Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming. Between competing financial priorities and the rising costs of care, many families wait until a crisis hits to address this crucial issue. By then, valuable strategies may be less effective. One such option to consider early is establishing a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), which can help one qualify for Medicaid payment for long-term...Read More
Families face unique challenges when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Consulting with an Elder Law attorney is a crucial aspect of care, as navigating elder care legal matters can feel overwhelming. Our dedicated Elder Law & Special Needs Practice Group provides comprehensive guidance and support to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care while protecting their assets...Read More
Enacted as part of New York State’s health and mental hygiene budget legislation for fiscal year 2024 through 2025, New York Public Health Law Section 18-c will become effective on October 20, 2024 to require healthcare providers to issue separate patient consent forms for treatment and for payment for services. The law also provides that “Consent to pay for any health care services by a...Read More
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) waived the Ryan Haight Act’s requirement that at least one in-person medical evaluation take place prior to issuance of a prescription for controlled substances via telehealth. The flexibility granted by DOH allowed telemedicine to be used in place of the in-person evaluation for...Read More
New York employers, take note. A significant change is coming in 2025 regarding employee leave. New York is the first state in the nation to require employers to provide paid prenatal leave for pregnant workers. While the major points of this legislation are straightforward, the State’s lack of guidance on finer points, like recordkeeping, has the potential to create pitfalls for employers....Read More
In the dynamic and competitive business landscape, disputes are an unfortunate reality. Whether it’s a contract breach, a shareholder disagreement, or an environmental concern, litigation can disrupt operations, damage your reputation, and erode your bottom line. At Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP, our experienced litigation lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by...Read More
Certain corporate characteristics of a target company may be undesirable to potential buyers preventing them from acquiring the company. For example, the target company may be an S corporation, and the potential buyer would not qualify to be a shareholder of an S corporation under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. Alternatively, the buyer may want the target company to be incorporated in a...Read More
New York State has amended its labor law to accommodate breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. As of last month, employers are required to provide paid breastfeeding breaks. This update to Section 206-c of the New York Labor Law creates significant changes to workplace breastfeeding policies and numerous considerations for compliance.
Changes to New York Breastfeeding Law for the Workplace...Read More
The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Criminal Division recently launched a Pilot Program on Voluntary Self-Disclosures for Individuals (the “DOJ Whistleblower Pilot Program“). This program encourages individuals with knowledge of federal corporate or financial misconduct to assist federal agencies without fear of prosecution. For U.S. financial institutions, navigating this new...Read More
The New York Court of Appeals recently broadened the scope of state anti-discrimination laws. The March 2024 decision in Nafeesa Syeed v. Bloomberg L.P. determined that non-resident job applicants can now pursue claims under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) if they allege discrimination during the hiring process.
Background: The...Read More
The recently enacted New York LLC Transparency Act (NY LLCTA) was amended by Gov. Hochul at last month. It is based on the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), and as such, bears significant similarities. However, the two acts are nonetheless distinct and have different scopes and timeframes. Here is a look at NY LLCTA, how it compares with CTA, and how businesses can remain compliant...Read More
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently proposed significant changes to how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies within the healthcare industry. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), made under Title II of the ADA, focuses on ensuring accessible medical diagnostic equipment and other accessibility practices for patients with disabilities. While the NPRM is focused on...Read More