Both remote (with Michigan's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order)

Chris Holman takes two segments to catch up on great information with ​Taylor Gast, Associate (business, tax, cyber law lawyer), Foster Swift Collins & Smith Attorneys PC Lansing, MI, with other branches Southfield Grand Rapids Detroit Holland St. Joseph, MI.
The main focus of their conversations was related to the stimulus,... a focus on business and nonprofit entities’ opportunities.

Hear Taylor and Chris discuss the legal impacts of new packages of assistance for businesses along with what businesses should think about concerning cybersecurity in this time, click on the PodCast shared below:

The Paycheck Protection Program is something Foster Swift is helping organizations understand.  It will make sense for many, maybe even most organizations to apply. Taylor also gets into some of the other stimulus changes and tax code changes that are more impactful.
Foster Swift Attorneys as can be expected are getting quite a few questions on the stimulus, They walk through some of the background and general questions getting to issues which are motivating them to look for more info/call.

Shared below is more information and resources gathered by Foster Swift.

Coronavirus Pandemic/Crisis Support Task Force

The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing nations, states, businesses, organizations, and municipalities to quickly implement operational continuity plans which in turn are raising issues that have not had to be previously addressed.   

Foster Swift has established a Coronavirus Pandemic/Crisis Support Task Force prepared to help clients promptly address issues, comply with the law, mitigate risk and focus on keeping our clients, staff and communities healthy and safe.

Many of these are legal questions relating to contracts, continuity of operations (including employment questions) and compliance with laws and executive orders. The nature of the situation can be overwhelming. We can assist you with evaluating your situation and identifying and implementing the best, most legally compliant course of action for your organization, given the present circumstances. 

Below we've summarized some matters we have already assisted our clients with regarding the Coronavirus:   

• Assisted client regarding contracts and continuity of operations – Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients prepare disaster and pandemic plans as well as emergency preparedness. In contract review situations, we have analyzed and advised on potential breaches of contract and force majeure/Act of God defenses. Most recently, we assisted a large convention center to determine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its agreements with clients, vendors, and other third parties.
• Cyber Security – as many of our clients prepare to accommodate working remotely, we have reviewed remote access systems and policies to address and minimize cybersecurity risks. As organizations consider this, it is important to remember that applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements that mandate data protection and confidentiality do not become inapplicable in a national health crisis. An employer that is working quickly to start or ramp up remote work capabilities should confirm that their remote work system adequately protects against relevant cybersecurity risks and complies with relevant rules and best practices. Now is a good time for employers to remind employees to remain vigilant of phishing and related schemes designed to permit unauthorized access to cybercriminals.
• Employment - Employers have many factors to consider regarding the current pandemic. Foster Swift’s attorneys can assist you in the evaluation of your specific circumstances relative to COVID-19 and the all-important communication of information to employees. Some of the key areas to cover include: employment issues, company employment policies including attendance and travel, and benefit issues relating to leaves of absence to name a few. 
• Family Law – At time of publishing, different courts, including Friend of the Court, are following different practices. We have helped clients address specific issues such as if a minor child’s court-ordered visit with a father at his convalescent home is now unable to do so because of facility lock-down.
• Governmental and Regulatory Compliance - Foster Swift attorneys have assisted clients with implementing coronavirus guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This includes recent CMS guidance for nursing homes and hospices.
• Health Care – Our health care attorneys have assisted health care facilities and providers in developing and implementing disaster plans and emergency preparedness plans. This included assisting health care facilities with development of policies related to visitor policies; admission policies; infection control policies, isolation and contact policies. Facilities need to be implementing and revising these policies per guidance from governmental authorities. We can assist with regulatory compliance and revising of these policies in light of the ever-changing situation with this virus. As social distancing is key we are experienced in the array of legal issues relating to telemedicine.
• HIPAA – Compliance is a key concern of our clients when it comes to HIPAA.  We regularly advise clients and review HIPAA authorizations and release of medical records as well as counseling health care facilities regarding potential HIPAA violations and whether they are reportable. With the trend to work remotely, this will become more complicated.
• Immigration - Employers with workers in the U.S. on employment-based visas, especially H-1B beneficiaries, should consult with immigration counsel prior to relocating such workers or permitting them to work from home. There are visa category specific restrictions and planning issues to consider whenever a worker might work off-site.
• Municipalities & Other Public Entities - Coronavirus concerns and related restrictions have created unique legal issues for public bodies, such as whether (and how) to close or restrict access to public buildings while still ensuring that local government business is timely accomplished. The Open Meetings Act (OMA) remains applicable even in a state of emergency, so municipalities may seek guidance on remote meeting attendance, requirements for rescheduling meetings, and other tips to avoid large gatherings while still complying with the OMA. Public employers must also address the issues that are arising as more employees stay home due to sickness or to care for children while schools are closed.

Foster Swift's lawyers are ready to help with these urgent and novel questions related to the coronavirus. If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your Foster Swift attorney or one of our coronavirus coordinators as listed below:

• Mid-Michigan - John Mashni | 517.371.8257 | jmashni@fosterswift.com
• Southeast Michigan - Matthew Fedor |248.785.4734 |mfedor@fosterswift.com
• West & Northern Michigan - Laura Genovich |616.726.2238 | lgenovich@fosterswift.com

PUBLICATIONS & ALERTS

• COVID-19 Stimulus: A Guide to Business Relief Packages and Tax Relief, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, March 27, 2020
• Update to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, March 20, 2020
• COVID-19 Legal Issues for Employers, March 17, 2020
• Families First Corona Virus Response Act –Division E–Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, March 17, 2020
• How does the Coronavirus Impact your Contracts?, March 17, 2020
• International Trade and COVID-19, March 16, 2020

VIEW MORE

NEWS

• Minimizing Legal Impact of Coronavirus for your Organization, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, March 17, 2020

Taylor Gast helps businesses and organizations of all sizes and at all stages of development grow and solve problems. He provides practical and thoughtful advice on issues including technology law, data privacy and cybersecurity, startups, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, and contracting. Taylor’s breadth of legal expertise complements his focus on providing practical guidance to help businesses grow and address challenges. Taylor is based in Lansing and counsels clients in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and throughout Michigan.

Since 1902, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC has provided comprehensive legal services to businesses, municipalities and individuals. The firm employs 100-plus attorneys in Lansing, Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Holland and St. Joseph.  For more information about the firm, its attorneys and to access recent publications, visit www.fosterswift.com.