Policies can have legal implications for hospitals and health systems. IHA offers resources to assist general counsel, attorneys and other hospital staff on compliance with specific policies.
In April 2020, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued its opinion in the case of Ungurian v. Wilkes-Barre Hospital Company d/b/a Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Patient Safety Organizations contract with providers and their affiliates to identify common issues and trends to improve care delivery. IHA's guide delineates a Provider and an Affiliated Provider.
In September 2019, a U.S. District Court issued its opinion in the case of Florida Health Sciences Centers, focused heavily on federal law preempting state laws providing less privilege protection.
In May 2019, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center filed a federal lawsuit against a patient seeking “all adverse medical incident documents” related to her care, including protected information.
In September 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued its opinion in the case of Rumsey v. Guthrie Medical Group. The case was heavily focused on the PSQIA.
On October 9, 2019, the US Dept. of Health and Human Services proposed significant amendments to the Stark, Anti-Kickback and Civil Monetary Penalty laws.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act requires hospitals to post a sign with the rights of individuals examined and treated for emergency medical conditions and for women in labor.
Hospitals depend on manufacturers to protect healthcare devices from software attacks. IHA offers ways to ensure manufacturers update software to correct security gaps in older operating systems.
Illinois’ Personal Information Protection Act was amended to expand breach notification. Data collectors notifying over 500 residents of a security breach must notify the Illinois Attorney General.
The Office of the Illinois Attorney General, in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s Office, has updated posters notifying patients about the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program.
On Feb. 6, a judge ruled in favor of the Carle Foundation, finding it was entitled to property tax exemptions for four parcels in Urbana for the tax years 2005-2011.
IHA's infographic on Consent by Minors to Medical Treatment provides a visual reference on the Illinois law pertaining to minors' legal status and exceptions under the law.
In Illinois, two statutes protect hospitals’ quality improvement work: the Illinois Medical Studies Act and the federal Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005.
The Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code identifies the individuals who can sign forms for mental health services. Read more to learn about these requirements.
Illinois hospitals can now rely on a recent Illinois appellate court opinion that supports the PSQIA privilege. IHA filed an amicus brief differentiating the PSQIA and the Medical Studies Act.
Anyone who is younger than 18 can consent for medical treatment based on his or her legal status or the type of medical care he or she is seeking. See IHA's fact sheet on consent exceptions.
An ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council, effective Jan. 1, 2020, imposes new registration requirements on nonprofit lobbyists.
IHA COVID-19 Legal Resources There are substantial and complex legal questions and concerns posed by COVID-19 in Illinois and nationally. View federal, state, local, issue-specific and other legal resources compiled by IHA.
Hospital Patient and Visitor Signs and Notices Hospitals must meet state and federal laws and regulations on posting signs and providing notices to patients and visitors. See the following summaries of these requirements.
Law Protections Under the Patient Safety Act and Illinois Medical Studies Act View IHA’s presentation on basic law protections for healthcare organizations under the Patient Safety Act and Illinois Medical Studies Act IHA Record Management Reference 2013 Edition This electronic publication provides valuable information to assist your organization in developing a record retention management program.
Political Campaign Activity by Tax-Exempt Hospital These legal guidelines prepared by IHA's Legal Department and reviewed by the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP provide a basic understanding of Internal Revenue Code restrictions on the political activities of tax-exempt organizations.
Illinois Supreme and Appellate Court Opinions This website contains Illinois Supreme Court opinions filed since May 23, 1996, and Appellate Court opinions filed since September 1, 1996.
Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys (IAHA) IAHA serves the informational and educational needs of attorneys representing the healthcare industry, from hospitals and physicians to medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Become a member.