Employer-sponsored health plans are "covered entities" under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). While the major burden of HIPAA compliance falls on health insurers, hospitals, doctors and other health care providers, employer health plans must protect the privacy of employee health information gathered in connection with the administration of the plan. Health plans with revenues of $5 million or less per year must be in compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rules by April 14, 2004.  [Contact Author]

Employers may face a new risk of a lawsuit, and it arise in connection with an effort to reduce the risk of losing intellectual capital. One court has held that an attempt to impose an overbroad non-competition agreement, which results in the termination of the employee's employment, can constitute adequate grounds for a wrongful discharge claim. Advance warning and some restraint will help reduce this risk. [Contact Author]

The effective use of online promotional sweepstakes can drive traffic to your business’ web site and help you attract new customers. While they can be an effective marketing tool, sweepstakes are heavily regulated in the U.S. and abroad. Failure to comply with applicable laws can result in civil and/or criminal penalties, not to mention bad publicity.  [Contact Author]

On April 15, 2004, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Toronto Blue Jays Double-A Eastern League Affiliate, will open their inaugural season at historic Gill Stadium in Manchester. Make no mistake, however. Although this may be minor league baseball, the much-anticipated arrival of the Fisher Cats is major league business. [Contact Author]

In recent times New Hampshire's Certificate of Need regulatory process has been the battleground for placing advanced therapeutic capabilities in underserved areas of the State.  [Contact Author]

Nanotechnology refers to technology developments at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels. The National Science Foundation (NSF) estimates that nanotechnology-based industry could grow from essentially nothing today to $1 trillion by 2015. The nanotechnology revolution is clearly in its very earliest stages, yet its economic impact is already being felt. [Contact Author]