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Adapting: Litigation Dynamics for Businesses Addressing Strained Relationships
Apr 03 2020
Despite court closure orders and other restrictions entered across the country, commercial litigation continues to be filed, with many courts docketing new cases in 2020 on pace with 2019. For businesses considering litigation in uncertain times, there are special considerations, as well as enduring best practices. Preserving vital relationships will be key to mitigating the impact down the road and avoiding irreversible consequences. But filing a lawsuit is sometimes the right move, and businesses should consider consulting with counsel to understand the steps that can be taken to prepare and the dynamics business litigants are likely to face.
Complying with the Evolving and Conflicting COVID-19 State Closure Landscape; CISA Updates List of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
Apr 03 2020
Over the last two weeks, COVID-19 state business closure orders, which we are tracking on our 50-State interactive guide, and their related stay at home orders, have come at a fast and furious pace. From just a handful at the beginning of last week, all but about 11 states have issued some combination of a stay at home, business closure mandate. In addition, the orders begin expiring next week, and with the federal extension of social distancing guidelines until April 30, it is expected that starting next week, states will begin issuing extensions of their closure/stay at home orders and potentially adopt other updates as well.
Ripley Rand Presents Free Webinar on North Carolina Emergency Management/Public Health Operations During Pandemic
Apr 03 2020
Like many other states, North Carolina is under a stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Gov. Roy Cooper’s order took effect March 30 and will remain in effect through at least April 29, as state officials look to slow the spread of the disease. Gov. Cooper’s statewide order comes after a number of North Carolina counties and cities – including the state’s biggest metro areas – enacted local stay-at-home orders.
Latest Guidance on Paycheck Protection Loan Program under the CARES Act
Apr 03 2020
Late in the evening on April 2, the SBA issued an Interim Final Rule on the PPP (the April 2 Rule) and published a revised Application form (Revised Application). While SBA and Treasury continue to say that loans will be provided today, April 3, many banks will need time to digest this additional guidance from SBA and stand up their process for accepting applications and issuing PPP loans.
Unified Patent Court ratification declared unconstitutional by German court
Apr 03 2020
The German Federal Constitutional Court has recently made a finding that Germany's ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court is unconstitutional.
Remote Shareholders’ Meetings Authorized and Encouraged for North Carolina Corporations in COVID-19 Environment
Apr 03 2020
On April 1, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 125, which permits and encourages corporations incorporated in North Carolina to conduct all or any part of a shareholders’ meeting solely by means of remote communication during the current state of emergency in North Carolina. The Executive Order is effective for 60 days, unless earlier rescinded or replaced, and applies for North Carolina corporations holding, commencing, or sending formal notice to their shareholders of such a meeting during the state of emergency.
Commercial Payors and Medicaid Telehealth Billing
Apr 03 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) have enacted several measures to make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain telehealth services during the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus and the disease caused by it, COVID-19. Specifically, CMS and HHS have issued Section 1135 Waivers for Telehealth Services and other guidance to allow providers to treat Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth.
Gregg Skall Writes on COVID-19 Challenges, Opportunities for Broadcasters in new All Access Column
Apr 03 2020
Womble Bond Dickinson telecom attorney Gregg Skall writes about the challenges facing broadcasters—as well as possible solutions—in his latest FCC Uncensored column at All Access.
State Department of Insurance Statements About Business Interruption coverage
Apr 03 2020
Various State Departments of Insurance and other insurance regulators around the country have already begun issuing statements anticipating the coverage and enforcement issues that are likely to arise from the effects of COVID-19. Statements issued by the departments in WBD’s footprint are included below. Determinations about the applicability of business interruption or civil authority coverage can be very fact-intensive; if you have any questions, contact your broker or one of our insurance coverage lawyers.
