Does anyone want to hear about the potential for a COVID-19 winter surge? Probably not. Unfortunately, experts warn that a surge is possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) warns about new immunity-evading Omicron subvariants, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. CDC models show that these new variants, which just a few weeks ago accounted for
Managing Practical and Legal Concerns Related to MPX in the Workplace
Less than two and a half years after proclaiming a state of emergency related to COVID-19, Governor Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox (“MPX”) outbreak. While the number of MPX cases in California is relatively small compared to the number of COVID-19 cases and the outbreak less likely
Legal Obligations in the Event of a COVID-19 Outbreak in the Workplace
This post originally appeared in January 2022.
In light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases, it is important that employers understand their obligations in the event that there is a COVID-19 outbreak at one of their workplaces.
This blog post is intended to provide an overview of the various statutory and regulatory obligations
Supporting a Mentally Healthy Workplace
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had some type of impact on many people’s mental health. On October 10, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.” The past 18 months have brought forth
The Top 9 Ways COVID-19 Can Affect Your Public Agency’s Health Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in many ways, including a significant impact on employer-sponsored health benefits. The past year has resulted in changes to how frequently individuals visit the doctor (or do not visit the doctor), purchase eligible medical expenses, and need dependent care. In response to the pandemic, the IRS, Congress,
Best Practices for Communicating with Employees on Medical Leave and Utilizing Intermittent Leave Schedules
During these unprecedented times, it is likely that employees may be utilizing various forms of protected leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Some employees may be tempted to work remotely during their leave, perhaps to catch up, to stay ahead, or to offset the amount of time
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Weekly Update & Resources – March 23, 2020
Last week, we published several special bulletins covering COVID-19. Below are short summaries and links to the updates published since our last COVID-19 round up.
We will continue providing these special bulletins and updates as needed. Please visit https://www.lcwlegal.com/responding-to-COVID-19 for the most up-to-date bulletins.
Governor Newsom Amends Brown Act Changes in Subsequent Executive Order
New IRS Notice Extends Deadline to Furnish 2019 ACA Forms, Provides Additional Relief
This Special Bulletin was written by Heather DeBlanc and Amit Katzir.
Notice 2019-63 extends the deadline under the Affordable Care Act for applicable large employers to furnish individuals with a Form 1095-C for 2019. The new due date is March 2, 2020, but the IRS will not consider further extensions. The new March 2 deadline
Looking for Alternatives to Cash-in-Lieu Benefits for Employees? New Health Reimbursement Arrangements Available for Current Employees, Starting in 2020
Employers and employee organizations are often looking for new, creative ways to expand, streamline, or restructure employees’ health benefits. Starting in January 2020, employers may offer two different health reimbursement arrangements (“HRA’s”) to their current employees. Typically, employers offer HRAs for retirees through collective bargaining agreements but do not offer them for current employees because
Federal District Court Strikes Down Affordable Care Act. What Now for Employers?
This Special Bulletin was authored by Heather DeBlanc and Amit Katzir.
A federal district judge in Texas ruled last Friday that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate was unconstitutional and that the ACA’s other provisions were therefore also invalid.
The decision centers around the ACA’s “shared responsibility payment,” a penalty on