A Broader Definition of “Referral” for Anti-Kickback Violations

In U.S. v. Patel, whether a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute was present depended on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit’s interpretation of the term “referring,” a term not specifically defined in the statute.  2015 WL 527549 (7th Cir. 2/10/15). The Seventh Circuit considered whether Dr. Kamal Patel had “referred” patients to a home health care provider in violation of the Anti-Kickback statute when Dr. Patel signed Form 485 certifications and recertifications for his patients, though did not recommend a specific home health care provider, in exchange for cash. Continue reading

Medical Malpractice Liability for Management Companies

When can a company that manages a hospital be liable for the medical malpractice of the institution and its physicians?  According to one recent New Mexico decision, when its agents knew of pattern of sub-standard conduct and didn’t act to address it.  The case involved one physician performing experimental surgery on over 100 patients over a period of years.  The decision allowing the claim against the manager was rendered in the hospital’s bankruptcy proceeding, which it filed in an attempt to survive the patients’ claims. Review this article on Insurance News Net for a more complete discussion.

Written by: Greg Frost

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