What You Can Do Today: April 8th

 

Resources and LP's response to COVID-19.

 

Even among this disruption, there are a few things you can do today to help prepare you, your family and your business for the uncertain future.

 

1. Talk to your clients and customers about money. The way you communicate with your clients is more important now than ever, especially when it comes to talking about finances. Even during a pandemic, know that there’s a way to be sensitive and ask your clients and customers for money. Use this moment as an opportunity to create an empathetic, transparent and effective communications plan to show you’re a true partner to your clients – and to get paid.

 

2. Landlords, be vigilant about CDC protocols. The first known COVID-19 wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Illinois. Named among the defendants is a landlord that owned and managed a retail center where an employee of one of its tenants allegedly became fatally infected by COVID-19. This lawsuit should come as no surprise, and should serve as a warning for landlords to be cautious that they are following the CDC and OSHA’s guidance and regulations to protect their employees and customers, particularly with respect to common areas and “high touch” elements under landlord control. What precautions should you take as a landlord? You need to make sure that, in addition to your normal lease obligations, your maintenance vendors are following applicable CDC protocols, particularly with respect to common areas and other “high touch” elements. You should also require those tenants who provide their own cleaning and janitorial services to comply with applicable CDC protocols for their respective premises. Alert your tenants and maintenance vendors to immediately report cases of COVID-19 at your property so appropriate action is taken. And, advise your insurers immediately of any claim or threatened claim.  

 

3. Get paperwork in place for your adult child. While your college kids are home and all in one place, now is a great time to make sure your adult children sign a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Once 18, your child is considered an adult for certain purposes in most states. It may surprise you that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws prevent a parent from automatically having the right to obtain information regarding your child’s healthcare. Instead, your adult child must give explicit permission through a power of attorney by designating an agent (usually a parent) to make medical decisions when he or she is unable to do so. In some states, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care forms include HIPAA release language. However, if a state's Power of Attorney does not incorporate HIPAA language, a separate release form should be prepared. No time like the present to be sure the young adults you love have this important paperwork in place.

 

3+. Keep yourself and your food delivery driver healthy and germ-free with these tips from CNET.

 

For more resources and LP's response to COVID-19, visit this webpage.