Resources

Warning: Fatal Vehicle Crashes Up 24% in 2020

More than 42,060 people died in vehicle crashes in 2020 across the country. The National Safety Council (NSC) has released preliminary data showing vehicle fatalities in…

Federal Law Alerts – March 2021

Authored by ThinkHR 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Reporting to Open at End of April 2021 On March 12, 2021, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC)…

Making the Case for Safety in NonProfits

Leveraging Accident Review Boards to Reduce Workers Compensation Claims. WHAT challenges do nonprofits face today? NonProfits have always fought the good fight – delivering on…

IRS Provides Two Additional Codes for ICHRAs Under Section 6056

On Feb. 2, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided two additional codes from Code Series 1 that can be used for reporting offers of…

DOL Proposes New Effective Date for Independent Contractor Rule

In February, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) proposed delaying the effective date for the Independent Contractor final rule from…

FAQs Updated by IRS on Employer Tax Credits for FFCRA Leave

In January, the IRS updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits available to employers for providing paid employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus…

Outbreak Period Expiration Looming, No New Guidance

Last year, federal agencies issued relief postponing various employee benefit plan deadlines during a defined “Outbreak Period” which will help participants, plans and service providers…

DOL’s January 2021 FLSA Opinion Letters

The U.S. Department of Labor issued nine opinion letters during January 2021 to clarify how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies to various employment…

Data Security and Higher Education

Colleges and universities must uphold the value of the free exchange of ideas while keeping students’ private information secure and complying with state and federal…

Prejudgment Interest – What Does it Mean to Me?

By: Mike Madey, MBA, RPLU, MJ, Vice President / Business Insurance Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is reviewing a new bill which would allow for prejudgment…

Medicare Part D Disclosures due by March 1, 2021 for Calendar Year Plans

Employers with group health plans are required to complete an online disclosure form with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on an annual basis…

OSHA Update: Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety

On January 21, President Biden signed an executive order to protect worker health and safety. The order is specifically focused on COVID-19’s spread in America’s…

Fleet Telematics: Risks Associated with Improper Use

Technology has changed our world in many ways, but the unintended consequences of improperly using technology present a significant risk for companies, employees, and the…

How to Maintain the Value of Your Wine Collection

Most wines are consumed before they reach peak maturity and quality. But a growing number of serious enthusiasts are holding onto prized bottles for years…

DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2021

Highlights Annual Updates – The DOL must adjust its civil penalty amounts for inflation each year. Possible Penalties – The DOL may assess these penalties on employers…

HHS Extends Transition Policy for Non-ACA Compliant Health Plans

All non-compliant plans renewed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended an existing transition policy on January 19, 2021, for certain health plans…

Proposed Rules Would Amend Requirements for Wellness Program Incentives

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two proposed rules on Jan. 7, 2021, regarding wellness programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and…

IRS Issues Final Rule on Pay or Play and Nondiscrimination Rules for ICHRAs

Since 2020, employers have been able to help employees pay for individual health insurance by offering individual coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). A final rule establishing ICHRAS was published…

EEOC Issues Opinion Letter on ICHRAs and the ADEA

A Jan. 7, 2021 opinion letter from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) addresses employer contributions to Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and…

HHS Issues Proposed Changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule on Dec. 10, 2020, which would make certain changes to the Health Insurance Portability…

DOL Issues Final Rule on FLSA Independent Contractor Status

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule on Jan. 6, 2021, which clarifies how to determine whether a worker is an employee who…

Top Questions Contractors Should Ask Before Applying for a Stretch Bond

Contractors put a lot of thought into whether or not they can accept projects beyond their normal size, geographical region, and scope. These jobs have…

DOL Issues New Q&As About FFCRA Leave Requirements

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued two additional Q&As regarding employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Q&As 104 and 105…

DOL Issues Guidance on Electronic Posting of Labor Law Notices

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-7 on Dec. 29, 2020, which addresses when the DOL will consider electronic posting by employers…