Supreme Court Rules Against HHS in Hospital Medicare Reimbursement Case

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

On June 15, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court said the federal government improperly cut more than $1 billion a year in Medicare reimbursements to hospitals.  This came in a ruling that limits regulators’ power to control what the program pays for certain drugs.  In this case, the Supreme Court justices sided unanimously with a group of hospitals suing over drug reimbursement rates for facilities that serve low-income communities. In writing for the court, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) improperly calculated reimbursement rates using a methodology Congress authorized for use only in limited circumstances.

Were the Reimbursement Cuts Unlawful?

The Supreme Court overturned a lower court’s 2020 decision that HHS had the authority to reduce the yearly Medicare reimbursement rates for a group of hospitals serving low income communities. Click here to view the July 31, 2020 decision.

The high court found the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit erred in 2020 when it allowed the HHS to reduce Medicare payments, by roughly $1.6 billion, for outpatient drugs that had helped subsidize the operations of the hospitals.  The Supreme Court’s decision did not extend so far as to undermine HHS authority, but only stated how the agency acted unlawfully in accordance with its varying rates for hospitals under the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

“In short, the statute allows HHS to set reimbursement rates based on average price and affords the agency discretion to ‘adjust’ the price up or down. But unless HHS conducts a survey of hospitals’ acquisition costs, HHS may not vary the reimbursement rates by hospital group,” Justice Kavanaugh wrote in the ruling.


Regulating Reimbursement Rates Under the 340B Program.

Under Medicare, health care providers get reimbursed by the government for expenses, including medications used in hospital outpatient departments. Previously, hospitals had been getting reimbursed at a rate based on the average price of the drugs. However, in 2018, the HHS, under then-President Donald Trump, cut payments for outpatient drugs by 28.5% to hospitals receiving money under the 340B program.

The department found that reimbursements were too high because these hospitals obtain the drugs from manufacturers at a deep discount, an issue that also resulted in excessive patient co-payments. Additionally, the resulting cut dealt “a crushing blow to providers that were already operating on razor-thin  margins and to the vulnerable populations they serve,” the hospitals told the justices in a court filing.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that “absent a survey of hospitals’ acquisition costs,” the HHS “may not vary the reimbursement rates for 340B hospitals. The HHS’s 2018 and 2019 reimbursement rates for 340B hospitals were therefore contrary to the statute and unlawful.”

Click here to read the Supreme Court’s Opinion in the case, American Hospital Association v. Becerra, 20-1114.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late; Consult with a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Medicare and Medicaid Issues Now.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent healthcare providers in Medicare audits, Medcaid audits and RAC audits throughout Florida and across the U.S. They also represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers and institutions in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits, recovery actions and termination from the Medicare or Medicaid Program.

For more information please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or toll-free at (888) 331-6620.


Sources:

Stohr, Greg. “Supreme Court Sides With Hospitals on Medicare Reimbursement.” Bloomberg Law. (June 15, 2022). Web.

Chung, Andrew. “U.S. Supreme Court faults Medicare cuts to hospitals for outpatient drugs.” Reuters. (June 15, 2022). Web.

Gresko, Jessica. “High court rules against government on drug reimbursement.” Associated Press. (June 15, 2022). Web.


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

KeyWords:  Legal representation for Medicare Medicaid audit, Medicare Medicaid audit defense attorney, legal representation for healthcare professionals, complex health care litigation attorney, legal representation for Medicare Medicaid reimbursement demand, Medicare Medicaid defense lawyer, legal representation for Medicare Medicaid defense, complex civil health care litigation attorney, legal representation for complex medical litigation, representation for healthcare business litigation matters, Medicare Medicaid hearing attorney, legal representation for physicians and health care professionals, attorney for physician suits against insurers, complex medical business litigation against health insurers, formal Medicare administrative hearing lawyer, Health law defense lawyer, legal representation of health care professionals, Medicare Medicaid overpayment demand defense lawyer, Legal representation for Medicare Medicaid administrative hearing
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense attorney, legal representation for Medicare Medicaid revocation termination hearings, medical license investigation representation defense attorney, representation for Florida Department of Health (DOH) investigations and hearings, reviews of The Health Law Firm, reviews of The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“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.

