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PBM Audits for Black-Market Diabetic Test Strips

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illinois license defense lawyerIn the healthcare industry, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) serve a pivotal role. In fact, a pharmacy would be unable to operate without having a contract with a PBM. The PBM serves as an intermediary between the pharmacy and the insurance company, negotiating rates and processing the majority of all prescriptions.

Under these contracts, the PBM also has the right to conduct an audit of the pharmacy to make sure that all terms of the contract and proper guidelines are being met. Any discrepancies found during the audit could result in not only the pharmacy being required to pay back funds they have received, but could also result in the PBM contract being terminated. One product PBMs have been laser focused on recently is the number of pharmacies purchasing diabetic testing strips from unauthorized sources.

Black Market Diabetic Testing Strips

There are currently more than 30 million patients diagnosed with diabetes in this country. Patients who have the condition are required to test their glucose levels each day. One of the most common ways to test is by using diabetic test strips. It is so common revenues from these test strips surpasses $8 billion a year.

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Illinois Creates New License Process for Midwives

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 b2ap3_thumbnail_shutterstock_1297756882.jpgOver the past few decades, the experience of labor and delivery for women has undergone dramatic changes. The process used to be a very clinical one, ending in a birthing experience that involved drugging the mother from the moment she arrived at the hospital and keeping the newborns in the nursery instead of with their mothers for the majority of their extended hospital stays.

The attitude about the birthing process has all changed to a much more family-intimate experience. This has also led to many women choosing to entrust their care to midwives instead of obstetricians. Some women even decide to have their babies born at home, whether by choice or because of the astronomical expense of a hospital delivery.

However, until recently, only those who were certified as nurse-midwives could provide Illinois women with this type of care, but a new law recently signed by the governor will create a new license process for midwives that does not require a nursing degree.

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illinois license defense lawyerSocial media platforms have become an integral part of many people's daily lives, often without realizing just how integral. People post photos, comments, opinions, and memes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, and several other sites on a regular basis. While social media is often a good place for keeping in touch with family and friends, and even networking, it is crucial to be vigilant about what you are posting, especially if you work in certain fields, such as nursing. In fact, items from your social media posts could ultimately be used against you in any actions taken against you by the Illinois Board of Nursing.

Conduct That Is Unprofessional

Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of having someone tag us in a photo that we think we look horrible in. It is now out there for everyone to see. However, if you are tagged in a photo that also shows you engaging in behavior that may be considered inappropriate or unprofessional, the photos can be used as evidence against you as ground for any disciplinary action by the state nursing board.

Examples of these types of photos include ones where you may be seen drinking and partying. Maybe comments made on the photo could also be deemed inappropriate even if made at an attempt at humor, such as a joke about how inebriated you were.

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oak brook medical license defense lawyerNot every job turns out the way we hope. It is not uncommon for a medical professional – just like any other profession – to find themselves at odds with their supervisor or manager. Although many of these disagreements may be worked out, there are unfortunately instances where no resolutions are able to be met and the employee either leaves or is fired. In extremely acrimonious situations, the employer may even make accusations of wrongdoing against the employee and threaten or actually file a complaint with the Illinois board that oversees that medical professional’s license. If you find yourself in this position, contact an Illinois medical license defense attorney right away for legal assistance.

Reporting Misconduct of an Employee

If an employer believes that one of their employees has committed some kind of act or behavior that violates the standards set forth by the state of Illinois, their employer not only has a right to report that violation, but they also have a legal duty.

For example, if a hospital has discovered that one of their nurses has a substance abuse issue and has been stealing prescription medications from patients for their own use, not only do they need to take the appropriate action against that nurse, but they also need to report the drug use and theft to the Illinois Board of Nursing. If they fail to take action, they could be putting patients’ lives at risk. They also leave their facility open to legal action should something tragic occur, as well as jeopardize their own licensing with the state.

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b2ap3_thumbnail_shutterstock_1348640414.jpgNurses are a special breed of people. They dedicate their lives to taking care of others, often at the expense of time spent with their own loved ones. To become a nurse, they spend several years going to school and training and continue that education during their careers to stay abreast of the most up-to-date medical care for patients and meet the requirements of the Illinois Board of Nursing. Given the amount of dedication and sacrifice a nurse pours into their career, it is imperative to take all the necessary steps to ensure their nursing license is protected. All it takes is one false or misleading allegation, and a nurse can find themselves facing disciplinary action or even loss of their nursing license.

Complaints that May Lead to a Nursing License Investigation

The Illinois Board of Nursing is tasked with overseeing all licensed nursing professionals in the state. A complaint made to the board will trigger an investigation into whether the allegations being made are true and – if they are – what disciplinary action is warranted. Any nurse who is notified by the board that there has been a complaint filed against them should contact an Illinois professional license defense attorney right away.

Some of the most frequent complaints filed against nurses include:

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