bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 13, 2020, that (1) would allow hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to be regulated as a dietary supplement, if all other applicable requirements for a dietary supplement are met, and (2) would not prohibit CBD from being included in foods that are introduced into interstate commerce. The bill was filed by the Chairman of the House Agricultural Committee, Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN), and co-sponsored by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY), James Comer (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
Continue Reading Bipartisan Bill for Federal Regulation of CBD in Foods and Dietary Supplements

The United States Senate is currently considering bipartisan legislation that would establish statutory limits on the financial exposure of certain patients to so-called “surprise” medical bills. The proposed legislation would amend the federal Public Health Service Act (at 42 U.S.C. § 300gg-19a) to prohibit surprise balance billing of patients receiving health care services in the following three situations: (1) Emergency services provided by a nonparticipating (i.e., out of network) provider in a nonparticipating facility; (2) Non-Emergency services following an emergency service at a nonparticipating facility; and (3) Non-Emergency services performed by a nonparticipating provider at a participating (in-network) facility. The proposed legislation would take effect during health plan years that begin on or after January 1, 2020.
Continue Reading Congress Considering Legislation Aimed at Curbing Surprise Medical Bills

On February 9, 2018, Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (the Act), which included a number of important health law provisions..

AKS and CMP Violations

Under the Act, Congress doubled the statutory civil fines for certain violations of the Anti-kickback Statue (AKS) and adjusted certain fines under the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Law. The Act also increased the maximum criminal penalty from $25,000 to $100,000 and increased the maximum incarceration period from five years to ten years.
Continue Reading Bipartisan Budget Act Revises Stark Law, Increases Penalties for AKS and CMP Law Violations, and Expands Telehealth Coverage