By |2024-03-14T09:59:16-04:00November 18, 2023|Categories: Health Facilities Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Supreme Court Rules Against HHS in Hospital Medicare Reimbursement Case

Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Attorney and Author George F. Indest III HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the adverse long-term collateral effects of Medicare revocation or exclusion on their careers and future employment. However, if you are a physician, dentist, nurse, mental health counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, massage therapist, or other licensed health professional whose license is revoked or suspended, there may still be hope.
Lasting Consequences of Medicare Revocation. 
A revocation or exclusion from Medicare is often a severe consequence of license discipline on a professional license and can devastate a provider’s career. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can revoke a healthcare provider’s agreement to participate in Medicare. When this occurs, their Medicare billing privileges are terminated.  Their legal authority to write prescriptions, referrals or orders for tests paid by Medicare also vanishes.
Additionally, the exclusion can last for many years. This can be a career-ending move for many healthcare providers especially physicians, as Medicare revocation is reported to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB). In addition, it can potentially affect their opportunities to work in hospitals with other Medicare providers, or on health insurance panels.
For this reason, healthcare providers need to retain a health law attorney with experience in licensing issues who can help them navigate the complex legal system Medicare presents. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the case, develop a strategy for defending the provider’s license, recommend actions to avoid or mitigate the damages, and represent them in administrative hearings or proceedings in court. In some cases, an effective legal strategy may minimize the impact of discipline or even prevent Medicare revocation or exclusion. However, the best way to protect against license discipline and its consequences is to ensure that you are in compliance with Medicare standards, regulations and procedures.

To learn more, read one of my prior blogs here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys in Healthcare Licensing Issues.

If you have had a license suspended or revoked, or you are facing imminent action against your license, it is imperative that you contact an experienced healthcare attorney to assist in defending you.  Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you should not attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an experienced health care attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Medicare issues and in defense of actions in personal and facility licensing actions.

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.

Sources:

Hollender, Allison and Wortley, Mackenzie. “Collateral Consequences of Medicare Revocations.” AHLA. (March 9, 2021). Web.

Simas, Steven. “Collateral Consequence of Healthcare License Discipline – Medicare Exclusion.” SIMAS & Associates. (October 3, 2017). 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 Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or 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 © 2023 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
By |2024-03-14T09:59:24-04:00July 26, 2023|Categories: Pharmacy Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Attorney and Author George F. Indest III HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the adverse long-term collateral effects of Medicare revocation or exclusion on their careers and future employment. However, if you are a physician, dentist, nurse, mental health counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, massage therapist, or other licensed health professional whose license is revoked or suspended, there may still be hope.
Lasting Consequences of Medicare Revocation. 

A revocation or exclusion from Medicare is often a severe consequence of license discipline on a professional license and can devastate a provider’s career. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can revoke a healthcare provider’s agreement to participate in Medicare. When this occurs, their Medicare billing privileges are terminated.  Their legal authority to write prescriptions, referrals or orders for tests paid by Medicare also vanishes.
Additionally, the exclusion can last for many years. This can be a career-ending move for many healthcare providers especially physicians, as Medicare revocation is reported to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB). In addition, it can potentially affect their opportunities to work in hospitals with other Medicare providers, or on health insurance panels.
For this reason, healthcare providers need to retain a health law attorney with experience in licensing issues who can help them navigate the complex legal system Medicare presents. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the case, develop a strategy for defending the provider’s license, recommend actions to avoid or mitigate the damages, and represent them in administrative hearings or proceedings in court. In some cases, an effective legal strategy may minimize the impact of discipline or even prevent Medicare revocation or exclusion. However, the best way to protect against license discipline and its consequences is to ensure that you are in compliance with Medicare standards, regulations and procedures.

To learn more, read one of my prior blogs here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys in Healthcare Licensing Issues.

