In response to the COVID−19 pandemic, clinical laboratories have increased their diagnostic testing capabilities and expanded their business by testing COVID−19 specimens from different states and entering into arrangements to conduct COVID−19 screening for employers. Despite waivers designed to make COVID-19 testing available and accessible on a widespread basis, labs must be careful in expanding
On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opened the reporting portal for individuals who had received Provider Relief Funds (PRF) from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The portal is currently open for “registration” only. HHS has not yet set up the reporting portion of the portal
An additional $20 billion in “Provider Relief Funds” is being made available pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through a “Phase 3” General Distribution. However, time is running out for health care providers to apply to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for these funds. The application deadline
On October 2, 2020, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Alex M. Azar II, announced the renewal of the public health emergency declaration due to the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 90-day renewal is effective October 23, 2020, and extends until January 20, 2021.
The renewal impacts a number of regulatory flexibilities and
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a flurry of Press Releases and Alerts from mid-June through the end of July warning consumers and health care professionals not to use certain alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the dangerous presence of methanol (or wood alcohol), a substance often used to create fuel and antifreeze that
***Update: Eligible providers that participate in Medicaid and CHIP programs must electronically submit an application for Provider Relief Funds through the Provider Relief Fund Portal by July 20, 2020. Note that such providers may select to use their gross revenues from patient care for CY 2017, or 2018 or 2019. The Instructions, Application and
On June 1, 2020 CMS published QSO-20-31-All. It is effective immediately and provides in part as follows:
(1) States will need to perform focused infection control surveys (FICS) of 100% of the certified nursing homes in their State by July 31, 2020 or lose access to certain federal funding.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires employers to report and record workplace injuries. OSHA has published revised guidance regarding its recordkeeping requirements for employers. Beginning May 26, 2020 and until further notice, OSHA is requiring most employers with more than 10 employees to record work-related employee COVID-19 illnesses.
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The following post originally appeared on the Fox Rothschild’s “Immigration View” blog.
On May 11, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Memorandum relating to certain J-1 waivered foreign medical graduates during the COVID-19 national emergency. The memo, captioned “Temporary Policy
In the midst of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic, cybercriminals are targeting healthcare organizations with phishing campaigns, ransomware, and other malicious acts that can adversely impact health information technology, medical response, and patient safety.
Recently, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell issued an Advisory pertaining to such acts, which includes best practices for users and