Med Mal 101: Back to Basics

Med Mal 101: Back to Basics is 12-part series produced by Friday, Eldredge & Clark. Written by the attorneys in the Medical Malpractice Group, the content is designed to give physicians and other healthcare providers information they need to know about malpractice litigation.

Expansion of Federal Anti-Kickback Prohibitions

By  Lynda M. Johnson, Timothy C. Ezell
Published in Arkansas Medical News (January/February)

In October 2018, a new Federal anti-kickback law (the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018, or EKRA) became effective.  This new law could have significant (even unintended) impact for providers in the substance abuse and/or clinical laboratory markets.  Like the existing Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (Federal AKS), EKRA is a criminal statute, which provides for criminal fines and imprisonment.  EKRA is a separate and distinct statute from the Federal AKS.

Friday, Eldredge & Clark Announces New Partners

Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP announced today that three attorneys have been elected to the firm’s partnership: Angela Artherton, Katie Watson Bingham and Tyler D. Bone.

Recent CMS Rule Changes to Impact Physicians

By  Lynda M. Johnson, Timothy C. Ezell
Published in Arkansas Medical News (November/December)

On November 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the 2019 Physician Fee Schedule and the Quality Pay­ment Program rules (2019 Rules). 

Hospital Litigation Trend Causes Concern Among Providers

A recently approved $2.2 million settlement by an Arkansas hospital accused of improper billing practices in violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA) could prompt similar lawsuits against other hospitals. Though the practice in question has been accepted in the medical industry, it is now the subject of a new litigation trend and a concern of hospital administrations.