Sycom GM RSS feed generatorWed, 06 Jan 2010 13:59:03 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/default.aspxLearn more about laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine that are already on the books.Copyright 2010en-usTue, 09 Feb 2010 07:15:24 GMT1http://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/PAscope.aspxA new law has expanded the scope of practice of physician assistants (PAs).Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:30:16 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Adverseevents.aspxPhysicians and hospitals will not be paid for preventable serious adverse events.Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:36:15 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/PHC4-bills.aspxThe Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council has been reauthorized after nearly having to close its doors.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:38:02 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MiniCOBRA.aspxEmployees of small businesses who leave their jobs can extend their health insurance under a new state law.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:32:49 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Health-insurance-bill.aspxParents will be able to keep dependent children younger than 30 on their health insurance.Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:15:19 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Mandatoryreporting.aspxHealth care providers who treat a pregnant child or a child with a sexually transmitted disease must report the incident to police. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:40:07 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Infectionplans.aspxThe Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (PSA) has developed recommendations for infection control plans mandated under Act 52 of 2007. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:19:37 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Licenserenewal.aspxThe State Society offers help with common license renewal questions.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:30:41 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives.aspxThe Pennsylvania Medical Society offers information on advance directives and Act 169 of 2006, Pennsylvania's new law governing advance directives.Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:35:42 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Advancedirectivespoll.aspxA poll by the Pennsylvania Medical Society found that 84 percent of Pennsylvania adults have not prepared an advance health care directive.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:38:49 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Act169.aspxAct 169 of 2006 provides greater clarity and protections for patients and physicians.Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:46:04 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Act169facts.aspxGet an overview of Act 169, which governs advance health care directives and health care decision-making for incompetent patients.Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:50:42 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Advancedirectivesguide.aspxUpdated in September 2007, this is a guide on Act 169 of 2006 for physicians and other health care providers.Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:51:36 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Decideforyourself.aspxThis 12-page brochure answers your patients' frequently asked questions about end-of-life and other health care planning. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:56:48 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/AdvanceDirectives/Advancedirectivesflyer.aspxThis one-page flyer directs your patients to the end-of-life planning resources mentioned above. Make copies of the PDF to hang in your waiting and exam rooms or to give to your patients. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:46:32 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs.aspxThese legal briefs were prepared by the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Office of General Counsel.Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:00:31 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Physicianad.aspxThis legal brief outlines the ethical requirements for physician advertising as well as provisions against unethical advertising and enforcement of those provisions.Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:50:20 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Practicetransitions.aspxThere are a variety of legal, ethical and practical considerations involved in closing a practice. Read about them in this chapter of our guide "Practice Transitions: Starting, Stopping & In-Between." Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:52:21 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Retirement.aspxSome physicians may be considering retirement or leaving the state due to the legislature's failure to enact Mcare relief. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:50:32 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Next.aspxFind out what happens now that Mcare relief won't happen in 2008.Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:25:11 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Terms-of-use.aspxIt's vital to know what you are agreeing to in a terms of use agreement, particularly when you are providing content or posting personal information on a website. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:52:09 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Expert-witness-case.aspxA ruling by the state Supreme Court on whether a plaintiff's expert witness met the same specialty requirement for expert witnesses demonstrates the importance of the makeup of the court. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:53:31 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Informedconsent.aspxCircumstantial evidence is enough to prove causation in a lack of informed consent claim, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided.Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:28:05 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Signlanguage.aspxFederal and state laws require physician offices to provide reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:23:53 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Backgroundchecks.aspxPennsylvania law requires employers to obtain criminal and child abuse history information from prospective employees who will have contact with children.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:40:55 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Certificateofmeritfine.aspxA Philadelphia judge has sanctioned a plaintiff's attorney and his firm for improperly filing certificates of merit in a medical malpractice case. Wed, 14 May 2008 15:24:16 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Autoinsuranceinterest.aspxThe Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of this position advanced by the Pennsylvania Medical Society in an amicus (friend of the court) brief.Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:31:41 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Expertwitness.aspxThe Superior Court upheld the State Society's interpretation of Act 13 expert witness qualifications.Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:16:56 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Physicianpatientrelationship.aspxInformation from the Pennsylvania Medical Society on the start, end, scope, and termination of the physician-patient relationship.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:59:34 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Patientrecordsprivacyanddisclosure.aspxInformation from the Pennsylvania Medical Society on retention and disposal of office medical records and medical records requests.Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:00:10 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/Medicalliability.aspxInformation from the Pennsylvania Medical Society on medical liability issues in the commonwealth.Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:20:10 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/LegalBriefs/GuidetoAct13.aspxFind definitions and descriptions of the facilities affected by Act 13, reporting requirements, facility responsibilities, and more.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:49:39 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability.aspxFind out how the Pennsylvania Medical Society is working to improve the medical liability environment in the state.Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:01:24 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Demo-project.aspxPennsylvania should be part of state-based demonstration projects to evaluate the effectiveness of medical liability reforms.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:22:56 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/PMSLIC_1.aspxThe medical liability insurer has announced a dividend of 10 percent for the 2009 policy year. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:13:07 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Act-13.aspxWed, 22 Jul 2009 16:09:04 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Progress.aspxGov. Rendell has touted the progress on medical liability reform. Issues such as the size of medical liability awards and the unfunded liability remain.Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:19:03 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Mcarenow.aspxThe Pennsylvania Medical Society is working to get Mcare abatement, phase-out, and retirement legislation passed by the General Assembly.Wed, 20 May 2009 10:24:21 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/RRGIncreases.aspxThe number of physicians and hospitals insured by risk retention groups (RRGs) has increased to 30 percent of the state insurance market, according to the state Insurance Department.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:45:05 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Financialdiscovery.aspxA recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion may affect physicians who serve as expert witnesses. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:28:03 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Certificateofmerit.aspxA Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling says plaintiffs must meet Certificate of Merit time requirements and file required certifications in medical liability cases. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:32:52 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Lawsuitprotection.aspxThis publication is designed to be an instructional tool for physicians so that they can have a more informed discussion with their legal/financial advisors.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:42:06 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/OccurencevClaimsMade.aspxPhysicians need to understand the ramifications of a switch to claims-made coverage. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:27:43 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Liabilityawards.aspxSupreme Court denies plaintiff permission to appeal decision. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:14:04 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Expertwitness.aspxA recent state Superior Court case challenged expert witness qualifications for providing testimony in medical malpractice cases. Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:11:18 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Bifurcation.aspxWhether a request for bifurcation is a good defense strategy will vary from case to case. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:18:40 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Plaintiffattorneys.aspxThis legal brief discusses the law governing when an out-of-state attorney may represent a plaintiff or defendant in a Pennsylvania judicial proceeding. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:43:25 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Medicalliabilitytimeline.aspxBasic changes enacted in 1996 through Act 135 have paved the way for more recent improvements to Pennsylvania's tort law. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:49:37 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Arbitration.aspxThis paper focuses on private arbitration outside the judicial system. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:25:37 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Liabilityfacts.aspxThe Pennsylvania Medical Society has compiled information on medical liability in the commonwealth.Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:50:05 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Insuranceoptions.aspxA review of the types of insurance companies and coverages, as well as regulatory protections and questions to ask when evaluating an insurer. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:24:54 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Licensingresources.aspxThis book gives overview of the applicable law and standard practices regarding physician licensing investigations and prosecutions and the Mcare licensing reforms.Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:36:36 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/MedicalLiability/Seriousincidentprotocol.aspxThe State Society has compiled list of things to keep in mind when informing patients of serious events or incidents.Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:39:41 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations.aspxInformation on regulations that the Pennsylvania Medical Society has followed them through the regulatory process.Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:02:09 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Delegation.aspxLearn about the conditions a medical doctor must meet to delegate to a health care practitioner or technician.Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:30:12 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/DOcollaboration.aspxThanks to a recent ruling, osteopathic physicians (DOs) can now enter into collaborative agreements that allow certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) to prescribe medications.Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:28:57 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Regulatoryprocess.aspxThis outline takes a brief look at the regulatory review process.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:59:03 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Midwife-Prescribing.aspxNew regulations make it possible for certain nurse midwives to prescribe, administer, and dispense drugs. A collaborative agreement with a physician is required.Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:22:30 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/CRNP-reg.aspxA regulation to expand the scope of practice of certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) is now in effect.Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:01:20 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/RN-CE.aspxThe Pennsylvania Medical Society has a pair of activities that will help RNs meet new continuing education requirements-"Counter Details" and "Studies in Patient Safety."Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:58:13 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/CME-audits.aspxSeveral physicians have reported to the Pennsylvania Medical Society that auditors from the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine have found discrepancies in their Category 2 CME credits.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:25:11 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/PA-flexibility.aspxDuring this H1N1 influenza emergency, health care facilities may apply for flexibility in how they use physician assistants (PAs).Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:42:26 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Verbal-orders.aspxPhysicians may issue emergency verbal prescriptions for Schedule II controlled drugs but must follow up with a written prescription within seven days.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:52:25 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/OTC-syringes.aspxNeedles and syringes can now be purchased over-the-counter in Pennsylvania.Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:59:55 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Cancer-reporting.aspxSome physicians will need to begin reporting cancer cases to the state Department of Health.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:08:50 GMThttp://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&Q=432631&bpoaNav=|A list of the disciplinary actions taken by the state's 29 licensing boards and commissions, including the Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:44:24 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/PA-prescribing.aspxPhysician assistants (PAs) collaborating with doctors of osteopathy (DOs) can now prescribe medication. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:13:26 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Signatures.aspxThe Pennsylvania Department of Health will now allow electronic physician signatures on death certificates. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:41:37 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/RNCE.aspxRegistered nurses will need 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education activities prior to renewing their licenses on either Oct. 31, 2010, or April 30, 2011.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:52:55 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Maintaininglicense.aspxLearn how to make sure your medical license is renewed and current.Mon, 19 May 2008 14:20:43 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Settingrecord.aspxFrom ownership rights to copying fees, Setting the Record Straight will help you make sure you're handling these vital documents appropriately and legally.Mon, 19 May 2008 14:48:08 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Practiceguidelines.aspxA resource for physician practices to understand licensure, scope of practice, and reimbursement rules and guidelines for these positions.Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:03:36 GMThttp://www.pacode.com/secure/data/034/chapter127/chap127toc.htmlRegulations implementing the Workers' Compensation Act relating to payments for medical treatment by insurers or self-insured employers and the review of medical treatment of employees with work-related injuries and illnesses.Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:21:34 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Act68.aspxAct 68 requires health insurers to remit payment for clean claims within 45 days of receipt.Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:12:06 GMThttp://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter23/subchapCtoc.htmlState regulation listing the immunization requirements of children entering and attending schools in the commonwealth.Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:21:43 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Newbornscreening.aspxSome newborn diseases must be reported to the state.Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:09:43 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/LicensureRegulations.aspxLinks to MD and DO licensure regulations from the State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:44:16 GMThttp://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter7/chap7toc.htmlA community-based, nonprofit corporation that provides preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and basic emergency health services by licensed practitioners to patients who may require a variety of medical services can apply to the Department of Health to become designated as a primary health center if it meets the minimum standards outlined in the regulations.Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:21:47 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/RegulatoryReview.aspxThe regulatory review process is lengthy and complex.Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:16:50 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/DEARequirements.aspxThe Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) amended registration regulations require physicians who practice in more than one state to obtain a separate DEA registration for each state.Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:05:14 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Act6.aspxA concise run-down of the steps you need to take to get appropriately reimbursed for care of patients injured in a motor vehicle accident.Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:39:16 GMThttp://www.pamedsoc.org/MainMenuCategories/Government/LawsAffectingPhysicians/Regulations/Reportablediseases.aspxThis publication includes lists of reportable diseases, how and where to report, confidentiality rules, and penalties for failing to report.Mon, 19 May 2008 14:14:15 GMT