Keeping pace with the ever-changing life sciences industry, Morrison Foerster stays on top of the trends and political, legal, and economic drivers to support striking the balance between innovative discovery and purposeful business planning to assure our clients continued success. MoFo Life Sciences shares timely legal and business insights and in-depth analyses on trends and the complex technologies at the heart of the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and AgTech fields.Learn more about our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/life-sciences-healthcare" target="_self">Life Sciences practice</a>.<h2 dir="ltr">ABOUT MORRISON FOERSTER</h2>Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firm’s commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top 10 firms on The American Lawyer’s A-List. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia‑Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of successfully reaching at least 30 percent women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyer representation in a notable number of current leadership roles and committees. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment.

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Dr. Meghan Poon counsels clients on patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, and IP due diligence in the areas of biotechnology and biologics. She has significant experience in diverse technologies including antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies, diagnostics, and gene-edited plants. She represents clients ranging from large international pharmaceutical companies to midsized companies, startups, and universities.Meghan has filed numerous Patent Term Extension applications to secure additional term for her clients’ patents, which cover FDA-approved products. In addition, Meghan has extensive experience addressing complex obviousness-double patenting and subject matter eligibility issues impacting her clients’ patent portfolios. Meghan also represents clients in both investor-side and target-side due diligence, in deals from seed funding to initial public offerings.Prior to law school, Meghan attended graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she received a Ph.D. in biological chemistry based on her work on protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions at a molecular level. Meghan is the author of several scientific publications and has presented her research at international conferences.Meghan received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School and spent a year as a visiting student at Santa Clara University, where she focused on intellectual property.

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Dr. Meghan Poon counsels clients on patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, and IP due diligence in the areas of biotechnology and biologics. She has significant experience in diverse technologies including antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies, diagnostics, and gene-edited plants.

Meghan Poon

Wolfgang advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters involving their most valuable intellectual property assets in life sciences, digital, and high-tech industries.His subjects of focus include research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, and other technology transactions, as well as know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law. He also has substantial experience in litigating patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets, often in a multijurisdictional context. In addition, Wolfgang and his team frequently clear trademarks and ad campaigns and prosecute trademark applications.Wolfgang is co-editor of our <a href="https://lifesciences.mofo.com/" dir="ltr" target="_blank">MoFo Life Sciences Blog</a>.Wolfgang is a partner of Morrison Foerster based in our German office in Berlin.<h4 dir="ltr">Representative Transactional Matters</h4><ul dir="ltr"><li>U.S.-based BioTech fund on various research collaborations and other transactions with German start-ups or research institutions.</li><li>Negotiate multimillion-euro strategic partnership between two AgTech leaders concerning the development and commercialization of pest-resistant transgenic traits.</li><li>Craft global multi-million collaboration regarding AI-powered robotic MaaS.</li><li>UK-based digital health company on product roll-out of RPM applications in Germany; coordinate international expansion.</li><li>Advise numerous German start-ups on their U.S. expansion.</li><li>Draft diverse global patent and know-how license agreements in the areas of AgTech and life sciences—including gene licensing and licensing of genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR)—and medical devices; draft correlating supply and distribution agreements.</li><li>Structure IP rights in connection with joint ventures and other M&A transactions, including the carve-out of a patent-heavy semiconductor business comprising nine jurisdictions into a German–U.S. joint venture.</li><li dir="ltr">Advise on government-funded, multi-partner R&D projects and/or R&D projects with academic institutions, as well as on employee invention law.</li></ul><h4 dir="ltr">Representative Contentious IP Matters</h4><ul dir="ltr"><li>Lead counsel in an international dispute between software companies on rights and obligations following termination of a multi-million licensing and distribution arrangement; coordinate local counsel.</li><li>Defend Japanese chip manufacturer in high-profile SEP-litigation; advise on global settlement arrangement.</li><li>Represent leading internet retailer in patent infringement and concurrent invalidity proceedings in the context of a multijurisdictional dispute concerning touch-screen technology.</li><li>Represent diverse pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in national and cross-border patent infringement proceedings and other technology-related disputes, including preliminary injunctions as well as pre‑trial discovery and inspection proceedings, concerning, inter alia, drug-coating technologies, toner cartridges, medicinal gases, transgenic plants, and vaccines.</li><li dir="ltr">Conduct trademark, copyright, and false advertising litigation, including, most notably, a high-profile trademark litigation for a German bank, and a nine-country cross-border trademark litigation involving a famous pharmaceutical brand.</li></ul>

