"Families First Coronavirus Response Act” Becomes Law

By BrownWinick | 03.19.2020

Yesterday afternoon (March 18 at 3:32 p.m.), the Senate passed H.R. 6201 the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” with a vote count of 90 to 8. The President signed the bill into law last night and the law will go into effect 15 days from signing. In summary, the law provides paid emergency leave for employees, free coronavirus testing,... Read More

Governor Reynolds Signs Bill to Expand the Role of Physician Assistants in Iowa

By Drew Larson | 03.19.2020

On March 18, 2020, Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 2357, expanding the role of physician assistants in Iowa. A couple of key takeaways from this bill are that physician assistants now have prescribing rights, including prescribing of controlled substances and decreased physician supervision requirements. In signing this bill, Governor... Read More

Iowa Employer and Employee Unemployment Assistance Program Just Announced

By BrownWinick | 03.16.2020

Governor Reynolds just announced a plan to provide assistance for employers and employees affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. If an employee is laid off due to COVID-19 or stays home to self-isolate, care for family members, or because they themselves are ill due to COVID-19, those employees might be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if... Read More

Is Your Business Protected Against Business Interruptions?

By Amy Johnson | 03.13.2020

COVID-19 has reminded businesses of the need to have plans for business interruption, contingency processes and procedures, and human resources and staffing preparedness in the event of disaster. Additionally, businesses need to review their contacts and ensure they are protected in the event their ability to perform per contractual obligations is... Read More

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By BrownWinick | 03.11.2020

As can be seen from the stockpiling of goods, many people are frightened by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. However, employers must not act out of fear and assumptions, but based upon facts, guidance from the government and the law. For example, the CDC provides the following sage advice for employers, “Do not make determinations of risk... Read More

Coronavirus — Advance Planning is Key

By BrownWinick | 03.10.2020

As instances of the coronavirus are on the rise both nationally and across Iowa, it’s important for businesses to assess their contingency and disaster plans. Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation following the Iowa Department of Public Health's confirmation of 8 cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. The threat is real and requires... Read More

Preparing for the Coronavirus: Getting Back to Basics

By BrownWinick | 03.04.2020

Although there are currently no reported cases of the coronavirus in Iowa, now is a good time for all Iowa long-term care facilities to review their policies and practices relevant to disease control and emergencies. The recent news of the death of a long-term care resident in Washington and the exposure to other residents and staff show how dire... Read More

It’s 2020, is Hemp legal yet?

By BrownWinick | 02.24.2020

Hemp is still illegal in Iowa. And while legalization is coming, it is unclear how exactly hemp and hemp-derived products, such as certain CBD (cannabidiol) products, will be regulated. The United States Department of Agriculture has yet to approve Iowa’s state plan for licensing and regulating the production of hemp, which is necessary for... Read More

BrownWinick Provides Valentines for Area Seniors

By BrownWinick | 02.18.2020

BrownWinick’s Charity Committee assembled 120 pink and red carnations with handwritten valentine cards to share with the residents of the Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines last month. On February 14, BrownWinick attorneys and staff delivered the valentines to the residents. Volunteers had the opportunity to interact with residents and... Read More

BW Wins Appeal in $30 Million Contract Dispute

By Michael Dee | 02.18.2020

The Iowa Supreme Court on February 7, 2020, held that BrownWinick client Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC (HES) had an enforceable contract with a former HES board member to repurchase the member’s units in HES. In 2013, HES entered into a contract with then-board member Steve J. Retterath to repurchase Retterath’s units in HES for $30 million.... Read More