The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, has issued final rules that describe how Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) apply to wellness programs offered by employers that request health information from … [Read more...] about EEOC issues final rules on employer wellness programs
Federal
Two ADA surprises: odd disabilities and attorney’s fees that can hit the sky
Two surprising points about the ADA. First, what the office doesn’t think is a disability could well be one. And second, the ADA applies to access to public places such as stores and restaurants – and offices. And while the law “has a noble purpose,” along the way “it’s been hijacked by a subset of plaintiffs who have made it their life’s work to target as many public … [Read more...] about Two ADA surprises: odd disabilities and attorney’s fees that can hit the sky
5 steps to creating a more inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities
Did you know that more than 70 percent of people with disabilities in the United States are unemployed? For a community that represents 20 percent of the entire American population, people with disabilities are far underrepresented in the workplace. According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, a national leader in disability inclusion, these statistics are a reflection of one … [Read more...] about 5 steps to creating a more inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities
Don’t let wage and hour complaint lead to costly retaliation claim
A retaliation claim is expensive to defend and even more expensive to lose. And now it's easier for employees to file one in matters related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which covers wage and hour law. In the past, a retaliation claim for complaining about pay and hours was valid only if the employee put the complaint in writing. However, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling … [Read more...] about Don’t let wage and hour complaint lead to costly retaliation claim
CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its largest-ever initiative to transform and improve how primary care is delivered and paid for in America. The new Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiative is designed to improve quality and cost, and give doctors and patients more control over health care delivery. The effort, known as the Comprehensive … [Read more...] about CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
The current presidential campaign is certainly intriguing. Who doesn't have an opinion about a recent rally, debate or op-ed? No doubt your staff members do. But do you want them to voice these opinions at the office? With political sentiments high—and getting higher—one issue that managers face is how to keep the discussions between staff members from becoming heated to the … [Read more...] about Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Employee leave continues to undergo change and become increasingly complex. Although several regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments Act (ADA/AA), have been in place for several years, legal interpretation and application are subject to ongoing clarification. Meanwhile, regulatory initiatives under the … [Read more...] about Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Old policies can be worse than no policies
By Steve M. Cohen bio Office managers have a great deal of work that is unexciting at best. Topping this list may be updating policies. But with recent court rulings, new regulations, and other changes, it's more than likely that your policies need a bit of updating. It's a mistake to assume that you can "just get by." One error that many make is confusing "policy" … [Read more...] about Old policies can be worse than no policies
Cybersecurity and social media top compliance concerns
Cybersecurity is a top compliance concern according to a survey of compliance professionals conducted by Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). In January 2016, HCCA and SCCE surveyed 900 individuals, suggesting 38 potential compliance issues and asking them to pick no more than 10 in answer to the question: "What … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity and social media top compliance concerns
Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims
As with firing, the rules for handling sexual harassment claims are well known, yet employers still make mistakes, says management consultant Joseph Godwin of F&H Solutions Group in Asheville, NC. Here are five areas that warrant attention. 1. No, it’s not sour grapes Don’t dismiss any complaint, particularly one from a fired or demoted employee, as sour grapes or a lame … [Read more...] about Five dangers in dealing with harassment claims