Dr. Wolfgang Schönig berät Mandanten zum Schutz des geistigen Eigentums sowohl in streitigen als auch nichtstreitigen Angelegenheiten, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf die IP-rechtliche Beratung von Unternehmen aus den Bereichen Life Sciences, Digitalwirtschaft und High-Tech.Zu seinen Beratungsschwerpunkten gehören Forschungs- und Entwicklungskooperationen, komplexe Lizenzvertragsgestaltungen und andereTechnologie-Transaktionen, sowie Know-how-Schutz-Strategien und das Arbeitnehmererfinderrecht. Er verfügt zudem über umfangreiche Prozesserfahrung zur Durchsetzung von Patenten, Marken- und anderen IP-Rechten, häufig auch in einem grenzüberschreitenden Kontext. Darüber hinaus bewertet Dr. Wolfgang Schönig zusammen mit seinem Team regelmäßig die Rechtskonformität von Werbekampagnen, prüft die Verfügbarkeit von Marken und entwickelt entsprechende Anmeldestrategien.Dr. Wolfgang Schönig ist Co-Editor des Life Sciences Blogs von Morrison Foerster.Er hat seinen Doktortitel an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf und seinen LL.M. an der Fordham School of Law in New York erworben, jeweils mit Schwerpunkt im gewerblichen Rechtsschutz. Seinen MBA-Abschluss erhielt er von der European University in Barcelona.Dr. Wolfgang Schönig ist Partner des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin.<h4 dir="ltr">Repräsentative Transaktionen</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">BioTech-Fonds mit Sitz in den USA bei verschiedenen Forschungskooperationen und anderen Transaktionen mit deutschen Start-ups oder Forschungseinrichtungen</li><li dir="ltr">Verhandlung einer hochvolumigen strategischen Partnerschaft zwischen zwei Technologieführern im Bereich Crop Science betreffend der Entwicklung und Kommerzialisierung von bestimmten Resistenzen</li><li dir="ltr">Gestaltung einer globalen Multi-Millionen-Zusammenarbeit für KI-gestützte Roboter</li><li dir="ltr">Ein in Großbritannien ansässiges Unternehmen für digitale Gesundheit bei der Markteinführung von RPM-Anwendungen in Deutschland; Koordination der internationalen Expansion</li><li dir="ltr">Beratung zahlreicher deutscher Start-ups bei deren US-Expansion</li><li dir="ltr">Strukturierung und Verhandlung diverser Patent- und Know-How-Lizenzen in den Bereichen Ag Tech und Life Sciences – einschließlich Fragen zu genome editing wie CRISPR-Medizingeräte, sowie Gestaltung von Softwarelizenzverträgen und Erstellung korrespondierender Liefer- und Vertriebsvereinbarungen</li><li dir="ltr">Strukturierung von IP-Rechten im Zusammenhang mit Joint Ventures und anderen M&A-Transaktionen, darunter die Koordination eines neun Länder umfassenden IP Carve-Outs im Rahmen eines Halbleiter-JVs</li><li dir="ltr">Beratung zu staatlich geförderten Multi-Partner F&E-Projekten und/oder F&E-Projekten mit akademischen Einrichtungen sowie zum Arbeitnehmererfindungsrecht</li></ul><h4 dir="ltr">Repräsentative IP-Streitigkeiten</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">Lead Counsel in einem internationalen Rechtsstreit zwischen Softwareunternehmen über Rechte und Pflichten nach Beendigung einer millionenschweren Lizenz- und Vertriebsvereinbarung; Koordinierung der lokalen Anwälte</li><li dir="ltr">Verteidigung eines japanischen Chipherstellers in einem prominenten Streitfall bezüglich Standardessentieller Patente (SEP); Beratung zu einer globalen Vergleichsregelung</li><li dir="ltr">Verteidigung einer führenden Internetplattform gegen Ansprüche eines Patenttrolls wegen vermeintlicher Verletzung von Patent bezüglich Touchscreen-Technologie sowie korrespondierende US-Streitigkeiten</li><li dir="ltr">Vertretung von Pharma- und Life Science-Unternehmen in nationalen und grenzüberschreitenden Patentverletzungsverfahren und anderen technologiebezogenen Streitigkeiten, einschließlich einstweiliger Verfügungsverfahren und vorprozessualer Beweissicherungs- und Besichtigungsverfahren, unter anderem in Bezug auf Arzneimittelbeschichtungstechnologien, Tonerkartuschen, medizinische Gase, transgene Pflanzen und Impfstoffe</li></ul>

