Accordingly, CMS can enforce in the 24 states that had been subject to the injunctions reviewed by the Court its interim final rule requiring many Medicare and Medicaid providers to ensure that their covered staff are vaccinated against COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court Puts OSHA COVID-19 Vaccine-Or-Test ETS Back on Ice
In a 6-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has granted a temporary stay of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).
Sixth Circuit Dissolves Stay of OSHA COVID-19 Vaccine ETS
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has lifted the Fifth Circuit’s stay of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccination and testing for employers with at least 100 employees.
Is COVID-19 a Disability? EEOC Provides Updated Guidance
On Dec. 14, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) added a new section, COVID-19 and the Definition of “Disability” Under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act, to its COVID-19 guidance.
Philadelphia Mandates COVID Vaccine for All City Workers
On Nov. 19, 2021, the City of Philadelphia announced all City workers must “complete a full schedule of COVID-19 vaccination(s)” by Jan. 14, 2022, or risk losing their jobs.
Florida Legislature Passes New COVID-19 Workplace Laws
During a special session to consider what Governor Ron DeSantis called his “Keep Florida Free” agenda, the Florida Legislature passed several vaccine measures, some of which conflict with recently implemented federal rules, that affect the workplace.
Fate of OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccine ETS in the Hands of Sixth Circuit Court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has won the much-anticipated Multi-District Litigation lottery and will get to decide the merits of the challenges to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 vaccine Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).
Puerto Rico Expands Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has issued an Executive Order (EO) requiring all private sector employers with at least 50 employees to adopt COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements.
Council Adopts Paid Leave for D.C. Employees Getting COVID-19 Vaccines
The D.C. Council has adopted legislation that “removes one of the biggest obstacles workers say prevents them from getting the COVID-19 vaccine” by ensuring paid time off for both vaccination and recovery from any side effects.
What Healthcare Employers Need to Know About the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Vaccine Mandate
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) establishing the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff employed at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers.
Fifth Circuit Hits Pause on OSHA COVID-19 Vaccine or Testing Emergency Standard
One day after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) titled “COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard” (Mandate) (see 86 Fed. Reg., 61,402), a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a nationwide stay of the OSHA ETS.
Update on Face Coverings in California
In June, California relaxed many of its COVID-19 restrictions, including allowing fully vaccinated individuals to go without a face covering indoors, with limited exception.
OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standard Requiring COVID-19 Tests or Vaccinations for Most Employers
The temporary COVID-19 Massachusetts emergency paid sick leave (MA EPSL) has been extended through Apr. 1, 2022.
Massachusetts Extends COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave to April 2022
The temporary COVID-19 Massachusetts emergency paid sick leave (MA EPSL) has been extended through Apr. 1, 2022.
President’s Path Out of the Pandemic Adds Obligations for Employers
On Sep. 9, 2021, the White House issued Path Out of the Pandemic: President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan. The Plan outlines a six-pronged approach, portions of which will impose new obligations on employers across the country.
Oregon Issues New Rule Requiring Vaccinations of Healthcare Workers by Mid-October
Following on the heels of an executive order by Oregon’s governor requiring full vaccination for teachers, staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools, the Oregon Health Authority yesterday issued a new rule requiring that healthcare providers and healthcare staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Oct. 18, 2021.
OSHA Updates Non-Healthcare Employer Guidance on COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its COVID-19 guidance for non-healthcare employers, Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace, on Aug. 13, 2021.
2021 DMEC State of Absence Management Pulse Survey Results
Organizations have experienced extraordinary business shifts during the pandemic, with absence management practices being significantly impacted. As we evaluate the new terrain of leave management, it’s pertinent to consider all … Read More
Vaccine Verification and Testing Requirements for Workers in Schools Across California
A week after issuing the first in the nation order mandating all healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, on Aug. 11, 2021, the state of California issued an order mandating either vaccination or regular testing for all workers of schools throughout the state.
Puerto Rico Extends Mandatory Vaccination to Dining and Entertainment Sectors
Puerto Rico has made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for additional industries after Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi extended vaccination requirements for employees in the health and hospitality sectors beginning Aug. 16, 2021.