Recognition W. David Harless is one of three distinguished attorneys to receive the 2020 William J. Brennan Jr. Award, an honor given annually by the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law. Honorees are selected based on outstanding skills as trial lawyers and judiciary members, and significant contributions to advocacy...Read More

Audio and video monitoring of patients, also known as telesitting, is an effective tool to improve patient safety. But there are federal and state regulations to be considered when this form of telehealth is used in the patient care environment. More information can be found here. This item has been provided as an informational service and...Read More

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued revised guidance Dec. 16, 2020 addressing COVID-19 vaccinations in the employment context. Information can be found here. This item has been provided as an informational service and does not constitute legal counsel or advice, which can only be rendered in the context of specific factual situations. If...Read More

Federal and state authorities have granted health care practitioners flexibilities to offer telemedicine services to their patients during the pandemic. Information on the regulatory and reimbursement waivers can be found here. This item has been provided as an informational service and does not constitute legal counsel or advice, which can only be rendered in the context...Read More

As Virginia law recognizes the validity of both electronic signatures and electronic notarization, legal activity and transactions can move forward without compromising vital social distancing protocols designed to limit COVID-19 spread. The legal basis for e-signatures was established at the federal level in 1999. Next, states set about adopting comparable legislation to enable their electronic...Read More

Three Virginia health system executives participated in a virtual discussion about COVID-19 from a provider’s perspective. The hour-long program was part of the 16th Annual Virginia Health Care Practitioners’ Roundtable sponsored by the Virginia Bar Association’s Health Law Section Oct. 22. The conversation series topics included: practitioner burnout, team efforts, moving carefully when there’s pressure...Read More

Health Privacy Rule RevisedCFR Part 2 substance use disorder record confidentiality requirements have been updated. The changes significantly modify the regulation to better align it with HIPAA. Information can be found here. This item has been provided as an informational service and does not constitute legal counsel or advice, which can only be rendered in the...Read More

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law March 27, 2020. While the foundation of the Act economically supports individuals, small businesses and industries hard hit by COVID-19, key provisions directly affect the health care industry. Providers should be aware of the information found here. This item has been provided...Read More

We are already seeing situations where businesses cannot meet their contractual obligations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the things businesses should consider is whether their failure to perform is legally excused.Written contracts often have provisions that excuse performance in the event of unforeseen, intervening circumstances. Sometimes they may appear as “Force Majeure” clauses...Read More