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Wolfgang Schönig is a partner of Morrison Foerster (International) LLP based in our German office in Berlin. His practice specialty is advising on IP aspects relative to transactions in, among others, the life sciences, AgTech and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes. Wolfgang is specialized in research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law.

Wolfgang Schönig focuses his practice on IP aspects relative to transactions in the digital, telecoms, high tech, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes.

Wolfgang Schönig advises clients on IP aspects relating to transactions in, among others, the life sciences, AgTech and pharmaceuticals industry, as well as legal representation in IP disputes. His additional focus areas include research and development collaborations, complex licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection strategies, and employee invention law.

Wolfgang Schönig

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MoFo Life Sciences shares timely legal and business insights and in-depth analyses on trends and the complex technologies at the heart of the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and AgTech fields.

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What is “Healthy?” Are Fats In?

Stop-Gap Spending Bill Provision Takes Aim at Biologics Patent Litigation

An InSECURE Future: Court Ruling Guts USDA Regs on Genetically Engineered Plants

USPTO Fee Changes for 2025

Uspto Withdraws Consideration of Controversial Change to Terminal Disclaimer Practice

COVID-19 is, quite literally, putting the medical supply industry to the test. Manufacturers are being pushed to develop novel products like therapies and vaccines to combat the disease as quickly as possible. The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act encourages drug and medical device companies to increase production of existing products currently in short supply, and to develop new innovative COVID-19 therapies and treatments by limiting tort liability for the goods.Read our Class Dismissed <a target="_blank" href="https://classdismissed.mofo.com/product-liability/prep-act-declaration-emboldens-drug-and-device-industry-to-innovate-in-the-face-of-a-growing-crisis/">blog post.</a>

Fertility Center Litigation

Fitbit

MicroPort

Leading Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Device Company

Lethal Injection Matters – Major Pharmaceutical Company

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Major Technology Company

Leading Chemical Company

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In re Air Crash Near Peixoto de Azevedo, Brazil

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Erin Bosman is chair of MoFo’s Class Actions and Mass Torts Practice Group and is a founder and co-head of the Artificial Intelligence Group. Clients value her business strategy, seeking her comprehensive counsel throughout the product life cycle, especially in high-stakes litigation and product recalls.

Erin M. Bosman

Erin Bosman is chair of MoFo’s Class Actions and Mass Torts Practice Group and is a founder and co-head of the Artificial Intelligence Group. Clients value her business strategy, seeking her comprehensive counsel throughout the product life cycle, especially in high-stakes litigation and product recalls.

Erin Bosman

An orthopedic implant company

A children&rsquo;s monthly subscription service product

A fertility company

A major technology company

A smart fitness equipment company

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Julie Park provides analytic and strategic counsel for issues in product life cycle, product liability and defective products, consumer class actions, and more.

