Medical Malpractice Insurance News

A new MLMIC publication, The Albany Report, is intended to enhance this advocacy by providing policyholders with a concise, insiders’ view of pending legislative, regulatory and political developments that have an impact on the NYS medical malpractice insurance marketplace.

The Joint Commission (JC) issued a clarification reversing its position on the texting of medical orders: “The use of secure text orders is not permitted at this time.”

The Joint Commission (JC) has updated its 2011 memo regarding texting orders. It now allows for the immediate use of texting for medical orders providing certain criteria are met.

As part of New York’s efforts to curb opioid abuse, Governor Cuomo recently signed legislation to amend New York State Public Health Law §3331, which will take effect on July 22, 2016. Restrictions have been put in place to limit initial narcotic prescriptions to seven days.

While MLMIC can’t speak to the coverage of our competitors, we can assure our policyholders that MLMIC’s level of protection remains unchanged. We continue to provide exceptional coverage, a strong risk management program and high quality legal counsel.

MLMIC posts information on its blog to assist policyholders in complying with the e-prescribing mandate. In addition, we want to share with you a new article about the challenges New York providers face regarding the pending implementation date.

Applications for waivers to New York State’s mandatory electronic prescribing law are available ahead of the mandate’s March 27, 2016, start date.

Mandatory e-prescribing of all prescription medication, controlled substances and non-controlled substances, takes effect in New York State on March 27, 2016. All practitioners need to be familiar with the requirements of this law.

The “Emergency Medical Services and Surprise Bills” law, effective March 31, 2015, impacts billing and reimbursement for some out-of-network healthcare services.

A new state regulation goes into effect on March 27, 2015, requiring all medication prescriptions to be electronically prescribed.