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News Brief: U.S. Workers Are Satisfied With Their PTO, But Don’t Exhaust It

U.S. Workers Are Satisfied With Their PTO, But Don’t Exhaust It - A new Harris Poll survey found that most employed Americans are satisfied with their company’s paid time off (PTO) policy; however, 3 in 4 said they didn’...

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Legal Update: Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit Limits to Increase in 2025

Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit Limits to Increase in 2025 - The IRS has released Revenue Procedure 2024-40, which includes cost-of-living adjustments for employee qualified transportation fringe benefits for...

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Safety Matters

Safety Meeting Basics - According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the most effective ways to promote a safe working environment is to get involved in company safety meetings. Since...

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Legal Update: DOL Targets Employment-related Contract Provisions

DOL Targets Employment-related Contract Provisions - On Oct. 15, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of the Solicitor (SOL) released a special enforcement report indicating seven “fine-print” employment-...

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Work Comp Insights: 4 Trends That Could Impact Workers’ Compensation Insurance

4 Trends That Could Impact Workers’ Compensation Insurance - The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently published the 2024 Regulatory and Legislative Trends report, highlighting key state legislative...

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Work Comp Insights: Study Finds Extreme Temperatures Increase Workers’ Compensation Claims

Study Finds Extreme Temperatures Increase Workers’ Compensation Claims - The National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently published a new study showing the relationship between injury frequency and weather...

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Legal Update: DOT Revises Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Regarding Oral Fluid Testing

DOT Revises Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Regarding Oral Fluid Testing - On Nov. 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule revising its drug and alcohol testing procedures to...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: 7 Employment Policies to Review in 2025

7 Employment Policies to Review in 2025 - Employee handbooks are important for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues and defending against potential lawsuits. Failing to update the employment...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: The Importance of Data Backup and Recovery Plans for Businesses

The Importance of Data Backup and Recovery Plans for Businesses - In modern businesses, data is central to operations, customer management and decision-making. It is so integral to organizations that data loss from...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: MFA Bypass Attacks Explained

MFA Bypass Attacks Explained - Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an integral component of cybersecurity. By requiring additional steps to access data, information is more secure and harder to steal. However,...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: Legal Considerations for Employee Terminations

Legal Considerations for Employee Terminations - Employee terminations are often complicated, and if not conducted properly, employers can open themselves up to costly legal challenges and negatively affect their...

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Compliance Bulletin: ​Mental Health Parity: New Comparative Analyses Requirements

Mental Health Parity: New Comparative Analyses Requirements - On Sept. 9, 2024, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) released a final rule to strengthen the requirements of...

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Live Well, Work Well: Preparing for the 2024-25 Flu Season

Preparing for the 2024-25 Flu Season - Experts predict that the United States may have another early start to the influenza (flu) season this year. When colder weather arrives, flu rates typically increase, peaking...

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Legal Update: EEOC Releases 2024 Litigation Data, Showing a Decrease in Lawsuits

EEOC Releases 2024 Litigation Data, Showing a Decrease in Lawsuits - On Oct. 9, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released litigation data for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which covers Oct. 1, 2023,...

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News Brief: OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2024

OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2024 - OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2024 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as...

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Live Well, Work Well : November 2024

Fall Into Mindfulness - The changing seasons can help you prioritize your physical, emotional and mental health by presenting the opportunity to start new routines or cut out unhealthy habits. Autumn is a great time to...

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Mental Health Minute: November 2024

Practicing Gratitude In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in stress and negativity. However, practicing gratitude can be a powerful tool to improve mental health. Gratitude involves recognizing and...

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Risk Insights: Best Practices for Safety Committees

Best Practices for Safety Committees - A safety committee is crucial for creating and maintaining a safe workplace culture. These committees bring together employees, management and safety professionals to proactively...

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Mental Health Minute: October 2024

World Mental Health Day: Take Action - World Mental Health Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, is a global initiative to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental well-being....

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Live Well, Work Well: What to Know About This Year’s Flu Season

What to Know About This Year’s Flu Season - In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March. What’s more, flu season in the Southern...

