Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) recently introduced the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act (the act), a measure that would align the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 2) with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended (HIPAA).
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is considering a new rule to discourage the use of opioid medication and surgery for low back injuries in favor of conservative treatment.
For years, pet owners have implanted RFID (radio frequency identification) microchips in their dogs and cats to help track the animals if they get lost.
Delaware recently enacted a law prohibiting employers from inquiring into applicants’ salary histories. According to the legislation, “when employers ask prospective employees for their wage or salary history, it perpetuates disparities in pay based on gender from one job into another.”
In November 2016, New York City enacted the nation’s first “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” to establish and enhance protections for independent contractors.
Massachusetts law already protects employees from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry and veteran status.
Unfortunately, sometimes an employer needs to end an employment relationship. In many situations, it is in the best interests of the parties to enter into an agreement that defines the terms of the separation. Whether called a “separation agreement,” “severance agreement,” “retirement agreement” or any other name, the issues remain the same.
In February 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published revisions to its Employer Information Report (EEO-1) that are intended to “assist the agency in identifying possible pay discrimination and assist employers in promoting equal pay in their workplaces.”
Under revisions to the Ohio Depository Act, the Ohio Treasurer of State has developed proposed rules and a new program for the pledging of pooled collateral for public deposits, referred to as the Ohio Pooled Collateral Program.
In July 2017, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a landmark decision that medical marijuana users are entitled to reasonable accommodation and may pursue handicap discrimination claims under Massachusetts law.
In July 2017, San Francisco joined New York City, Philadelphia, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Oregon in banning employers from asking applicants about their salary history.
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its updated six-step compliance plan for businesses which may be subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
The Pennsylvania Files Act (PFA) requires an employer to permit an employee to inspect his or her personnel files used to determine the employee’s qualifications for employment, promotion, additional compensation, termination, or disciplinary action.
Effective January 1, 2018, Nevada employers will be required to provide leaves of absence to employees who are victims of domestic violence or whose family or household members are domestic violence victims.
