Compliance Update

On December 31, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), jointly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), published a temporary rule that extends the COVID-era “telemedicine flexibilities” for prescribing Schedule II–V controlled substances through December 31, 2026 (the fourth temporary extension). The rule is effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and...

Nancy Hunt arrived at an emergency room from a Genesis HealthCare nursing home in Pennsylvania in such dreadful shape, including maggots infesting her gangrened foot, that the hospital called an elder abuse hotline and then the police, her son alleged in a lawsuit. Hunt died five days later. Her death certificate said the foot injury was a “significant” factor. Genesis denied wrongdoing but...

Over the last November weekend of 2025, a memo circulated throughout the Federal Food and Drug Administration that might well trigger the entire unraveling of the US vaccine program with a focus on the mandated COVID shot in particular. The author is Dr. Vinay Prasad, who was a moderate critic during the COVID but has become ferocious since his appointment as the head of the Center for Biologics...

Nitrosamines are by-products of many common chemical reactions. FatCamera/iStock via Getty Images Plus ~~~~~ A generic blood pressure drug called prazosin, made by Teva Pharmaceuticals, is being recalled by the Food and Drug Administration because it contains elevated levels of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. The recall, which Teva announced on Oct. 7, 2025, affects more than...

An effective defense for fraud allegations begins with proactive compliance controls tailored to healthcare operations. Federal and state authorities increasingly scrutinize billing patterns, documentation and financial relationships under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq., the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b, and related regulations. As a healthcare executive, you must...

The behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment industry in Florida is facing a critical challenge. Addiction treatment providers, who deliver essential care to individuals seeking recovery, are now confronted with a development that threatens the sustainability of their services. In August 2025, detox and residential treatment facilities throughout Florida contracted with Ambetter, Centene’s...