May 15, 2017 Legislation

Healthcare

Hospitals

Malpractice

Physicians

Healthcare

The House has voted to approve the Ocare replacement and then went on a well deserved vacation.  The passed two bills.  The Ocare bill now heads to the Senate for a re-write.

Virginia governor McAuliffe, a Democrat, has for the second year vetoed a bill that prevents him from expanding Medicaid.  For the second year the legislature will ignore his veto.  They will not give any money for the expansion no matter what the Gov says.  

The dreaded USPSTF is back at it.  This time they are saying no screening for thyroid cancer. 

Connecticut has enacted a law banning the conversion therapy on minors to change their sexual preference.           Top

Hospitals

The OIG, based on a sample audit, has said Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York was overpaid $41.9 million.  The audit found 110 of 261 claims with problems.  The hospital disagrees with the OIG and plans to appeal the refund demand.        Top

Malpractice

Iowa Governor Branstad has signed a law limiting non economic damages to $250,000 except for cases involving permanent impairment, disfigurement or death.  In other words all cases that come to court.  This will do nothing to alleviate the problem Iowa has in recruiting physicians.        Top

Physicians

The state of Washington has suspended the license of Dr. Johnny Delashaw, a Swedish Healthcare neurosurgeon.  The reason for the immediate suspension is his intimidation of subordinate that put patient care at risk, disruptive behavior.  He had been the subject of internal investigation while in Long Beach, California at UC, Irvine as well as at Swedish.        Top  

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DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.