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Legal Update: OSHA Propose Heat Injury & Illness

OSHA Proposes Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard - On Aug. 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the...

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Risk Insights: A Corporate Boards Guide to Generative AI Benefits and Risks

A Corporate Board’s Guide to Generative AI Benefits and Risks - As generative artificial intelligence (AI) advances, corporate boards are increasingly leveraging its capabilities to improve several aspects of their...

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Legal Update: OSHA Releases New Online Severe Injury Report Dashboard

OSHA Releases New Online Severe Injury Report Dashboard - On Sept. 4, 2024, OSHA released an online tool giving users the ability to search its severe injury report (SIR) database and view trends related to workplace...

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Legal Update: Final Rule Makes Extensive Changes to Mental Health Parity Requirements

Final Rule Makes Extensive Changes to Mental Health Parity Requirements - On Sept. 9, 2024, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (Departments) released a final rule to strengthen the...

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HR Insights: Employee Handbooks: Common Legal Mistakes

Employee Handbooks: Common Legal Mistakes - Your employee handbook is an important document. Not only does it help employees understand company policies, promote solid company-employee communication and set a consistent...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: Understanding Cybercriminals: Motivations, Methods and Protection Strategies

Understanding Cybercriminals: Motivations, Methods and Protection Strategies - Cyberattacks can impact a company in numerous ways. They can create significant financial losses through fines, lawsuits and business...

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Coverage Insights: Understanding Employers’ Liability Insurance

Understanding Employers’ Liability Insurance - Accidents can happen in any workplace, and they often result in employee injuries and illnesses. These events can pose serious consequences for both employers and their...

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Coverage Insights: Contingent Business Interruption Insurance for Cyber Events

Contingent Business Interruption Insurance for Cyber Events - In today’s evolving risk landscape, organizations of all sizes and sectors face a wide range of cyberthreats. Amid advancing attack techniques and growing...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: 2024 Midyear Employment Law Compliance Trends

2024 Midyear Employment Law Compliance Trends - Throughout 2024, there have been significant changes in employment law at the federal, state and local levels. A review of recent and proposed legislation reveals a number...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: Employer Considerations for Navigating Election Section

Employer Considerations for Navigating Election Section - Election season can be a fraught time for employers. Employers are often faced with the challenge of fostering a culture of open communication while ensuring a...

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Compliance Bulletin: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2024

CMS has provided two model notices for employers to use: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2024 - Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible...

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Risk Insights: Steps for Businesses to Create Safer Drivers

Steps for Businesses to Create Safer Drivers - Company drivers are exposed to several risks on the road. In fact, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, transportation incidents are the leading cause of work-...

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HR Insights: Tips for Retaining Employees in 2024

Tips for Retaining Employees in 2024 - Around 27% of U.S. workers quit their jobs in 2023, which, according to a common turnover calculation, cost employers nearly a trillion dollars to replace. Unfortunately, turnover...

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News Brief: Drug Test Cheating Surged in 2023

Drug Test Cheating Surged in 2023 - The rate of employees tampering with drug tests reached new highs in 2023, according to a report from health data analytics firm Quest Diagnostics. The percentage of tests that showed...

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Live Well, Work Well: Managing Work-Life Balance During Return To School

Managing Work-Life Balance During Return To School - For working parents with school-age kids, the back-to-school season can be chaotic. There are new routines to figure out, an onslaught of activities to manage and...

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Live Well, Work Well: Prioritizing Wellness During The 2024-25 School Year

Prioritizing Wellness During The 2024-25 School Year - Many parents and kids may be excited for school to start after a long summer. However, the new school year may come with new or recurring challenges. Working...

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Legal Update: Court Denies FMLA for Unmarried Father Before Child's Birth

Court Denies FMLA for Unmarried Father Before Child's Birth - The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals recently held in Tanner v. Stryker Corp. that an unmarried employee who traveled to be with his pregnant ex-girlfriend for...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: The Role of a Public Relations Specialist in Cyber Incident Response

The Role of a Public Relations Specialist in Cyber Incident Response - When cyber incidents strike, organizations need to respond swiftly and effectively to limit related losses. As such, it’s crucial for organizations...

