COVID-19
| Jun 27, 2022
Last Updated on June 27, 2022 While we recognize that COVID case numbers are down, researchers are just now to find out what COVID’s long-term mental health effects will be. Though this is information that will continue to change within our working landscape, employee well-being is more important than ever and we can address some areas right […]
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Hiring
| Jun 23, 2022
Last Updated on November 3, 2023 Hiring Remotely Can Solve Major Staffing Problems If You Maintain These Practices For Compliance With labor shortages, quitting and re-hiring issues, is remote hiring the answer? We know that as the landscape continues to change: Almost 60% of employees prefer a hybrid work model, and a third prefer exclusively […]
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| Jun 20, 2022
Last Updated on June 20, 2022 For the first time since 2011, the IRS has made a midyear adjustment to the optional mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other specific purposes. The agency said the change is in recognition of recent gasoline price increases. In Announcement […]
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Alerts
| Jun 13, 2022
Last Updated on June 13, 2022 MyHRScreens is proud to announce that we will be growing. VeriData is now a part of MyHRScreens. With this opportunity, we are proud to offer continued excellence for current VeriData clients as well as improvements to all MyHRscreens and VeriData clientele. VeriData has been owned and operated previously by […]
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COBRA
| Jun 09, 2022
Discover the rising class action lawsuits against employers for deficient COBRA election notices with penalties up to $110/day.
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Employment Screening
| Jun 08, 2022
Last Updated on June 5, 2023 FBI Fingerprints Aren’t As Accurate As You Think Many industries like healthcare, childcare, finance, and other safety-sensitive positions are required by law to do a fingerprint-based background check. However, you should not ONLY rely on fingerprint background checks. This can give employers a false sense of security because the […]
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Affordable Care Act
| Jun 03, 2022
Last Updated on June 3, 2022 PCORI Fees Due Aug. 1, 2022 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). Issuers and plan sponsors are generally required […]
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DOL
| Jun 01, 2022
Last Updated on January 16, 2024 The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released new resources on workers’ rights to leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for mental health conditions. In a press release, the DOL said the publication of the new guidance was in […]
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Hiring
| May 27, 2022
Last Updated on May 27, 2022 How Do We Solve This Healthcare Shortage With Our Next Hire? Read how your business can avoid more turnover at a time of need. As U.S. hospitals and clinics deal with more patients, both COVID-19 and non-COVID, many are facing staffing shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing shortage of […]
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EEOC
| May 25, 2022
Employers subject to equal employment opportunity reporting (EEO-1) requirements now have until June 21, 2022 to file their workforce data from 2021. The initial deadline had already been delayed from March 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| May 18, 2022
Last Updated on May 18, 2022 On May 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) each issued new technical assistance documents about how employers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other software tools to make employment decisions may result in unlawful disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities […]
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Labor Law Posters
| May 11, 2022
Labor law penalties are rising for employers. The hard truth is that the maximum penalty for federal posting violations has risen to over $38,000 since newly announced increases by the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have gone into effect – highlighting the seriousness of posting compliance.
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Employee Benefits
| May 11, 2022
Last Updated on May 11, 2022 Employers Are Responding to Mental Health Concerns Mental health has been a hot topic this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, so many people have experienced issues such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and substance addiction. In fact, 40% of U.S. adults said they have […]
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MyHRBuzz Podcast
| May 10, 2022
In this episode of MyHRBuzz, we talk about the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) opportunities that are often left behind. It’s not too late to receive these tax credits.
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Broker Information
| May 03, 2022
On April 29, 2022, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2022-24 to provide the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2023.
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Affordable Care Act
| May 02, 2022
If you did not file your 1094/1095 forms with the IRS or furnish the 1095 forms to your employees, it is important to file and furnish them as soon as possible. Get with an HR Expert to assist you in ACA reporting after the deadline.
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IRS Updates
| Apr 27, 2022
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire members of certain targeted groups. Previously scheduled to sunset at the end of 2020, the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit through the end of 2025.
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Employment Screening
| Apr 20, 2022
Learn about a number of preventive solutions that can aid in creating lasting success for HR administrators in long-term or senior care facilities.
