Health Law Monitor

Beware! Hackers Using the COVID-19 Crisis as Opportunity

March 16, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates in the United States, it appears that hackers are using the crisis as an opportunity to exploit victims. The United States Department of Health and Human Services was the victim of a cyber-attack that occurred on March 16, 2020.¹  Additionally, in recent weeks, various businesses and consumers have reported an increase in COVID-19-related “phishing” attempts.²  …

Kentucky Court Closures

March 13, 2020

By order of the Governor, Kentucky has suspended all civil dockets through April 10, 2020.  Only limited emergency matters will be heard. Courtroom attendance will be limited to only necessary parties and courthouse access is subject to warnings regarding health and travel history.  

Kentucky Court Closures_COVID-19Emergency.pdf

West Virginia Issues COVID-19 Guidance for Circuit Courts

March 13, 2020

On March 12, 2020, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia issues a “COVID-19 Planning Document.”  Recognizing the “serious public health risk” presented by the coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Court provided guidance to “all court systems, court affiliates, and court personnel throughout West Virginia, and supplements general guidance issued by federal, state, and local health authorities.”…

Expedited Credentialing and Addressing Staffing Shortages During Coronavirus Pandemic

March 12, 2020

Hospitals should anticipate coronavirus patients filling hospital beds from coast to coast based on projections for COVID-19 spread. Healthcare workers, and healthcare providers may become patients needing treatment for the virus resulting in possible shortages of staffing at hospitals, urgent care centers, and even nursing homes.  

Hospitals should have policies in place related to the…

Documenting the Standard of Care during a Pandemic

March 11, 2020

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading through the United States, and the CDC is forecasting continued infection. More and more people could develop symptoms and arrive at hospitals for help. So, what do we know about the standard of care for healthcare providers in these scenarios?

In most states, standard of care is defined by statute and is typically described as that level of care that a…