With its time apparently running out, the Trump administration completed one of its pet projects by finalizing the kickback reform rules it proposed in October 2019. Issued on Nov. 20, the new final … [Read more...]
Lab Safety
“COVID captains” promote safety precautions
November 25, 2020
By Dan Scungio bio The year 2020 is roaring to a close, and COVID-19 is unfortunately still around. We have made changes to our lives at home, in public, and at work. Lab workers and other … [Read more...]
DOJ
EKRA Prosecution: What Does this Mean for the Laboratory Industry?
November 21, 2020
By Charles Dunham, IV, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP & Benjamin Nipper, Associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP In January 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made its first … [Read more...]
CMS Says Improper Medicare Fee-for-Service Payments Are Down $15 Billion Since 2016
November 17, 2020
CMS is claiming that its “aggressive corrective actions” have saved taxpayers over $15 billion in improper Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) payments over the past four years. According to the November … [Read more...]
Enforcement Trends
Feds Bust Labs for Telemedicine Testing Scams
November 17, 2020
So much for the pandemic’s dulling the momentum of federal fraud enforcement. Dubbed “Operation Rubber Stamp,” the new nationwide enforcement action revealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on … [Read more...]
Tool
Model Substance Abuse and Fitness for Duty Policy
November 3, 2020
Workplace substance abuse remains a major challenge for labs. Although sound in principle, the traditional zero tolerance policy is ill-suited to the legal complexities of the modern world. This is … [Read more...]
EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE
The Workplace in 2020: Political Talk, COVID-19 Violence, Executive Order
October 19, 2020
By Mike O’Brien bio Don’t forget labor relations rules when employees talk politics at work During this month’s contentious election season—with a highly polarized American electorate—many employers … [Read more...]
Labs in Court
OSHA Fines New Jersey Hospital for Coronavirus Respiratory Protection Violations
October 8, 2020
Case: OSHA is proposing to fine the hospital $9,639 for two serious violations: i. Failure to fit test tight-fitting respirators face piece respirators on employees required to use them; and ii. Not … [Read more...]
Compliance Perspectives
Using Waivers to Avoid Getting Sued for COVID-19 Infections
October 8, 2020
PLEASE READ NOTICE TO ALL ENTRANTS AND USERS OF THESE LABORATORY FACILITIES EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – ASSUMPTION OF RISK THESE CONDITIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO … [Read more...]
