By: Brian R. Carnie, Chelsea G. Caswell, A. Edward Hardin, Jr., Scott D. Huffstetler, Erin L. Kilgore, Michael D. Lowe, Zoe W. Vermeulen, and David M. Whitaker Overnight, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division posted additional answers to pressing questions regarding leave issues under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  These Q&As address a number of recurring employer questions. Documentation.  One of the topics addressed…

By Jennifer Jones Thomas CMS has expanded Medicare telehealth benefits on a temporary and emergency basis pursuant to the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.  Starting March 6, 2020, Medicare will pay for office, hospital, and other visits furnished via telehealth provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers.  The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also allowing healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits.  Previously,…

By: Chuck Talley and Gabe Silva On March 25, 2020, the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) issued a memorandum providing guidance on the transport of potentially infected personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The memorandum aims to guide the offshore service industry on using the appropriate standards and procedures prior to, during and after the transport of potentially infected personnel. The transport of infected or potentially infected personnel can likely increase the crew’s exposure to COVID-19…

By: Brian R. Carnie, Chelsea G. Caswell, A. Edward Hardin, Jr., Scott D. Huffstetler, Erin L. Kilgore, Michael D. Lowe, Zoe W. Vermeulen, and David M. Whitaker Yesterday afternoon, on March 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued its model notices that meet the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”).  The DOL provided a model notice for private sector employees…