Frier Levitt

What risks should pharmacies be preparing for as PBM audits and year-end network reviews continue to intensify? In our webinar, “Navigating the Pathway to Maintaining PBM Network Compliance,” Partners Harini Bupathi and Eric Knowles discussed the trends driving year-end PBM enforcement, the audit findings that most often trigger termination, and the strategies pharmacies should use to maintain network stability heading into 2026. Our key takeaways article breaks down everything pharmacies need to know to prepare. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ppbRXI #PBM #PharmacyCompliance #NetworkAccess #PharmacyLaw #HealthcareLaw #FrierLevitt

PBMs are increasingly expanding retail pharmacy audits into combo audits the moment they detect crossover between retail and LTC operations. For combo pharmacies, even small gaps in inventory separation or documentation can quickly escalate audit scope and financial exposure. Our latest article, authored by Frier Levitt Partner Harini Bupathi, outlines the key indicators PBMs look for, how retail audits expand into combo audits, and the steps combo pharmacies should take now to strengthen compliance and reduce recoupment risk. Staying ahead of audit trends is essential to protecting your pharmacy’s network status. Read the full article on how to position your pharmacy for compliance and reduce audit risk. https://lnkd.in/e74TYMzt #FrierLevitt #RetailPharmacy #ComboPharmacies #LTCPharmacy #PBMaudit

Pharmacies are facing increasing overlap between Board of Pharmacy inspections and PBM audits, creating new compliance risks as we move into 2026. Join Partner Eric Knowles of Frier Levitt for a live webinar that will explore how to manage these challenges before they escalate into costly enforcement actions. Attendees will learn how to: ✔️ Strengthen their compliance posture to withstand audits and inspections ✔️ Identify and correct deficiencies that can lead to network terminations ✔️ Conduct self-audits and update policies to stay ahead of enforcement trends ✔️ Protect PBM participation and mitigate Board of Pharmacy risks This session is ideal for pharmacy owners, pharmacists-in-charge, compliance professionals, and anyone managing pharmacy operations or audit responses. 🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/483BIgC #FrierLevitt #PharmacyLaw #PBMCompliance #HealthcareLaw #IndependentPharmacy #PharmacyCompliance

AI adoption is reshaping healthcare, and workforce changes tied to AI and automation carry significant legal and operational risks. Frier Levitt attorneys Christopher Mayer and Antony Kamel highlight key considerations healthcare leaders should be evaluating as they integrate AI into clinical, operational, and administrative workflows. If your organization is planning, discussing, or even considering AI-driven restructuring, this piece offers timely insights. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/exXYCVjv #HealthcareLaw #EmploymentLaw #AI #AIlayoffs #Compliance #FrierLevitt

Are you a pharmacy owner, executive, or compliance professional navigating the increasingly complex world of PBM network contracts and regulatory oversight? In this on-demand webinar, Frier Levitt Partners Harini Bupathi and Eric Knowles guide you through the intersection of PBM audits, network participation risks, and pharmacy law. You’ll gain actionable steps to ✔ Identify the most common PBM audit deficiencies ✔ Understand how contract language and network termination risks impact your pharmacy ✔ Implement documentation, self-audit, and compliance best-practices ✔ Protect your bottom line and participation status in PBM networks 📺Access the On-Demand Recording: https://lnkd.in/ePeVcG9T #PharmacyLaw #PBMCompliance #PBMAudit #HealthcareLaw #NetworkRisk #FrierLevitt

Frier Levitt is excited to share the newest edition of our Healthcare Newsletter, featuring timely updates and practical insights to help healthcare organizations stay informed and compliant in an evolving regulatory environment. This edition covers key developments across the industry, including: 🔹 FTC Issues Warning Letters to Healthcare Employers and Staffing Companies Regarding Noncompete Agreements 🔹 Clearing the First Hurdle: Rule 9(b) and FCA Cases 🔹 Provider Alert: OIG Launches Nationwide Audit of Medicare Skin Substitute Payments 🔹 Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Expired on September 30, 2025: What Providers Need to Know Now 🔹 Key Considerations for Dentists Contemplating a Practice Transaction You’ll also find highlights from our on-demand webinars, media features, and recent ERISA updates for plan sponsors. Read the full newsletter! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #FrierLevitt #HealthcareLaw #FTC #FCA #OIG #Telehealth #Dentistry

