Companies increasingly are expanding their social media presence as a quick and efficient way to reach out to their target audiences. But a flurry of government regulations and guidelines accompanies the growth of social media. The existing and proposed regulatory standards primarily focus on protecting consumers from misleading and abusive practices; however, companies need to understand the regulatory landscape in order to avoid rules, which not only can create legal difficulties but also can end up ruining their hard-won reputations.

As you may know, the health care law - the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) - requires most individuals (including children and other dependents) to carry health insurance, beginning January 1, 2014. The law also requires the establishment of a health insurance exchange in all states by October 1, 2013. The goal is that exchanges, working with private insurers, will act as a marketplace and provide "one-stop shopping" for individuals and families who may need health insurance or who seek less expensive coverage. A companion program - the Small Business Health Options Program or SHOP Exchange - will assist small businesses that want to offer insurance to their employees.