Medicare changes taking effect in 2027 will reach well beyond the billing department. New requirements for electronic prior authorization, changes in health-plan payment calculations and an expanded group of negotiated prescription drug prices will affect how Arizona’s physicians and health plans deliver care, exchange information and manage revenue. Selected specialists will … [More]
Medicare and Cybersecurity Changes to Prepare for in 2027
Practical priorities for physicians and health plans
The American Franchise Act: Seeking Clarity in the Relationship between Franchisors and Franchisees
Long-awaited federal legislation aims to bring greater certainty to franchisors and franchisees by clarifying joint-employer liability
Franchising is an important part of the Arizona economy, enabling entrepreneurs to operate independently owned businesses under established brands and to leverage the strength of proven business systems, operational support and brand recognition. Business owners, therefore. have reason to pay attention to the proposed American Franchise Act, which seeks to reduce uncertainty in … [More]
5 Employment Actions Phoenix Employers Should Take Before Growing
Workforce decisions made during rapid growth periods may create future exposure
Greater Phoenix ranked third nationally in percentage job growth during the first quarter of 2026, adding 15,500 nonfarm jobs even as national headwinds slowed hiring elsewhere. Corporate relocations also continue to surge, with the Northeast Valley dubbed "Headquarters Alley." As semiconductor, aerospace and logistics investments reshape the regional labor market, employment … [More]
Preventing Lawsuits through Better Safety Policies
In the business world, liability is an ongoing concern
Businesses face a variety of legal risks every day, but many lawsuits can be reduced or prevented through thoughtful safety policies, consistent enforcement, and proactive risk management. When a company takes time to identify hazards, train employees, document procedures and respond quickly to unsafe conditions, it not only protects customers and employees but also … [More]
SBA, DOJ Intensify PPP Enforcement: Key Risks for Borrowers and Lenders
While the COVID-19 pandemic may be in the not-so-distant past, investigations into lenders and borrowers who took out loans pursuant to relief programs persist. With ongoing scrutiny from the Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Justice and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, staying informed is critical. Both borrowers and lenders should ensure ongoing … [More]
Immigration Site Visits: What Your Team Needs to Know
Immigration-related site visits are a routine but important part of employment-based immigration compliance. Depending on the program, a government officer may seek to verify information in an immigration filing, confirm the worksite, review employment records, or ask limited questions about a sponsored employee’s job duties, wage, schedule, or reporting structure. U.S. … [More]
Guest Editor: Angela M. Banks, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU
Business, Clarity and the Law
This is a time of great change — some regulatory and statutory but some the result of social forces or business advances. Attorneys guide businesses on how to safely navigate the potential pitfalls and looming landmines. At the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, we are committed to preparing future legal professionals for this evolving role. … [More]
Avoid the Fallout from a ‘Business Divorce’
Internal disputes rarely erupt overnight
Arizona’s business community has long been defined by closely held companies: family‑owned enterprises, real estate ventures, professional practices, and entrepreneur‑led startups built on trust and shared vision. Across industries, a growing trend is emerging — owner disputes are on the rise. What many once viewed as a distant possibility, a “business divorce,” is becoming … [More]
Navigating Business with Legal-Ease
Attorneys help companies keep up with changing expectations, obligations and risks
Legal considerations touch every aspect of business but many may seem like a one-and-done. In the current environment of social and regulatory disruption, however, matters that previously seemed settled may be due for attention. In Business Magazine is shining a light on select topics with insights on implications that business leaders may not have known or may be overlooking, … [More]
AI in Hiring: What Employers Need to Know to Stay Compliant
How can employers respond to large volumes of generic, AI-generated applications?
One of the most evident workplace trends creating new compliance challenges is the growing use of AI in recruiting and hiring. AI-driven tools can improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden. However, employers remain responsible for employment decisions — and that responsibility is not diminished simply because a third-party platform or algorithm is involved in the … [More]