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FAQ in HR
| Apr 20, 2022
Last Updated on April 20, 2022 Nearly 1 in 5 Americans (21%) say they regularly wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Pew Research Center Wearable tech: Pros and Cons For Employers Wearable technology isn’t a new feature. For years, personal gadgets such as smartwatches have been gaining popularity among people who want better insight into […]
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Hiring
| Apr 11, 2022
When an employee leaves, what do you need to say and do as an employer? There are steps for your organization to consider following a sudden departure.
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HR Life and Wellness
| Apr 11, 2022
The Department of Labor’s public education campaign, “Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?” promotes mental health friendly workplaces with free resources.
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MyHRBuzz Podcast
| Apr 04, 2022
Last Updated on June 14, 2022 In this episode, we talk about background screening in the Senior Living industry. Chris and Kim talk with our guest Suzy Hansmann, Sr. Vice President of Human Resources at Grace Management, Inc. about the importance of using the right process for background checks in the Senior Living industry.
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Cybersecurity
| Apr 04, 2022
Last Updated on April 4, 2022 By Training Employees HR Can Lead The Cybersecurity Fight Cyberattacks are a growing concern for employers across the globe but especially for those in the United States. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of reported U.S. data breaches rose 68% between 2020 and 2021, increasing to […]
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Employee Handbook
| Mar 28, 2022
If you are a small business owner with remote workers across multiple states, you have new HR compliance challenges. One is making sure your Employee Handbook is compliant to the state laws your workers are located. Avoid risking expensive penalties with ongoing Employee Handbook Compliance.
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ADA
| Mar 23, 2022
Last Updated on March 23, 2022 Learn How Your Business Website Design Can Become An HR Risk DOJ Guidance on the ADA and Web Accessibility for Businesses and State and Local Governments On March 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance on how public and private entities can ensure that their websites […]
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Federal Law Updates
| Mar 23, 2022
An executive order was announced to be signed by President Joe Biden intended to promote pay equity and transparency for the federal workforce and employees of federal contractors. In addition, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new directive clarifying federal contractors’ annual obligation to audit their compensation practices to ensure pay equity.
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COBRA
| Mar 22, 2022
Last Updated on March 22, 2022 On Feb. 18, 2022, President Biden announced an extension of the National Emergency concerning COVID-19, stating that it must continue in effect beyond March 1, 2022. This extension impacts deadline relief related to the following employee benefit plan deadlines: HIPAA time frames—The 30-day period (or 60-day period, if applicable) […]
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COVID-19
| Mar 09, 2022
Last Updated on March 9, 2022 The ARPA suspended the requirement that taxpayers repay any excess advance payments of the premium tax credit for 2020. Highlights of this article: The IRS’ fact sheet addresses FAQs regarding filing individual tax returns that include premium tax credit issues. The FAQs detail how receiving unemployment compensation in 2020 […]
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IRS Updates
| Mar 07, 2022
Last Updated on March 7, 2022 The Internal Revenue Service updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for leave prior to April 1, 2021. Initially, the FFCRA qualified covered employers for dollar-to-dollar tax credits for amounts paid to employees who took leave for qualifying […]
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Federal Law Updates
| Mar 04, 2022
With H. R. 4445, President Biden has ended forced arbitration policies for employees with claims of workplace sexual harassment or assault.
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FAQ in HR
| Mar 03, 2022
Last Updated on March 3, 2022 Employers Gain Insight With The State Of The Union Address On Tuesday, March 1, President Joe Biden gave the 2022 State of the Union address (SOTU). The SOTU is an annual speech delivered by the president around the beginning of each year. Generally, the speech outlines how the country is […]
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Affordable Care Act
| Mar 01, 2022
Last Updated on March 1, 2022 The landmark health care reform legislation enacted in March 2010 was designed to expand the availability of health insurance, reform the regulation of health coverage and restructure its delivery. A key component—and a key cause of confusion—within the ACA is the employer mandate, which requires employers with 50 or […]
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COVID-19
| Feb 28, 2022
The CDC is loosening guidance for a majority of the U.S. population. The agency now only recommends that individuals in high-risk areas wear a mask in indoor settings. Currently, around 70% of the U.S. population is in a low- or medium-risk county. As such, the CDC would no longer recommend that these individuals wear a mask indoors.