Julie Park

Julie Park | Product Liability Lawyer

Julie Park protects her clients’ products no matter what kind of product issue they face—whether it is planning for new product development, recalling an existing product, or defending clients against product liability or consumer class actions. Drawing on her deep technical and legal expertise, Julie counsels clients on consumer product safety regulation and pharmaceutical and medical device preemption while also managing complex and multijurisdictional litigation both in state and federal court.

Julie Y. Park

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Prep Act Declaration Emboldens Drug and Device Industry to Innovate In the Face Of a Growing Crisis

OFCCP Issues National Interest Exemption for New Coronavirus Relief Contracts

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COVID-19 is, quite literally, putting the medical supply industry to the test. Manufacturers are being pushed to develop novel products like therapies and vacci

Prep Act Declaration Emboldens Drug and Device Industry to Innovate In the Face Of a Growing Crisis

The rapid spread of coronavirus has spawned prolific marketing claims that any number of products can treat or prevent coronavirus. It comes as no surprise then that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued their first round of joint warning letters to several companies claiming their products—teas, essential oils, tinctures, and colloidal silver—could prevent or treat COVID-19.Read our Class Dismissed <a target="_blank" href="https://classdismissed.mofo.com/consumer-products/fda-and-ftc-send-warning-letters-to-companies-marketing-products-to-treat-coronavirus-state-attorneys-general-follow-suit/">blog post.</a>

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FDA and FTC Send Warning Letters to Companies Marketing Products to Treat Coronavirus (COVID-19); State Attorneys General Follow Suit

Implications of California’s Coronavirus Stay at Home Order for Employers

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The rapid spread of coronavirus has spawned prolific marketing claims that any number of products can treat or prevent coronavirus. It comes as no surprise then

FDA and FTC Send Warning Letters to Companies Marketing Products to Treat Coronavirus (COVID-19); State Attorneys General Follow Suit

On March 16, 2020, FDA issued its Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 during the Public Health Emergency (the “Guidance”). The purpose of the Guidance is to expedite the availability of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) diagnostic tests in view of the current public health emergency. The Guidance contains policies regarding (i) laboratories’ development and use of certain tests prior to or without an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), (ii) commercial manufacturers’ development and distribution of certain tests prior to an EUA, and (iii) development, use, and distribution of serological tests without an EUA.First, regarding laboratory tests, the Guidance provides two policies: one eventually requires an EUA submission and the other does not. Under the first prong, FDA has indicated that it will not object to a laboratory’s use of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests (i) that occurs after validation and notification to the agency, (ii) for a reasonable time (about 15 business days), (iii) while preparing an EUA request, (iv) provided that the laboratory is certified and meets certain regulatory requirements under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). However, if FDA, upon review of the EUA request, identifies a significant problem that cannot be addressed in a timely manner, the laboratory may have to stop using the test and issue test reports indicating that prior tests may be unreliable.Under the second prong, each state may authorize laboratories within its territory to develop and use SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests without notifying FDA of test validation and without engaging in the EUA process.Second, FDA has indicated that it will not object to a commercial manufacturer’s distribution of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic kits (i) after validation and notification to the agency, (ii) for a reasonable time (about 15 business days), (iii) while preparing an EUA request, (iv) provided that the manufacturer posts instructions for use and data regarding performance of the kit on its website. However, it should be noted that the manufacturer may have to suspend distribution and recall its products if, upon review of the EUA request, FDA identifies a significant problem that cannot be addressed in a timely manner.Third, acknowledging the relative simplicity of serological tests, FDA has indicated that it will not object to a laboratory’s use, and a commercial manufacturer’s distribution of serological tests or kits for SARS-CoV-2 that occur after validation and notification to the agency, provided that certain information listed in section IV(D) of the Guidance is included in the test report (e.g., that the test is not FDA-reviewed).Lastly, it may be worth noting some general points. First, the policies in the Guidance do not apply to at-home testing. Second, where validation is required, FDA recommends the minimum testing described in section V of the Guidance. Finally, FDA recommends including a general statement in the test report that FDA review is pending, whenever that is the case.In sum, the policies set out in the Guidance allow laboratories and commercial manufacturers, under certain conditions, to start using or distributing diagnostic tests or kits for the novel coronavirus prior to or even without an EUA. In addition to the EUA process which is already an expedited authorization process, the new policies will further accelerate distribution and use of the tests.