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News Brief: Regulators Cite Major Gaps in Consumer Understanding of Insurance

Regulators Cite Major Gaps in Consumer Understanding of Insurance - More than a third of Gen Z adults buy protection plans for their cellphones, but just 21% have renters insurance, according to a survey from the...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities : The Role of Digital Forensics and Incident Response in Cybersecurity

The Role of Digital Forensics and Incident Response in Cybersecurity - As the cybersecurity landscape evolves and cybercriminals continue to develop new ways to infiltrate computer systems and networks, employers must...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: SIM-Swapping Attacks Explained

SIM-Swapping Attacks Explained - In recent years, a growing number of organizations have implemented stronger cybersecurity measures, including multifactor authentication (MFA). This method requires a user to present...

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Legal Update: DOL Updated Model Employer CHIP Notice

DOL Updates Model Employer CHIP Notice - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released a new model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of ...

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Legal Update: USCIS Extends Form I-9 Expiration Date

USCIS Extends Form I-9 Expiration Date - On Aug. 2, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form, also known as Form I-9, to extend...

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Live Well, Work Well : September 2024

Cholesterol and You - Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build cells; however, too much can pose a problem. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins....

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Mental Health Minute: September 2024

Many Americans Remain Unfamiliar With 988 - The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) was launched nationwide in July 2022. The three-digit dialing code replaced the original 1-800 number to make it easier to...

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Legal Update: Increased Civil Penalty Amounts for SBC, MSP, HIPAA Violations

Increased Civil Penalty Amounts for SBC, MSP, HIPAA Violations - On Aug. 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule increasing key penalties affecting group health plans. HHS...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: 2024 Midyear Employment Law Compliance Trends

2024 Midyear Employment Law Compliance Trends - Throughout 2024, there have been significant changes in employment law at the federal, state and local levels. A review of recent and proposed legislation reveals a number...

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Mental Health Minute: August 2024

Zoning Out: The Signs, Causes and When to Get Help - “Zoning out” is a mild and common form of dissociation. Nearly everyone does it from time to time. Zoning out can serve as a coping mechanism when you are bored,...

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Live Well, Work Well: The Health Benefits of Camping

The Health Benefits of Camping - Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Moreover, interest among noncampers has been growing steadily for years....

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News Brief: OSHA's Safe and Sound Week Scheduled for Aug. 12-18

OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week Scheduled for Aug. 12-18 - Each year, more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job. Additionally, more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Because of...

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Legal Update: OSHA Proposes Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Standard

OSHA Proposes Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Standard - On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an unofficial version of the proposed ...

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Legal Update: Federal Courts Block Enforcement of Certain Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Provisions

Federal Courts Block Enforcement of Certain Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Provisions - On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule under...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: The Role of a Data Breach Coach in Cyber Incident Response

The Role of a Data Breach Coach in Cyber Incident Response - Cybersecurity events can lead to businesses sustaining substantial financial and reputational damage. Recovering from these incidents can also be complicated...

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News Brief: CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 25-31

CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 25-31 - The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 25-31, 2024. This annual event aims to emphasize the importance...

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Coverage Insights: The Importance of Timely Notice Under Claims-made Liability Policies

The Importance of Timely Notice Under Claims-made Liability Policies - Claims-made liability policies require timely notice of claims or circumstances that could lead to a claim for an insured to qualify for coverage....

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Work Comp Insights: FMLA and Workers’ Compensation

FMLA and Workers’ Compensation – Common Questions Answered - The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state workers’ compensation laws may both cover an employee who suffers a serious health condition while...

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Work Comp Insights: Who to Communicate With During a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Who to Communicate With During a Workers’ Compensation Claim - Simply put, communicating with all relevant parties involved in workers’ compensation claims (e.g., employees, supervisors, medical providers and claims...

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2024 Midyear Market Outlook: Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance - Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance market for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on...

