On October 6, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a temporary rule to extend COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities in relation to the prescription of controlled medications. This rule serves as a second temporary extension of these flexibilities, which were initially set to expire on November 11,…
There is a common pitfall for many involved in the legal profession, and indeed many professions worldwide – the compulsion to compare oneself to others. As professionals, we all engage with a diverse multitude of individuals who are at different stages on their career journey. This inevitably leads to drawing comparisons, be it unconsciously or…
Divorces are always emotionally loaded, and in today’s digital age, new challenges arise, such as one party pouring out their anger, frustration, bitterness, and even once-loved feelings online. A spurned spouse can often vent on social media platforms or other online venues, creating a public airing of what was once a private relationship. This is…
On September 20, 2023, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill No. 553 (SB 553), mandating covered California employers to proactively take measures to prevent and respond to workplace violence. As detailed by CDF Labor Law LLP, the notable SB 553 introduces Section 6401.9 to the California Labor Code. This takes effect from…
In a recent ruling in the case Miguelina Pena, et al. v. City of Lancaster et al., No. CV 21-590, 2023 WL 5807005, at *1 (E.D. Pa. Sept. 7, 2023), the Third Circuit Court reaffirmed the requirements of disregarding qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. As the details of the case narrate, the plaintiff, Miguelina…
A drug dealer tied to three fatal overdoes in New York, including one that claimed the life of an associate at major law firm Akin Gump, received a 30-year sentence for his transgression. The case has highlighted the stressors often faced within the high-pressure environment of top-tier law practices—commonly referred to as “BigLaw”—and the tragic…
In the realm of healthcare law, the State of Ohio has significantly broadened legal protections for doctors and other licensed health care professionals, as delineated in the recently passed Ohio Budget Bill, House Bill 33. The new regulations contained in this Bill represent a forward shift in the handling of health professionals dealing with substance…
In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), legal professionals are seeing a shift in their workflow due to AI tools like ChatGPT that promise significant time-saving measures. While this new era undeniably amplifies efficiency, these advancements do not intrinsically ensure an improved work-life balance. Indeed, without careful planning and intention, lawyers may end up working…
A group of five Pennsylvania inmates has recently filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Corrections and its employees, according to an announcement from the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project. The lawsuit accuses the Department of causing severe mental health consequences due to the use of solitary confinement in state prisons. The class action lawsuit,…
Last week, a healthcare-focused market research firm, Trilliant Health, unveiled a crucial report highlighting the key economic trends influencing stakeholders in the U.S. healthcare industry this year. The report spotlighted several key themes including the declining physical and mental health of Americans, the shift away from conventional care pathways, and a growing patient-driven consumerist approach…
The US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (collectively referred to as ‘the Departments’) have issued a string of proposed regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which have sparked widespread interest across all corners of the legal profession. Our focus today revolves around the ‘Meaning of…
Recent data paints a stark image of the working-age population in the United Kingdom: approximately 23% reported that they were disabled as of January to March 2023. Staggeringly, it is estimated that 70-80% of these disabilities are non-visible, meaning the individuals affected don’t necessarily present symptoms or indications readily noticeable by others. As we approach…
In an important development for legal professionals, the New Jersey Legislature has recently revised its involuntary commitment law, addressing a significant lacuna that previously allowed hospitals to hold patients in need of involuntary commitment for a maximum of 72 hours. The change will require a notable shift in the way hospitals manage such patients. Historically,…
As legal professionals, we often seek a deeper sense of purpose in our careers. Enhancing job satisfaction, achieving a healthier work/life balance, and prioritizing mental well-being can significantly enhance the satisfaction we derive from our demanding profession. Something as simple as reconnecting with what originally drew us to the law can be transformative. Recognizing the…
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to intervene in the escalating women’s rights crisis in Afghanistan. In a compelling speech to the council, Bahous highlighted the severe deterioration of women’s rights in the country under Taliban rule. Bahous proposed three recommendations for the UNSC consideration: organizing a meeting devoted…
Cash-and-carry behemoth Costco has recently launched an initiative to offer its Members discounted pricing on virtual health services, including primary care and mental health, in partnership with Sesame, an online platform that connects patients and healthcare providers. Noteworthy is the distinct approach Costco is taking to this venture, differing importantly from what we’ve seen with…
In recent years, the legal profession has observed a heightened focus on mental health. While entering big law firms often comes with an intense workload and high expectations, it’s equally important to maintain one’s mental wellbeing. The issue of mental health concerns among newcomers is indeed unsettling, yet increasingly vital in today’s high-stakes corporate environments….
Regulatory changes continually redefine the landscape for legal professionals working in fields of mental health and addiction services. Notably, the proposed regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) issued by the US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury cast a spotlight on policies and procedures that promise…
In a significant turn of events at the annual Proposition 65 Conference held in San Francisco, California, on September 18, 2023, Environmental Health Advocates v. Sream, Inc., 2022 83 Cal.App.5th 721 (Sream), along with three other California appellate cases, featured as subjects of an engaging panel discussion. The rulings in these cases caught the attention…
The push for cannabis reform continues to gain momentum as the Department of Health and Human Services recommends rescheduling the substance, potentially paving the way for significant economic benefits for the state-legal cannabis industry. This comes amidst anticipations, following a recent announcement stating that the Senate Committee will conduct a hearing on September 27, 2023,…
The summer of 2023 was filled with memorable experiences for many summer associates, as major law firms re-established their summer programs post-pandemic. Despite the legal thrills and extravagant social events that summer associates experienced, there was a more sobering side to the industry that they also encountered. This included job insecurity due to widespread layoffs…
The State of New Jersey has officially made amendments to their bar exam application by limiting the requirement for candidates to disclose mental health and substance abuse issues. The decision aims to encourage applicants seeking treatment for mental health and addiction issues, reinforcing the belief that overcoming these obstacles will enable them to better serve…
In a significant move affecting future legal professionals, the New Jersey Supreme Court is adjusting the manner in which it queries bar exam candidates regarding their mental health histories. Scheduled for implementation in the upcoming October application cycle, these changes are designed to ensure applicants are not deterred from seeking necessary mental health treatment. The…
During oral arguments on Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court deliberated whether a press release issued by a Chicago plaintiffs law firm, announcing a $4.2 million jury award in a medical malpractice lawsuit, breached the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act by revealing the specifics of its former client’s mental health diagnoses. The press release…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently filed a lawsuit against the Phoenix Center Inc., a mental health and substance use recovery center located in Ironton, Ohio. The EEOC alleges that the Phoenix Center violated federal law by practicing various forms of disability discrimination against its employees. According to the charges brought forth…