Your HR Guide to HIPAA Compliance
Learn what HIPAA is, who must comply, what protected health information (PHI) includes and when HIPAA does not apply to employers and workplace records.
MyHRBuzz Podcast | Feb 09, 2021
Now Streaming! MyHRBuzz…The Podcast
The MyHRBuzz Podcast tackles topics relevant to the world of Human Resources, ranging from Federal compliance to workplace culture.
Learn MoreBuilding a Compliant Internship Program: What Employers Need to Know
Learn what employers need to know about internship programs, including paid vs. unpaid internships, FLSA requirements, the primary beneficiary test and HR compliance best practices.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) Receive Contributions Limits Increases for 2027
Learn about the IRS 2027 HSA and HDHP contribution limits, including updated deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.
Supreme Court Says Freight Brokers Can Face Negligence Claims: What the Decision Means for the Transportation Industry
The Supreme Court ruled that freight brokers can face negligence claims for unsafe carrier selection. Learn what the decision means for liability, compliance and risk management in the transportation industry.
Beyond the Bench: Strengthening Processes in the Wake of ERISA Document Class-Action Litigation
Learn how employers can strengthen ERISA processes to reduce legal risk amid rising ERISA document class-action litigation, including lessons from Hecht v. Cigna Health and Life Insurance Co.
Employers Need to Know: Expanded Overtime Rule Dies in Court
The expanded overtime rule has been struck down, keeping the federal overtime salary threshold at $35,568. Learn what employers need to know about exempt classifications and FLSA compliance.
Employers, Take Note: Changes in the Final Big Beautiful Bill That Could Affect Your Business
Explore how the final Big Beautiful Bill evolved from the House to Senate, including key changes that were signed into law by President Trump.
Sixth Circuit Broadens Limits on Arbitration Agreements in Workplace Harassment Cases
In Bruce v. Adams & Reese, LLP, the Sixth Circuit held that a valid sexual harassment claim under the EFAA can render an arbitration agreement unenforceable for an entire lawsuit, including related employment claims such as disability discrimination.
An Employer’s Guide to the Importance of Summary Plan Descriptions and Wrap Documents in ERISA Compliance
Learn how Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) and Wrap Documents support ERISA compliance by promoting transparency and proper administration of employee benefit plans.
Employer’s Guide to Cafeteria Plans: Maximizing Benefits for Your Workforce
Learn how Cafeteria Plans, including POP, FSA, HRA and HSA, can benefit your business and employees. Discover tax advantages, compliance tips and plan options in this employer’s guide.
Bereavement Leave: An HR Guide to Federal and State Laws
Learn how bereavement leave works under federal and state law, including state-specific requirements, employer obligations and HR best practices for compliant leave policies.
Expanded Mental Health Access: What the New Executive Order Means for Employers and Benefit Plans
Explore how the new April 2026 Executive Order expanding mental health treatment access may impact employer benefit plans, workplace policies and HR strategies.
Navigating Employee Privacy: How Much Information Can an Employer Access?
Explore how federal employment laws shape what employee data employers can access, including monitoring practices, privacy limitations and compliance best practices.
Virginia Expands Employer Obligations with Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
Learn how Virginia’s new paid family and medical leave insurance program expands employer obligations, with payroll contributions beginning in 2028 and key compliance steps businesses should take now.
Beyond the Bench: Court Upholds $11.5M Discrimination and Retaliation Verdict
Colorado federal court upholds an $11.5M discrimination and retaliation verdict, highlighting key employer risks, SHRM’s involvement and ongoing Title VII compliance requirements.
How State “Trigger” Laws Are Reshaping Employer Compliance: A Washington State Study
Explore how emerging “trigger” labor laws- including Washington’s latest legislation- could shift oversight from the National Labor Relations Board to the states, and what this evolving trend means for employer compliance.
Navigating State-Based Paid Leave Laws: A Guide for Private Employers
Explore a state-by-state guide to paid family and medical leave, health insurance continuation laws (including mini-COBRA) and short-term disability requirements, tailored exclusively for private employers.
Employer Responsibilities When Employees Are Impacted by War or Called to Service
Learn employer responsibilities when employees are called to military service or impacted by war, including federal and state compliance, benefits and workforce risk management.
Transforming Workplace Drug Testing with Rapid Drug Testing through MyHRScreens
Learn how to make hiring easier with rapid drug testing from MyHRScreens and read about how your organization could benefit from rapid drug testing.
AAP Compliance for Employers: A Practical Toolkit for Affirmative Action Plans in 2026
Navigate Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) compliance with confidence. Learn about key changes and who is impacted.
