Coronavirus: What Should Medical/Dental Practices Do?

At the time of this writing, New York has declared a state of emergency in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. There are some questions regarding what steps medical and dental practices can make moving forward during this period of unknown. Although New York has not implemented any new rules or laws regarding the virus, as of yet, there are certain best practices that offices should be aware of to proactively combat what we are currently facing as a nation.

A Reminder to Practitioners About Patients’ Financial Forms

In any practice, there are a number of forms that must be signed by patients. These may include the following: HIPAA privacy forms, consent for treatment, general office policies and a health/dental history form. Invariably, there will also be a financial policy form that provides the patient notice of what payments they will be responsible for as it relates to the rendered medical/dental services. 

Business Name Approval For Your Practice – What You Need to Know

When a practitioner is thinking of forming a new practice — or if they are purchasing a practice — forming a legal entity is often part of the process. In New York, their choices are a professional service corporation (PC) or a professional service limited liability company (PLLC). In order to form either type of entity, the practitioner must first apply to  the New York State Department of Education (DOE) to get approval of the practice name and verification of their license before they can file any of the documents with the New York State Department of State.

Commercial Leases and Buying a Practice

Many times when a practitioner purchases a practice, they are not just purchasing the goodwill and equipment — they may also be taking over the commercial lease. Staying in the same space is often advantageous because it makes it easier for patients to continue their treatment under the new management.

When a Physician Leaves a Practice, What Happens to Their Patients?

Generally, healthcare practices today employ several physicians to cover the needs of all of their patients — but what happens when one of them leaves the practice?

What is an Operating Agreement?

An operating agreement is a contract that outlines how a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) will function from its inception. It can diffuse potential disputes between members if the agreement addresses certain areas of concern for the PLLC.  

For example, it may discuss the following areas:

Startup Costs Associated with Opening a Medical Practice

When practitioners are thinking about opening up their own practice, regardless of specialty or field, there are a couple of concepts for them to consider to make sure that it’s a viable option for them.

Upcoming Seminar: The Ethics of Networking for Law Professionals

This September I am co-presenting a seminar at the New York County Lawyers Association and through Lawline at New York Law School with Janet Falk of Falk Communications and Research on the topic “Ethically Strengthen Your Networking Skills.” 

During the presentation, key discussions will include: 

Can “Employed” Practitioners Protect Their Ideas & Inventions?

An employment agreement often includes language that prevents or limits a practitioner from taking ownership of their own intellectual property (IP).  This can include IP such as research, inventions, patents or trademarks. 

Before joining a practice, practitioners should be aware of a few concepts regarding their IP rights. 

Reflections on the 9-Year Anniversary of My Practice

This month, my practice turns nine. Back when I first began, I was not quite sure where the business would lead me — and I am happy to say that the opportunities I have had surpass anything that I could have imagined.