Physicians, lawyers to discuss latest health care developments at Chicago conference June 8-9

Physicians and their counsel will explore the role of doctors in today’s changing health care environment during the Physicians Legal Issues Conference, sponsored by the American Bar Association Health Law Section and the Chicago Medical Society, June 8-9 in Chicago. Conference attendees will learn practical advice on handling problems relating to regulatory trends, the False Claims Act, changes to the Stark Law and other legal issues.

On Friday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana will speak on health care reform legislation and other initiatives being considered on Capitol Hill, including aspects affecting practicing physicians.

Paul H. Keckley, managing editor of The Keckley Report, a weekly e-newsletter addressing health care policy issues and trends, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday. He will discuss what to expect from and how to prepare for health care reform.

United States Department of Health and Human Services participants in the conference include a deputy general counsel and chief legal officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services who will deliver remarks on some of HHS Secretary Tom Price’s top policy initiatives impacting the physician community.

Conference highlights include:

• “Minimizing the Risks in Prescribing Controlled Substances” — A panel of experts, including Dennis A. Wichern, Drug Enforcement Agency, Chicago, will provide an overview of DEA registration, suspension or revocation of registration, DEA inspections and enforcement proceedings and minimizing the risk of investigation and prosecution. In addition, the panel will discuss developments in e-prescribing and telehealth and DEA’s new proposed relaxed standards, state prescription drug monitoring program laws and their effects on physicians and medical and recreational marijuana dilemmas for physicians.

• “The Addict’s Perspective: Three Truths Every Doctor and Lawyer Should Know about Addiction” — Nearly everyone will face addiction in their practice this year. This session will provide insight and practical advice on how to treat the client or patient struggling with addiction while offering a front-row seat to the state of current and proposed public policy on addiction issues. Topics include the mechanics of addiction: the problem and solution, the promise and pitfalls of medically assisted treatment, and the state of current and proposed addiction law and policy.

• “Physician Wellness: Promoting a Culture of Physician Well-Being” — The practice of medicine has always been a high-stress occupation. Given the increased burdens placed on physicians in today’s health care climate, physicians are under more stress than ever. This session will address ways to combat physician burnout and promote physician health. A panel of experts will also discuss: identifying impairments that can affect a physician’s ability to practice medicine, methods of intervention, potential legal implications associated with impaired physicians and innovative ways healthcare organizations can create an environment that contributes to physician well-being.