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2024 Midyear Market Outlook: Cyber Insurance

Cyber Insurance - Heightened claim frequency and severity have created a volatile cyber insurance market in recent years, with most policyholders facing ongoing premium increases. Fortunately, the segment experienced...

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Live Well, Work, Well: August 2024

PRIORITIZING SUN SAFETY - While the warmth of the sun can enhance the enjoyment of outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, swimming and grilling), it comes with hidden dangers that can impact your health in both the short and...

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HR Compliance Overview: Federal Youth Employment Laws

Federal Youth Employment Law - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees and enforces federal youth employment laws through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under the FLSA, employers are prohibited from employing “...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: DOL Prioritizes Enforcement of Youth Employment Laws

DOL Prioritizes Enforcement of Youth Employment Laws - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees and enforces federal youth employment laws through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA prohibits organizations...

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Live Well, Work Well: Surviving the Summer Heat

SURVIVING THE SUMMER HEAT - Summer brings longer days and plenty of sunshine, but with it comes the challenge of staying cool amidst soaring temperatures. The sweltering heat can lead to various heat-related illnesses,...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: Defending AI Systems From Malicious Data Poisoning Attacks

Defending AI Systems From Malicious Data Poisoning Attacks - As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continues to grow, businesses that utilize these technologies must also be aware of the...

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News Brief: Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency

Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency - The performance of the workers’ compensation system remains strong, according to a new State of the Line Report from the National Council...

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Legal Update: OSHA Publishes Its Updated Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA Publishes Its Updated Hazard Communication Standard - On May 20, 2024, OSHA published its final rule on its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of...

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Legal Update: HHS Updates HIPAA FAQs Regarding Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident

HHS Updates HIPAA FAQs Regarding Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident - On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) updated its frequently asked questions (...

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Legal Update: DOL Issues Gag Clause Attestation Resources for 2024

DOL Issues Gag Clause Attestation Resources for 2024 - On May 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued various resources to assist health plans and health insurance issuers in annually submitting their...

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Legal Update: 3rd Circuit Rules USERRA May Require Paid Leave

- 3rd Circuit Rules USERRA May Require Paid Leave - On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit held that short-term military leave may be comparable to jury duty leave and bereavement leave and...

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Legal Update: DOJ Releases Proposed Rule to Ease Federal Restrictions on Marijuana

DOJ Releases Proposed Rule to Ease Federal Restrictions on Marijuana - On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a proposed rule that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III...

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Legal Update: PCORI Fees Due July 31, 2024

PCORI Fees Due July 31, 2024 - 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...

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Mental Health Minute: July 2024

Combating Summertime Stressors - Many people experience better mental health and mood during the summer due to longer days and sunlight. Yet the season is stressful for others; summertime stressors and extreme weather...

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Live Well, Work Well: July 2024

Beat the Summer Heat - Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can threaten your health, especially for older adults and children. Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down,...

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News Brief: CVSA Reveals 2024 Focus for Upcoming Operation Safe Driver Week

CVSA Reveals 2024 Focus for Upcoming Operation Safe Driver Week - Operation Safe Driver Week-an annual campaign conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)-will take place from July 7-13, 2024. This year’...

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Legal Update: EEOC Announces July 9 “Failure to File” Deadline for 2023 EEO-1 Reports

EEOC Announces July 9 “Failure to File” Deadline for 2023 EEO-1 Reports - On June 5, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it had entered the “Failure to File” phase for EEO-1...

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News Brief: June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month - June is National Safety Month. This campaign, put together by the National Safety Council (NSC), highlights efforts to prevent injuries and deaths inside and outside the workplace. It...

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Legal Update: DOL Issues Guidance on AI-related Wage and Hour Risks

DOL Issues Guidance on AI-related Wage and Hour Risks - On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1 on the use of artificial...

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News Brief: Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency

Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency - The performance of the workers’ compensation system remains strong, according to a new State of the Line Report from the National Council...

