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SEC Warns Against Insider Trading Risks from Pandemic Fallout

Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.25.20

On March 23, 2020, the co-directors of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Stephanie Avakian and Steve Peikin, issued an unambiguous warning against insider trading and other illegal practices stemming from the COVID-19 fallout.  In their joint statement, the co-directors explained that “[i]n these dynamic circumstances, corporate insiders are regularly learning new material nonpublic information that may hold an even greater value than under normal circumstances.” Those with such access “should be mindful of their obligations to . . . comply with the prohibitions on illegal securities trading.”

The SEC’s co-directors emphasized that the Enforcement Division is committing “substantial resources” to combat fraud and illegal practices in these unprecedented times. Their warning comes amid extreme market volatility resulting from the pandemic, and similar statements from the DOJ about ramping up COVID-19 related enforcement efforts.

Insights

Client Alert | 6 min read | 04.29.26

CMS Seeks to Expand Interoperability Requirements to Drug Pre-Authorization (FAQ)

On April 10, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs, or CMS-0062-P) outlining the agency’s plans to impose new interoperability requirements on payors participating in certain Medicare and Medicaid programs. As described by the agency in a recent press release, the proposed rule “builds on” prior rulemaking by clarifying and enhancing interoperability requirements for payors’ prior authorization processes, specifically those associated with coverage requests for pharmaceutical therapies....