What's Happening at Hart Wagner

 In response to concerns and objections raised by HW nurse advocacy specialist Troy Bundy, the Oregon Board of Nursing published this revised Position Statement.

Please be advised that the Oregon Board of Nursing has posted the following position statement requiring nurses to provide care to all patients, regardless of whether the care facility is compliant with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization – Person Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. As long as the facility is deemed in compliance with Oregon Health Authority PPE guidelines, a Licensee cannot refuse to provide care to any patient. If you are the subject of any disciplinary complaint related to this mandate and need assistance, feel free to contact our compliance and credentialing attorneys.

The following links may help you understand your rights:

• Workers’ Right to Refuse Dangerous Work https://www.osha.gov/right-to-refuse.html
• U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration:  OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

The HIPAA and COVID-19 Limited Waiver Bulletin was recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services providing further exceptions and a waiver of HIPAA sanctions during this Covid-19 pandemic. For assistance with any HIPAA inquiry or concern, please do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified HIPAA attorneys: Troy Bundy and Aaron Potter.

Hart Wagner remains open during this uncertain time as we all respond to COVID-19. We are closely following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will adjust protocols as the CDC and other state and local authorities issue new guidance. The health and safety of our employees, clients, colleagues and community remains our paramount concern. Our firm is dedicated to being responsive to our clients’ needs and continuing to offer our legal services during this time.   We are fully prepared and able to continue delivering excellent legal services while insuring that the members of our team are in compliance with CDC guidelines.  We have processes in place that have allowed our attorneys and staff to continue to work and be available as needed for our clients.  This includes working remotely with coordination among our staff.  We are honored to be able to assist our clients and will continue to do so during these times while also protecting our most important asset, our people.

Hart Wagner is proud to be one of the sponsors of the 2020 Special Districts Association of Oregon Annual Conference, which will take place in Seaside, Oregon on February 7-9th.  The conference offers networking and educational seminars for professionals who work with districts throughout our state.  The mission of the Special Districts Association of Oregon is to assist special service districts in providing cost-effective and efficient public services to the people of Oregon.

We’re pleased to announce that Lindsay Duncan and Stephanie Kucera have been named partner of the firm.   

Lindsay’s diverse trial practice focuses on defense of professional claims against lawyers, banks, broker dealers, physicians, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. She also represents her clients’ business, professional, and personal interests before various appellate courts and professional licensing boards. She practices in the Portland office. 

Stephanie’s practice focuses on assisting professionals with a variety of issues including: liability, business management, contracts, and employment matters. She specializes in professional negligence, insurance, and healthcare law. She is also a skilled litigator, representing individual professionals, business owners, clinics, and hospitals of all sizes. Stephanie practices in the Redmond office.