How to Handle Termination Decisions During FMLA Leave
Learn if and when it is considered legally permissible to terminate an employee on FMLA leave.
Employer Guide to Benefits Administration
Enjoy this comprehensive HR guide to benefits administration covering employee satisfaction, retention, compliance, common benefits and key regulations like COBRA.
Beyond the Bench: A Denied Accommodation, A Devastating Outcome- Employer Takeaways from Larkin v. Total Quality Logistics, LLC
Explore key HR lessons from Larkin v. Total Quality Logistics, LLC, including pregnancy accommodation requirements, remote work considerations and compliance risks for employers.
Employee Performance Management and the Role of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
Learn how employers can effectively manage employee performance using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), including key components, best practices and compliance considerations.
Understanding California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act
Learn key requirements of California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294), including 2026 compliance deadlines, notice requirements and employer obligations.
What Employers Need to Know About Employee Affordability Rates and ACA Reporting
Learn how ACA employee affordability rates impact employer compliance and reporting. Understand IRS affordability percentages, safe harbor methods and how to avoid ACA penalties.
Understanding Affordable Care Act (ACA) Filing Requirements for Small Groups
Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees face critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) filing requirements. Compliance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations. This guide explores the ACA filing requirements for small groups, the role of Form 1095-B and the limitations of relying solely on carriers for filing. Finally, we […]
Understanding New York’s Trapped at Work Act: A New Era for Repayment Agreements
New York’s Trapped at Work Act restricts stay-or-pay and training repayment agreements. Learn what the law requires and how employers can stay compliant.
Employer’s Guide to Background Screening
Learn the essentials of employer background screening, including screening types, legal requirements and best practices to help organizations reduce risk and make informed hiring decisions.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Labor’s Proposal to Rescind the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule
On February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed rescinding its 2024 Independent Contractor Rule under the FLSA, signaling major changes to worker classification standards and significant compliance implications for employers nationwide.
Beyond the Bench: Acosta v. TEAM Environmental LLC and the FLSA’s Application to Inclement Weather Pay
When winter weather halts operations, how should employers handle “weather pay” under the FLSA? Explore the key overtime lessons from Acosta v. TEAM Environmental LLC and what every employer should know before the next storm disrupts payroll.
WOTC Expiration Watch: Why Proactive Employers Continue Screening
As the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) faces expiration, employers are urged to continue screening new hires to preserve eligibility, maintain compliance and stay prepared for possible retroactive renewal.
Employer Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): What Every Business Needs to Know
An employer-focused guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covering minimum wage, overtime, employee classification and practical compliance strategies to reduce legal risk.
Navigating Office Romances in the Workplace
Learn the pros, cons and legal considerations of office romances, including harassment risks, favoritism concerns and best practices.
HIPAA Privacy Policy Updates Required by February 16, 2026
Learn how the 2024 42 CFR Part 2 amendments impact HIPAA privacy policies. HR and screening professionals must update Notices of Privacy Practices by February 16, 2026, to remain compliant.
New York Becomes the Eleventh State to Restrict Employers’ Use of Credit History in Hiring
New York becomes the eleventh state to restrict employers’ use of credit history in hiring, highlighting a growing national trend and key compliance considerations for employers and HR professionals.
EEOC Requires Commission Approval for Most Litigation: What Employers Should Know
The EEOC has adopted a resolution requiring Commission approval for most litigation. Learn what this procedural change means for employers, HR teams and business compliance.
Key Employer Insights: President Trump Creates a Second Emergency Board for LIRR Labor Dispute
President Trump created a second emergency board to address the LIRR labor dispute. Learn what it means for employers, HR leaders and workforce planning.
Employer’s Guide to State-by-State Minimum Wage Laws
Minimum wage laws vary significantly across the United States, making it essential for employers to stay informed and compliant. From federal requirements to state-specific mandates, understanding minimum wage regulations helps businesses budget effectively, maintain compliance and foster fair labor practices. Use this guide- and the accompanying state-by-state chart- as a reference to keep your organization […]
Beyond the Bench: ADA Compliance and the Risk of Excluding Applicants in Recovery
Go “Beyond the Bench” and explore recent EEOC actions highlighting why employers cannot exclude applicants in recovery and how ADA hiring compliance requires individualized assessment.
Background Screening Trends Employers Should Watch in 2026
Explore the top background screening trends shaping 2026, including smarter screening technology, tighter regulations and a growing focus on fair, compliant hiring.
