Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
New rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act will limit access to medical records maintained by health care providers, health plan insurers and other health care clearing houses. Under the new rules, a patient’s written consent is required for routine disclosure or use of health information for any purpose other than treatment and […]
If your employees travel around the world as part of their job duties, they can face a variety of unique safety concerns, including political unrest or acts of terrorism. One of the things you can do to ensure their safety is to make sure they have access to up-to-date information regarding dangerous airports or countries, […]
Wal-Mart is facing what could be the largest discrimination lawsuit ever brought against a private U.S. employer. Six female employees of Wal-Mart have filed a lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco charging the retailing giant with widespread discrimination against women. They are asking that the case be certified as a class action on behalf […]
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court made its second pro-employer decision of the day in a case involving the standard of proof an employee must meet in retaliation claims. In University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center v. Nassar, the question was whether an employee must prove that the only reason his employer retaliated […]
At a hearing in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service heard opposing arguments on permitting employers to provide tax-free public transit benefits through cash reimbursement rather than vouchers or passes. As we’ve reported, proposed IRS rules would make it easier for employers to set up transportation spending accounts, which let you pay […]
We’re a small office—14 employees. How often do we have to do sexual harassment training?
Social media. It’s affecting—or is that infecting—a lot of HR’s territory from recruiting to productivity to community. In today’s Advisor, attorney Margaret (Molly) DiBianca sorts out the key elements for your social media policy. DiBianca, who is with Young, Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP in Wilmington, Delaware, offered her tips at the BLR’s Advanced Employment […]
As part of National Disability Awareness Month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance discussing how federal law protects applicants and employees who associate with someone who is disabled.
Although California lawmakers were unable to pass a universal health insurance law during 2006, new proposals are now on the table. Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senator Don Perata have unveiled measures that would require businesses to provide health benefits to employees or pay into a state insurance pool that would provide health coverage.