What challenges are community pharmacies facing most as we move into 2026? At this year’s National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Annual Conference, Frier Levitt attorneys Harini Bupathi and Eric Knowles spoke with pharmacy owners and operators from across the country. The same three issues came up in nearly every conversation: 🔹 Reimbursement strain 🔹 More aggressive and frequent PBM audits 🔹 Increased scrutiny from state boards of pharmacy The pressures are significant, but the resilience of independent pharmacies continues to stand out. Owners are adapting, finding new ways to stay compliant, and pushing for better, more sustainable business practices. In our latest article, we break down the major themes we heard at NCPA and highlight where pharmacies may want to focus in the year ahead, from reimbursement strategy to audit defense and regulatory preparedness. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejksX5ez #CommunityPharmacy #PBMAudits #PharmacyCompliance #NCPA2025 #BOPInvestigations #FrierLevitt

Join Frier Levitt attorneys Harini Bupathi and Benjamin S. Youssef, Pharm.D., Esq. in partnership with the New Jersey Pharmacists Association (NJPhA) for an insightful discussion: “PBM Audits and Network Compliance: Getting Your Pharmacy Ready for 2026!” As 2025 comes to a close, PBM audits and network reviews are becoming more frequent, more complex, and increasingly high-stakes. This free year-end webinar will provide clear legal insights, key lessons, and practical strategies to help pharmacies strengthen their audit preparedness and protect their bottom line. Key Takeaways: • 2025 PBM audit trends and triggers heading into 2026 • Common compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them • Proven legal, operational, and administrative tactics to strengthen audit readiness • How to respond effectively and challenge adverse PBM actions • A forward look at 2026 regulatory and enforcement trends Don’t miss this opportunity to get your pharmacy ready for 2026! 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eNGnV2Wv #PBMAudit #PharmacyCompliance #NetworkReadiness #HealthcareLaw #FrierLevitt #NJPhA

Navigating the ripple effects of Optum’s office closures has become a major challenge for employers and healthcare professionals across New Jersey. Nearly 90 closures have left providers seeking new roles and practices assessing opportunities to bring in displaced Optum physicians. These changes come with important legal considerations that should not be overlooked. In our Healthcare Team's latest article, Marc Mayer, Christina Martinetti Segreto and Daniel Frier outline the key issues employers and physicians must evaluate, including restrictive covenants, patient-notification rules, HIPAA concerns and potential contractual claims. Understanding these obligations is critical before recruiting or transitioning any Optum provider. For support reviewing Optum agreements or onboarding displaced providers, the Frier Levitt team can help. 🔗 Read: https://lnkd.in/ey5c5pF8 #HealthcareLaw #Optum #ProviderContracts #HIPAACompliance #RestrictiveCovenants #FrierLevitt

Are DIR fees and below-cost PBM reimbursements putting your infusion pharmacy underwater? Specialty and infusion pharmacies are facing growing financial strain as PBMs impose below-acquisition-cost reimbursement and retail-based DIR metrics that don’t reflect the infusion care model. In their new article, Frier Levitt attorneys Jesse Dresser and Payal Amin, PharmD, RPh, Esq. explain how these practices distort true performance and outline practical steps pharmacies can take to fight back. 🔹 Spot and challenge “aggregate” rate clauses 🔹 Understand why DIR metrics don’t fit infusion care 🔹 Explore legal avenues to recover fair reimbursement Read the article: https://lnkd.in/eEiNbfn7 #DIRFees #PBM #Pharmacy #Reimbursement #SpecialtyPharmacy #HealthcareLaw #FrierLevitt