Mel Soliz Examines Implications of Legal Technology Advancements at National Meeting of Legal Ethicists

Partner Mel Soliz joined a panel at the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL) mid-year meeting to discuss the ethical challenges and responsibilities that come with integrating emerging technologies into legal practice. The panel, titled “Innovation Update,” featured Arizona Chief Justice Ann Timmer, Mel, and two other experts from the health care and technology sectors. Together, they explored how legal ethics and professional responsibility apply to innovation trends like alternative business structure (ABS) law firms, blockchain and digital assets, artificial intelligence (AI), and data privacy. The discussion focused on both the advantages and complexities of these advancements, emphasizing the ethical considerations and practical applications for legal professionals as they navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Mel’s regulatory practice focuses on compliance with data privacy, access, and interoperability laws (such...

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Malvika Sinha Educates Fellow Legal Professionals on Internal Communications Risks at National Meeting

Joining a panel of three other legal experts, Partner Malvika Sinha explored the importance of keeping law firm and client messages thoughtful and compliant during the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL) mid-year meeting. In a session titled “From Inbox to Infamy: When Internal Communications Come Back to Bite Ya!” the panel examined high-profile cases where private emails and chats were exposed, leading to reputational damage and legal consequences. Together, they offered insights to help attorneys advise their clients on common communication missteps while sharing practical strategies to safeguard sensitive information and avoid costly mistakes. Malvika is an experienced litigator whose practice spans a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including legal malpractice, healthcare litigation, state attorneys general investigations, and high-stakes business disputes. She has received accolades both locally...

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Mel Soliz Earns 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award & Highlights Key Patient Privacy Issues at National Panel

Partner Mel Soliz was recently honored as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the Sequoia Project annual meeting, recognizing her exceptional contributions of time and expertise. Mel also joined a national panel to expand upon her efforts and impact on patient privacy and consent. The panel, comprised of Mel and four other health information experts, explored strategies to better align the benefits of health data exchange with a critical need to protect patient privacy. Their discussion addressed the growing tension between the rising value of health data and evolving privacy expectations while emphasizing solutions that align both priorities. Mel’s regulatory practice focuses on compliance with data privacy, access and interoperability laws (such as the Information Blocking Rule and CMS interoperability mandates as well as state mini-interoperability...

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Mel Soliz Explains Impact of CARES Act Final Rule Changes at National Health Care Meeting

At the eHealth Exchange Annual Meeting, Partner Mel Soliz discussed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) modified regulations for substance use disorder (SUD) patient records (see 42 CFR Part 2 or Part 2) and their impact of health information exchange. These changes aim to better align the Part 2 regulations with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), with the compliance deadline set for February 16, 2026. eHealth Exchange, the nation’s oldest and largest health care information network, supports data exchange for more than 250 million patients and facilitates around 21 billion transactions annually. Recognized for its governance, transparency, and commitment to privacy, the organization is a leader in advancing interoperability. A nationally recognized attorney in health data privacy and interoperability, Mel works...

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Mel Soliz Shares Insights on Evolving Interoperability Regulations at National Health Conference

At the Civitas Networks for Health Annual Conference, Partner Mel Soliz explored recent updates to the interoperability landscape and how they impact health information networks and exchanges (HIN/HIEs). Mel’s regulatory practice focuses on compliance with data privacy, access and interoperability laws (such as the Information Blocking Rule and CMS interoperability mandates as well as state mini-interoperability laws), health IT/technology service contracting, and HIN/HIEs (including national and state interoperability frameworks such as TEFCA, Carequality, CommonWell, DURSA, DxF and SCPA). She regularly speaks in local and national forums on these topics and has been active in state and federal policymaking on data privacy and HIE issues. She is the President of the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys and is regularly lauded by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, BTI Client...

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Kristen Rosati Shares Insights on Artificial Intelligence Governance & Regulatory Trends at Arizona Healthcare Conference

At the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association Leadership Conference, Partner Kristen Rosati discussed tips for good governance of health care organizations’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) and explored the current state of regulation of AI. In her presentation, Kristen provided an overview of federal executive orders and regulations and offered a look ahead at potential future regulation. Kristen also discussed that states are stepping into the gap created by the lack of a comprehensive AI law at the federal level. From data privacy to transparency requirements for AI use, many states are already implementing their own regulations, shaping how the country approaches this technology as a whole. Her insights underscored the need for health care organizations to stay ahead of these regulatory requirements. A sought-after national...

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