Norris McLaughlin Attorneys to Present to Medical Management on COVID-19 Employment Law Updates

Patrick T. Collins and David N. Vozza, Members of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present the virtual town hall, “COVID-19 Guidance: A Discussion about FFCRA and Other Employment Laws Impacting Medical Practices,” at noon on Friday, May 8, for nine state chapters of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on significant changes to the employment law landscape and because it is extremely fluid and constantly changing, it’s critical to monitor and understand the ongoing developments,” said Collins.

Vozza added, “For medical practices on the front lines, staying up-to-date on the coronavirus is vitally important. That’s why we have been dedicated to providing critical information, updates, and best practice directives.” For more topics related to the coronavirus, visit the firm’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Resource Center or its Coronavirus Thought Leadership Connection.

About the COVID-19 Employment Law Update

Collins and Vozza will address the recent employment law passed in response to COVID-19, strategies to manage obligations regarding employment contracts in the midst of COVID-19, and how to deal with reduced hours. They will also answer participants’ questions regarding the recently expanded Family and Medical Leave, Paid Sick Leave, furloughs, layoffs, employment contracts, and other employment issues medical practices are currently facing. For more information about the MGMA, visit mgma.com.

About the Presenting Attorneys

Pat Collins

Collins, Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, practices labor, employment, and personnel law on behalf of employers and management. He is experienced in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts, defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Collins represents parties in breach of contract claims, and in actions involving unfair competition, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements.

Collins has appeared before state human rights agencies throughout the country, as well as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor grievance/arbitration proceedings, and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees and collective bargaining. Collins has also worked extensively with employers on public works contracts to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.

Much of Collins’ practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions that will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. He regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning independent contractors and contingent workers, employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. Collins has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, as well as drafted numerous employee handbooks and substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. He has also conducted management and employee training and legal compliance sessions in a variety of areas, including the performance appraisal process and anti-harassment.

Collins received his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1983 and his B.S. from Glassboro State College in 1979.

David Vozza

Vozza, a member of the Health Care & Life Sciences Law Practice Group, devotes his practice to the areas of health care and litigation. He defends health care professionals in connection with disciplinary and regulatory actions before federal and state agencies, private and government payor audits, civil and criminal fraud investigations, hospital and privileges disputes, and general healthcare litigation in both federal and state courts.

Vozza also regularly defends health care professionals before the Office of Professional Medical Conduct and the Office of Professional Discipline. He frequently lectures at hospitals throughout New York State regarding medical fraud, regulatory agencies, professional licensure, and medical documentation. Vozza earned his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in 2001 and his B.A. from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, in 1998.