As recently reported, Dentons, once the largest law firm, is parting ways with Dacheng in response to China’s new cybersecurity regulations (Financial Times). This split comes in the wake of significant changes in the international legal landscape, particularly as countries implement stringent measures to safeguard their cyber infrastructure. Meanwhile, debate around diversity policies in the…
The American Psychological Association (APA) has begun to lobby for the elimination of mental health history enquiries during the licensing process for aspiring attorneys. The APA contends that prospective lawyers should not be obligated to provide disclosure about prior mental illness diagnoses or treatments. The APA’s move underscores growing concerns about the potential stigmatization of…
The Wall Street Journal, known for its primary focus on business and financial news, is shining a spotlight on social issues that impact businesses globally. Among the front runners is Post Partum Depression (PPD), a maternal health condition that has significant implications within society and, more specifically, in the corporate landscape. Traditionally, the Wall Street…
On July 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury (collectively referred to as “the Departments”) collectively issued a set of proposed rules regarding the compliance of health plans and issuers with mental health parity requirements. The Departments also published a related…
In a recent development, Elon Musk reportedly stated that he would cover the legal fees of individuals who were terminated due to abhorrent material published on Twitter. An intriguing assertion, given that Elon has a history of allegedly refusing to settle his own legal dues as per this report. More details on this story can…
Recently, a riveting narrative about the potential danger of an unbalanced work-life approach has sparked a significant discussion among corporate legal professionals. In the candid personal account titled ‘My career approach could have killed me‘, the anonymous attorney shares the physical and psychological toll of chasing success in the industry. In this account, the attorney…
In a recent development, the U.S. Geological Survey has raised alarms over the quality and sustainability of tap water in the United States. This study mentions that up to 45 percent of the water supply could possibly be contaminated with Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Motivations behind the research include rising domestic…
Recent developments in Pennsylvania law place a new layer of responsibility on medical providers and facilities in relation to voluntary inpatient examination and treatment. These entities could potentially face legal liability if they refuse to render requested healthcare services to a person who willingly presents themselves for examination and treatment, particularly when such refusal amounts…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule that introduces revisions to Medicare policies and rates intended for the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility (IPF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. This decision comes in light of an increasing demand for changes in healthcare policies amidst shifting societal needs….
In an effort to combat biodiversity loss and promote environmentally conscientious practices within the industry, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has released guidance for its members, referred to as the Action on Nature Guide. The aim of this material is to encourage insurers and long-term savings providers to become more “nature positive.” This recent…
The legal profession can be a lonely one. In a recent article by Traci Cipriano, she references a pre-COVID study published in the Harvard Business Review suggesting law to be the loneliest profession. Cipriano, a trained psychologist and attorney, suggests that the loneliness lawyers often experience are detrimental to their emotional health and overall performance….
As global legal practitioners know, law intersects with many areas of life, from criminal justice to corporate transactions. Health care is one such area where this intersection is distinctly prominent. A noteworthy publication shedding light on recent trends and issues is the ‘Better Health Care Newsletter’, released in August 2023. One piece that attracted attention…
Legal professionals encounter many unique challenges in their daily practices — one significant concern being loneliness. According to one survey discussed in the Harvard Business Review, it appears that the legal profession can be one of the most isolating [1]. Feelings of isolation and detachment in such a demanding field can lead to deteriorating performance…
Recent news reveal a twist in the tale of the PFAS settlement case between 3M Company and a plaintiff class of municipal public water suppliers. Following a report in June boasting of the proposed blockbuster $10 billion-$12 billion settlement, the deal now faces objections from a significant coalition of 22 U.S states, led by Massachusetts….
The recent legislative focus on mental health has been receiving substantial attention in the legal community, as federal regulators increase scrutiny for corporate compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The act aims to prevent health insurance providers from imposing less favorable benefit limitations on mental health and substance…
In a notable development, the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services have recently put forth anticipated proposed regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). This regulatory proposal aims to secure parity for the accessibility of mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits with those of…
A Federal Circuit panel focusing on allegations against 96-year-old Judge Pauline Newman has proposed a potentially significant outcome. They’ve recommended the suspension of Judge Newman from her duties for a period of one year. This decision comes as a direct result of the judge’s perceived lack of cooperation with the investigations into her mental fitness…
Earlier this summer, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for those researching the use of psychedelics to treat certain serious medical conditions including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This initiative marks the first time the FDA has provided guidance to the numerous entities conducting research on these controlled substances…
In recent legal news, a former longtime paralegal at the New York City office of law firm Cozen O’Connor has taken legal action against the firm and one of its distinguished trial lawyers. It has been alleged that her work under the influential partner led to severe deterioration of her mental and physical health according…
In a recent webinar series focused on State Attorneys General (AGs), the spotlight moved west past the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Insights into consumer protection and legal practices came from Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser and Deputy AG for Consumer Protection, Nathan Blake. The dialogues spanned various topics such as office…
Compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) remains a pivotal focus for several US Federal Agencies. This comes to light following the annual report recently presented to the U.S. Congress by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of…
The Biden administration recently made known its intention to enhance accessibility to mental health coverage through a proposed rule primarily involving the expansion of plan oversight and enforcement activity. Spearheading this initiative are the US Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services. This move aims to address the issues concerning mental health…
As professional landscapes continue to navigate the changing workplace conditions brought about by COVID-19, there is one emerging challenge that demands our attention – a significant increase in employee burnout. Employers need to realize that these changes are part of a “new normal” and have resulted in heightened levels of workplace stress. This is evident…