Smith + Malek focuses on several different areas of law. One of the main sectors we concentrate on is business and healthcare law.
With offices in Idaho and Washington, our firm is very proud of the work we do to support the business communities in both states. We are committed to making tomorrow better for our clients and the communities we work in.
As we continue this mission into 2023, our healthcare team is highlighting three categories companies should be cognizant of when strategizing their healthcare transactions and legal policies for this year.
1. Ensure compliance with state law where the employee is located.
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way Americans work. Perhaps the most notable change is the dramatic increase in the number of remote employees. With the drastic spike in recent years, employers have had to prioritize compliance with the state laws where an employee is located. Different states have different laws that apply to employees in that state, regardless of where the employer is located. Generally, employers must comply with applicable laws in the state where the employee is located, including leave laws.
2. Make sure your HIPAA compliance is on par with state law provisions.
HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal law that established national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed. In addition to HIPAA, different state and local laws may also apply to healthcare information. Although a federal law, HIPAA does not override state law provisions that are at least as protective as HIPAA. It is important to ensure that relevant policies are in place and employees receive continued training on applicable laws policies.
3. Double check that you are complying with payor contracts and requirements.
When it comes to payor contracts, it is critical to ensure compliance with contract and billing requirements. Continued education for providers and other healthcare staff helps avoid future paybacks or other issues.
These three topics are the tip of the proverbial iceberg, when it comes to planning trainings and policies. If you would like to know more, please contact our office. We’re happy to help you ensure compliance and provide room for growth and improvement in 2023.