Compliance
MDH Network Security Incident: How to Renew Your CDS License Expiring December 31, 2021
A network security incident on December 4, 2021, caused disruption to some Maryland Department of Health (MDH) operations, including to the Maryland Office of Controlled Dangerous Substances (OCSA) CDS renewal portal. If your CDS license renewal is due in January 2022 or later, OCSA guidance currently asks that you wait for restored web service. If your…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
On November 16, 2021, MCMS held a webinar with Jessica Summers, Esq. from the law firm of Paley Rothman on COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The webinar discussed both government-issued and voluntary employer mandates. Key government-issued mandates include the Maryland Order for Hospitals and Nursing Homes, Federal Executive Order 14042, the CMS Interim Final Rule, and the OSHA Emergency…
Read MoreThree Licensure Updates for Maryland Physicians
As Maryland’s emergency orders continue to expire, here are three critical updates for physicians and their medical practices: 1. Physician Licensure Grace Period Ends August 15th In Executive Order 21-03-09-03, Governor Hogan postponed the expiration of professional licenses, including physician and other health occupations licenses. The Order extended the expiration date of all licenses through…
Read MoreOSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for Healthcare on Thursday, June 10, 2021. The ETS is meant to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with COVID-19 are reasonably expected to be present. Is My Practice…
Read MoreRegional Update: Interstate Telemedicine Waivers During COVID-19
Last Updated: June 22, 2022 Topline Update: Where does a PHE allow a Maryland licensed physician to practice? Telehealth waivers have expired in most states and the District of Columbia, although some states have now reinstated a waiver due to the Omicron associated spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Please note that requirements under the…
Read MoreProvider Relief Fund Reporting Registration & Requirements FAQ
New flexibility announced for Period 1 reporting Due largely to advocacy from the AMA, national specialty societies, and state medical societies, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has decided to reopen the reporting time for recipients of Period 1 Provider Relief Funds. Those physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and failed to…
Read MoreInfection Control & COVID-19: An OSHA Expert’s Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Medical practices providing in-person patient care during the pandemic face a complex infection control environment with evolving guidance from federal and local health authorities. CDC guidance addresses COVID-19 infection control, exposures, and potential shortages of both personnel and protective equipment. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSH) has shared its most frequently asked questions…
Read More3 Upcoming CMS Deadlines & Changes
1. MIPS 2020 Hardship Exception Deadline – Apply by December 31st CMS recognizes that practices have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, for the 2020 performance year, CMS will be using their Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy to allow clinicians, groups, and virtual groups to submit an application requesting reweighting of one or more Merit-based Incentive Payment System…
Read MoreEmployment Law Q&A: FFCRA & Return to Work Guidelines
On Tuesday, August 25, MCMS hosted a Q&A for physicians with James Hammerschmidt, Esq. and David Shapiro, Esq. of Paley Rothman, a Bethesda based law firm. The session began with a summary of developments related to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and CDC’s “Return to Work” guidelines, followed by a Q&A of participant submitted…
Read MoreCMS: Physicians May Opt-Out of MIPS for 2020
This week, CMS announced that physicians will have the option to opt-out completely or partially from the 2020 QPP’s MIPS program by completing a hardship exemption application and indicating it is due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). Individual clinicians and group practices have until December 31, 2020 to complete the hardship application. CMS plans on providing…
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