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EEOC
| Feb 24, 2022
Last Updated on March 1, 2022 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is likely to increase enforcement efforts in 2022. According to law firm Seyfarth Shaw’s annual Workplace Class Action Litigation Report the EEOC is likely to increase enforcement in the coming year. The report provides a circuit-by-circuit and state-by-state review of significant class-action rulings […]
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COBRA
| Feb 23, 2022
COBRA rules have changed over the past two years in order to recognize the complications accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting confusion can result in penalties, medical claims, litigation, and class-action lawsuits.
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Alerts
| Feb 23, 2022
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced an initiative to add 100 investigators to its Wage and Hour Division (WHD)—a potential sign to employers that increased enforcement may be on the horizon.
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FAQ in HR
| Feb 21, 2022
Last Updated on April 5, 2022 The California Department of Industrial Relations has published answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a poster for employers to use in connection with the state’s new COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave law. The law takes effect Feb. 19, 2022, but is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022. FAQs There are 37 FAQs in all, […]
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Employment Screening
| Feb 16, 2022
Your employees are both your biggest asset as well as your biggest risk. One of the ways you can prevent expensive risk is by regularly re-screening your employees. Learn more about the benefits of FCRA compliant screening of your existing workforce from MyHRScreens.
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COVID-19
| Feb 14, 2022
Last Updated on February 15, 2022 Governor Gavin Newsom signs COVID sick leave bill California has enacted a new supplemental paid sick leave law requiring employers with more than 25 employees to provide them with up to 80 hours of paid leave for specific COVID-19-related reasons. The requirement takes effect on Feb. 19, 2022, but it is retroactive to Jan. […]
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FAQ in HR
| Feb 14, 2022
Last Updated on February 14, 2022 On Feb. 10, 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (the Act). The U.S. House of Representatives had previously passed the Act, which is now expected to be signed by President Biden. Once signed, the Act will go into effect […]
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Hiring
| Feb 07, 2022
It’s “go time” for hiring! Industries are continuing to feel the strain of the pandemic into 2022 while trying to hire for vacant positions.
Employees are part of your corporate brand, reputation, and success. Therefore, hiring a trustworthy and reputable worker is very important. One of the tools we use to make sure that we hire only trustworthy and reputable workers is through thorough employee screening.
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ADA
| Jan 31, 2022
What can employers do to prepare for ADA and prevent liability? The burden has shifted, now more than ever, to employers to provide reasonable accommodations when possible and show care in handling disability-related issues in the workplace.
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HR Life and Wellness
| Jan 28, 2022
Although post-pandemic life seems far out of reach, there are healthy ways for you to manage any uncertainty, anxiety and stress.
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Alerts
| Jan 26, 2022
On Jan. 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) stayed the vaccination and testing ETS. Because of this ruling, OSHA is withdrawing the ETS as an enforceable ETS. However, the agency is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed permanent rule, and the standard rule-making process will continue.
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COVID-19
| Jan 13, 2022
Last Updated on January 13, 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test rule Thursday, January 13, 2022, declaring that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had exceeded its authority. The Supreme Court issued mixed rulings in a pair of cases challenging Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates, allowing the requirement for certain […]
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State Law Updates
| Jan 13, 2022
Last Updated on January 13, 2022 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it will open the 2021 EEO-1 Component 1 Report on April 12, 2022 with a due date of May 17, 2022. The EEOC’s announcement indicates that both dates are “tentative” and EEO-1 opening and closing dates have been subject to modification […]
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COVID-19
| Jan 13, 2022
Last Updated on January 27, 2022 Riding the wave of “The Great Resignation” The staffing and talent shortage, often now referred to as the Great Resignation, is making it challenging for organizations to find quality employees to fill vacant roles. To mitigate the effects of this shortage, HR leaders must devise more effective strategies for […]
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COVID-19
| Jan 12, 2022
Details on the Osha vaccination date requirements can be found here. On Jan. 7, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard an oral argument concerning the validity of the ETS. However, the OSHA vaccine and testing ETS is currently in place and enforceable. As a result, employers are expected to comply with the effective dates of Jan. 10 and Feb. 9, 2022.
