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Earlier this summer, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for those researching the use of psychedelics to treat certain serious medical conditions including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and substance use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…