If you have had a license suspended or revoked, or you are facing imminent action against your license, it is imperative that you contact an experienced healthcare attorney to assist in defending you.  Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you should not attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an experienced health care attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Medicare issues and in defense of actions in personal and facility licensing actions.

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.

Sources:

Hollender, Allison and Wortley, Mackenzie. “Collateral Consequences of Medicare Revocations.” AHLA. (March 9, 2021). Web.

Simas, Steven. “Collateral Consequence of Healthcare License Discipline – Medicare Exclusion.” SIMAS & Associates. (October 3, 2017). 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 Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or 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 © 2023 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
By |2024-03-14T09:59:26-04:00June 27, 2023|Categories: Mental Health Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Attorney and Author George F. Indest III HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the adverse long-term collateral effects of Medicare revocation or exclusion on their careers and future employment. However, if you are a physician, dentist, nurse, mental health counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, massage therapist, or other licensed health professional whose license is revoked or suspended, there may still be hope.


Lasting Consequences of Medicare Revocation. 

A revocation or exclusion from Medicare is often a severe consequence of license discipline on a professional license and can devastate a provider’s career. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can revoke a healthcare provider’s agreement to participate in Medicare. When this occurs, their Medicare billing privileges are terminated.  Their legal authority to write prescriptions, referrals or orders for tests paid by Medicare also vanishes.
Additionally, the exclusion can last for many years. This can be a career-ending move for many healthcare providers especially physicians, as Medicare revocation is reported to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB). In addition, it can potentially affect their opportunities to work in hospitals with other Medicare providers, or on health insurance panels.
For this reason, healthcare providers need to retain a health law attorney with experience in licensing issues who can help them navigate the complex legal system Medicare presents. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the case, develop a strategy for defending the provider’s license, recommend actions to avoid or mitigate the damages, and represent them in administrative hearings or proceedings in court. In some cases, an effective legal strategy may minimize the impact of discipline or even prevent Medicare revocation or exclusion. However, the best way to protect against license discipline and its consequences is to ensure that you are in compliance with Medicare standards, regulations and procedures.
To learn more, read one of my prior blogs here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys in Healthcare Licensing Issues.

If you have had a license suspended or revoked, or you are facing imminent action against your license, it is imperative that you contact an experienced healthcare attorney to assist in defending you.  Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you should not attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an experienced health care attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Medicare issues and in defense of actions in personal and facility licensing actions.
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.

Sources:

Hollender, Allison and Wortley, Mackenzie. “Collateral Consequences of Medicare Revocations.” AHLA. (March 9, 2021). Web.
Simas, Steven. “Collateral Consequence of Healthcare License Discipline – Medicare Exclusion.” SIMAS & Associates. (October 3, 2017). 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 Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or 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 © 2023 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
By |2024-03-14T09:59:28-04:00June 9, 2023|Categories: Nursing Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Author HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the adverse long-term collateral effects of Medicare revocation or exclusion on their careers and future employment. However, if you are a physician, dentist, nurse, mental health counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, massage therapist, or other licensed health professional whose license is revoked or suspended, there may still be hope.

Lasting Consequences of Medicare Revocation. 
A revocation or exclusion from Medicare is often a severe consequence of license discipline on a professional license and can devastate a provider’s career. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can revoke a healthcare provider’s agreement to participate in Medicare. When this occurs, their Medicare billing privileges are terminated.  Their legal authority to write prescriptions, referrals, or orders for tests paid by Medicare also vanishes.
Additionally, the exclusion can last for many years. This can be a career-ending move for many healthcare providers, especially physicians, as Medicare revocation is reported to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB). In addition, it can potentially affect their opportunities to work in hospitals with other Medicare providers or on health insurance panels.
For this reason, healthcare providers need to retain a health law attorney with experience in licensing issues who can help them navigate the complex legal system Medicare presents. A skilled attorney can review the facts of the case, develop a strategy for defending the provider’s license, recommend actions to avoid or mitigate the damages and represent them in administrative hearings or proceedings in court. In some cases, an effective legal strategy may minimize the impact of discipline or even prevent Medicare revocation or exclusion. However, the best way to protect against license discipline and its consequences is to ensure that you are in compliance with Medicare standards, regulations, and procedures.
To learn more, read one of my prior blogs here.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys in Healthcare Licensing Issues.

