Federal Enforcement of Mental Health Parity: Key Updates and Challenges Ahead

Previously published in Healthcare News and Healthcare Michigan On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (“the Departments”) issued their 2024 Report to Congress on the enforcement and implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (“MHPAEA”). This regularly required report follows the Departments’ Final Rules issued in September 2024. …

Are We Living in The Jetsons’ Future? Telehealth, Broadband, and Policy Shifts

The future of healthcare once seemed like science fiction—think of The Jetsons, the iconic 1960s animated show where families communicate via video calls and receive virtual checkups. But today, telehealth has rapidly become a reality, thanks to technological advances and broadband expansion. However, key funding mechanisms are now under scrutiny, raising questions about whether this …

‘Security! Security!’ HHS Proposes Updates To HIPAA’s Security Rule

Previously published in Healthcare News and Healthcare Michigan Can you remember healthcare security 20+ years ago? It seems like a different world from now. Believe it or not, the HIPAA Security Rule has barely changed since it was first enacted in 2003[1]and has been long overdue for a significant remodel. Read on for highlights of the proposed new …

Arizona’s New Behavioral Healthcare Laws – Part 3

As part of a three-part series. Read the first installment here and the second installment here. In 2024, the Arizona legislature passed five new Arizona laws directly affecting behavioral health care in Arizona. These laws run the gamut between refining definitions, requiring peer specialist trainings, new requirements for court-ordered evaluation and treatment, increased retention of …

FCC Updates Broadband Map to Highlight Health Disparities

Previously published in Healthcare News and Healthcare Michigan Introduction On December 13, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced significant updates to its Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. This enhanced tool, now incorporating a range of new health metrics, aims to provide deeper insights into the connection between expanding broadband connectivity and critical health outcomes, with a particular focus on …

Arizona’s New Behavioral Healthcare Laws – Part 2

As part of a three-part series. Read the first installment here. In 2024, the Arizona legislature passed five new Arizona laws directly affecting behavioral health care in Arizona. These laws run the gamut between refining definitions, requiring peer specialist trainings, new requirements for court-ordered evaluation and treatment, increased retention of documentation, and expanding guardians’ rights. …

Healthcare Developments to Expect in 2025

Previously published in Healthcare News and Healthcare Michigan As is the case in many industry sectors, the end of the year brings us to wonder what is in store for healthcare in 2025. Although the future is anyone’s guess, the following three areas of healthcare are most likely to experience robust activity. Non-Compete Litigation Non-compete provisions are designed …

Arizona’s New Behavioral Healthcare Laws – Part 1

As part of a three-part series In 2024, the Arizona legislature passed five new Arizona laws directly affecting behavioral health care in Arizona. These laws run the gamut between refining definitions, requiring peer specialist trainings, new requirements for court-ordered evaluation and treatment, increased retention of documentation, and expanding guardians’ rights. In this three-part series, you …

Final Rules Released: What They Mean for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

Previously published in Healthcare News and Healthcare Michigan On Sept. 9, 2024, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (collectively “the Departments”) released final rules strengthening and clarifying the rules previously set forth in the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). These new rules signify the Departments’ commitment to enforcing existing mental …

November 1 Deadline Looms as Texas Hospitals Struggle to Track Costs Related to Immigration Status

On November 1, certain Texas hospitals must comply with an Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott on August 8, 2024 (Order), requiring them to document medical costs related to the care of individuals without legal immigration status. Governor Abbott provided the following statement explaining the reasoning behind his Order: “Due to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala …