On August 20, 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed A5618/S1040 (the “Amendment”) into law, amending the New York State Human Rights Law (“NYSHRL”) with respect to protections for victims of domestic violence. The Amendment becomes effective November 18, 2019. The Amendment broadens the definition of “victim of domestic violence” to make it consistent with the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (NY Soc. Serv. L § 459-A). In addition, although the NYSHRL previously prohibited discrimination…

Health Employment and Labor

State Updates Website on Employer Reporting for New Jersey Health Insurance Mandate—Again

By Tzvia Feiertag & Rina Fujii on August 23, 2019

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As discussed in our March 28, 2019 blog post, New Jersey adopted its own individual health insurance mandate, the New Jersey Health Insurance Market Preservation Act (“NJHIMPA”). The NJHIMPA requires, with certain qualifying exemptions, New Jersey residents to have minimum essential health coverage. New Jersey employers must verify health coverage information provided by individuals. To assist with employer reporting, New Jersey launched an official website with guidance on the filing requirements. Recent updates to the…

Wage and Hour Defense Blog

Sweeping NJ “Wage Theft” Law Exponentially Expands Exposure for Wage Claims

By Maxine Neuhauser & Michael D. Thompson on August 23, 2019

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As the result of a sweeping “Wage Theft” law (“Law”), which became effective upon enactment on August 6, 2019, New Jersey employers will face toughened penalties and increased exposure for failure to pay wages, benefits and overtime (collectively “wages”) owed to workers. Employers should take immediate notice because any missteps or mistakes may prove extremely costly. In sum, the Law: makes employees eligible to receive 200% liquidated damages for all unpaid wages and…

Health Employment and Labor

New York State Decriminalizes Possession of Marijuana

By Nathaniel M. Glasser on August 22, 2019

Following an effort in the state legislature to legalize recreational marijuana, on July 29, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed S.6579A/A.8420 (the “Law”), a law decriminalizing marijuana possession in New York State. The Law will take effect on August 28, 2019. The Law expunges many past convictions for marijuana use and reduces the penalty for possession of small amounts (less than two ounces) of the drug from a misdemeanor to a violation. Importantly, the…

Health Law Advisor

Congress Explores Surprise Medical Bill Legislation to Reduce Impact on Patients

By Helaine I. Fingold & Sidra S. Zaidi on August 21, 2019

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Federal lawmakers are debating legislation to address surprise medical bills that, if passed in its current form, would significantly impact how hospitals, physicians and insurers negotiate payment for the provision of certain out-of-network services. A bipartisan coalition led by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, and Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington) aims to present to the President for signature a bill to curb surprise billing practices by the…

Hospitality Labor and Employment Law

New York’s New Child Victims Act Expands Opportunity For Filing Abuse Claims

By Melissa L. Jampol & Yael Spiewak on August 21, 2019

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This week, a one-year “revival” period of statute of limitations began for individuals who assert civil claims of child abuse to file claims against institutions and individuals pursuant to New York’s Child Victims Act, even if those claims had already expired and/or were dismissed because they were filed late. The premise behind the Child Victims Act is that children are often prevented from disclosing abuse due to the social, psychological and emotional trauma they experience.…

Technology Employment Law

New York’s New Child Victims Act Expands Opportunity for Filing Abuse Claims

By Melissa L. Jampol & Yael Spiewak on August 20, 2019

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Health Employment and Labor

Employer Insights: Illinois’ Permanent Commitment To Medical Marijuana

By James J. Oh & Kathleen A. Barrett on August 20, 2019

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On August 9, 2019, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed legislation amending the state’s current medical marijuana pilot program. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (the “Medical Cannabis Act”) makes the medical marijuana program, which was initially enacted as a pilot program in 2013, permanent and expands the qualifying medical conditions for a medical marijuana card to include at least 12 new conditions, including chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The…

Retail Labor and Employment Law

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance: Employee Benefits Crash Course Webinar Series

By Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. on August 19, 2019

Our Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice now offers on-demand “crash courses” on diverse topics. You can access these courses on your own schedule. Keep up to date with the latest trends in benefits and compensation, or obtain an overview of an important topic addressing your programs. In each compact, 15-minute installment, a member of our team will guide you through a topic. This on-demand series should be of interest to all employers that sponsor benefits and compensation programs.…

Technology Employment Law

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance: Employee Benefits Crash Course Webinar Series

By Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. on August 19, 2019

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New York State Expands Protections for Domestic Violence Victims

State Updates Website on Employer Reporting for New Jersey Health Insurance Mandate—Again

Sweeping NJ “Wage Theft” Law Exponentially Expands Exposure for Wage Claims

New York State Decriminalizes Possession of Marijuana

Congress Explores Surprise Medical Bill Legislation to Reduce Impact on Patients

New York’s New Child Victims Act Expands Opportunity For Filing Abuse Claims

New York’s New Child Victims Act Expands Opportunity for Filing Abuse Claims

Employer Insights: Illinois’ Permanent Commitment To Medical Marijuana

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance: Employee Benefits Crash Course Webinar Series

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance: Employee Benefits Crash Course Webinar Series

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