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Mental Health Minute: June 2024

The Power of Self-care - Self-care is the practice of intentionally engaging in activities that positively impact mental, physical and emotional well-being. It directly correlates to mental health, as self-care...

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Live Well, Work Well: Explore the Great Outdoors

Explore the Great Outdoors - Spending even a few moments outside daily can significantly improve your physical health by reducing muscle tension, regulating sleep and improving your work performance. Experiencing the...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: Overview of the EEOC's workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment

Overview of the EEOC's workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment - On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published its final guidance on harassment in the workplace, which went into...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: Cybersecurity Awareness Programs: Benefits and Implementation

Cybersecurity Awareness Programs: Benefits and Implementation - Businesses of all sizes are susceptible to cyberattacks such as phishing scams, malware attacks and ransomware schemes, which can create significant...

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News Brief: Casualty Claims Severity Significantly Outpacing Economic Inflation

Casualty Claims Severity Significantly Outpacing Economic Inflation - Claims costs for commercial auto, professional liability, product liability and directors and officers liability insurance have exceeded economic...

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Legal Update: OSHA Releases Its Injury Tracking Application 2023 Injury and Illness Data

OSHA Releases Its Injury Tracking Application 2023 Injury and Illness Data - On April 18, 2024, OSHA released the 2023 injury and illness data collected under the Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illness...

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Compliance Bulletin: New HIPAA Rule Will Require Updates to Privacy Notices

New HIPAA Rule Will Require Updates to Privacy Notices - On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule that strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule by prohibiting the...

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ACA Compliance Overview: HHS’ FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule

HHS’ FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule - Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the DOL’s Final Overtime Rule

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the DOL’s Final Overtime Rule - On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to amend current requirements employees in white-collar...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: DOL Issues Guidance on AI and FMLA Administration

DOL Issues Guidance on AI and FMLA Administration - The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor recently published a Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) warning that the use of artificial intelligence (...

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Legal Update: DOL Announces Final Overtime Rule Increasing Salary Levels for White-collar Employees

DOL Announces Final Overtime Rule Increasing Salary Levels for White-collar Employees - On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to amend current requirements employees in white-...

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Legal Update: HHS Finalizes Rule to Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Privacy

- - HHS Finalizes Rule to Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Privacy - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule by prohibiting the...

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Compliance Bulletin: Mental Health Parity Compliance Remains a Key Focus in 2024

Mental Health Parity Compliance Remains a Key Focus in 2024 - The federal government is continuing its efforts to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) care in 2024, with a top enforcement...

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News Brief: Study Shows 40% of Insured Workers Delay Health Care Due to Costs

- Study Shows 40% of Insured Workers Delay Health Care Due to Cost - A study by employee health payment platform Paytient revealed the challenges Americans face with employer-sponsored insurance. Notably, 40% of workers...

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Legal Update: U.S. Supreme Court Rules That Mandatory Job Transfer Can Be Discriminatory Under Title VII

U.S. Supreme Court Rules That Mandatory Job Transfer Can Be Discriminatory Under Title VII - On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, holding that a...

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Work Comp Insights : How Return-to-Work Programs Impact Workers’ Compensation Expenses

How Return-to-Work Programs Impact Workers’ Compensation Expenses - Workers’ compensation expenses are determined by a wide range of factors; however, one of the most significant cost components in any workers’...

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Live Well, Work Well : Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma

Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those...

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Mental Health Minute: May 2024

Mental Health in America and How to Get Help - More than half of adults in the United States will experience mental illness-which refers to a variety of conditions that affect one’s mood, behavior, feelings or thinking-...

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Benefits Insights: Health​ Care Costs and Your Employee Health Plan

Health Care Costs and Your Employee Health Plan - Health care costs, and consequently employee health benefits costs, have been increasing at an alarming rate for nearly a decade. Avoiding rising health care costs is...

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Legal Update: EEOC Releases Final Rule Implementing Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

EEOC Releases Final Rule Implementing Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - On April 15, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)...

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HR Brief: May 2024

OSHA Announces Final Rule on Worker Walkaround Representative Designation - OSHA recently announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA compliance...

