Thoughts and Opinions of Attorney Michael A. Hustead

Here are 5 fun facts from BARD regarding yesterday’s Constitution Day…

1. The Constitution was signed on a hot summer day. The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia from May to September 1787. The weather was hot and humid, and the delegates often worked long hours in cramped conditions. On September 17, the day they signed the Constitution, the temperature was in the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
2. The Constitution is only four pages long. The original Constitution is a handwritten document that is only four pages long. It is on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
3. The Constitution was signed by 39 men. Thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document on September 17, 1787. Some of the most famous signers include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
4. The Constitution has been amended 27 times. The Constitution is a living document that can be amended to reflect the changing needs of the country. The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. The most recent amendment, the 27th Amendment, was ratified in 1992.
5. Constitution Day is a federal holiday. Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in 1952. The holiday was established to commemorate the signing of the Constitution and to recognize the importance of citizenship.

Rich people fighting rich people while children suffer.

Here’s BARD’s take on it:

Aetna and Phoenix Children’s Hospital are fighting over contract negotiations. Aetna has stated that Phoenix Children’s is demanding unreasonable and excessive rate increases, which would raise costs for their Arizona families and employers. Phoenix Children’s, on the other hand, has said that they are simply asking for fair compensation for the high-quality care they provide.

The dispute has caused uncertainty for patients and families who rely on Phoenix Children’s for care. As of August 7, 2023, Phoenix Children’s is no longer an in-network provider for Aetna, meaning that patients will have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for care received at the hospital.

It is unclear when or if the two sides will reach a new agreement. In the meantime, patients who have Aetna insurance should contact the hospital to learn more about their options for care.

In addition to the rate increases, Phoenix Children’s has also expressed concern about Aetna’s denial of claims for care that has been deemed medically necessary. The hospital says that this has caused financial hardship for many families.

Aetna has defended its position, saying that it is committed to providing quality, affordable care to its members. The company says that it is working hard to reach a new agreement with Phoenix Children’s that is fair to both parties.

The dispute between Aetna and Phoenix Children’s is a reminder of the challenges that can arise when hospitals and insurance companies negotiate contracts. It is important for patients to be aware of these issues and to contact their hospital or insurance company with any questions they may have.

The 2023 Law Day theme will be “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” We invite all the people of the United States to join us in rebuilding trust in our institutions, respect for one another, and our willingness to collaborate to address the challenges that face our nation.

Law Day is held on May 1st every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Learn more about the history of Law Day and past themes here.

History of Law Day (americanbar.org)

On National Public Defender Day (March 18), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) recognizes the vital work of public defense lawyers.

As provided in the Sixth Amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

View the following resources and websites to learn how BJA is working to support programs and activities to help strengthen the Sixth Amendment:

• BJA’s Sixth Amendment Initiative: Strengthening the Constitutional Protections of the Accused
• Podcast: In Practice | Virtual Court: Barriers to Access and Fairness at Initial Appearances
• Protection of Constitutional Rights Under the Sixth Amendment
• Strengthening the Sixth

National Public Defender Day is March 18 | Bureau of Justice Assistance (ojp.gov)

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And if you have the USA today:

‘Invisible’ crisis: Public defenders still underfunded, understaffed 60 years after key SCOTUS ruling.

DOJ urges more help for understaffed, underfunded public defenders (usatoday.com)