If you have had a license suspended or revoked, or you are facing imminent action against your license, it is imperative that you contact an experienced healthcare attorney to assist in defending you.  Remember, your license is your livelihood. It is not recommended that you should not attempt to pursue these matters without the assistance of an experienced health care attorney. The Health Law Firm routinely represents physicians, dentists, nurses, medical groups, clinics, and other healthcare providers in Medicare issues and in defense of actions in personal and facility licensing actions.
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.

Sources:

Hollender, Allison and Wortley, Mackenzie. “Collateral Consequences of Medicare Revocations.” AHLA. (March 9, 2021). Web.
Simas, Steven. “Collateral Consequence of Healthcare License Discipline – Medicare Exclusion.” SIMAS & Associates. (October 3, 2017). 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 Avenue, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620 or 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 © 2023 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.
By |2024-03-14T09:59:30-04:00May 17, 2023|Categories: Dental Law Blog|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Medicare Revocation and the Collateral Damage It Can Cause Health Care Providers

Proposed Changes to Certificate of Need Law Eliminate CONs for Florida Hospitals

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

On June 3, 2019, Tallahassee healthcare regulators began the complex process of reshaping the state’s certificate of need (CON) program. Florida regulators are moving ahead to eliminate the certificate of need program for hospitals and to focus it on nursing homes, hospices, and institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Proposed Changes to the CON Laws.

In May 2019, the Florida Legislature eliminated certificate of need program requirements for general acute care hospitals and tertiary services. The new law keeps CON requirements for specialty hospitals in place only until July 1, 2021. Click here to read more.

Rules being proposed to implement the legislative changes would maintain the four review cycles but split them into two different categories. One category would deal with applications for hospital facilities and hospices. The other category would be dedicated to nursing homes and intermediate-care facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Florida’s Certificate of Needs Programs.

Opponents of the CON program argue that it limits the ability to create new healthcare services and to build new facilities (in other words, “competition is good”). Advocates for CONs have argued that geographic areas where hospital and other health facilities are overbuilt can actually lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced services (in other words, “competition is bad”).

Critics of CONs argue that they limit the free market and, because CONs stifle competition, lead to increased costs. They have long argued that the requirements to maintain CONs can be shifted from certificates of need to simple licensing requirements.

To read my prior blog dealing with a certificate of needs case, click here.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation Health Care Professionals.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in academic disputes, contract negotiations, license applications, board certification applications, credential hearings and civil and administrative litigations and hearings. We also have experience in representation for health care investigations by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Sexton, Christine. “Florida regulators float new rules in hospital wars.” Sun-Sentinel. (July 5, 2019). Web.

“State Regulators Float New Rules in Hospital War Battles.” Law.com. (July 6, 2019). Web.

About the Authors: 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 Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

Keywords: Florida formal administrative hearing attorney, Florida formal administrative hearing legal representation, Florida formal administrative hearing lawyer, Florida formal and informal administrative hearing representation, legal representation for rule challenge hearings, legal challenge to state agency rules. legal representation for emergency suspension hearings, legal representation for revocation hearings, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing attorney, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense representation, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense attorney, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense lawyer, legal representation for investigations of health care providers, health law defense lawyer, representation for health care professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, representation for Florida Department of Health (DOH) investigations and hearings, license investigation representation defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“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 © 2019 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Changes to Certificate of Need Law Eliminate CONs for Florida Hospitals

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

On June 3, 2019, Tallahassee healthcare regulators began the complex process of reshaping the state’s certificate of need (CON) program. Florida regulators are moving ahead to eliminate the certificate of need program for hospitals and to focus it on nursing homes, hospices, and institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Proposed Changes to Florida’s Hospital CON Laws.

