharmacist, your ability to order or fill any controlled substances is forever gone. So go ahead and put a sign on the door that says “CLOSED-Out of Business.”

8.    Before the inspection begins, you should be given a form to read and sign. If not, request it. It will usually be a DEA Form 82 “Notice of Inspection of Controlled Premises” Form. Before the inspection, it should be read, explained, agreed to, and signed, not during or after.

9.    Read the form carefully. You have the right to fax it, scan and e-mail it, or call and read it to your attorney before you sign it. If it says you have the right to refuse the inspection, consider putting it off until a later date. Especially if you are busy and have patients you must serve.

10.    Obtain a copy of the form (inspection form or subpoena) at the beginning and keep it. You will need this later.

11.    Obtain a complete, detailed receipt for any documents, prescriptions, or other items taken by the agents. Again, since this is not a search warrant, the DEA does not have the authority to take your only originals and leave you without a copy.

12.    You may or may not be in serious trouble and subject to future criminal charges or administrative action to revoke your DEA registration. Your attorney should be able to evaluate this and advise you. Don’t bother to ask the agents, as they will not tell you what is in your own best interest to know.

13.    If you don’t have an attorney who is experienced in health law and DEA defense, get one NOW. You should begin preparing now. It often takes the DEA a year or more to work up charges against you. Once you are served with charges, you will only have a very short time to prepare your defense. It is a completely unfair system for the subject of charges as the government will have longer to prepare its case against you than you have to prepare your defense. Take advantage of the time you have. Do not waste it.

14.    Be polite and do not argue with a DEA agent.

15.    Do not volunteer information, but never tell a lie. Making a false statement to any federal agent is a felony criminal offense. A subpoena for documents is not an authorization to interrogate you. A search warrant is not an authorization to interrogate you.

Lastly, don’t forget to check back to read part 2 of this blog series.

Please remember: This blog’s statements are opinions based on our experience. If you do not agree with it, then you are probably the DEA.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, pharmacists, pharmacies, medical groups, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, psychologists and other health providers in Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Current Open Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm always seeks qualified individuals interested in health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a current member of The Florida Bar or a qualified professional who is interested, please forward a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax them to (407) 331-3030.

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“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Under Medical Peer Review from the Military or the VA? Get Experienced Legal Representation Now

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Our firm is often consulted by military physicians, Veterans Administration (VA) physicians, and former military and VA physicians concerning matters involving peer reviews of their care. In the military, whether Army, Navy, or Air Force, peer review for all physicians is now governed by one general department. The Department of Defense (DOD) Regulation, that is, Defense Health Agency Procedures Manual (abbreviated DHA PM) 6025.13, became effective October 1, 2019. VA physicians have different, but somewhat similar regulations that apply to them.

We are often consulted by these physicians, who no longer serve with those agencies, or after action has already been taken to report them to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) for allegedly substandard care. Such reports go into the NPDB for fifty (50) years and are reported to all state licensing boards and to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).

They can haunt a physician’s career for life.

What Should You Do When Notified of a Claim, Investigation, Peer Review Action, or Quality Assurance Investigation (QAI)?

When you first notice that you are the subject of or named in a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) claim or any type of inquiry or investigation related to your care, you should consult with a healthcare attorney with experience in such matters. We are few and far between, but you can find us if you look for us.

You will usually have at least two opportunities to provide input into such matters, but you need to take advantage of the earliest opportunity to influence the outcome.

1.You must obtain and review a copy of the medical record.

2.You need to have an expert in your medical field review the case for you.

3.You can request an extension of time if needed.

What Are Questions I Should Ask of an Attorney with Whom I Consult?

These are the questions that I suggest you ask any attorney you consult with:

1.What is your experience dealing with the military or VA medical system?

2.How many similar matters of this nature have you handled?

3.Are you familiar with National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, challenges and appeals?

4.How many NPDB matters have you handled?

5.How many cases have you handled in which you assisted in making statements for input into such investigations or inquiries?

6.Are you familiar with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) taking DOD NPDB reports out from under the regular NPDB procedures?

7.How many military or VA quality assurance investigations have you represented physicians?

8.How many VA and military peer review/clinical privileges hearings have you done?

9.How familiar are you with hospitals and health systems?

10.How familiar are you with the military medical system, the roles of the Surgeons General, and the Department of Defense Division of Health Affairs (DOD HA)?

11.How familiar are you with DOD PM 6025.13?

