The following is a roundup of recently introduced legislation and legislative developments affecting the healthcare industry.
1. Legislation introduced to subject health insurance issuers to antitrust laws
A recently introduced bill would prohibit health and medical malpractice insurance issuers from engaging in anticompetitive activities and make them subject to antitrust laws.
2. House votes down PPACA's 30-hour workweek
In a 252-172 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would strike down the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's mandate that businesses provide health coverage to employees who work 30 hours per week.
3. Bill introduced to remove 96-hour certification requirement for critical access hospitals
Legislation was introduced that would remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement as a condition for payment for critical access hospitals.
4. New Jersey passes health data encryption law
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) signed a law requiring health insurance carriers that issue health benefit plans in New Jersey to encrypt sensitive patient data.
5. President Obama calls for improved cybersecurity legislation
President Obama introduced three legislative proposals that would bolster cybersecurity efforts and protection.
6. New Jersey bill seeks to remedy thin managed care networks
A contentious bill returned to the New Jersey State Assembly Jan 12., in an effort to ensure managed care networks have enough physicians for patients to choose from.
7. AHA-supported bill would help hospitals meet 2015 MU requirements
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) reintroduced a bill that would provide hospitals more flexibility in meaningful use, helping hospitals attest and meet fiscal year 2015 EHR requirements.
8. Legislation giving US Army Corps of Engineers authority over VA construction projects to be introduced
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) plans to introduce legislation that would put the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the helm of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' construction projects.
9. Ohio bill would expand 'I'm Sorry' law to protect physicians admitting fault
A proposed bill in Ohio seeks to encourage private discussions between physicians and families after a medical mishap occurs by allowing physicians to admit fault concerning medical mistakes without their words being used against them in court at a later date.
10. NY passes bill to expand telehealth
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed a bill to expand access to telehealth throughout the state.
More articles on health law:
Supreme Court rejects new challenge to PPACA
Medical College of Wisconsin pays $840k to settle FCA allegations
5 latest healthcare industry lawsuits