Navigating Physician Payment Changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently unveiled its proposed rule for the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). This proposal outlines significant changes that will shape how physicians are reimbursed for their services going forward, and stakeholders will need to understand the potential implications.

Asbestos Ban: A Win for Workers

In a significant development for public health and worker safety, the Trump administration has withdrawn its plan to reconsider the Biden-era ban on chrysotile asbestos, the last form of asbestos still imported and used in the United States. This reversal comes after a period of uncertainty and public outcry, marking a crucial step toward finally addressing the long-standing threat of asbestos exposure in the United States.

Protecting Public Health: A Legal Battle

Medical professionals nationwide are taking a stand against the recent actions of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., filing a lawsuit to challenge decisions they argue jeopardize public health and undermine established vaccine protocols. 

Asbestos: USA's Unfinished Ban Battle

For decades, the insidious threat of asbestos has loomed over public health, leaving a trail of devastating diseases. While many developed nations have long enacted comprehensive bans, the United States has lagged, allowing a dangerous legacy to persist. Recent actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mark a significant, albeit still incomplete, step towards finally addressing this critical issue. The issue is still pending before the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

WCMSAs: What You Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently hosted an informative webinar on Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-Asides (WCMSAs), shedding light on these crucial financial agreements and their impact on workers' compensation claims. 

No Workers' Compensation? Work Stops!

The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) is committed to worker protection, and a recent action in Jersey City underscores a key enforcement tool: stop-work orders. These orders can be issued when employers fail to comply with state laws and regulations, particularly those designed to protect workers. A significant reason for such an order is the failure of an employer to carry workers' compensation insurance.

Great Falls: Asbestos Abatement Underway

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commenced a significant $4 million project in June 2025 to remove hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, from the Allied Textile Printing (ATP) site in Paterson, New Jersey. This long-awaited cleanup is a critical step towards the full opening of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park's new $8 million riverwalk, which has been awaiting the completion of the remediation efforts.