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Cyber Risks & Liabilities: ​Cloud Security Management Explained

Cloud Security Management Explained - Cloud computing refers to a pay-per-use service that equips users with on-demand access to a range of IT resources (e.g., databases, software, servers, networking and analytics...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: Preparing for the DOL’s New Overtime Rule

Preparing for the DOL’s New Overtime Rule - In early March 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed overtime rule, announced in August 2023, entered its last stage of review. Publication of the final rule is...

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Compliance Overview: OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Designation Process Frequently Asked Questions

- OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Designation Process Frequently Asked Questions - On March 29, 2024, OSHA announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a nonemployee, third-party representative...

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Legal Update: OSHA Announces Final Rule on Worker Walkaround Representative Designation

OSHA Announces Final Rule on Worker Walkaround Representative Designation - On March 29, 2024, OSHA announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA...

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Legal Update: HHS Encourages Urgent Review of HIPAA Compliance Following Health Care Cyberattack

HHS Encourages Urgent Review of HIPAA Compliance Following Health Care Cyberattack - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a letter addressing the cybersecurity incident impacting Change...

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HR Compliance: What Employers Should Know About EEO Retaliation

- What Employers Should Know About EEO Retaliation - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. Each EEO law...

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HR Compliance: U.S. Supreme Court Cases for Employers to Watch in 2024

U.S. Supreme Court Cases for Employers to Watch in 2024 - In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide several cases-it has already decided one case-that may have a significant impact on employers. It is important that...

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Work Comp Insights: Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs

Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs - When an employee experiences an occupational illness or injury, their eventual return to the workplace can create considerable challenges, putting significant...

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News Brief: ​April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and...

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Mental Health Minute - April 2024

Recognizing the Signs of Stress and Building Resilience - April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the prevalence of stress and empowering individuals to manage it effectively. In today’s fast-...

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Live Well, Work Well - April 2024

- The Health Benefits of Walking - Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise; however, it offers several health benefits for the body and mind. This simple yet powerful activity is accessible to people of all...

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Legal Update: FMCSA Exempts 9- and 15-passenger Vans From Operating Authority Requirements

- FMCSA Exempts 9- and 15-passenger Vans From Operating Authority Requirements - On Feb. 26, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its regulations to implement the statutory exemption...

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News Brief: Change Healthcare Cyberattack Causes Unprecedented Disruptions

- Change Healthcare Cyberattack Causes Unprecedented Disruptions - On Feb. 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and one of the largest platforms for managing health insurance billing and...

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HR Compliance Bulletin: New CDC Isolation Guidance and Employee Leave Considerations

- New CDC Isolation Guidance and Employee Leave Considerations - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new guidance that individuals no longer need to isolate from work for five days following a...

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Legal Update: HHS Highlights HIPAA Violations and Breaches in Annual Reports

- - HHS Highlights HIPAA Violations and Breaches in Annual Reports - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently shared two reports on compliance with HIPAA’s privacy, security and breach notification...

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HR Compliance Overview: DOL Independent Contractor Rule

DOL Independent Contractor Rule - Worker classification directly impacts employee eligibility for benefits, legal protections (such as minimum wage and overtime rights) and taxation. Employee misclassification is a...

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HR Insights: Avoid 10 Common ADA Mistakes

- HR Insights: Avoid 10 Common ADA Mistakes - The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the definition of disability previously established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and effectively expanded the group...

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Live Well, Work Well - March 2024

- Live Well, Work Well - March 2024 - Understanding Your Kidney Health - March is National Kidney Month, making it a great time to take charge of your health by lowering your chances of developing kidney disease. Your...

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Mental Health Minute - March 2024

- Mental Health Minute - March 2024 - Recognizing the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults - New research by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that prescriptions for drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity...

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HR Insights: 4 Ways AI Will Impact the Workplace in 2024

4 Ways AI Will Impact the Workplace in 2024 - Artificial intelligence (AI) garnered attention from every industry in 2023, revolutionizing the way organizations operate and make decisions. Many employers adopted this...

