COVID-19 Response Blog Posts From August 2020

• Blog: When OSHA Knocks On Your Door: An Employer’s Guide to Workplace Inspections
  Date: August 25, 2020 Title: When OSHA Knocks On Your Door: An Employer’s Guide to Workplace Inspections
  Summary: Since the pandemic started, there have been over 31,000 COVID-19-related complaints to federal and state OSHA offices. OSHA has a number of ways to investigate these complaints, including written inquiries, document requests, and inspections. An OSHA inspection can sometimes be quite intimidating for employers. Therefore, employers should know their rights before OSHA shows up for an inspection. Seven key elements of OSHA inspections, along with employers’ corresponding rights, are described in this post....
• Blog: The Pandemic’s Silver Lining: Tips for Making the Most of Virtual Communication
  Date: August 20, 2020 Title: The Pandemic’s Silver Lining: Tips for Making the Most of Virtual Communication
  Summary: If there is a silver lining in the current COVID-19 pandemic, it may very well be the pervasiveness of electronic communication, including Zoom, WebEx, Blue Jeans, and other virtual platforms. Before March 12, 2020, I traveled constantly. It was not unusual to spend a day traveling, appear in court for a 15-minute case management conference, and spend another half day returning to home base only to travel again....
• Blog: Healthcare Providers Beware: HIPAA Applies When Complying With Subpoenas
  Date: August 18, 2020 Title: Healthcare Providers Beware: HIPAA Applies When Complying With Subpoenas
  Summary: Much scrutiny has been given to the treatment for COVID-19 and the use of funds in fighting it. In time, the local, state, and federal governments will be investigating or prosecuting organizations accepting COVID-19 funds or treating those with the coronavirus. Covered entities, such as healthcare providers and health plans, might be served with subpoenas and discovery requests. It is important to know how to manage the release or disclosure of patient information subject to these requests....