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Medical Second Opinions In The Digital Age: When A Tumor Isn’t A Tumor
Cybersecurity researchers have recently created a computer virus that was able to trick three radiologists into thinking their patients had cancer. The researchers were also able to fool automated screening systems by altering images and scans to place fake “tumors” on them, or by removing real tumors from actual scans which showed advanced...
DOL Issues New Opinion on Expanding Benefits Under The Family Medical Leave Act
With the latest pronouncement by the Department of Labor (“DOL”) regarding the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), employers are wise to review and revise leave policies to ensure that they do not run afoul of the agency’s most recent interpretation of the law. On March 14, 2019, the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (“WHD”) issued its first opinion...
A Primer on “Piercing The Corporate Veil” Decisions
The phrase, “piercing the corporate veil,” relates to a circumstance in which a claimant is attempting to hold individuals (shareholders or members) liable for the debts and/or obligations of the entity. This issue is also confronted in a parent-subsidiary structure when the claimant is seeking to hold the parent liable for the debts and...
Business Succession Planning – What You Need to Know to Succeed
Business succession planning should be part of the overall business development strategy of any enterprise. Leaving it until it is too late may have negative consequences to the future of the business. Important considerations and options for successfully transferring ownership and control to new management when the time is right are highlighted...
RI Supreme Court Clarifies Insurers’ Obligations in Auto Accident Claims
In a recent Rhode Island Supreme Court decision, the Court clarified the duty owed, or better yet not owed, by an insurer to third party claimants in auto accident matters. In Summit Insurance Company v. Eric Stricklett et al., No. 2017-185-A (R.I. 2019), a minor was struck by a vehicle and suffered serious injuries. The minor had to undergo...
Sale of MA Cannabis Cultivator-Dispensary to National Firm is Worth Watching as Industry Consolidation Ensues
Cannabis industry watchers can expect that the tale of New England Treatment Access (NETA) - one of Massachusetts’ first registered marijuana dispensaries and a predominant player in the Commonwealth’s burgeoning recreational marketplace – leading to its sale to a national company will be duplicated in the New England region. As the storyline...
RI Governor Announces Recreational Marijuana Legislation Forthcoming
Feeling the pressure from other New England states that have already implemented recreational marijuana programs or have signaled they will do so shortly, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced that her administration will be introducing legislation this session to legalize and tax cannabis. This announcement comes on the heels of...
Responsibility for Corporate Misbehavior Shifts Under Trump Administration
This past September at the 5th Annual Global Investigations Review Conference (“GIR”), Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matthew S. Miner discussed recent changes in the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) policy regarding the prosecution of business organizations. The new policies generally expand upon existing policies encouraging self-reporting,...
Strategies for Gifting Interest in a Closely Held Business to Charity
Gifting interests in a closely held business can result in a significant planning opportunity for the right donor as well as a substantial benefit to a favorite charity. Consider the following three planning strategies for charitable gifts utilizing private and closely held business interests: 1. Give and Sell Strategy. The goal is to gift the...
Heads I win, Tails You Lose! Reduced taxes payable by banks may increase interest costs payable by not-for-profits
The tax reform enacted by Congress last year in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provided a nice tax break for businesses. Among other companies, banks have benefited greatly from this windfall, and in addition to rising stock prices, many have announced raises for their employees. This must be good news for everyone, right? Well, as is often the case...
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