Archives

Bulletin Item: California Supreme Court Says Catholic Group Must Offer Contraception Coverage In Employee Health Plan

By Jennifer Carsen Apr 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

The California Supreme Court has ruled that a Catholic charity doesn’t qualify as a “religious employer” and therefore must comply with the Women’s Contraception Equity Act (WCEA) by offering prescription contraception coverage in its employee health plan if it offers prescription drug coverage—even if the organization opposes contraceptives on religious grounds. This ruling could impact […]

Bulletin Item: WCIRB Issues Updated Workers’ Comp Numbers

By Jennifer Carsen Apr 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

These new figures lower the benefits cost estimates, based in part on savings from last year’s reforms and AB 749. In other workers’ compensation reform news, Gov. Schwarzenegger continues to press the assembly for action by threatening a January ballot initiative to take the issue of workers’ comp reform to the voters.

Bulletin Item: HIPAA Compliance Nears

By Jennifer Carsen Apr 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

On April 14, employers with small health plans must be in compliance with HIPAA privacy rules. If you aren’t yet in compliance, you must take steps immediately to avoid potential fines and criminal penalties.

Meal And Rest Periods: Employers Settle Lawsuits Claiming Back Overtime For Missed Breaks; Know The Rules–And The Penalties

By Jennifer Carsen Mar 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 19, 2015

Do you know when you’re required to provide employees with meal and rest breaks? Are you following the rules? If not, you could be headed toward an expensive legal battle. And a recent spate of wage and hour lawsuits charging employers with violating meal and rest break provisions is focusing attention on these rules.

Religious Accommodation: Court Upholds Discharge Of Employee Who Posted Bible Verses In Response To Diversity Campaign

By Jennifer Carsen Mar 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 18, 2015

Many employers try to combat workplace bias with diversity programs that emphasize the company’s commitment to respecting differences, such as sexual orientation. But suppose an employee with strong religious beliefs posts messages offensive to a protected group. What are your obligations—to the employee and co-workers—in this situation? A new case addresses this problem.

Wage And Hour: Ninth Circuit Examines When You Have To Pay Workers For Donning And Doffing Protective Gear

By Jennifer Carsen Mar 1, 2004 HR Management & Compliance

Updated: May 19, 2015

Production line employees at the IBP Inc. meat processing plant in Pasco, Washington, are required to be at their workstations as the first piece of meat comes down the line. Before taking their positions, the employees must prepare their work tools and change into protective gear, such as sanitary aprons, metalmesh leggings, Kevlar gloves, and […]