The Weekly Ethical Roundabout
March 10-17
Federal:
National Law Review: Congress has extended Telehealth Medicare waivers through most of 2025 in the recently passed continuing resolution. These waivers were first enacted under the Social Security Act during the pandemic. The continuing resolution will allow Medicare patients to continue to obtain telehealth services in rural areas and to allow telehealth services to be provided in an audio-only format.
State:
Texas Tribune: A bill was introduced to the Texas Senate to clarify for medical providers the state’s abortion law. Senate Bill 31, the “Life of the Mother Act”, amends the state’s statute to provide an exemption from civil action for abortion providers who perform, induce, or attempt an abortion on a patient with a physical condition aggravated by the pregnancy, removing the previous condition that the condition be “life-threatening”. The bill will also include amendments exempting specific treatments and defining medical judgment and accidental or unintentional death.
Lexington Times: The Kentucky legislature has forwarded to the Governor for signing a bill that will statutorily define “freestanding birthing center” and establish licensing procedures for these centers. The bill will require the medical director of freestanding centers to be a licensed physician and maintain a patient transfer agreement with a hospital’s obstetric and emergency departments.
National Law Review: Three states have put forward legislation to limit the use of noncompete agreements within the healthcare industry. The Louisiana Governor has signed Act No. 273, which amends the current state law to prohibit contracts that limit a primary care physician from practicing medicine for longer than three years, and longer than five years for physicians in areas other than primary care. Maryland has signed into law House Bill 1388, amending the state’s labor code to limit noncompete agreements within certain veterinary and health care providers. Finally, Indiana Senate Bill 475, if passed, will ban noncompete agreements between a physician and their employer.
The Tennessean: The Tennessee legislature forwarded two reproductive health bills this week. House Bill 945 will require the commissioner of health to report on the state’s standards and policies of assisted reproductive technology within the state. The bill’s authors aim to produce a model IVF document for use between providers and clients, as well as develop limitations on specific genetic testing. House Bill 1220, the Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act, would secure as a fundamental right decisions regarding reproductive health. It would also require providers to provide contraceptives and family planning information or refer the patient to a provider who will provide these services.
Glances Abroad:
Calgary Herald: A preliminary injunction is being sought by opponents of a recently passed Alberta law limiting gender-transitioning treatment for patients under 16. Filed with the opponent’s injunction request were client affidavits explaining the psychological and emotional impact of the treatment.