Chair's Column
by Andrew J. Demetriou, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Los Angeles, CA

During the course of this year I have tried in these columns to highlight the important substantive work carried on by our 12 Interest Groups. As I have noted, these groups represent an important link to all of us who are Section members in providing programs, publications, conference calls and List Serv opportunities for individuals who share common interests in their practices. One thing I have noted in my reflections on our work is how many healthcare legal issues are defined by conflicts between important social, medical and technological values, none of which can or should be lightly dismissed.

MORE

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
by Cynthia Marcotte Stamer, Glast, Phillips & Murray, Dallas, TX

The broad definition of the term "genetic information" contained in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, H.R. 493 (GINA) signed into law by President Bush on, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 means that group health plans and insurers, as well as employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and joint labor-management committees, will need to carefully review and update their group health plan, family leave, disability accommodation, and other existing policies and practices to comply with forthcoming implementing regulations to avoid liability under new GINA's rules governing genetic information collection, use, protection and disclosure.

MORE

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reverses District Court ruling in Kadlec
by Conrad Meyer, Chaffe McCall, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA

On May 8, 2008, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court's opinion which had held that Lakeview Medical Center had a duty to disclose to Kadlec Medical Center Dr. Robert Berry's drug problem after Kadlec made inquiry to LMC through means of a credentialing questionnaire (after Berry applied to Kadlec for medical staff membership)

Dr. Berry was a licensed anesthesiologist in Louisiana and practiced with Drs. William Preau, Mark Dennis, David Baldone, and Allan Parr at Louisiana Anesthesia Associates. From November 2000 until his termination on March 13, 2001, Dr. Berry was a shareholder of LAA, which was the exclusive provider of anesthesia services to LMC.

MORE

Single Payer vs. Multi-Payers under Universal Health Coverage
by Warren Greenberg, George Washington University, Washington, DC

Currently, there is much discussion of universal healthcare coverage in the United States. Universal healthcare coverage may mean a single payer system akin to what is in place in Canada. The Canadian government in each of its ten provinces acts as a single payer or single health insurer for all healthcare services. In contrast, countries such as the Netherlands and Israel have universal coverage under a multi-payer or multi-health insurer system in which individuals choose among competing health insurers for their care.

MORE

Have you logged into the MyABA?

The redesigned MyABA page allows members to manage their ABA online profile preferences, billing, manage membership for Section and Interest Groups, product recommendation, area of concentration, CLE events, and even create a personalized abanet.org email address. Access your MyABA Account Now!

eHealth, Privacy & Security Interest Group

This eHealth, Privacy & Security Interest Group focuses on three substantive areas - Health Information Privacy, Healthcare Electronic Communication & Information Technology Transactions, and Healthcare Technology Dispute Resolution.

The IG is led by Chair Marc D. Goldstone, Community Health Systems, Franklin, TN and Vice Chairs Jacqueline Myles Crain, Trenam Kemker Scharf Barkin Frye O'Neil & Mullis, St. Petersburg, FL; W. Andrew H. Gantt III, Latham & Watkins LLP, Washington, DC and R. Harold McCard, Jr., Community Health Systems, Franklin, TN.

If you would like to join the Interest Group, continue by clicking the following link: Health Law Section IG Sign-up Form.

Do you want to communicate your ideas to thousands of other members through the wonders of cyberspace? To contribute a newsletter article on a health law topic, send us your ideas to Adam.Bielawski@americanbar.org