Posted on December 18, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
This week I was talking to Bob, a local HR professional (you know who you are), and he asked, “So Sara, what are the chances we are going to get a ruling on this OSHA mandate before the holidays?” to which I replied, “Highly unlikely…I would be shocked if anything happens before the holidays—but I […]
Posted on October 18, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
The Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”), which is the federal agency that enforces the health care privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), recently published guidance covering various health care privacy issues relating to COVID-19. The recently published guidance addresses a variety of HIPAA issues including whether a business or individual […]
Posted on September 24, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
On Friday, September 24, 2021, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force) issued its COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors (Guidance) as directed by President Biden in an executive order (EO) on September 9, 2021. Who: According to the Guidance, a “covered contract” is any contract or contract-like instrument that includes […]
Posted on June 10, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
On Thursday, June 10, 2021, OSHA finally issued its long-delayed COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) which is effective immediately. However, it applies only to the healthcare sector. Applicable employers must comply with most provisions within 14 days and with the remaining provisions within 30 days. The full guidance can be found here. Who Does it […]
Posted on May 28, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
Today the EEOC updated its FAQ at Section K regarding vaccination requirements in the workplace. It also issued guidance for employees and job applicants entitled “Federal Laws Protect You Against Employment Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Main takeaways from the EEOC’s update are as follows: The EEOC confirms that employers can require employees to get […]
Posted on May 15, 2021 by Sara J. Ackermann
Blog
Unless you have been in a cave, you are aware that on May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that individuals who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear a face covering in many settings. Many of you shouted “HOORAY!” when you heard this news as […]
Posted on March 5, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Blog
On February 25, 2021, Governor Tony Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 4 (“Act”). The Act became effective on February 26, 2021. The Act, in part, created broad immunity to civil liability related to exposure of COVID-19 for companies under Wisconsin Statute section 895.476 (“Statute”). The full Act is available here. Worker’s compensation is still the […]
Posted on January 25, 2021 by Nicole L. Stangl
Blog
On January 21, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order (“Order”) which directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to: Issue revised guidance to employers on workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic within two weeks of the Order; Consider whether an emergency temporary standard on COVID-19, including whether masks […]
Posted on January 4, 2021 by Nicole L. Stangl
Blog
Happy New Year! As we move into 2021, we know that many of you are considering whether to require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccination. The current COVID-19 vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) from the Food and Drug Administration. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) governs the conditions of emergency use […]
Posted on December 22, 2020 by Mary Ellen Schill
Blog
On the evening of December 21, 2020 the House and Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Act”), a 5,593 page bill that funds the federal government for the next fiscal year and provides long anticipated COVID-19 pandemic relief to individuals and businesses. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation shortly. It is […]