Survey of State Insurance Department COVID-19 Regulatory Actions
The state regulatory response to COVID-19 has been swift, with nearly every state making pronouncements that affect the insurance industry, specifically. As always, the Insurance Regulatory Practice Group at Mitchell Williams stands committed to providing current and relevant updates that affect…
Cybersecurity in the Time of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, hackers continue to target workers’ increased dependence on digital tools. Online activities have become the most effective channel for human interaction and continued operations. In current circumstances, a cyberattack removing a household or business’s ability…
OSHA Temporary Enforcement Guidance/COVID-19: Respirator Fit-Testing in Healthcare
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued temporary guidance regarding the enforcement of its Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 outbreak. The stated purpose of the guidance is to ensure healthcare workers have full access to N95 respiratory protection…
Texas Supreme Court Holds Lack of Groundless-Claims Clause in Insurance Policy Does Not Impact the Applicability of the "Eight-Corners Rule"
On March 20, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court delivered its opinion in Richards v. State Farm Lloyds, addressing a question of Texas law certified from the Fifth Circuit. The certified question concerned Texas’ “eight-corners rule,” which provides that an insurer’s “duty to defend is determined by the…
CMS Makes Toolbox Available to Streamline Relief for State Medicaid and CHIP Programs During COVID-19 Outbreak
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new tools and resources on March 22, 2020, to support state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) during the COVID-19 outbreak. These tools relate to (1) Section 1115 waivers; (2) Section 1135 waivers; (3) Section 1915(c)…