Trump’s Executive Order Seeks to Ban Gender Affirming Care
On January 28, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14187 under the title “Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” Under this EO, the federal government “will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering...Read More
Neville et al. v. Snap, Inc.: A Potential Game-Changer for the Social Media Free Speech Debate
The digital realm is constantly evolving, and with it, the legal framework that governs online interactions. Now a California lawsuit, Neville et al. v. Snap, Inc., is challenging the long-held understanding of the protections provided to owners of social media platforms by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. Beyond fueling debates surrounding social media and free speech, a...Read More
Arbitration Clauses in Contracts: Are They Fair for Workers?
Arbitration clauses are increasingly common in employment contracts, requiring disputes to be resolved through private arbitration instead of the traditional court system. While proponents argue that arbitration is efficient and cost-effective, critics contend that it can be a powerful tool for large corporations to avoid accountability by limiting workers’ rights and access to justice....Read More
Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care with Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
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
When Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney? Navigating Dementia Care While Safeguarding Your Loved One’s Assets
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
New York State Laws Impose New Requirements for Patient Consent and Use of Credit Cards for Medical Services.
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
NYSDOH Proposed Regulations on In-Person Medical Evaluation Requirements and Exceptions for Controlled Substance Prescribing
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
Prenatal Leave in NYS According to Labor and Employment Law Attorneys
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
How Litigation Lawyers Protect Your Organization
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
F Reorganizations Can Benefit Buyers and Sellers in Business Acquisitions
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 Breastfeeding Law: Paid Lactation Breaks Explained for Employers
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