Compliance Stuff

How in-depth has your entity reviewed its third-party payor agreements? Have your billing team, Compliance Officer, Privacy Officer, and Legal team all been made aware of requirements or, better yet, were they involved in the agreements' approval? Navigating the “fine print” in payor agreements can be the difference between a smooth operation and a compliance nightmare. Here are five critical areas where providers often get tripped up—and what you should be asking your team right now. Breach Notification Requirements Some provider agreements require that entities notify the payor within 24 hours of a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) breach . While often unrealistic, it's a standard clause that frequently lacks clarity as to whether an unsuccessful security penetration attempt must be reported. The Checkup:  Have you determined what your reporting requirements are? Have you implemented a process to meet those requirements? Change of Ownership or Cont...

In this Client Alert, we describe some of the ways the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will impact employers. Tax Provisions: The tax provisions of the OBBBA are some of the most-anticipated changes. I. No tax on overtime pay Beginning in 2025, an employee who works “qualified overtime” is eligible to deduct up to $12,500 on their federal income taxes.[ 1]   For married persons filing jointly, the maximum deduction increases to $25,000; however, married persons who do not file jointly cannot get the deduction at all.   The allowable deduction is reduced (but not below zero) by $100 for each $1,000 that the employee’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,00 for married persons filing jointly). It is important to note that the deduction only applies to overtime required under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that is in excess of the individual’s regular rate (i.e., only the “half” of “time and a half”).  State-mandated over...

Although the law addresses numerous policy areas at the federal level, several of its components specifically address, or will indirectly affect, economic and social dynamics within the District. Below is a detailed discussion of the major elements likely to influence local residents, businesses, and governmental entities, along with the possible implications. One prominent section relevant to the District is the modification of certain individual tax deductions relating to state and local taxes (often referred to as SALT). Under the bill, the limitation on these deductions is extended and further refined, with the changes taking effect for taxable years beginning after December 31. This can significantly affect District taxpayers who typically pay higher local taxes. As the District of Columbia functions both as a city and a quasi-state for many federal legal purposes, these tax changes will alter the after-tax disposable income of residents. This adjustment may influence real estate...