In May 2019, the Florida Legislature eliminated certificate of need program requirements for general acute care hospitals and tertiary services. The new law keeps CON requirements for specialty hospitals in place only until July 1, 2021. Click here to read more.

Rules being proposed to implement the legislative changes would maintain the four review cycles but split them into two different categories. One category would deal with applications for hospital facilities and hospices. The other category would be dedicated to nursing homes and intermediate-care facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Florida’s Certificate of Needs Programs.

Opponents of the CON program argue that it limits the ability to create new healthcare services and to build new facilities (in other words, “competition is good”). Advocates for CONs have argued that geographic areas where hospital and other health facilities are overbuilt can actually lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced services (in other words, “competition is bad”).

Critics of CONs argue that they limit the free market and, because CONs stifle competition, lead to increased costs. They have long argued that the requirements to maintain CONs can be shifted from certificates of need to simple licensing requirements.

To read my prior blog dealing with a certificate of needs case, click here.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation Health Care Professionals.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in academic disputes, contract negotiations, license applications, board certification applications, credential hearings and civil and administrative litigations and hearings. We also have experience in representation for health care investigations by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Sexton, Christine. “Florida regulators float new rules in hospital wars.” Sun-Sentinel. (July 5, 2019). Web.

“State Regulators Float New Rules in Hospital War Battles.” Law.com. (July 6, 2019). Web.

About the Authors: 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 Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

Keywords: Florida formal administrative hearing attorney, Florida formal administrative hearing legal representation, Florida formal administrative hearing lawyer, Florida formal and informal administrative hearing representation, legal representation for rule challenge hearings, legal challenge to state agency rules. legal representation for emergency suspension hearings, legal representation for revocation hearings, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing attorney, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense representation, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense attorney, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) formal hearing defense lawyer, legal representation for investigations of health care providers, health law defense lawyer, representation for health care professionals, reviews of The Health Law Firm. The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, representation for Florida Department of Health (DOH) investigations and hearings, license investigation representation defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews

“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 © 2019 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

New Changes to Florida’s Certificate of Need Law Eliminate CONs for Hospitals

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

On June 3, 2019, Tallahassee healthcare regulators began the complex process of reshaping the state’s certificate of need (CON) program. Florida regulators are moving ahead to eliminate the certificate of need program for hospitals and to focus it on nursing homes, hospices, and institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Proposed Changes to the CON Laws.

In May 2019, the Florida Legislature eliminated certificate of need program requirements for general acute care hospitals and tertiary services. The new law keeps CON requirements for specialty hospitals in place only until July 1, 2021. Click here to read more.

Rules being proposed to implement the legislative changes would maintain the four review cycles but split them into two different categories. One category would deal with applications for hospital facilities and hospices. The other category would be dedicated to nursing homes and intermediate-care facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Florida’s Certificate of Needs Programs.

Opponents of the CON program argue that it limits the ability to create new healthcare services and to build new facilities (in other words, “competition is good”). Advocates for CONs have argued that geographic areas where hospital and other health facilities are overbuilt can actually lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced services (in other words, “competition is bad”).

Critics of CONs argue that they limit the free market and, because CONs stifle competition, lead to increased costs. They have long argued that the requirements to maintain CONs can be shifted from certificates of need to simple licensing requirements.

To read my prior blog dealing with a certificate of needs case, click here.

Consult With A Health Law Attorney Experienced in the Representation Health Care Professionals.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in academic disputes, contract negotiations, license applications, board certification applications, credential hearings and civil and administrative litigations and hearings. We also have experience in representation for health care investigations by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), the FBI, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

To contact The Health Law Firm, please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Sexton, Christine. “Florida regulators float new rules in hospital wars.” Sun-Sentinel. (July 5, 2019). Web.

“State Regulators Float New Rules in Hospital War Battles.” Law.com. (July 6, 2019). Web.

About the Authors: 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 Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

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