Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

KJZZ Taps Roopali Desai to Discuss Arizona’s Initiative to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Representing the “Smart and Safe Arizona Act,” election attorney Roopali Desai was tapped by KJZZ News Radio to discuss the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona.  Roopali explained that backers of the initiative ran the ballot language by legislative council members for feedback. She reinforced the significance of this review, noting that the 16-page initiative includes details about how the money from fines and civil penalties will be used.The hope is for the money to go toward community colleges, public safety, and other related programs. The legislative council’s recommendations will be used to revise the ballot language to ensure it is abundantly clear.  Roopali advises clients on all aspects of political and election law including campaign strategy, campaign finance compliance, disclosure and reporting requirements, and bringing and...

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Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

KTAR Taps Roopali Desai to Discuss Canvassers Paying Phoenix Voters for Social Media Posts

Some promotional tactics related to Proposition 106 are stirring up controversy. To break down the legalities, KTAR news radio called on Roopali Desai, one of the state’s leading election and political law attorneys. The issue: a private group of Prop. 106 supporters is paying Phoenix voters to post “Yes on 106” to personal social media accounts. . If passed, Proposition 106 would mandate annual assessments of Phoenix’s pension debt and budget matters.  Roopali explained voters can express their personal support, but if they are paid to express a position, they should disclose they are being paid and by whom. She suggested that Arizona could require campaigns to disclose whether they pay people to advertise on personal social media, but she noted that no such law currently exists.  Roopali advises clients...

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Melissa Soliz Discusses Information Blocking in SHIEC Webinar Series

Melissa Soliz Discusses Impact of Data Privacy Laws on Opioid Epidemic with KTAR

Regulatory health care attorney Melissa Soliz explained how data privacy laws can impede effective treatment for opioid addiction in an interview with KTAR News Radio.  Melissa explained that 42 C.F.R. Part 2, the federal Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Record regulations, limits how doctors and treatment centers can exchange information for treatment purposes. In many cases, the Part 2 regulations prevent providers from learning of a patient’s opioid addiction, and they may prescribe an opioid by mistake, triggering a relapse or overdose. An act of Congress is needed to remove Part 2’s barriers to effective treatment.  Melissa focuses her practice on HIPAA and 42 C.F.R. Part 2 compliance, data breaches and OCR investigations, electronic health records and health information exchanges, compliance with opioid treatment laws and...

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Roopali represents four initiative campaigns who filed a Petition for Special Action with the Arizona Supreme Court to seek an order permitting them to use the E-Qual system to obtain online signatures

Roopali Desai Weighs in on Recent Update to Arizona’s Elections Procedure Manual in KJZZ Interview

As one of the state’s leading election and political law attorneys, Roopali Desai provided insights to KJZZ news radio about the recent and critical update to the Elections Procedure Manual. Roopali points out there have been significant changes in election law since the last manual was put into effect in 2014. The updated manual, which Secretary of State Katie Hobbs released on August 9, is intended to provide specific procedural guidance and explanations to help county officials conduct elections that follow current law. Roopali noted there is a 60-day period for the community to provide feedback on the manual. The Secretary’s office is working with county officials to get their feedback, and will revise the manual as needed. The updated manual will be submitted to the Attorney General’s...

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Andy Gordon Shares Journey with Multiple Myeloma in Healthline Article

Andy Gordon is widely known as one of the state’s leading election and political law attorneys. He’s also a survivor of multiple myeloma, a cancer that causes an overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow, affecting more than 30,000 Americans each year. Andy has lived with the disease since 2009. In an effort to help others diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Andy shared tips for managing treatment in an article for Healthline.  Andy recommends patients get a second medical opinion on diagnoses to ensure they’re on the best treatment plan. He also urges patients to bring someone they trust to medical appointments to take notes and help manage communication. Staying active, having a sense of humor and celebrating small victories are all key aspects of success,...

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Scott Bennett Shares Risks, Tips for Implementing Connected Devices in Health Care in Article for Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law

As health care organizations become more reliant on connected devices to deliver care and track patient data, legal risks and liabilities abound. Scott Bennett broke down key risks and shared tips for implementing connected devices in an article for the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law. Connected devices can range from smart watches and smartphones to infusion pumps, patient beds, and much more. When implemented properly, connected devices can positively impact patient care and safety, allowing for more timely care interventions and improving operational efficiency. Scott and his co-authors discussed the legal implications of using connected devices in health care; specifically risks of patient harm, data privacy issues, treatment interruption, and other liability concerns. They provided background and tips to legally acquire and use connected devices while reducing risks.   Scott has significant experience representing hospitals and other health...

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