Despite a huge shortfall between reimbursement and the cost of care, two bills designed to partially alleviate that failed: The failed legislation, Senate Bill 1050 and House Bill 3342, would have set up a long-term care quality provider participation program (QPPP) that provided additional compensation to SNFs that met certain quality metrics. … [Read more...] about Medicaid Rate Increase Fails in Texas Legislature
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Proposed Congressional Bill Would Affect Ancillary Services
Proposed HR 2143, would prevent physicians from self-referring Medicare patients to in-office "ancillary services." According to the Congressmen who introduced the bill: “Multiple GAO studies have outlined the rampant abuse and waste of more than $3 billion of taxpayer money through Medicare reimbursement for unnecessary services that are driven purely by greed for personal profit,” Speier said in a statement. “Now is the time to improve the quality and … [Read more...] about Proposed Congressional Bill Would Affect Ancillary Services
Use of Marijuana in Nursing Homes? Obstacles to Medical Marijuana Weaken.
A nursing home in the Bronx began a cannabis program in 2016 and is having good results: The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the Bronx, first launched its “innovative” new cannabis program in 2016. With it, the facility provided educational sessions and a fact sheet on the often-misunderstood drug to both residents and their family members. About 10 residents have participated so far, and they have reported that cannabis has helped to lessen the severity of chronic pain and reduce opioid … [Read more...] about Use of Marijuana in Nursing Homes? Obstacles to Medical Marijuana Weaken.
How will the SUPPORT Act Affect Physicians and Their Practice?
One way act this act will affect Physicians and their practices with new provisions regarding fraud and abuse with a section entitled "Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery." This resembles the federal Anti-Kickback statute with some important differences. Its purpose is to (1) Curtail patient's brokering with opioid treatment centers and to (2) slow the overutilization of laboratory toxicology screenings by closing a loophole in the Anti-Kickback statutes. Physicians who have ownership … [Read more...] about How will the SUPPORT Act Affect Physicians and Their Practice?
Backup Plan in the Event Obamacare Struck Down
A plan is being formulated by the Trump Administration in the event the lawsuit by states to strike down is successful: The Trump administration is formulating a backup plan to ensure that Obamacare customers can still get insurance if a state-driven lawsuit is successful in striking down the 2010 health law. Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, declined to give details of those plans or who might be covered, but the fact that planning is underway … [Read more...] about Backup Plan in the Event Obamacare Struck Down
Incoming Democrat Congressmen will Scrutinize Decision not to Defend Obamacare in Texas Lawsuit
Questions are already being sent to the DOJ. Incoming House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler warned acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker that Democrats will scrutinize the Trump administration’s decision not to defend Obamacare against a state-driven lawsuit in Texas, saying the move appeared to be a “cynical pretext” for launching another repeal attempt. Mr. Nadler, New York Democrat, noted Democrats have been peppering the Justice Department with a slew of … [Read more...] about Incoming Democrat Congressmen will Scrutinize Decision not to Defend Obamacare in Texas Lawsuit
Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol
Epidiolex is now the only legal CBD oil recognized under federal law. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant that many people use for its supposed therapeutic properties to treat several ailments and chronic illnesses. According to reports the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill is set to remove hemp from the Drug Enforcement Administration list of controlled substances. New sources have revealed that Epidiolex was approved this summer by the FDA and the U.S. Drug Enforcement … [Read more...] about Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol
Multiple Bipartisan Healthcare Bills Head to Congress
The series of bipartisan healthcare bills are being considered expedited rules that require two-third votes for approval. One bill H.R. 3635, amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. According to reports, it would provide … [Read more...] about Multiple Bipartisan Healthcare Bills Head to Congress
Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act goes to Senate For Approval, May Become Law
Palliative and hospice care can improve both the quality of care and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill and their families. Now the Senate has the decision to follow the U.S. House of Representatives, which has unanimously approved a bill that would help doctors and other healthcare professional elevate their skills in providing hospice and palliative care. The H.R.1676 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act would also increase palliative care research and … [Read more...] about Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act goes to Senate For Approval, May Become Law
Trump Signs Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Into Law
With no opposition from the House or Senate, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation of the H.R.6042 bill delay the nationwide deadline for electronic visit verification (EVV) or ( in-home health service bill) in Medicaid-reimbursed personal care services until 2020. President Donald Trump signed Rep. Brett Guthrie’s health care bill into law on July 30th. According to news reports, the 21st Century Cures Act, initially signed into law in 2016 under the Obama Administration, … [Read more...] about Trump Signs Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Into Law
