Here are the 10 most popular legal stories reported by Becker's Hospital Review in 2013, beginning with the most-read.
1. Epic Faces Class-Action Suit Over Overtime Pay
A former employee filed a class-action lawsuit against Epic Systems, accusing the electronic health record giant of violating labor laws by denying eligible workers overtime pay.
2. The Growth of Healthcare Fraud Qui Tam Lawsuits
Healthcare fraud cases under the False Claims Act have grown significantly in recent years.
3. 7 Key Legal Concepts for Today's Hospital and Health System Leaders
In a Dec. 10 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Scott Becker, JD, CPA, partner with McGuireWoods in Chicago, discussed some of the legal issues facing hospitals and their leadership teams.
4. UPMC Tax Challenge Hearing Set for January
Legal arguments related to the city of Pittsburgh's challenge to UPMC's tax-exemption are scheduled for Jan. 8.
5. Former Steward COO Indicted on Charges of Obstructing HMA Investigation
The former COO of Boston-based Steward Health Care System was indicted on a charge he obstructed a federal investigation into Health Management Associates.
6. 15 Things to Know About the HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule Before Sept. 23
By Sept. 23, hospitals and physicians must comply with the HIPAA omnibus final rule, which strengthens patient privacy protections and provides patients with new rights to their protected health information.
7. 29 Statistics on Medical Malpractice Payouts and Lawsuits
Information from Diederich Healthcare's "2013 Medical Malpractice Payout Analysis," which is based on data from the National Practitioner Data Bank.
8. OIG: HIPAA Is Not Being Fully Enforced
The Office for Civil Rights, the agency responsible for ensuring HIPAA privacy standards are being met, has not been meeting all federal requirements in its oversight and enforcement of the law, according to a report from HHS' Office of the Inspector General.
9. GWU Hospital Triumphant in False Claims Suit
George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., prevailed in an 18-year-old lawsuit accusing the hospital of False Claims Act violations.
10. UPMC, Highmark Ordered to Drop Lawsuits
A federal judge ordered both UPMC and Highmark to drop their respective lawsuits and abide by a 2012 mediated agreement.
More Articles on Hospital Legal Issues:
AHA: Providers Like Tuomey Should Not Be Penalized for Trusting Attorneys' Advice
Allegations Against Southwest Regional Medical Center Cast in Doubt
Judge Upholds Sale of Christ Hospital to CarePoint Health