All posts of Gardner Skelton

New Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published interim guidance for implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with COVID-19.  According to the CDC, in order to ensure continuity of operations, critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue working following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they […]
6 years ago

SBA Reopens PPP Loan Applications Monday, April 27

On Friday, April 24, 2020, the U.S. House passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a $484 billion bill that will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program. This supplemental relief package includes:  $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program  $75 billion for health care […]
6 years ago

CARES Act for Heath Care Providers

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law, providing sweeping fiscal stimulus, financial relief, and regulatory relaxation to industries across the United States, including special focus on the health care sector as it combats the spread of COVID-19. This article provides an overview of some of the CARES Act’s major federal health care […]
6 years ago

OIG Expands New Stark Law “Blanket Waivers” to Provide Additional Protection Under Federal Anti-Kickback Statute

On April 3, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) released a policy statement (“Policy Statement”), in which the OIG announced that it will “exercise its enforcement discretion not to impose administrative sanctions under the Federal anti-kickback statute” (“AKS”), for certain arrangements established in connection with responding to […]
6 years ago

$30 Billion in HHS Financial Relief Has Begun to Hit Provider Bank Accounts – Providers May Also Apply for Medicare’s Accelerated and Advance Payment Program

Medicare-enrolled health care providers have started to receive payments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) from the Public Health and Emergency Fund of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The distributions will amount to a total of $30 billion out of a total of $100 billion comprising […]
6 years ago

SBA Interim Final Rule – What To Know Before You Apply

On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released its Interim Final Rule, which provides further guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Here are a few things you should know: No more than 25% of the loan proceeds may be expended on eligible expenses other than payroll costs.  The lender will calculate the […]
6 years ago

Paycheck Protection Program Loans: Application Forms and Guidance Released

As most of you are already aware, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the federal government recently allocated $349 billion to help small businesses. Yesterday, the federal government released the application form and some supplemental guidance all employers should review. Beginning on April 3, 2020, small businesses with less […]
6 years ago

US Department of Labor Announces New Paid Sick Leave and Expanded FFCRA Regulations: FFCRA Guidance to Help Employers and Employees Understand Expanded Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19

On April 1, 2020, the United States Department of Labor announced new regulations offering guidance as to how employers and employees will benefit from relief and protection under the Families Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). FFCRA reimburses private employers with fewer than 500 employees with tax credits for the cost of providing employees with paid leave in […]
6 years ago

Statewide Stay-At-Home: Is Your Business “Essential”?

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121 on March 27, 2020 which required, among other things, the closing of all nonessential businesses and operations for thirty days from March 30th, 2020. If your business is excluded from the list of essential businesses and operations under Executive Order 121, yet you believe it is essential to […]
6 years ago

Paycheck Protection Loans Available Soon for All Small Businesses

Employers with fewer than 500 employees should contact their bank as soon as possible to start the process of applying for a “Paycheck Protection Loan.” Paycheck protection loans are SBA loans designed to help employers cover payroll costs and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paycheck protection loans do not require personal guarantees or collateral. Best of […]
6 years ago