Month: May 2014

The Evolution of Health Care Reform: What Businesses Need to Know

It is crucial for businesses to respond to the changing regulatory landscape, as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) continues to evolve. Some recent updates center around the implementation of various components of the legislation, while others focus on the obligations of individuals and businesses under the new system.  The only constant in this process — is that businesses can expect health care reform to continue to evolve over time. Accordingly, business leaders must understand the current regulatory environment and be ready to adapt to future changes.

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Research is Crucial When it Comes to Choosing a Nursing Home

A recent article on the resources available online to research potential nursing homes summarizes what most of us already know – it takes time and research to choose the best nursing home possible for yourself and your loved ones.  Nursing homes are not all the same.  Several are rated poorly, many are average, and some are exceptional.  You should know the difference and make your decision based on real data and information.

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MSU Alumni Proves Debate Skills Can Get You out of Any Jam

“It’s not every day you’re in a police stand-off, but alumnus Dave Marvin (’72) found being a member of the Michigan State University Debate Team helped him get out of just such a pickle.

It was driving back from a debate tournament at Butler University that Marvin and other members of the team were chatting when they passed by an Indiana state trooper.

Believing the debate trophies in their hands were actually rifle barrels and that Assistant Coach Bonnie Perry was a victim of some would-be kidnappers, the trooper quickly set up a road block.

‘We were greeted by a host of shouting officers with their guns drawn,” Marvin recalls. ‘Thanks to our superior debating skills, and the true nature of our ‘rifles’, we were quickly released.'”

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Attorney Provides Valuable Insight on Patent and Intellectual Property Rights

“One of patent attorney Matt Mitchell’s first clients invented a unique children’s toy and authored an accompanying book. After copyrighting the book and filing the patent application, the author/inventor honored Mitchell with a signed copy.

“It was a satisfying feeling reading it to my kids this year, knowing I helped protect his business and get that book to market,” says Mitchell, an attorney with Fraser Trebilcock in Lansing.”

New Laws Will Impact Licensed Health Care Professionals

A series of new laws take effect on July 1, 2014, which will impact physicians, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists and other health care professionals licensed under the Michigan Public Health Code.  Changes to health care professional licensing statutes will increase the likelihood of investigations, enhance penalties for repeat offenders and increase public disclosure of disciplinary actions.  The new laws alter both the way allegations are selected for investigation and the level or severity of sanctions that may result.

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Updated COBRA Notices & Various Other Matters Addressed in Recent DOL FAQs

Employer-sponsored group health plans have more work to do in conjunction with the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”).  On May 2, 2014, the government released updated COBRA and CHIPRA model notices, proposed COBRA regulations, and a bulletin related to certain special enrollment periods in the exchanges.  The government also issued additional frequently asked questions (“FAQs) related to a variety of topics under the PPACA.  A general summary of the newly issued guidance is set forth below.  Plan sponsors will need to take action in order to comply with this newly issued guidance.

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Making a Case Against DIY Estate Planning

Lowe’s and Home Depot have made DIY (Do It Yourself) projects a household name.  Easy directions, helpful advice, and available materials make building a shed, planting a garden, or fixing the plumbing within reach of the average lay person.  Of course, we never hear of DIY brain surgery or DIY root canals.  Why then do many folks think DIY estate planning is a good idea?

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Law Day Is A Good Time To Reflect On Our Freedoms

Today, May 1st, is Law Day in the United States.  Thus, it is an appropriate time for all of us to pause and consider the many privileges of living in a free society; privileges which we often take for granted, and responsibilities which we too often overlook.

Distracted by day-to-day concerns, we often lose sight of the fact that we routinely enjoy freedoms that are denied to most of the people in the world today.

While we enjoy freedom of the press, people in many nations have no choice but to read the propaganda in a single government-controlled newspaper.

While we enjoy freedom of speech, Russia and other countries have implemented sweeping restrictions on the Internet.

While we enjoy freedom of religion, people in fully one-third of the world’s nations face sadistic torture merely because of their religious beliefs.

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