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

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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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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Attorney Michael Aguirre

A prominent member of the legal community and active participant in several leadership organizations, Coppersmith Brockelman’s Michael Aguirre has been elected to the ASU Foundation’s board of directors. In this role, he will work to unite people, increase philanthropic support, and boost investment in advancing the Foundation’s mission of building an environment focused on inclusion, student success, and development. Known for his extensive work in corporate and business law — and leader of the firm’s Cannabis Law practice — Michael is a three-time ASU alumnus who earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with Honors from Barrett, The Honors College (2000), a Master of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education (2002), and a Juris Doctor (2005). He has been actively involved with the university and currently...

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Accessing health information is becoming increasingly more common through electronic means and devices like patient portals and third-party applications, but it brings with it concerns regarding privacy, security, and the potential misuse of sensitive medical data. Mel Soliz — Partner and leader of the firm’s interoperability practice — delivered a series of presentations in June at the Arizona Health Information Management Association (AzHIMA) Annual Conference in Phoenix and The Health Management Academy Conference in Chicago. The topics focused on federal efforts to increase interoperability and how those efforts affect information sharing, including developments in electronic health information data policies, information blocking, the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), and the use and disclosure of minor health information in compliance with state and federal data laws...

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John DeWulf has been recognized for the second time as one of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education’s Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys for work he has done through the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP). Serving the organization for more than two decades, he earned this latest honor for his outstanding pro bono work on behalf of a senior who was at risk of losing his home. The Arizona Bar Foundation created the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to level the playing field so that all Arizonans have knowledge and access to the justice system. Driven by his dedication to serving the community, John demonstrated his commitment to this mission when a real estate company deceived a retired disabled man into selling his...

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