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FDA’s New Guidance on Use and Distribution of COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests by Laboratories and Commercial Manufacturers

After Striking Deal with the President, the House of Representatives Passes Federal Relief Bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

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On March 16, 2020, FDA issued its Policy for Diagnostic Tests for Coronavirus Disease-2019 during the Public Health Emergency (the “Guidance”). The purpose of t

FDA’s New Guidance on Use and Distribution of COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests by Laboratories and Commercial Manufacturers

In response to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19) and associated preparation and response, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently released a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/february-2020-hipaa-and-novel-coronavirus.pdf">bulletin</a> (the “Bulletin”) outlining how entities subject to HIPAA may share patient information under the HIPAA Privacy Rule and other obligations during an outbreak of infectious disease or other emergency situation. In it, OCR emphasizes that the HIPAA Privacy Rule functions to protect the privacy of patients’ protected health information (PHI) and also underscores that the purpose of the Bulletin is partly to serve as a reminder that HIPAA protections should not be set aside during an emergency. OCR also emphasizes that the Privacy Rule applies only to HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates and does not apply to disclosures made by entities or other persons who are not covered entities or business associates (although such persons or entities are free to follow the standards on a voluntary basis if desired).    The Bulletin outlines the following key points within the Privacy Rule that are relevant to sharing patient information in an outbreak of infectious disease or other emergency situation:<h4>Sharing Patient Information</h4><ul><li>Treatment. Under the Privacy Rule, covered entities may disclose, without a patient’s authorization, PHI about the patient as necessary to treat the patient or to treat a different patient. See 45 CFR §§ 164.502(a)(1)(ii), 164.506(c), and the definition of “treatment” at § 164.501.</li></ul><ul><li>Public Health Activities. The Privacy Rule acknowledges the need for public health authorities to have access to PHI necessary to carry out their duties and so permits covered entities to disclose PHI without individual authorization in the following circumstances: <ul><li>To a public health authority. This would include entities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or state or local health departments authorized by law to receive such information. A “public health authority” is an agency or authority of the U.S. government, a state, territory, political subdivision of a state or territory, or Indian tribe responsible for public health matters, as well as a person or entity acting under grant of authority from, or under a contract with, a public health agency. See 45 CFR §§ 164.501 and 164.512(b)(1)(i).</li><li>At the direction of a public health authority, to a foreign government agency that is acting in collaboration with the public health authority. See 45 CFR § 164.512(b)(1)(i).</li><li>To a person at risk of contracting or spreading a disease. This is permitted if other law, such as state law, authorizes the covered entity to make such notification as necessary to prevent or control the spread of disease or otherwise carry out public health objectives. See 45 CFR § 164.512(b)(1)(iv).</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Disclosures to Family, Friends, and Others. Covered entities may share PHI with a patient’s family members, friends, or others identified by the patient as involved in the patient’s care. Covered entities may also share information about a patient as necessary to identify, locate, and notify family members, guardians, or others responsible for the patient’s care about the patient’s condition or location. See 45 CFR § 164.510(b). The Bulletin also highlights the following considerations: <ul><li>The covered entity should attempt to get verbal permission from the patient or otherwise be able to reasonably infer that they do not object. If that is not possible, covered entities may share the information if, in their professional judgment, doing so would be in the patient’s best interest.</li><li>For patients who are unconscious or incapacitated, a healthcare provider may share information about the patient with those involved in the patient’s care (such as friends or family) if the provider determines, based on professional judgement, that doing so would be in the patient’s best interest.</li><li>A covered entity may share patient information with disaster relief organizations for the purpose of coordinating notification of family or those involved in a patient’s care of the patient’s condition or location. In this situation, it is unnecessary to obtain the patient’s permission if doing so would interfere with the organization’s ability to respond to the emergency. </li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Disclosures to Prevent a Serious and Imminent Threat. Healthcare providers may share patient information with anyone as necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health and safety of a person or the public, consistent with applicable law. See 45 CFR § 164.512(j).</li></ul><ul><li>Disclosures to the Media or Others Not Involved in the Care of the Patient. Generally, except in the limited circumstances described elsewhere in the Bulletin, reporting to the media or general public about an identifiable patient or disclosing to the public or media specific information about treatment of an identifiable patient may not be done without the patient’s written authorization (or the authorization of a person legally authorized to give it on the patient’s behalf).</li></ul><ul><li>Minimum Necessary. For most disclosures (other than those to healthcare providers for treatment purposes), a covered entity must make reasonable efforts to limit the information disclosed to that which is the “minimum necessary” to accomplish the purpose. Covered entities may reasonably rely on representations from a public health authority or other public official that the requested information is the minimum necessary for the purpose. See 45 CFR §§ 164.502(b) and 164.514(d).</li></ul><h4>Safeguarding Patient Information</h4>In emergency scenarios, covered entities must continue to apply the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards of the HIPAA Security Rule to electronic PHI in addition to continuing to implement reasonable safeguards to protect patient information against impermissible uses or disclosures.<h4>Other Resources</h4>The Bulletin also refers readers to the following additional resources:More information on HIPAA and Public Health: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/public-health/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/public-health/index.html</a>More information on HIPAA and Emergency Preparedness, Planning, and Response: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html</a>General information on understanding the HIPAA Privacy Rule: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html</a>Information regarding how Federal civil rights laws apply in an emergency: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html">https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html</a>

