News from the Health Law Gurus™ is a weekly summary of notable health law news from around the country with helpful links to related content.

Meaningful Use Attestation Deadline Extended to March 20, 2015 – According to a news alert from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Office (“CMS”), Eligible Professionals may attest to meaningful use for the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program 2014 reporting year until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 20, 2015. The deadline has been extended to allow Eligible Professional additional time to submit their data. However, CMS encourages providers to begin the attestation process as soon as possible. CMS also noted that this extension deadline allows Eligible Professionals extra time to switch programs (i.e., from Medicare to Medicaid or Medicaid to Medicare), provided that the Eligible Professionals have not already used their one switch. 

Reporting Deadline for HIPAA Breaches – March 1, 2015 – Did you have a HIPAA breach this year involving less than 500 individuals? If so, the deadline to report such a breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is March 1, 2015. To file a breach report, click here.

Former Owner of DME Company Accused of $5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme –  A Miami man has pleaded guilty to health care fraud charges in connection with a $5 million scheme to defraud Medicare, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). Angel M. Mirabal, former owner, president, and manager of durable medical equipment (“DME”) company, Quick Solutions Medical Supplies, Inc., has been accused of fraudulently billing Medicare for DME that was not medically unnecessary and often not provided to Medicare beneficiaries. To read a copy of the press release, click here.