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 most healthcare settings, HIPAA is
COVID-19
Massachusetts Extends COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave to April 2022
By Brian E. Lewis on
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 the pandemic. The law…
California Statewide Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Set To Expire
By A. Scott Ruygrok on
Posted in Paid Sick Leave
A flurry of employment law-related bills are headed to Governor Newsom for consideration, however, no bills are being presented related to statewide supplemental paid sick leave. In March 2021, California resurrected and expanded statewide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave. The legislation sunsets on September 30, 2021, and there is no legislation pending to extend…
President’s Path Out of the Pandemic Adds Hurdles for Employers
On September 9, 2021, the White House issued Path Out of the Pandemic: President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan . The Plan outlines a six-pronged approach, portions of which will impose new obligations on employers across the country. Read more about these new obligations.
Texas Legislative Update: What Employers Should Know About the 87th Session
By Kristin L. Bauer & Katrin U. Schatz on
Over its regular and two special sessions, the Texas legislature has passed several bills that are or soon will be in effect and will impact employers’ workplace policies and procedures. Additional special legislative sessions yet may be held and, with them, more changes may be on the horizon. Read more about these developments.
OSHA Updates Non-Healthcare Employer Guidance on COVID-19
Posted in COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its COVID-19 guidance for non-healthcare employers, Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace, on August 13, 2021.
While embracing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendations for fully vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high…
Vaccine Verification and Testing Requirements for Workers in Schools Across California
By Robert L. Murphy & Laura Soprana-Dec on
Posted in COVID-19
A week after issuing the first in the nation order mandating all healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, on August 11, 2021, the state of California issued an order mandating either vaccination or regular testing for all workers of schools throughout the state.
The order issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH),…
Pittsburgh Expands COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
By Jackson Lewis P.C. on
Pittsburgh has joined other American cities by enacting new legislation to address the uptick in COVID-19 cases from a sick leave perspective.
On July 29, 2021, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto signed a new ordinance granting COVID-19 sick time to certain employees working within the city (the “July 29 Ordinance”). Although the July 29 Ordinance is…
Puerto Rico Extends Mandatory Vaccination to Dining and Entertainment Sectors
Posted in COVID-19
Puerto Rico has made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for additional industries after Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi extended vaccination requirements for employees in the health and hospitality sectors beginning August 16, 2021. Under new Executive Order (EO-2021-063), restaurants, theaters, and other establishments in the dining and entertainment industries must comply with requirements for mandatory vaccination beginning August…
Federal Contractors Must Comply with New COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for On-Site Employees
Posted in COVID-19
Federal contractors are being contacted by their contracting agencies about implementing requirements relating to President Joe Biden’s mandate that all federal employees and on-site contractor employees either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face repeated testing, and comply with strict social distancing and masking requirements. Read more about these new requirements and next steps for federal…