Podcast: Unlocking the FTC’s Noncompete Rule – Essential Insights for Employers
In the new episode of MyHRBuzz, Chris Cooley sits down with Bill Gault and Wendy Shelton of Nippes, Healy & Gault, PLLC to discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s Noncompete Rule.
Beyond the Bench: What the Los Fresnos Bakery Raid Teaches Us About I-9 Compliance, Harboring and Employment Practices
Learn how the ICE raid at a Texas bakery highlights the legal risks of I-9 noncompliance and harboring unauthorized workers- and what HR professionals must do to protect their organizations
What the IRS’s New HSA Guidance Means for Employers and Benefit Plans
Discover the IRS’s latest HSA guidance for 2026, including permanent telehealth coverage, expanded eligibility for bronze and catastrophic plans and rules for direct primary care arrangements. Learn what employers need to know to ensure compliance and maximize HSA benefits.
Top HR Trends That Will Shape the Workplace in 2026
Explore the top HR trends set to shape 2026, including AI in the workplace, emerging compliance risks, skills-based workforce strategies, the growing impact of culture on retention and more.
What You Need to Know About Workplace Labor Law Posters
Ensure workplace compliance with required federal and state labor law posters. Learn why labor law posters matter and how to stay compliant.
Landmark Shift in Employment Law: Understanding Rhode Island’s Menopause Workplace Protections
Rhode Island enacted the nation’s first menopause workplace protection law. Learn what the law requires and what employers must do to remain compliant.
Beyond the Bench: The High Cost of Age Bias and the Lessons from the Liberty Mutual Verdict
A $103 million age discrimination verdict against Liberty Mutual highlights the growing legal and compliance risks for employers, and the critical lessons organizations cannot ignore.
Employer Considerations and Compliance Implications Regarding Expanded Social Media Vetting for H-1B and H-4 Visas
Stay compliant with updated H-1B visa screening rules. Learn how expanded social media checks during consular processing affect employers, H-1B workers, H-4 dependents and international travel timelines.
Understanding Philadelphia’s Expanded Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance
Stay compliant with the updated Philadelphia Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance. Learn what employers must know under Pennsylvania’s evolving regulations.
Understanding National Origin Discrimination in Today’s Workplace: EEOC’s Updated November 2025 Guidance
Stay compliant with the EEOC’s latest 2025 guidance on national origin discrimination. Learn how “Discrimination Against American Workers Is Against the Law” clarifies employer obligations under Title VII and what HR teams must know when hiring in a global labor market.
Navigating Payroll Errors: Can Employees Legally Keep Overpaid Wages?
Learn whether employees can legally keep overpaid wages and how employers must handle wage recovery. Explore federal rules, state deduction laws and best practices for compliant and effective overpayment correction.
What’s Changing in 2026: New Rules for Criminal Background Checks
Stay compliant with the 2026 criminal background check regulations as states and cities introduce stricter criminal background check regulations. Learn what employers must update now to avoid risk.
Beyond the Bench: Sixth Circuit Rejects Fixed Cap on Intermittent, Unforeseeable FMLA Leave
Explore the Sixth Circuit’s ruling in Jackson v. U.S. Postal Service and its impact on FMLA compliance. This blog breaks down the decision, clarifies how medical certifications apply to intermittent leave and offers practical guidance for HR professionals and employers navigating unpredictable absences.
What Employers Need to Know About the EEOC’s Decision to Halt Disparate-Impact Investigations
Learn what the EEOC’s decision to halt disparate-impact investigations means for employers and why proactive compliance, documentation and policy reviews remain critical in today’s evolving enforcement landscape.
Reclaiming Focus: Business Leaders’ Role in Combating Workplace Distraction
Learn how business leaders can fight digital workplace distractions, improve focus and build a culture that boosts productivity and employee well-being in the modern workplace.
Fentanyl Testing on the Horizon: How the DOT’s Proposal Impacts Employers and Screening Programs
Learn how the DOT’s proposed addition of fentanyl to its drug-testing panel will impact employer compliance, workforce safety, and the pre-employment screening process.
Employer Guide: Understanding Political Activity Laws Across the U.S.
Learn how to navigate politics in the workplace with this state-by-state guide for employers. Understand key laws on political activity, voting rights and workplace compliance to ensure a respectful and legally compliant environment during election season.
What Employers Need to Know About Trump’s New H-1B Visa Proclamation
Learn how Trump’s new H-1B visa rule requiring a $100,000 fee impacts employers and HR professionals. Understand who is affected, compliance risks, and strategies to adapt.