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COVID-19
| Jan 12, 2022
Last Updated on October 26, 2022 Businesses Should Become Familiar With These Common Questions About COVID-19 and the ADA On Jan. 6, 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to businesses and other entities under certain circumstances related to the […]
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Workforce Management
| Jan 04, 2022
Last Updated on December 21, 2022 Negligence Claims From Employees Regarding Employment As we enter into 2022, there continues to be a rush of hiring to fill positions that have been vacant throughout the pandemic. It’s been hard to find employees, and also to retain employees. We understand the need for staffing quickly, however, rushing […]
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Affordable Care Act
| Jan 04, 2022
Last Updated on January 4, 2022 Update, January, 2022 – The deadline for ACA reporting forms to employers has been extended but with all of the busy new year HR tasks, it will be important to keep this deadline on your radar. Late or inaccurate forms could lead the IRS to notify an employer that it […]
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COVID-19
| Dec 29, 2021
Last Updated on December 29, 2021 On Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its recommended periods for COVID-19 isolation (confirmed COVID-19 infection) and quarantine (potential COVID-19 exposure). Asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19 have been told to isolate for five days from the day they test positive—down from the original 10. […]
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COVID-19
| Dec 27, 2021
Last Updated on April 5, 2022 On Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization for an antiviral pill intended to help treat COVID-19 cases. Paxlovid, manufactured by Pfizer, is the first antiviral COVID-19 pill authorized for at-home use. According to the FDA, individuals ages 12 and up—weighing at […]
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COVID-19
| Dec 22, 2021
In this podcast: As the news of the OSHA Vaccine Mandate for Employers spreads, Chris Cooley discusses why the Court’s decision was made and look at the expectations of employers moving into the new deadline for vaccination.
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COVID-19
| Dec 21, 2021
As the news of the OSHA Vaccine Mandate for Employers spreads, we look for more information. In this article, we discover why the Court’s decision was made and look at the expectations of employers moving into the new deadline for vaccination.
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COVID-19
| Dec 20, 2021
Private Employers with 100 or more employees should expect the vaccination mandate as 6th Circuit Federal Court reinstates OSHA vaccination mandate.
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COVID-19
| Dec 15, 2021
On Dec. 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued 14 new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about what employers may or may not do to comply with federal fair employment laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new FAQs specifically address the definition of “disability” and how to determine whether an individual with COVID-19 meets it under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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| Dec 13, 2021
When it comes to background checks, the information you verify and how often it is evaluated will prevent legal risk and build trust. An inconsistent approach to background checks could result in poor hires and could also leave employers open to potential negligent hiring lawsuits.
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COVID-19
| Dec 13, 2021
On Dec. 8, 2021, the Senate voted on and passed a resolution to repeal President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private employers. The resolution passed with a simple majority vote of 52 to 48. The resolution aims to overturn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS) that requires private employers of 100 or more employees to implement a vaccine or weekly testing policy.
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COVID-19
| Dec 08, 2021
Last Updated on December 8, 2021 On Dec. 7, 2021, a Georgia federal judge blocked the federal contractors mandate nationwide. This new order comes right after a Kentucky federal judge issued a preliminary injunction effectively blocking the implementation and enforcement of President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal government contractors and subcontractors for Kentucky, Tennessee […]
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COVID-19
| Dec 08, 2021
Tips for making your hybrid model workplace succeed.
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COVID-19
| Dec 03, 2021
Since COVID-19 vaccines first became available, several states have enacted laws that restrict or ban certain entities from mandating them or requiring proof that an individual has received one (also known as a “vaccine passport”) in order to be allowed entry or access to services.
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COVID-19
| Dec 02, 2021
Now is the time for employers to review their coronavirus-related policies and remind employees of the continued importance of following workplace safety practices. Prepare Your Workplace Now. We have the luxury of experience, with this being our third variant to experience with COVID-19. While drawing on that experience, we encourage employers to communicate and address policies such as these.
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COVID-19
| Dec 01, 2021
On Nov. 30, 2021, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction effectively blocking the implementation and enforcement of President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal government contractors and subcontractors.
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IRS Updates
| Dec 01, 2021
The IRS proposes regulations that would permanently extend by 30 days the deadline for employers to furnish individual statements to full-time employees that indicate whether their employer-sponsored health insurance met ACA requirements for minimum essential coverage.
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COVID-19
| Nov 29, 2021
A new variant of coronavirus initially detected in South Africa is prompting renewed concern regarding the pandemic. On Nov. 26, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant “Omicron.” Omicron was labeled a “variant of concern,” the agency’s most serious category for tracking. Such a designation is reserved for dangerous variants that may be more transmissible or virulent or could decrease the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments.