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HR Insights: 2023 Employment Law Changes Important in 2024

2023 Employment Law Changes Important in 2024 - The year 2023 brought about significant shifts in the employment law landscape, impacting how organizations navigate the complex web of regulations governing workplaces....

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HR Insights: The Business Implications of the DOL’s New Independent Contractor Rule

The Business Implications of the DOL’s New Independent Contractor Rule - On Jan. 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a final rule, effective March 11, 2024, revising the agency’s guidance on how to...

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Work Comp Insights: NCCI Experience Modification Factor 2024 Changes FAQs

NCCI Experience Modification Factor 2024 Changes FAQs - The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is making alterations to its experience modification factor for 2024. These changes are slated to go into...

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5 Employment Policies to Review in 2024

5 Employment Policies to Review in 2024 - Employee handbooks are important tools for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues and defending against potential lawsuits. Failing to update the...

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Top 2024 Wellness Trends

Top 2024 Wellness Trends - As the workplace landscape continues to evolve, so does the understanding of employee wellness. In 2024, organizations are embracing innovative strategies to prioritize their workforce's...

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Work Comp Insights: Benefits of Return-to-Work Programs for Employers and Employees

Benefits of Return-to-Work Programs for Employers and Employees - According to the National Safety Council, a worker gets hurt on the job every seven seconds. And when an employee experiences an occupational illness or...

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Data Breach Class Actions Skyrocketed in 2023

Data Breach Class Actions Skyrocketed in 2023 - Data breach class action lawsuits “exploded” in 2023, according to Duane Morris LLP’s Class Action Review 2024, becoming one of the fastest growing areas of litigation and...

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Legal Update: New TX Law Prohibits COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates

New TX Law Prohibits COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates - As of Feb. 6, 2024, a new Texas law prohibits all private employers in the state from adopting or enforcing any COVID-19 vaccination mandates for workers. Covered...

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Legal Update: OSHA Proposes to Issue a New Emergency Response Standard

OSHA Proposes to Issue a New Emergency Response Standard - On Feb. 5, 2024, OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the...

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Risk Insights: Health Care Industry Trends to Watch in 2024

Health Care Industry Trends to Watch in 2024 - In recent years, the health care industry has been navigating a landscape fraught with volatility. Shifting market demands, supply chain struggles and medical inflation...

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Live Well, Work Well - January 2024

Live Well, Work Well - January 2024 - How to Make-and Keep-Your New Year’s Resolution - As a new year begins, you may be reflecting on the past year. This introspection is a significant first step toward selecting a New...

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HR Insights: 8 Tips for Modernizing Hiring in 2024

8 Tips for Modernizing Hiring in 2024 - As talent acquisition continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top-tier talent. Last year highlighted labor...

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Legal Update: OSHA’s Safety and Health Bulletin on Safety Helmets in the Workplace

OSHA’s Safety and Health Bulletin on Safety Helmets in the Workplace - On Nov. 22, 2023, OSHA provided a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) on the use of safety helmets in the workplace. The SHIB provides the...

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Legal Update: OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirements Begin Feb. 1

OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirements Begin Feb. 1 - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers subject to its recordkeeping requirements to post copies of their OSHA Form 300A between Feb....

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News Brief: Workplace Fatalities Up 5.7% According to Bureau of Labor Statistics

Workplace Fatalities Up 5.7% According to Bureau of Labor Statistics - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2022 national census of fatal occupational injuries. The census, which represents...

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News Brief: House Passes Bipartisan Act to Lower Health Care Costs and Increase Price Transparency

House Passes Bipartisan Act to Lower Health Care Costs and Increase Price Transparency - On Dec. 11, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed landmark bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of health care and...

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2024 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Market Outlook

- 2024 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Market Outlook - Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance segment for nearly a decade. According to the...

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Mental Health Minute - January 2024

Mental Health Minute - January 2024 - Mental Health Benefits of a Clean, Organized Space - If you’re struggling with seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, keeping your home tidy...

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