Massage Law Blog | The Health Law Firm Blog

Humana Agrees To Pay $11.2 Million to End Nurses’ Overtime Suit

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On September 27, 2021, Humana agreed to pay $11.2 million to end claims that the health insurance company denied a group of nurses overtime pay by misclassifying them as exempt employees. A Wisconsin federal judge approved the deal with Humana, and a group of more than 200 nurses reached, securing a $36,000 average payment for each nurse involved in the suit.

A Violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

This dispute stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in 2017 alleging that Humana misclassified its clinical nurse advisers as exempt employees and denied them overtime compensation, violating […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:29-04:00May 25, 2023|Massage Law Blog|

From the archives: CMS Using Medicare Termination to Squash Doctors Involved in Overprescribing Opioids

Previously published on February 11, 2022
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Recently it has come to our attention that there may be a nationwide effort by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to squelch physicians who prescribe opioids and other narcotic medications. We have seen letters sent out by CMS MACs to physicians notifying them that their Medicare program billing privileges have been terminated because CMS has identified them as a provider who is overprescribing.

Nationwide Effort to Run “Pill Mills” Out of Business.

We are well aware of efforts by the various law enforcement authorities at the […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:31-04:00May 8, 2023|Dental Law Blog, Health Facilities Law Blog, Marijuana Law Blog, Massage Law Blog, Medical Education Law Blog|

Law Aimed at Healthcare Professional Background Screening Passed in Florida

By Michael L. Smith, R.R.T., J.D., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

For several years, many healthcare professionals have been required to pass a Level II background check in order to work in most Florida healthcare facilities licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Many healthcare professionals are also required to pass a Level II background check in order to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). In March 2020, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 713, which will add the offenses of battery on a vulnerable adult and battery on a patient or resident of certain healthcare facilities (primarily […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:38-04:00June 14, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

How Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Reports Affect Your Insurance Rates

By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D.

When you apply for insurance, an insurance company will look at various factors regarding your history to determine how much your insurance policy will cost. Most insurers obtain a report from the Medical Information Bureau (“MIB”) and use this in determining the risk you pose and, hence, your policy premium.

The MIB checks past records to identify any errors, misrepresentations, or omissions made on an insurance application. An MIB report is similar to a credit report except it is specifically tailored for the insurance process. Click here to learn more.

What Does the MIB […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:40-04:00May 6, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

Impaired Practitioner Programs: What Happens if You’ve Been Accused?

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In an industry that revolves around helping others, physicians and other health professionals sometimes find that they are the ones being pushed toward a treatment program. Long hours, heavy workloads, and stress among health care professionals can sometimes lead to unsafe, unprofessional behavior and impairment allegations.

We routinely work with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who are accused by employers, hospitals, competitors, or terminated employees of impairment due to drug or alcohol abuse, or mental impairment, of being a “disruptive physician” or of sexual boundary issues. However, not all physicians and health […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:43-04:00April 8, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

Are You Applying for a Massage Therapist or Health Professional License? Follow Our Tips

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The process of obtaining a massage therapist or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the application process due to the investigation of credentials and past practice, as well as the need to comply with licensing standards.

Here is a List of Examples That Would Delay Your Massage Therapy License Application:

• Disciplinary or academic […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:45-04:00March 24, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

Healthcare Providers, You Might Need A Home Medical Equipment Provider License, If . . .

By Michael L. Smith, J.D., R.R.T. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Physicians frequently utilize electrostimulation or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, and other medical equipment in the course of their practice. Most often the physician or the practice bills the patient or the patient’s insurance for the medical equipment. Unfortunately, some physicians do not know that a special Home Medical Equipment Provider (HMEP) license may be required in Florida in order to legally bill patients for TENS units, and other durable medical equipment that the physicians provide to their own patients. Violating the laws that require a license can place the physician and the practice in […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:47-04:00March 3, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

Law Passed in Florida Aimed at Healthcare Professional Background Screening

By Michael L. Smith, R.R.T., J.D., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

For several years, many healthcare professionals have been required to pass a Level II background check in order to work in most Florida healthcare facilities licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Many healthcare professionals are also required to pass a Level II background check in order to be licensed by the Florida Department of Health (DOH). In March 2020, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 713, which will add the offenses of battery on a vulnerable adult and battery on a patient or resident of certain healthcare facilities (primarily […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:49-04:00February 17, 2021|Massage Law Blog|

Insurer Faces Possible Lawsuits Over Failure to Pay Pandemic Business Interruption Claims

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On April 14, 2020, several companies announced they are considering a class action lawsuit against Hiscox Insurance over its failure to pay business interruption claims relating to the coronavirus lockdown. Hiscox, sold policies before COVID-19 hit. The policies allegedly stated that they would cover claims related to businesses being forced to shut owing to a notifiable disease. Business owners have reportedly filed claims with Hiscox and other commercial insurance companies, only to be told that their policies […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T09:59:58-04:00June 5, 2020|Massage Law Blog|

Got a Complaint Against Your Massage Therapist or Physical Therapist License? You Need an HPSO Insurance Attorney to Defend You

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
Many massage therapists and physical therapists carry professional malpractice insurance through the Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) or one of the other similar professional liability insurance companies. What they may not realize is that their insurance will pay for their legal defense expenses if there is a complaint filed against their massage therapy license or physical therapy license, if they receive a subpoena to testify or produce documents, or if they are accused of violating HIPAA or a client’s medical confidentiality.

Under such policies, the insurance company will usually pay the legal fees and […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:00:01-04:00April 16, 2020|Massage Law Blog|