Experts Explain Details Surrounding Proposed EEOC Rule Changes
Following years of anticipation, the EEOC is finally moving forward with new guidance regarding incentives in employee wellness programs. While the rule changes still await finalization, approval, and implementation before becoming law, experts are already weighing in on what these rules will mean for employers.
With Reopening Plans Underway, Employers Shouldn’t Leave Out Benefits Changes
In May, the IRS issued a notice giving employers the option to allow employees to make changes to their health insurance plans and benefits enrollment. Employers should make an effort to reconsider benefits in order to best support their workforce as they adjust to reopening plans and new work policies.
USPSTF Recommends Hypertension Screening for All Adults
Hypertension is one of the most common physical health issues today. According to the CDC, nearly half of all American adults struggle with high blood pressure. With that in mind, it’s no surprise the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screening all adults for hypertension.
EEOC Announces New Rules For Wellness Program Incentives
On June 11, the EEOC voted in favor of a proposed rule regarding incentives in employer wellness programs. This new proposal clarifies the level of incentives employers may legally offer in their wellness programs that encourage the disclosure of medical information from employees, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Amazon Sued Over COVID-19 Employee Safety Concerns
For many employers, it isn’t just health fears or financial concerns alone that are driving their return-to-work policies. Some worry about legal risks, should a worker become sick or a spread of the illness begins in their workspace—and it appears such concerns are not totally unreasonable.
CDC Releases Reopening Recommendations For Office Spaces
Communities across the country are in the process of lifting restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. For white-collar workers that have largely been able to perform job tasks remotely, companies have been less eager to get back into their office space. Still, as these reopenings progress, more businesses are setting up new health and safety protocols for their office spaces.
Navigating COVID-19 Employee Health Checks With Limited Legal Guidance
As employers focus on ways in which they can implement safety precautions in light of COVID-19, many have questions regarding the legality of employee health checks. Unfortunately, current laws do not explicitly address or anticipate the medical and privacy rights of employees during a pandemic.
EEOC To Update Wellness Rules In January 2020
The EEOC is planning to release proposed rules on employee wellness programs in January 2020. The proposal will include guidance on when incentives offered to employees for participation in wellness programs violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Yale Lawsuit Highlights Risks Of Mandatory Wellness Programs
Sometimes, companies can get too heavy-handed in their promotion of better health. Case in point: Yale University was hit with a class-action lawsuit for the structure of its employee wellness program.