Is Your Drug Testing Policy Outdated? Why Regular Reviews Are Essential for Employers
Learn why regularly updating your company’s drug testing policy is essential for legal compliance, workplace safety and employee trust.
California’s AB 288 Expands Labor Oversight
Learn how California’s AB 288 expands PERB authority over labor organizations and unfair labor practices. Understand what employers need to know to stay compliant and navigate potential federal and state overlap.
How Background Screening Can Help Catch Identity Theft
Identity theft can create serious risks for both employers and candidates. Learn how background screening and trace reports from MyHRScreens help verify identities, ensure accurate reporting, and alert individuals to potential identity issues before they escalate.
Polywork and the Modern Workforce: What Employers Need to Know
As polywork becomes more common in today’s workforce, employers must adapt to employees holding multiple jobs or side hustles. Learn how HR leaders can manage conflicts of interest, maintain productivity and set clear policies to balance flexibility with compliance.
End of E-Verify Alerts for Terminated Work Authorization Shifts Compliance Burden to Employers
The end of E-Verify termination alerts shifts the responsibility for tracking revoked work authorizations to employers. Learn what this change means and how to stay compliant.
Beyond the Bench: Disney’s $43 Million Equal Pay Settlement Highlights the Cost of Inequity
Disney’s $43 million pay equity settlement underscores the importance of compliance with California’s Equal Pay Act and federal pay laws. Learn what this case means for employers, how state and federal standards intersect and key steps to strengthen pay equity practices.
New Parental Leave Protections in Illinois: Preparing for the Family NICU Leave Act
Illinois’ Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, effective June 1, 2026, grants job-protected leave for parents with newborns in the NICU. Learn what this means for employers, key compliance steps and how to prepare your HR policies for this important change.
Beyond the Bench: How East Jordan Plastics’ Mishandling of Sexual Harassment Complaints Led to a $460K EEOC Settlement
Go Beyond the Bench and discover key lessons for employers from the EEOC’s sexual harassment case against East Jordan Plastics.
Beyond the Bench: Florida Contractor Must Pay $594K for Overtime Violations – A Wake-Up Call on Time Rounding Rules
A Florida contractor was ordered to pay $594K for overtime violations tied to improper time rounding. Learn what the FLSA says about rounding practices and how employers can stay compliant.
Case to Watch: FLSA Compliance Under Scrutiny in New Honda Marysville Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit against Honda’s Marysville plant alleges unpaid overtime in violation of the FLSA. Learn what this case means for employers and how to reduce wage and hour risks.
Understanding State Overtime Rules, Laws and Regulations
Stay compliant with state overtime laws. Explore key overtime rules, exemptions and state-by-state regulations to help employers manage employee wages effectively.
An Employer’s Guide to Understanding the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Learn how the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects job applicants and guides employers in using background checks. Discover key compliance steps, employee rights and penalties for violations.
Back to School Season: Understanding State School Activities Leave Laws
Discover how state school activities leave laws help employees attend their children’s school events. Understand your responsibilities as an employer and foster a family-friendly workplace.
Employer Responsibilities for Student Loan Wage Garnishments
Learn how employers, HR and payroll teams should handle student loan wage garnishments, including federal compliance requirements and best practices.
Understanding Final Pay: A Guide for Employers
Navigate the complexities of final pay laws with our comprehensive state-by-state guide. This blog post outlines the specific legal requirements for employers regarding final paychecks, helping you stay compliant and informed.
Navigating Employee Termination: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
Learn how to handle employee termination professionally and legally with this comprehensive employer guide, exploring key steps and termination best practices.
Understanding COBRA Notices: Compliance with Department of Labor Requirements
COBRA provides benefits for employees and their families facing sudden loss of health insurance coverage. To ensure compliance with COBRA regulations, employers must adhere to specific notice requirements outlined by the DOL.
Understanding State-Mandated Disability Benefits: A Guide for Employers
Learn about state-mandated disability benefits, including funding, benefit duration, payment amounts, and waiting periods to ensure compliance and support your workforce.
Preparing for The Expansion of Pay Transparency Laws Across the U.S. in 2025
As 2025 approaches, five additional states are set to introduce pay transparency laws. Here’s a closer look at a state-by-state breakdown of pay transparency laws, and what to expect as more states adopt these regulations.
Balancing Act: A Guide to Integrating AI and Human Insight for Optimal HR Compliance
AI can be a useful tool in HR, but human cognition matters. Learn about the limitations of AI in addressing regulatory compliance and why humans are necessary in handling complex situations.