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EEOC
| Nov 23, 2021
EEOC addresses concerns about retaliation. The new FAQs, which were added to the EEOC’s existing guidance on COVID-19 and fair employment issues, address the rights of employees and applicants who believe they suffered retaliation for protected activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or other employment discrimination laws.
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HR Life and Wellness
| Nov 22, 2021
Read these frequently asked questions about the Flu Season and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control.
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Workforce Management
| Nov 18, 2021
Last Updated on November 3, 2023 Work Smarter By Outsourcing HR Tasks Even if you have an HR professional(s) on staff, it is smart to outsource HR tasks to supplement your internal HR team. Laws and policies are changing more often than ever, due to recent current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of […]
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COVID-19
| Nov 16, 2021
Last Updated on November 16, 2021 On Nov. 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court) extended the stay it ordered for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) on Nov. 6, 2021. The judicial stay will remain in effect until the ETS’ legality is ultimately […]
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Affordable Care Act
| Nov 15, 2021
Last Updated on November 15, 2021 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final 2021 forms for reporting under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. 2021 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B are the forms that will be used by providers of minimum essential coverage (MEC), including self-insured plan sponsors that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), to report under […]
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COVID-19
| Nov 15, 2021
Last Updated on November 15, 2021 The Latest Update Confirms That President Biden’s ETS Will Remain Blocked On Friday, November 12, 2021, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked President Joe Biden’s coronavirus vaccine mandate in a ruling. The three-judge panel for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed its initial stay […]
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COVID-19
| Nov 12, 2021
OSHA can classify the COVID-19 ETS citations as ‘‘willful,’’ allowing it to propose higher penalties with increased deterrent effects.
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COVID-19
| Nov 08, 2021
We discuss OSHA’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) with labor and employment attorney, Wendy Shelton.
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COVID-19
| Nov 05, 2021
Download our infographic for upcoming vaccination deadlines for the OSHA ETS Mandate.
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COVID-19
| Nov 05, 2021
Eligible employers may receive tax credits for paid sick and family leave for reasons related to COVID-19. This includes accompanying an individual to obtain immunization or caring for an individual recovering from an immunization.
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Alerts
| Nov 05, 2021
Last Updated on November 5, 2021 Part 2 of our Join Chris Cooley as he breaks down how to determine if you meet the 100 employee threshold for the OSHA ETS Vaccination Mandate. We also discuss part-time, contract, seasonal employees, and more…
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Alerts
| Nov 04, 2021
Last Updated on November 5, 2021 As large businesses receive news of the mandatory Jan 4 deadline for COVID-19 vaccination, this creates many questions. Chris Cooley breaks down some of these FAQ’s and prepares us for the ramifications of the mandate. This podcast helps to work through the details.
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COVID-19
| Nov 04, 2021
OSHA’s ETS provisions require private employers with 100 or more employees to comply with several COVID-19-related requirements.
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OSHA
| Nov 04, 2021
Workers at larger businesses will have to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4, 2022 or face regular testing under new federal rules. Read more about this Emergency Temporary Standard from OSHA.
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Employment Screening
| Nov 03, 2021
Last Updated on November 3, 2021 FCRA Compliance for Employers Using Consumer Background Checks As the end of the year comes to a close, many businesses will be running their annual background checks. This overview will outline the steps an employer must take to comply with the FCRA. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is […]
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Federal Law Updates
| Nov 03, 2021
President Biden recently directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to draft a new emergency rule requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure workers are either fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 weekly. Read an overview of the impending rule, talent market implications, and employer considerations for employee attraction and retention.
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Affordable Care Act
| Nov 02, 2021
Last Updated on January 13, 2022 Failing to comply with the ACA’s requirements can cause severe consequences for an employer. This ACA Overview (PDF) summarizes the penalties and excise taxes that may be triggered by an ACA violation. Click the document below to enlarge and print.
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EEOC
| Oct 26, 2021
On Oct. 25, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how employers should comply with Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. The new FAQs address questions about religious objections to employer COVID-19 vaccine requirements. They were added to the FAQs that the EEOC initially issued on March 18, 2020, and then updated several times. The last major update to this guidance was made in May 2021. The EEOC also made minor updates to some of the Q&As on Oct. 13, 2021.This Compliance Bulletin contains the EEOC’s updated FAQs in full.