12.How familiar are you with: VHA Directive 1190 (Peer Review for Quality Management), VHA Handbook 1050.01 (VHA National Patient Safety Improvement Handbook), VHA Handbook 1100.17 (National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports), VHA Handbook 1100.19 (Credentialing and Privileging), VHA Directive 2008-077 (Quality Management (QM) and Patient Safety Activities . . . ), VHA Directive 1026 (VHA Enterprise Framework for Quality, Safety and Management), and VA Handbook 5120/14 (Employee/Management Relations)?

Don’t Wait Until After the Decision to Report You Has Been Made.

Don’t wait until the final decision has been made to report you to obtain experienced legal counsel to represent you in defending yourself against allegations of substandard care. Avail yourself of any and all opportunities to provide your concise, objective, and well-reasoned medical rationale for your care at the earliest stage you are allowed to do so.

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620

Attorney Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm is always looking for qualified attorneys interested in the practice of health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a member of The Florida Bar and are interested, forward a cover letter and your resume to: [email protected] or fax to: (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

Copyright © 2024 George F. Indest III, The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any way in any medium without the written permission of the copyright owner. The author of this work reserves the right to have his name associated with any use or publication of this work or any part of it.

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:09-04:00March 19, 2024|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: Air Force Physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, Appeal of National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, Army Physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, defense lawyer for NPDB report, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) subpoena defense attorney, Florida health law defense attorney, health law defense attorney, healthcare licensure representation, Hospital clinical privileges hearings, legal representation for reporting to the NPDB, medical license defense lawyer, Medical Staff clinical privileges hearings, Medical staff fair hearings, Medical staff peer review, Military physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, Navy Physician National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports, Physician probation, representation for healthcare professionals, representation for medical professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Veterans Administration (VA) National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports|Comments Off

What You Need to Know Right Now If the DEA is Knocking on Your Door!

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) knocking at your door or, even worse, going through your files inside your office?

If so, this is what you need to know right now!

YES, you do have the right to call your attorney. Call your attorney right now. If you cannot, ask one of your employees or spouse to call your attorney. Get your attorney involved right now!

NO, do not sign a document to relinquish or voluntarily give up your DEA registration number. If you do so, this will probably be the biggest mistake you make in your life.

NO, do not sign a document waiving your right to a grand jury investigation before the DEA is authorized to charge you. Why would you voluntarily give up one of your most important constitutional rights?

Don’t Get Fooled By What the DEA Agents Tell You.

The DEA has the reputation (and, in my experience, deservedly so) of making false statements to individuals about what will happen to them or not happen to them if they do not “Cooperate” with the DEA by giving up their rights.

Often they will handcuff the pharmacist or the physician who is the subject of their raid, search warrant, or subpoena as a method of intimidating them. Then they will threaten the person by arresting them and jailing them immediately if they do not sign a “voluntary” relinquishment of their DEA registration. Yet once you do this, your DEA registration is gone, and you will most likely never get one again.

We have even had the report from a physician recently where the DEA agents, during executing a search warrant (not an arrest warrant, by the way), of having the doctor sign a document waiving her right to having a grand jury hearing on any charges she may have been facing. The threat was that she needed to waive her rights or be arrested on the spot and taken to jail. She signed without consulting an attorney.

If you are a pharmacist or pain management physician, or you own or operate a pain management practice, or if you prescribe or dispense opioids, you must have the name and phone number of a good health lawyer and a good criminal lawyer on hand and post at all times! It is only a matter of time before you need to use it.

Have this information in your wallet and taped to every telephone and computer in your office. But use it right away. Call your attorney right away. Your attorney will come over or brief you on what to do or not do.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Representing Pharmacies and Pharmacists.

The Health Law Firm represents pharmacists and pharmacies in DEA, DOH, and FDA investigations, qui tam and whistleblower cases, regulatory matters, licensing issues, litigation, administrative hearings, inspections, and audits. The firm’s attorneys include those who are board certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law, as well as licensed health professionals who are also attorneys.

To contact The Health Law Firm, call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free (888) 331-6620 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave. Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620. Toll-Free: (888) 331-6620.

Current Open Positions with The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm always seeks qualified individuals interested in health law. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. If you are a current member of The Florida Bar or a qualified professional who is interested, please forward a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or fax them to (407) 331-3030.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2022 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Many Adverse NPDB Actions Are Reported That Should Not Be; Here Are Examples

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

We are constantly being contacted by physicians, nurse practitioners, and other licensed health professionals seeking to appeal adverse National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports. Often, we find that an adverse report has been made when the matter should not have been. Federal regulations and NPDB guidelines establish the types of incidents authorized to be reported to the NPDB. When an employer or other organization makes an improper report, it should be challenged and removed.