Due diligence is often perceived as a mundane part of the mergers & acquisitions (M&A) process, but its importance in healthcare transactions is critical. Due diligence is one of the first steps of any transaction and involves a buyer undertaking an in-depth examination of the target to evaluate the business and uncover potential issues or liabilities. In the healthcare industry, diligence is especially important considering the heavy regulation of the industry, the unique areas of risk, and the significant liabilities that could be imposed upon a buyer if issues and liabilities are not identified before the transaction closes.
Compliance
New White Paper On Avoiding Liability with EHR Systems Now Available
In the Electronic Health Records (EHR) space, unconnected and competing systems carry the potential for organizational train wrecks.
Until robust, efficient, and mandatory interoperability standards emerge, providers should consider linking systems through other means, as failure to do so may lead to malpractice and regulatory compliance issues.
Psychotropic Drugs In Nursing Homes – More Issues to Consider
By Husch Blackwell on
Hopefully all of our nursing home clients know by now that CMS and the OIG have psychotropic drug use by nursing home residents on their radar. A recent case filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) raises another concern that nursing homes may not have considered. A Chicago psychiatrist was charged with violating the False Claims…
Husch Blackwell Attorneys Discuss The Stark Law and Self-Disclosure
By Husch Blackwell on
On September 25, 2012, two members of the Husch Blackwell Healthcare team, Brian Bewley and David Pursell, presented a webinar discussing:
- An overview of Stark
- Stark overpayment reporting requirements
- Steps to take after discovering a potential Stark violation
As former Senior Counsel in the Office of Inspector General for Health and Human Services and…
What Healthcare Organizations can do to Prepare for the Mandatory Compliance Condition of Enrollment
With the passage of the ACA, the voluntary nature of compliance programs is about to change. Smaller healthcare organizations and other ancillary providers who have previously not established compliance programs will now be required to adopt formal programs. The ACA mandates providers and suppliers participating in federal health care programs to implement compliance programs with “core elements” as a condition of enrollment.
The HHS Secretary is responsible for setting a timeline to implement the new “core elements” for each health care sector and then setting a timeline for providers to adopt compliance programs. Details regarding the extent of the program have not yet been described or published. Skilled nursing facilities are the first providers required to implement an effective compliance program by March 23, 2013.
Our Insight. Your Advantage. By doing the work now, healthcare organizations can get ahead and avoid surprises when HHS eventually publishes the mandatory compliance program rules for other healthcare sectors. Many in the healthcare industry anticipate the OIG’s voluntary compliance program guidance will serve as an example to HHS as it determines which compliance program elements shall be required. As you prepare your compliance programs,