When use or disclosure of an individual’s health information or medical records is at issue, the assumption seems to be, much more often than not, that the HIPAA privacy and security rules apply. This has certainly been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, it is true that in
Archives for September 2021
Oregon Employee Leave Entitlements for Absences Due to Child’s COVID-19–Related Illness, School Closures, and Quarantine Orders
Under Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 21-15, the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19 will continue in Oregon until December 31, 2021, unless the governor extends the deadline or terminates the state of emergency before the end of the year. Now that school is back in session
New York City Council Passes Six Bills Protecting Gig Economy Delivery Workers
On September 23, 2021, the New York City Council passed six bills—a first-of-its-kind legislative package directed at gig economy workers—that seeks to provide protections to the city’s food delivery workers. The bills, each of which amend the administrative code of New York City, have been sent to Mayor Bill De
Connecticut Publishes Guidance Regarding Disclosure of Salary Range for Vacant Positions
The Connecticut Department of Labor has published guidance regarding the state’s “An Act Concerning the Disclosure of Salary Range for a Vacant Position,” which goes into effect on October 1, 2021.
In reviewing this guidance, employers should be mindful that it does not constitute legal advice and is non-binding. A court may
Massachusetts Extends COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave
On September 29, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 4127 (Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2021). This emergency law extends the Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave program through April 1, 2022. Effective October 1, 2021, in addition to the reasons employees were previously permitted to use MA
Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Extended to April 1, 2022
On May 28, 2021, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law “An Act Providing for Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave.” The act requires eligible Massachusetts employers to provide emergency paid sick leave to employees who are unable to work for COVID-19–related reasons.
Administration Proposes New DACA Rule
Reacting to a ruling from a federal district court judge in Texas, the Biden Administration proposed a new DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) rule that would strengthen protections for the “Dreamers.”
DACA has been under attack since 2017, when the Trump Administration announced it would terminate the program. Litigation
Guide to Federal Contractor Obligations under Recent COVID-19 Executive Orders
The federal government’s complicated multi-pronged approach to implementing COVID-19 safeguards related to federal contractors has left many confused. We offer this brief guide to help contractors understand their obligations and the timelines for implementation.
A Growing Trend: Treating Wage Theft as a Criminal Offense
As prosecutors and states have ramped up the criminal prosecution of wage theft and other employment law violations, Jacqueline Kalk explains why this isn’t always necessary.
Law360 Employment Authority
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Viewpoint: When Employers Fail to Designate FMLA
Jeff Nowak offers insights to employers who forget to designate FMLA.
SHRM Online
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4 Tips For Employers Paying Disabled Workers Lower Wages
Libby Henninger offers tips for employers paying disabled workers lower wages.
Law360 Employment Authority
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DEA Issues Public Safety Alert Concerning Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a public safety alert on September 27, 2021 to warn Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Calling its public safety campaign “One Pill Can Kill,” the DEA’s first public safety alert in six
Labor Department Seeks Advice on Increasing Equity in Contracting, Other Programs
Meredith Shoop talks about the Affirmative Action Program Verification Interface where covered federal contractors can upload their affirmative action plans for review.
Government Executive
New York City Passes Sweeping Set of Bills Aimed at Delivery Drivers and Hotel Workers
The New York City Council, on September 23, 2021, approved a set of bills that could significantly affect the working conditions of hotel workers and delivery drivers. City councilmembers and workers’ groups have cited difficult working conditions related to COVID-19 and extreme weather as reasons they claim the sweeping
Massachusetts Extends COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave to April 2022
The temporary COVID-19 Massachusetts emergency paid sick leave (MA EPSL) has been extended through April 1, 2022.
In spring 2021, Massachusetts established a statewide mandate for employers to temporarily provide employees up to 40 hours of MA EPSL when they are unable to work due to specific qualifying reasons related to
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