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Melissa Crespo helps clients navigate a wide range of challenging privacy compliance and data security matters with a focus on the health information and the health care sector.

Melissa M. Crespo

Melissa Crespo

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OCR Bulletin on HIPAA Privacy and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus: Steps Employers Should Be Taking

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In response to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV or COVID-19) and associated preparation and response, the Department of Health and Human 

OCR Bulletin on HIPAA Privacy and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology are two novel innovations that offer the opportunity for us to move beyond our legacy systems and streamline enterprise management and compliance in ways previously unimaginable. Each technology augments the strengths and tempers the weaknesses of the other. Specifically, AI is an active technology − it analyzes what is around and formulates solutions based on the history of what it has been exposed to. By contrast, blockchain is data agnostic with respect to what is written into it – the technology bundle is largely passive. While these new technology stacks can certainly function on their own merits, AI and blockchain also complement one another in such ways that their combination offers novel business solutions, not only the ability to build upon legacy enterprise systems but also the power to eventually upend them in favor of next level solutions. Getting to that inflexion point, however, takes time and is not without cost. As innovators seek to exploit the convergence of AI and blockchain innovations, they must pay careful attention to overcome both technical and regulatory hurdles that accompany them. Do so successfully, and the rewards promise to be bountiful. Read our <a href="https://www.mofo.com/resources/insights/200312-new-abcs-ai-blockchain.html?utm_source=publications&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">client alert.</a>

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Senior Counsel

Vivian is chair of Morrison Foerster’s Sourcing practice. Vivian has concentrated her practice on domestic and multijurisdictional transactions involving technology and intellectual property (IP) fo

Vivian L. Hanson

Vivian is chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Sourcing practice. Vivian has concentrated her practice on domestic and multijurisdictional transactions involving technology and intellectual property (IP) for clients in the media and entertainment, information services, information technologies (IT), financial services, and life sciences industries.

Vivian Hanson

Anzu Special Acquisition Corp I's Merger with Envoy Medical Corporation

TEAM Services Group's Multiple Acquisitions

McKinsey & Company's Multiple Acquisitions

Antarctica Capital's Acquisition of Descartes Labs

Associate

Lee Nisson

The New ABC's: Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and How Each Compliments the Other