Communiqué

The Affordable Care Act includes an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that requires businesses that are covered under the FLSA to inform employees about 1) the existence of the new health insurance exchanges: and 2) the health care benefits currently offered.

Beginning October 6, 2014, hydrocodone combination products will be reclassified as Schedule II substances and subject to tighter restrictions to help reduce diversion, misuse, and abuse of prescription painkillers. HCPs affected by the new DEA rules include Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab and Norco.

New HIPAA regulations went into effect on September 23, 2013. They require that covered entities (including dental practices) revise their notice of privacy practices (NPPs) and risk assessment procedures in event of a breach.

The AAE talked to attorney Mark Rust, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office and head of the firm’s health care department, and he highlighted the key changes that impact providers.

Beginning August 1, 2013, medical and dental device manufacturers are required to report certain payments to physicians and dentists under the so-called “Sunshine Law.” The Sunshine Law does not restrict interactions or collaborations but requires disclosure. While health care providers do not need to file any reports, it is important for them to understand that their names will be reported to a database annually if they have interactions that trigger reporting requirements.