Email and Private Health Information
January 26, 2011 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.A Minnesota man left the snow-filled streets of Minneapolis for a vacation in Puerto Rico. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint. At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen; Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here This is an old tale reminding us of the importance of email accuracy and security. While electronic mail has become second-nature to most of us, we should strive to be more aware of private issues being transmitted over the internet. This is especially important when requesting and transmitting a client’s protected health information (PHI) for review. The requirement to protect the privacy of PHI extends to electronic transmission of PHI between two parties, such as an…
Read MoreTexting While Driving – A Dangerous Combination
January 18, 2011 | Adriel B. VillarrealWe live in a society where technology has, without question, made our lives easier and perhaps more organized. With the push of a few buttons we can communicate with friends, family, business associates located on the other side of the world or in the same room. During this last holiday season I finally agreed to purchase a cell phone for my 10 year old daughter. Of course my purpose for the phone was much different than hers. With the cell phone in hand my wife and I would be able to contact her instantly and get updates about homework, soccer practice and school activities. In her mind it was all about TEXTING and staying connected with friends and cousins. Naturally, the cell phone carrier was happy to add a new phone to the contract with unlimited texting for approximately $15.00 per month. While the new cell phone has been fairly convenient it has also proven to occasionally be a distraction during homework, dinner and bed time. I chuckle because she is now glued to her cell phone in the same way I have become dependent on my Blackberry. Recently, while driving home from work I heard a public service announcement about texting while driving. In short, the message to all drivers was that…
Read MoreLeasing Basics for Minnesota Charter Schools
January 18, 2011 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Authored by: Jeffrey S. Johnson and Kristin N. Blenkush Introduction For the uninitiated, commencing negotiations on a complex charter school lease can be overwhelming. These materials are intended to provide a basic overview of some of the most important provisions likely to be found in a charter school lease. Leasing Guidelines Specific to Charter Schools Because charter schools may not use state money to purchase land or buildings (Minn. Stat. § 124D.11, Subd. 7), gaining an understanding of basic leasing concepts is important. In addition to the general education revenue provided to charter schools, charter schools may be entitled to additional public funding through building lease aid. Under Minnesota law, charter schools may apply for building lease aid in order to rent a building or land for instructional purposes. Minn. Stat. § 124D.11, Subd. 4. The Minnesota Department of Education reviews and either approves or denies a applications for lease aid using certain criteria specified by statute. These criteria include (1) the reasonableness of the price (the rent) based on current market values, (2) the extent to which the lease conforms to applicable state laws and rules, and (3) the appropriateness of the proposed lease in the context of the space needs and the financial circumstances of the charter school. Minn. Stat. §…
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