Newsletters

Partner Notification of HIV Status

Partner notification is a tool used by public health agencies to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases by contacting and notifying those at potential risk of exposure. A number of states permit health care providers to notify known partners of HIV-positive patients of the risk of exposure.

Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services

Federal law mandates that all state Medicaid programs cover family planning services and supplies to individuals of childbearing age. States are free to choose what family planning supplies and services to provide as long as they are "sufficient in amount, duration and scope to reasonably achieve their purpose."

Living Will and the Withdrawal of Life Support

Although it's not a pleasant thing to think about, prudent individuals must plan for the eventuality of death. Such planning includes not only making a last will and testament but also executing a living will, otherwise known as a durable power of attorney for health care.

"Medical Necessity" in Private Health Plans

Private health plans generally cover only the costs of treatment and services that are "medically necessary." What constitutes medical necessity, however, depends on the language of the insurance contract.

Validity of Noncompete Clauses in Physicians' Contracts

In general, noncompete covenants in physicians' contracts require the physician to agree not to compete with his or her employer for a certain period of time within a certain geographical area. Ordinarily, noncompete covenants in employment contracts will be upheld if they are not too broad in time or in area.