The Tennessee Supreme Court today disbarred Campbell County lawyer Michael Glen Hatmaker from the practice of law. Hatmaker consented to disbarment because he could not successfully defend the charges alleged in nine complaints filed against him. As a condition of any reinstatement, Hatmaker agreed to make restitution of $60,000. His conduct was determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.16, 3.4(c), 5.5, 8.1 and 8.4(a), (b), (c) and (g).

The city of Memphis and a monitor appointed to ensure the city’s compliance with a 41-year-old police consent decree will return to court on March 17 over questions about compliance with social media guidelines, the Daily Memphian reports. Ed Stanton III, the independent court-appointed monitor, said in a Feb. 28 letter to the court that he believes the police department may not be following a social media sanction imposed two years ago in connection with the 1978 Kendrick Consent Decree.

The TBA/Humana Association Health Plan is waiving out-of-pocket costs associated with testing for COVID-19 (where allowed within state and federal law) for patients who meet CDC guidelines at approved laboratory locations. For the next 30 days, Humana is allowing early refills on prescription medicines so members can prepare for extended supply needs. Members enrolled in the TBA Health Insurance program can call Humana’s toll-free customer support line, which can be found on the back of member ID cards. Get details on TBA’s health insurance program and upcoming enrollment here.

The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation announced today that phone and internet service has been restored to its Cookeville office and operations will return to normal. Those with questions or who need to schedule an appointment should call 931-520-4290.

Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold a free legal clinic in hard-hit North Nashville on March 19. The clinic will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, 1035 14th Ave. N., Nashville 37208. Contact Andrae Crismon for more information. Tornado survivors needing immediate legal assistance can call 1-844-HELP4TN or ask questions through the Tennessee Free Legal Answers online service. See a list of all clinics being held to help tornado survivors. Volunteers are needed to provide legal information, advice, and representation to those affected by the recent storms. Attorneys interested in volunteering should complete this online form.

The TBA will offer a free webcast next Friday, March 20, from noon to 1 p.m. central time. The webcast, “Tennessee Law in the Time of Pandemic,” is based on the March 2020 Tennessee Bar Journal cover story, and will be presented by the article author William Shults. The session will explore the latest information on what Tennessee lawyers need to know about the COVID-19 virus, including relevant statutory provisions, applicable regulations and rights under quarantine or isolation. The course will offer one hour of CLE credit.

The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board will hold its next set of oral arguments on March 24 at the Supreme Court Building in Knoxville. Six cases are on the docket. Arguments will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern time.

Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order today to declare Tennessee under a state of emergency to facilitate the treatment and containment of COVID-19, the Tennessee Journal reports. The governor said that today’s action will allow the state to “utilize additional emergency funds as needed and relax provisions of certain laws to provide the flexibility needed to respond to this disease.” In other news, both state and federal courts have announced new procedures aimed at reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and a number of organizations have announced that events have been postponed or canceled. The TBA has created a Pandemic Resource Center to keep the legal community updated.

Citing concerns about the new coronavirus, officials with the Hamilton County General Sessions Court have announced that all non-essential court cases will be put on hold for now, the Hamilton County Herald reports. The court stated: "For the next several weeks, we will hear only cases that affect incarcerated individuals or as are otherwise necessary. Defendants who are on bond, including traffic cases, alleged victims and witnesses will be notified of the new court date …" The court also said it is implementing “enhanced health safety measures” such as disinfecting procedures and social distance practices. East Ridge Municipal Court said it would soon follow suit on these same measures.

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it is closing to the public beginning today at 4:30 p.m. until further notice, Bloomberg News reports. All public lectures and visitor programs also are temporarily suspended. However, the building will remain open for official business and case filing deadlines have not been extended. The court, which is scheduled to hear arguments next on March 23, said it was taking the step, “out of concern for the health and safety of the public and Supreme Court employees.”