This section shares the upcoming initiatives and projects that the MedChi Law & Advocacy Division is working on.  Please check back often to get up-to-date information as it changes.   

• Criminal History Record Checks Begin October 1, 2016.   For more information click here.
• Overview of PDMP Legislation - Schwartz, Metz & Wise, P.A., May 10, 2016
• Physicians Payments Sunshine Act - On August 1, 2013 the first portion of the Physicians Payments Sunshine Act went into effect.  Manufacturers and group purchasing organizations are required to collect information on payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals, and any ownership or investment interest physicians hold in their companies, and report this information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which will publish regular reports listing payments reported.  Physicians are not required to submit any information to CMS; however, to ensure proper and accurate reporting, all physicians are encouraged to keep records of all payments received from industry services.  Physicians have an opportunity to review and correct the information submitted about payments received by them before it is made public.  More information can be found at the CMS and AMA websites.  The CMS site contains links to a mobile app, in both iOS and Android variations, that physicians can use to keep track of transfers made to them.
• Section 1557 of the ACA, Final Rule, Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities
  • Summary of the Final Rule
  • Sample Notice Informing Individuals about Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Requirements and Sample Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Sample Notice Informing Individuals about Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Requirements and Sample Nondiscrimination Statement - EDITABLE
• 2011 Compendium of Maryland Insurance Law: By Burt Littman, M.D.
• ACOs and the Medicare Shared Savings Program:  A Primer for Physicians By Jeffrey M. Pecore, Esq.
• Assignment of Benefits - As finally enacted, Senate Bill 314 (Health Insurance - Assignment of Benefits and Reimbursement of Nonpreferred Providers) applies to PPO insurance policies issued, delivered or renewed, on or after July 1, 2011.  The new law shall remain in effect for 5 years and at the end of September 30, 2015 shall be abrogated unless renewed.  The Bill requires an insurer to recognize an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and to send the insurance payment directly to the physician who accepts AOB.