STAT LAW April 2009

Lewis Auerbach, M.D. Receives Chairman's Recognition Award in Tampa

	Lewis Auerbach, M.D., was presented with the Chairman's Recognition Award at the February Board of Medicine Meeting in Tampa, Florida.  The award was presented for Dr. Auerbach for his leadership in the medical community, his service on hospital committees and for providing service to Hillsborough County residents for over 20 years.  

Consumer Alert - "Compliance Services"

	The Florida Attorney General is warning new Florida business entities about solicitations from a company known as "Compliance Services."  Compliance Services has been soliciting Florida businesses implying that those businesses must submit their corporate minutes and $125 to Compliance Services' Tallahassee address.  Florida business entities must file their annual reports with the Florida Department of State by May 1, 2009.  However, there is no requirement to use "Compliance Services."

Costs Of Reproducing Medical Records

	The Board of Medicine's amended rule on what you may charge for reproducing medical records went into effect on March 9, 2009.  Under the amended rule, the reasonable costs for reproducing written or typed documents for patients and government entities cannot exceed $1 per page for the first 25 pages and 25 cents per page for each page in excess of 25 pages.  However, for all other entities and individuals, including lawyers and insurers, the reasonable cost of reproducing written or typed documents can be up to $1 per page (with no maximum).  The Board of Medicine urges physicians to provide their patients copies of their records without cost, particularly when the patient is "economically disadvantaged."

Wall-Mart To Offer EMR

	According to UPI, Wal-Mart is joining forces with Dell, Inc., and eClinicalWorks to launch an electronic health records package for use by doctors.  The program will be offered through the Sam's Club division.

Notify Your Board Before Moving Your Practice

	From the Board of Medicine's Top 10 Laws and Rules Every Physician Should Know, Number 2:  Before you move to a new practice or relocate your existing practice, notify the Board.  The Board warns physicians that failing to keep their official address current may result in difficulty renewing their licenses and even lead to a physician practicing on an expired license.  Physicians who practice on an expired license are committing a criminal offense.  You are required by law to keep your address current with the Department of Health.  Failure to submit a timely change is also grounds for disciplinary action.

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