Posted by Jonathan Hollander on March 26, 1998 at 07:41:13:
1. Definition of Good Samaritan Law. This is a law that would grant immunity from civil actions for alleged negligence to any professional who in good faith renders emergency medical care at the scene of an accident. 2. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 expanded the scope and depth of fraud and abuse enforcement tools available to investigators and prosecutors. The new law created five new criminal offenses that cover claims submitted to public and private payors. Additionally, the Act establishes a new civil sanction that may be relevant to the professional courtesy issue. This provision levies a civil monetary penalty for extending improper "remuneration" or inducements to medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries. Physicians who typically provide "professional courtesy" to other physicians, family membes, or fellow employees should be prudent in thier billing proactices to asure that they are not running afoul of both federal and state laws.