Health care practices of all sizes need to watch these issues

As Texans who are involved in it know, health care is a highly regulated industry. There are many federal, state and even local laws and rules that those who work in health care need to follow.

If they do not, they open themselves up to fines or other legal penalties, including the loss of important privileges. Failing to comply with health care laws and regulations can also mean a practitioner could face legal liability in a court case.

There is also the matter of doing the right thing. Many of these regulations keep patients and others safe, while others ensure that the system remains as fair and as affordable as possible.

Currently, there are several hot button legal issues about which health care practitioners need to be mindful. Here are a few examples:

• Transparency in pricing continues to be an important topic that has generated new laws and regulations. Doctors, clinics and other providers need to be aware of these legal developments and how they will apply to their billing practices.
• On the employment front, the rights of workers who report safety concerns or violations of the law have come to the foreground. Medical providers of all sizes will need to make sure their employees know that they can raise concerns in good faith through the proper channels without retaliation.
• Medical providers have to work with highly sensitive information about their patients. They will need to understand their cybersecurity obligations and be sure that they meet them. Otherwise, they can be liable for computer hacks that compromise their patients’ information.

Complying with health care laws and regulations can involve difficult legal work

The maze of laws and regulations that cover health care providers are not always easy to navigate. The laws themselves can be unclear or even contradictory.

Also, when complying with these laws, a health care practice will have to keep its business needs in mind. Striking the right balance in the effort to do the right thing will involve understanding legal alternatives.