Press

HIPAA PRIVACY PROTECTIONS AND CHARLIE SHEEN

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which is also known as “HIPAA”, is a body of laws enacted by Congress in 1996 which are designed to uphold and protect the transmission, confidentiality and privacy of our medical records and other related healthcare information (known collectively as Protected Health Information). No one can peruse your confidential files without your explicit approval. Those found violating this federal mandate are subject to fines, jail time, or both. The maximum penalty for flagrant disregard of this legislation is one million dollars and up to 10 years in federal prison. This governmental safeguard shields every U. S. citizen—including tabloid celebrities such as Charlie Sheen. Mr. Sheen was having a dental procedure performed recently, and his healthcare records/privacy became compromised. A dental assistant who worked there told her son that Mr. Sheen was going to be at her dental office on a particular date and time—which is a flagrant violation of HIPAA’s privacy protections. Instead of facing potential financial liability and incarceration, her boss simply fired her. In retaliation, this dental assistant leveled charges against Mr. Sheen saying that he had gone mad, “pulled out a knife,” and destroyed her workplace due to a violent reaction to nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas).   Sheen’s dentist/oral surgeon denied the allegations when questioned by the Los Angeles Police Department. In his professional opinion, the star’s reaction was a consequence of the anesthetic being mixed with prescription pain medication that Charlie was taking. In all likelihood, no charges will be filed against Mr. Sheen. This case underscores the value of HIPAA. It upholds (and has the...

Colonel (CA) Martin Ledwitz Honored by the The California Air Force Association (CAFA)

California Air Force Association 2014 Annual Convention: Awards to California Air National and California State Military Reserve Personnel and Units The California Air Force Association (CAFA) held its annual convention from 14 to 16 August 2014 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. At the luncheon awards ceremony for CAFA members on 16 August, Colonel (CA) Martin Ledwitz was awarded the new CAFA Distinguished Service Award and placed in the new CAFA Hall of Fame with other inductees. Captain (CA) Eric Van Der Heide was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. In addition, Ledwitz was re-elected the CAFA Area 3 (Southern California) President, and also named the CAFA State Vice President. Van Der Heide was elected the CAFA Area 3 Vice President. The military awards ceremony held that evening saw awards presented to the following California Air NG and Air CSMR units and personnel: Air National Guard ANG Unit of the Year: 144 Fighter Wing, Fresno ANG Airman of the Year: SSgt Carlos Puga, 146 LRS, Channel Islands ANGB ANG NCO of the Year: MSgt Robert R. Amador, 196 RS, March ARB ANG SNCO of the Year: SMSgt John W. Milor, 144 CF, Fresno ANG CGO of the Year: Capt Michael S. Yamamoto, 144 CF, Fresno ANG FGO’s of the Year: Lt Col Esther C. Sablan, 129 AMS, Moffett Federal Field, Maj Todd C. Linton, 163 FW, March ARB and Maj Todd C. Linton, 163 FW, March ARB California State Military Reserve CSMR NCO of the Year: SrA Ashli L. Morgan, 146 AWSU, Channel Islands ANGB CSMR Officer of the Year: 2Lt (CA) Patrick Leonard, 146 AWSU, Channel Islands ANGB...

Martin Ledwitz at the The Air & Waste Management Association’s 107th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Long Beach – June 24-27, 2014

From The  Air & Waste Management Association Website “Join the Air & Waste Management Association for our 107th Annual Conference & Exhibition on June 24-27, 2014 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. This is the environmental industries’ premier education, networking, and solutions event where you will enhance your knowledge and network with fellow environmental professionals from around the world. The conference will feature a technical program boasting over 500 speakers, hundreds of exhibitors displaying the newest products and services, social tours and networking events, and professional development courses taught by leading instructors. The Air & Waste Management Association’s (A&WMA) Annual Conference & Exhibition returns once again to sunny Southern California, this time to the vibrant and digitally connected City of Long Beach. Long Beach is home to one of the world’s busiest seaports and is a center for transportation, industry, and progress. This, along with Long Beach’s convenient travel options, attractive climate, and endless entertainment, is sure to guarantee a spectacular conference experience for all!” Martin Ledwitz is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He has a B.S. in Engineering from NYU, an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Washington State University, and diplomas in Management and International Relations from Air...

Serving The Community – Attorney Gayle Carson

Attorney Gayle Carson of the Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC sits as a Director on the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club : San Pedro, CA. Gayle Carson, Top Row, Third from Right. CBYC provides sailing instruction for all community youth, regardless of ability to pay. Each year and throughout the year, CBYC provides over 50,000 hours of instruction to youth sailors. Sailing teaches team work, intelligence and resourcefulness. CBYC’s program starts with sailing instruction and leads to sailboat racing opportunities around the world. In 2011, CBYC Junior Sailors participated in regattas all around the United States and in Europe. Two other CBYC community initiatives are our annual Angel Tree, providing toys to families at the Harbor Interfaith Shelter, and providing support to our Community...

SAMUEL LEDWITZ JOINS THE LOS ANGELES CHAPTER 147 AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

2014 1Q AFA 147 Newsletter (Full Newsletter) “We would like to welcome as a new Community Partner, the law firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC. Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz, a partner, (and pictured at our Mixer) will represent the firm as the designated Air Force Association member. Located in the city of Torrance, the focus of firm’s law practice is on Wills, Trusts, and Probate Law.“...