By: Sarah A. Perkins
The Louisiana Senate voted to pass SB 483, authored by Senator Mike Reese, a bill that would modify the composition and appointment process of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy by adjusting pharmacist representation, expanding participation from other healthcare providers, and establishing a new appointment structure for Board membership. The bill was then referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee, where it is currently pending.
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By: Carrie L. Jones
Conflicts between medical staff bylaws and hospital or medical staff policies are more than drafting nuisances. They can be a recurring source of regulatory findings, litigation exposure, and internal governance breakdowns. In Louisiana, where hospitals operate under both state licensure requirements and federal Conditions of Participation, clarity on which document controls is critical.
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By: Emily Black Grey
Hospitals face a pivotal moment in care delivery with rising patient volumes, shrinking physician supply, and increasing operational costs. Integrating Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) into their hospital care models can fill critical gaps, and hospitals should consider legal, regulatory, and operational strategies to ensure compliance and optimize performance.
Continue readingBy: Emily Black Grey
Background: A New Wave of CAH Terminations
Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status is vital to the survival of small, rural hospitals that rely on the enhanced Medicare reimbursement that the program provides. Losing CAH status can mean financial ruin, service reductions, or full hospital closure. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun revoking CAH designations based on new mileage calculations, even where there has been no change to a hospital’s location, the roads, or the terrain. In several recent cases, CMS used simplified mapping tools like Google Maps to reverse its prior decision on CAH status, disregarding prior determinations with re-measured driving distances.
Continue readingBy: Carrie L. Jones
Question: Should we consult an attorney before removing a disruptive physician from the hospital’s medical staff?
Answer: Yes! You should absolutely consult an attorney before removing a disruptive physician from the medical staff. Removing a disruptive physician from a hospital’s medical staff is a serious decision that can have significant legal, regulatory, and reputational consequences. While it may be tempting to act swiftly to restore a safe and effective care environment for patients and hospital staff, failing to consult legal counsel beforehand can expose the hospital to unnecessary risks.
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