Attorney Andy Gaona

Washington Post Taps Andy Gaona for Insights into 2024 Arizona Abortion Ballot Measure

Major abortion rights groups are launching a bid to enshrine abortion protections into the Arizona Constitution through a voter initiative that would appear on the ballot in 2024. Andy Gaona, head of Coppersmith Brockelman’s nationally recognized elections, political, and public law practice and attorney representing the abortion rights effort, was called on by the Washington Post for commentary on this historic effort. Andy told the Washington Post that initiatives are a fundamental part of Arizona’s history, and that this recent effort fits squarely within the initiative power’s use when elected representatives fail to respond to their constituents. Indeed, a ballot measure approved shortly after statehood secured women’s suffrage rights. An experienced political, election, and constitutional law attorney, Andy has played a critical role in the practice’s biggest...

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40 Under 40 Class of 2023 Honoree Mel Soliz Shares Top Career & Personal Insights in Phoenix Business Journal Q&A

As one of the nation’s top health data, interoperability, and health equity attorneys, the Phoenix Business Journal recently inducted Mel Soliz into its 40 Under 40 (Class of 2023), including a special feature where she shared details about her legal career and personal life. Mel was selected from nearly 400 nominees for her impact in the Valley’s business and charitable communities, including her commitment to advancing health equity and responsible health data stewardship in her community. “I am honored and thrilled to have been selected for this year’s 40 under 40. I am extremely grateful to Contexture for nominating me and giving me the opportunity to work on such important projects with the Arizona and Colorado teams,” she said. In the Q&A profile, Mel weighed in with advice...

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Mel Soliz joins SHARES Advisory Board as Group Awarded National Institute of Health Grant

Mel Soliz has joined the Substance use HeAlth REcord Sharing (SHARES) Advisory Board as it kicks off its $3.2 million, five-year National Institute of Health (NIH) grant. Formed under ASU’s College of Health Solutions, SHARES uses feedback from patients and providers on substance use disorder (SUD) data sharing and health care to inform policies on data privacy and confidentiality. The board also analyzes the implementation and impact of automated SUD data segmentation to improve data sharing and interoperability between healthcare institutions and service delivery. Mel ― who is also recognized by Chambers USA©️, Best Lawyers©, and Southwest Super Lawyers: Rising Stars© ― practices regulatory health law, focusing on compliance with health data privacy, access and interoperability laws (such as the Information Blocking Rule and CMS interoperability mandates,...

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Mel Soliz Named an Emerging Leader in Healthcare by Managed Healthcare Executive

Thought leader and sought after-speaker on health data and interoperability, Mel Soliz’s high-profile work has earned her the distinction of being named one of Managed Healthcare Executive’s Emerging Leaders in Healthcare. This honor recognizes talented up-and-coming professionals who are leading the charge in shaping their organizations, making a positive impact in healthcare and inspiring others to make a difference in the industry. Selected for her work with nonprofit health data utilities driving systemic change within the healthcare system and improving healthcare access to underserved populations, this recognition highlights Mel’s commitment to advancing health equity and responsible health data stewardship in her community. It also underscores her unique position as one of the nation's preeminent health data and health equity attorneys. Mel ― who is also recognized by...

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Attorneys Kristen Rosati and Nate Kunz

Kristen Rosati & Nate Kunz Share Insights with the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys on Online Tracking Tools for Health Care Organizations

After STAT Health News published an investigation into health care organizations' use of online tracking technologies, such as Meta Pixel, the Office for Civil Rights and the Federal Trade Commission launched their own investigations. The FTC has issued substantial fines, and now class actions are being filed across the U.S. The Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys hosted Kristen Rosati and Nate Kunz to provide insights on the regulatory and legal issues arising from health care organizations’ use of online tracking technologies. They explained online tracking compliance requirements for HIPAA, Federal Trade Commission regulations, and state data privacy laws. They also discussed best practices for protecting attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product while conducting internal investigations. Kristen, a past President and Fellow of the American Health Law...

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Jill Chasson Discusses Ninth Circuit Decision Highlighting Risks of Offensive Music in the Workplace

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (which includes Arizona) recently ruled that offensive music in the workplace can be considered auditory harassment and provide a basis for a hostile work environment claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employment law partner Jill Chasson explained the case and the importance of the appellate court’s decision in an article for HR Laws. The case involved a warehouse in Nevada where managers and employees continued playing sexually graphic, violent, and misogynistic music despite two years of complaints from both female and male employees. Jill explained that in reviving the case after the trial court dismissed it, the Ninth Circuit confirmed that employers can’t avoid liability by asserting an “equal opportunity harasser”...

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