Bulletins
New York HERO Act Ends COVID-19 Designation as an Infectious Disease
On March 17, 2022, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) ended the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to public health under the Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act). The NY HERO Act covers all private employers in the state. The act […]
Read MoreNew Law Establishes Hotline for Sexual Harassment Complaints
On March 16, 2022, the state enacted a new law that requires the New York State Division of Human Rights (Division) to establish a toll-free hotline for individuals to make complaints of workplace sexual harassment. The new law, effective July 14, 2022, also provides free legal assistance to individuals who contact the hotline. Employer Impact […]
Read MoreOSHA Officially Withdraws Vaccine-or-Test ETS
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has withdrawn its vaccine-or-test Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for employers with 100 or more employees. This is the official end of the ETS—employers do not need to comply with it. OSHA is still proceeding with a permanent COVID standard via the regular (slower) rulemaking process, and that standard […]
Read MoreSupreme Court Halts OSHA ETS Vaccination and Testing Mandate
On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled to stay the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). The ETS was developed to establish a mandatory vaccination policy requirement for private employers with 100 or more employees. As a result, covered employers (those with […]
Read MoreAgencies Issue Guidance on Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Tests
At-home COVID-19 tests must be covered even if they are obtained without the involvement of a health care provider. On January 10, 2022, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury issued FAQ guidance regarding the requirements for group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic […]
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