USCIS to increase cost of premium processing as of October 1, 2018
DHS published a final rule in today’s Federal Register increasing the premium processing filing fee by 14.92 percent, changing it from $1,225 to $1,410. The rule is effective October 1, 2018, and applications postmarked on or after that date
New Claims Handling Standards in Tennessee
Written by: Byron Lindberg Several revisions to the Claims Handling Standards (0800-2-14) went into effect, on August 2, 2018, with new rules ranging from a requirement that adjusting entities designate a liaison between the entity and the Bure
Employers Seeing Increased I-9 Audits & Fines Under Trump Administration
Written by: Ashik R. Jahan, Esq. Under the current administration, in FY17, businesses were ordered to pay $97.6 million in judicial forfeitures, fines and restitution, and $7.8 million in civil fines, including one company whose financial pena
HHS Issues Guidance on Disposing of Electronic Devices and Media with Personal Data
Written by: Anthony E. Stewart, Esq. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued guidance for disposing of technology that contains sensitive information, such as financial or protected health i
Georgia Court of Appeals Makes First Foray Into Standing in Data Breach Suits
Written by: Sean Cox, Esq. On June 26, 2017, the Georgia Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Collins, et al. v. Athens Orthopedic Clinic, A18A0296. This is the first Georgia appellate decision squarely addressing the issue of standing in a
11th Circuit Approves Exceedingly Short Trigger for Bad Faith in Florida
Written by: Drew Brooks, Esq. and C. Michael Johnson, Esq. On July 20, 2018, the 11th Circuit affirmed a jury verdict against Geico finding there was “more than enough” evidence to support a finding of bad faith in failing to promptly ten
OCR Issues Guidance on Software Vulnerabilities and Patching
Written by: Anthony E. Stewart, Esq. Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) provided guidance regarding software vulnerabilities and patching. In simple terms, a software vulnerability is a
Harleysville Grp. Ins. v. Heritage Communities, Inc.
Written by: Alan Belcher, Esq. Throughout the country, insurance carriers are tasked with balancing their duties to their insured with the principals of corporate stewardship. For certain, Insurance companies are required to govern their relati
National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Mental Healthcare Conference
Hall Booth Smith, P.C., was a participant at the recent National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Mental Healthcare Conference in Hollywood, California, on July 15-16, 2018. Partner and Correctional Healthcare Practice Group team m