Erin Dunlap Provides Insight on Overturned HIPAA Penalty for Healthcare Risk Management

Erin Dunlap Provides Insight on Overturned HIPAA Penalty for Healthcare Risk Management

When the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a $4.3 million civil monetary penalty imposed on the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Healthcare Risk Management asked health care data privacy attorney Erin Dunlap to explain how the decision may impact HIPAA covered entities and business associates. Erin called the decision a “game changer,” particularly in how entities subject to HIPAA will view HIPAA’s encryption rule, evaluate a loss of protected health information (PHI) and engage with HHS in setting investigations.  Erin specifically highlighted the Fifth Circuit’s position that the encryption specification was not a strict liability rule and perfection or ‘bulletproof protection’ is not the standard.  This is helpful for HIPAA covered entities...

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Kristen Rosati

Kristen Rosati’s AHLA & AzSHA Presentations Highlight 2020 Health Care Law Developments

At the annual American Health Law Association (AHLA) Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute, Kristen Rosati educated industry professionals on the numerous legal developments 2020 brought to the health care industry. She also shared her “Year in Review” presentation at the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys’ (AzSHA) February meeting. During these presentations, Kristen focused on significant legal updates resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and a wave of regulations passed during the Trump Administration’s waning days. She provided health care lawyers with an overview of several topics related to the pandemic, including new legislation, the rapid rise of telemedicine, claims and developing immunity, and financial relief for providers and attendant risks. Her presentation also explored health care reform, including significant Supreme Court decisions and the status of the...

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Jill Chasson & Andy Gaona Help Arizona Attorney Readers Navigate Prop 207 Workplace Issues

Jill Chasson & Andy Gaona Help Arizona Attorney Readers Navigate Prop 207 Workplace Issues

With the passage of Prop 207, many Arizona employers wondered how adult-use marijuana legislation would affect their workplaces. In an article for Arizona Attorney, Jill Chasson and Andy Gaona help attorneys understand how to help Arizona’s businesses remain compliant. Prop 207 purposely did not alter the legal landscape for Arizona’s workplaces. However, with a likely uptick in marijuana usage across the state, Jill and Andy recommend employers review or update their existing substance abuse policies to ensure they are protected. Moreover, businesses will want to weigh the pros and cons of drug testing for marijuana in a variety of situations, as well as whether to exclude employees who use marijuana from safety-sensitive positions. Employers who wish to conduct testing should adopt a policy that complies with the...

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ASU College of Health Solutions Lauds Mel Soliz’s Contributions to MDC Advisory Board

Melissa Soliz Explains How to Implement Compliance with the Information Blocking Rule at the AHLA Virtual Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute Conference

American Health Law Association invited Melissa Soliz to educate health care professionals on compliance with the Information Blocking Rule (IBR) at its virtual Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute Conference. With a regulatory health law practice focusing on compliance with data privacy and patient access laws, Mel has extensive knowledge on how IBR applies in real-world circumstances. The presentation, “Mother, MUST I? Compliance with the Information Blocking Regulations,” clarified the purpose of IBR and the fundamental shift in data strategy — health care providers must share electronic health information (EHI), unless an exception applies. Joined by Ammon Fillmore and Joshua Mast, Mel took attendees through an advanced discussion about how health care providers can implement compliance with IBR. Mel works closely with community health information exchanges, health care...

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Melissa Soliz Elected President of the Arizona Society for Healthcare Attorneys

Melissa Soliz Elected President of the Arizona Society for Healthcare Attorneys

Fellow Arizona Society for Healthcare Attorneys (AzSHA) Board members recently elected Melissa Soliz as the new President. AzSHA is the central hub for health care attorneys in the state to exchange information and ideas. An active AzSHA member since 2015, Mel joined the Board of Directors in 2018. She frequently presents at the society’s seminars, educating her peers on relevant topics such as compliance with privacy, security and patient access laws, including the new ONC Information Blocking Rule and CMS Interoperability Final Rule requirements. Mel is an emerging leader in the world of health care law. The Phoenix Business Journal recognized her as a Rising Star in Law for her contributions to the legal community. She is also included among The Best Lawyers in America© for health...

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Coppersmith Brockelman Guides Arizona Employers in Updating Marijuana Testing Policies

Coppersmith Brockelman Guides Arizona Employers in Updating Marijuana Testing Policies

With recreational marijuana sales now underway in Arizona, many employers have questions about how it will affect their ability to maintain safe, drug-free workplaces. To help them understand their rights, Coppersmith Brockelman’s team of experienced employment law attorneys issued a Coppersmith Brief outlining practical testing considerations aligned with Arizona Law, as well as how employers can protect themselves from litigation. Well-versed in Arizona’s marijuana and drug testing laws, Coppersmith Brockelman can answer questions and assist with policy review and development, including updating employee handbooks and notices as well as notifications for prospective employees. Recognized by Chambers USA and ranked among 2021 Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report, Coppersmith Brockelman’s employment law practice has a reputation for professional excellence and consistently impressive...

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