The Importance of Living Wills
The Terri Schiavo case Article summary. The recent legal battles over the removal of feeding
Health Care
What Church Treasurers Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts
An overview of the basic rules for these accounts.
New Medicare Law Creates “Health Savings Accounts”
A summary of the new law's main features.
New Privacy Rules Apply to Some Cafeteria Plans and Flex Plans
Changes church treasurers should know.
The Application of the HIPAA Privacy Rules to Religious Organizations
Article summary. Some pastors are expressing concern about a new federal law that prohibits churches
Euthanasia
A Florida court granted a husband's request to discontinue life-support systems for his wife, who had been in a persistent vegetative state for ten years, despite the objections of her parents.
Freedom of Religion
Pennsylvania court upheld the criminal convictions of two parents for criminal neglect of their 2-year-old son.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities – Part 3
An Iowa court ruled that a church was not responsible for the death of a young mother whose car was struck by the church's pastor after he suffered a massive heart attack.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities – Part 2
A Virginia court ruled that a school could be liable for the transmission of the HIV virus to a teacher by an 8-year-old student.
Court Denies Workers Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Injury
Employee's physicians did not conclude injury was work-related.
Congress Repeals OSHA Ergonomic Regulations
Regulations had addressed work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Legislation to Watch
Four bills could impact church employees.
Insurance
A federal court in Alabama ruled that a health plan maintained by Baptist Health Services for its employees was subject to the complex requirements of ERISA.
Insurance
A Louisiana court ruled that a minister who cancelled his health insurance shortly before leaving his position as a seminary professor was not entitled to continued health insurance coverage.
Reimbursing Medical Expenses Without a Formal Plan
The IRS issues helpful guidance.
Psychologist Loses License for Religious Counseling
Patient was demon possessed, psychologist said.
Court Denies Lawsuit Regarding Potential STDs
No evidence that husband's girlfriend suffered from any sexually transmitted disease.
Liability for Asbestos Exposure on Church Property
Church not responsible for potential future asbestos-related health problems.
Court: Right to Refuse Medical Treatment Can Be Overridden
A compelling state interest can lead to this.
Health Care and Insurance
Calls for a national health care program will intensify.