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Affordable Care Act
| Oct 25, 2021
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. Since then, several changes have been made to various ACA requirements that employers and plan sponsors should be aware of. It is important for employers to periodically review their benefit plans in order to maintain compliance with these various requirements.
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OSHA
| Oct 21, 2021
Last Updated on October 22, 2021 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the health care COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) in June 2021. Since then, three of the 21 states with their own state plans have not adopted the federal standard or developed their own equivalent. The three states are Arizona, South Carolina […]
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COVID-19
| Oct 21, 2021
Last Updated on October 21, 2021 On Oct. 5, 2021, California approved Assembly Bill 654 (AB 654) to amend California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 notice and reporting regulations. The bill became effective upon adoption on Oct. 5, 2021. The bill requires employers to give notice of COVID-19 outbreaks to: Qualifying individuals or employees exposed to […]
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COVID-19
| Oct 19, 2021
Last Updated on October 19, 2021
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Federal Law Updates
| Oct 15, 2021
Last Updated on October 21, 2021 Breaking Down The November 22 Deadline By Vaccination October 15, 2021 – President Joe Biden announced, on Sept. 9, that OSHA would issue an ETS requiring covered businesses to mandate that their workers be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Covered employers will also have to give […]
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COVID-19
| Oct 14, 2021
Last Updated on October 21, 2021 As OSHA Submits Draft of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate ETS As Next Step Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it submitted a draft of its emergency temporary standard (ETS) for private employers requiring mandatory COVID-19 testing or vaccination to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). […]
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Broker Information
| Oct 12, 2021
Do you know what your HR clients are looking for in a broker? We know employers are looking for more from their agents. While employers continue to rely on insurance agents for expert insurance provider advice, they are now looking for more help navigating the ever-changing workplace and shifting employee needs in order to create their own niche in their industry.
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COVID-19
| Oct 11, 2021
Last Updated on October 11, 2021 FDA Authorizes New At-home Rapid Test for COVID-19 As an employer, within the workplace, we want to do all we can to prevent the spread or exposure from COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test—the Flowflex COVID-19 Home Test from ACON Laboratories—to […]
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COBRA
| Oct 11, 2021
More information on the COBRA deadline extension. IRS Notice 2021-58 clarifies the application of certain COBRA deadline extensions for electing COBRA coverage and paying COBRA premiums under prior relief that was issued as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak (“Emergency Relief”).
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Affordable Care Act
| Oct 05, 2021
A number of changes were introduced to the health insurance marketplace with the passage of the ACA in 2010. From different reporting forms and health insurance plan requirements to the penalties imposed on employers for failing to comply with the Employer Mandate — The ACA created unique responsibilities for employers, health insurance carriers, and individuals alike. One of the ACA’s unique requirements from a reporting perspective relates to the different Forms 1095. The following information and take the confusion out of these forms.
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ICHRA
| Oct 05, 2021
An individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) is similar to an HRA—it uses funds from your employer to help pay for certain medical expenses. However, there are some important features of ICHRAs that you should understand.
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IRS Updates
| Sep 30, 2021
Last Updated on September 30, 2021 New Guidance on Claiming the Employee Retention Credit Although the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is expiring at the end of 2021, there’s still time for eligible businesses to claim the credit, if they haven’t already. The ERTC, also referred to as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), was created by […]
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COVID-19
| Sep 29, 2021
Last Updated on January 13, 2022 President Joe Biden’s latest COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandate is one of the federal government’s most aggressive efforts yet. What’s more, we know it will directly impact many private sector workforces as well as federal employees and contractors. For more on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) being proposed […]
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Broker Information
| Sep 27, 2021
In this article we talk about the fact that the recent IRS guidance provided that amounts paid by individuals for PPE—including masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes used for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19—are deductible medical expenses. Therefore, the amount you paid for the PPE that is not compensated for by insurance may be deductible as long as your total medical expenses are more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
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COVID-19
| Sep 24, 2021
The FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine booster for vulnerable populations including people ages 65 and older.
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Broker Information
| Sep 23, 2021
Last Updated on May 11, 2022 In addition, any changes to a health plan’s benefits for the 2022 plan year should be communicated to plan participants through an updated summary plan description (SPD) or a summary of material modifications (SMM). Health plan sponsors should also confirm that their open enrollment materials contain certain required participant […]
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