An Employer’s Guide to Using Social Media for Background Checks
Learn how to legally and effectively use social media for background checks. This guide for employers covers FCRA compliance, state laws, risks and tips.
Multigenerational Workforce? Here’s an Employer Guide to Avoiding Age Discrimination Claims
Learn how to prevent age discrimination claims in the workplace. Understand the differences between federal and state laws, and explore best practices for compliance and bias-free HR processes.
Understanding Time Rounding for Employees: A Guide for Employers
Learn about time rounding for employees, including its benefits, federal and state regulations, and best practices for compliance.
Hiring Minors: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
Navigating child labor laws: Discover the regulations and restrictions employers must follow when hiring minors in the US.
Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A Guide for Employers
Learn how employers can comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including legal responsibilities, reasonable accommodations, undue hardship and best practices for documentation and HR compliance.
Podcast- The ADA Playbook for Employers
In this MyHRBuzz podcast episode, host Chris Cooley and HR expert Emily Frederick, SHRM-CP, discuss ADA compliance, employer responsibilities, reasonable accommodations and best practices for navigating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Magallon v. Robert Half International, Inc. Class Action Settlement Highlights Importance of FCRA Compliance in Background Checks
Learn how the Magallon v. Robert Half International, Inc. class action lawsuit highlights the importance of FCRA compliance in pre-employment background checks.
Iowa Employers Gain Flexibility Under Revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Law
Learn how Iowa’s 2025 updates to its drug testing law impact private employers, including changes to testing pool rules, notification methods and compliance responsibilities.
DOL Issues New Guidance Limiting Liquidated Damages in Wage and Hour Investigations
Discover how the DOL’s 2025 wage and hour investigation policy limits liquidated damages in administrative settlements under the FLSA.
Employer’s Guide to Understanding Compensable Time for Non-Exempt Employees Under the FLSA
Learn what counts as compensable time for non-exempt employees under the FLSA, including rules for training, travel, rest breaks, and off-the-clock work.
How to Compliantly Manage Personnel Files as an Employer on the Federal Level
Stay compliant with federal and state laws by understanding personnel file retention requirements.
How the DOL’s Reinstated PAID Program Supports Wage and Leave Compliance
Discover how the DOL’s reinstated PAID program helps employers proactively resolve FLSA and FMLA compliance issues.
Beyond the Bench: Lessons from Kean v. Brinker International on Age Discrimination
Explore the Kean v. Brinker International case and its impact on workplace compliance in regards to age discrimination.
HR Guide for Employers: Understanding Federal Overtime Laws
Learn what employers need to know about federal overtime laws, including employee classification, the duties test, exempt vs non-exempt employees and overtime regulation updates.
Breaking Down What It Means to be an Employees vs. an Independent Contractor: An Employer Guide
Learn the key differences between employees and independent contractors under federal and state laws. Explore the Common Law Test, the Economic Reality Test, the ABC Test and best practices to ensure accurate worker classification and compliance.
Ohio’s Mini-WARN Law: What Employers Need to Know
Ohio’s mini-WARN law, effective September 29, 2025, expands employer layoff and closure notice requirements beyond federal WARN. Learn key compliance differences and how businesses can prepare.
Oregon’s New Workplace Violence Prevention Law for Healthcare Workers: What Employers Need to Know
Oregon’s new workplace violence prevention law for healthcare workers takes effect January 2026. Learn what SB 537 requires for hospitals, home health and hospice employers, including prevention plans, training, reporting and safety measures.
New Protected Class in Kansas City: What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Criminal History Hiring Law
Learn how Kansas City’s new criminal history hiring law (Ordinance 241074) impacts employers. Discover compliance tips, background check updates and fair chance hiring best practices.
Podcast – AI & the Employer Edge: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Dive into the transformative world of artificial intelligence (AI) and what it means for today’s small business leaders and employers with host Chris Cooley and Executive Director and State CIO of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, Craig Orgeron, CPM, Ph.D.
Beyond the Bench: 7th Circuit Expands ADA Back Pay Protections in Nawara v. Cook County
Discover how the 7th Circuit’s Nawara v. Cook County decision expands ADA protections by ruling that an employer can be liable for back pay, even if the individual did not have or was not perceived as having a disability.
Beyond the Bench: What Walgreens v. McKenzie Teaches Employers About Negligent Hiring
Explore the Texas Supreme Court case Walgreens v. McKenzie and what it reveals about negligent hiring, employee conduct, and employer liability.