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

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

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

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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The Arizona Republic Calls on Roopali Desai for Insight on Prop 208-Related Surcharge

After Arizona voters passed Proposition 208, which increased the state’s income-tax rate for high-income individuals, a restaurant in Cave Creek added a surprise surcharge to diners’ checks. The Arizona Republic turned to Roopali Desai, who represents the initiative, for a legal perspective on the fee. Roopali questioned why the restaurant owners were trying to collect a tax they may not even be required to pay, as Prop 208 impacts individuals who earn taxable income above $250,000 — not businesses. She also emphasized the importance of reviewing receipts and speaking up if something seems amiss. In addition to representing Prop 208, Roopali is a highly regarded elections and political lawyer in Arizona. Her practice involves advising clients on all aspects of election law, from campaign finance compliance to...

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

When showcasing rising stars in the Phoenix legal scene, Phoenix Business Journal selected Melissa Soliz for her expertise in health care law. The 21 attorneys featured were chosen based on their contributions to the legal community and their potential to shape the legal landscape in Arizona and nationally. Mel, who has focused her career on compliance with data privacy and access laws, explained why interoperability is the hot topic in health care law right now. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America©in health care law, Mel also shared what she views as her biggest accomplishment so far, as well as the source of her inspiration for becoming a health care attorney.See the full list of honorees here. ...

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