Blending Professionals: Ensuring the Overall Protection of Practitioners

When a practice is undergoing changes, it is important for practitioners to work jointly with an attorney, financial advisor, and accountant to ensure the overall protection of their practice.

The lawyer concentrates on the legal compliance of the practice; the accountant ensures that monies are treated according to the tax laws; and the financial advisor/investment broker works to ensure that there is a return on investment. It’s important that all professionals understand the concept of a healthcare practitioner’s needs and goals.

Obtaining a New Job: Important Transition Considerations

It is not uncommon for practitioners to change jobs and join a new practice during the course of their career. When first considering a change in employment, it is imperative to immediately review the current employment contract and examine the following clauses:

Practitioners: What You Need to Know About the GDPR

As of May 25, 2018, the GDPR, which stands for the General Data Protection Regulation, was implemented in the European Union (EU). This regulation is much more expansive than our United States HIPAA law, and its coverage area is quite large considering many different countries comprise the EU. The concept of the GDPR is to protect PHI of residents from the EU.

Does the Changing Healthcare Landscape Affect Doctor-Patient Privilege?

In most scenarios, doctor-patient privilege that is protected by HIPAA takes priority—similar to the way attorney-client privilege is treated. However, what was once a certainty is being challenged in the courts, primarily due to the increase of physicians who are employed by hospitals and the resulting overlap in treatment among professionals.

Hospitals have expanded the types of care that are available to patients, who often receive care from multiple physicians in one setting. A study from 2012-2015 documented a 50% increase in the amount of physicians who work in hospital settings.

The Murky Waters of Continuous Treatment Just Got Murkier

The recent case of Lohnas v. Luzi, 2018 N.Y. Slip Op 01114 (February 15, 2018) brings the implications of the continuous treatment doctrine to the forefront.

In this case, a physician performed shoulder surgery on a patient in 1998. The patient had follow-up treatments and then stopped for several months. After this brief hiatus, the patient then returned for follow-up appointments due to continued shoulder pain and ended up having a second surgery and subsequent follow-up treatments.

When a Non-Compete Is Non-Enforceable

In most instances, when a physician is hired at a practice, he or she must agree to a non-compete clause. By agreeing to this clause, the physician will be restricted on where they can continue to practice and render services within a particular geographical zone for a specified period of time after their employment ends.

In the case of Cindy Hoffman, D.O., P.C. v Raftopol, 2018 NY Slip Op 50020, Dr. Hoffman, a dermatologist, brought suit against her former physician’s assistant, Raftopol, for resigning and accepting a job within 15 miles of two of her offices — a violation of the non-compete agreement between the parties.

PC vs PLLC: Choosing Your Business Structure

In New York State, professionals who are licensed through the Department of Education can structure their businesses in two ways: as a professional corporation (PC) or a professional limited liability company (PLLC).

Under New York Law, both structures provide identical legal protection—the legal separation of personal and business assets by establishing a corporate shield. However, to understand which entity is best for your practice, you will need to understand the tax consequences and the rules to maintain each entity.

Understanding Patient Consent Forms

To patients, consent forms might be viewed as a simple and standard document. These are forms that patients are now accustomed to receiving prior to any treatment.

However, if you are a practitioner, it is critical for your consent forms to convey certain information clearly, accurately, and succinctly; otherwise, the forms may not have the intended meaning and/or the patient will not be properly put on notice of said information specific to the practice and the treatment.  

Moving Your Healthcare Practice Forward in 2018

For physicians, dentists, and all healthcare practitioners, as 2017 comes to a close, it is time to think about the goals for your practice moving forward into 2018.

• Are you looking to take on new employees?
• Are you looking to expand your practice?
• Are you looking to buy a practice?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, there are legal risks and liabilities you need to be aware of.

Technology Affects All Healthcare Practices

Technology is prominent in all aspects of our society—and this is true in the healthcare field as well. The majority of healthcare practices are already paperless, which includes not only medical charts but also digital x-rays and the mandated electronic prescribing.