On February 4, the tri-agencies (DOL, HHS and Treasury) issued new FAQs on the requirement for group health plans and issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests without cost-sharing, prior authorization, or other medical management requirements. We discussed the tri-agencies’
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Businesses
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California COVID-19 Sick Leave: A New Bill Extending COVID-19 Sick Leave for 2022
On February 9, 2022, California Governor Newsom signed SB 114 into law, reinstituting COVID-19 sick leave for 2022 (“2022 COVID-19 Sick Leave”). 2022 COVID-19 Sick Leave applies to employers with more than 25 employees and becomes effective February 19, 2022. Notably,…
New FAQs Require Group Health Plans and Issuers to Cover OTC COVID-19 Tests
This week, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) confirming that group health plans and issuers must provide 100% coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests beginning…
The Supreme Court Stays OSHA Rule Requiring Vaccination or Testing for Most Private Employers
Near the end of 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued the Emergency Temporary Standard (the ETS), which required employers with 100 or more employees to put in place a mandatory vaccination policy or require weekly COVID-19 testing…
Cal/OSHA Updates FAQs Regarding Isolation and Quarantine
California State and Local Governments and Health Authorities Continue Updating COVID-19 Guidance and Recommendations
As the COVID-19 landscape evolves and the Omicron variant pervades, state and local governments and health authorities have modified their recommendations, guidance, and regulations in an effort to manage the pandemic.
For example, on December 30, 2021, following the CDC’s…
CDC Revises Guidance on Quarantine, Isolation, and Booster Shots
The CDC recently updated its guidelines on, among other things, quarantine and isolation periods and recommendations regarding booster shots. Below is a high-level summary of some of these changes.
At the end of December 2021, the CDC updated its guidance…
CDC Shortens the Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period
In an updated guidance released on December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced the recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population. The term “isolation” refers to the recommended behavior after a confirmed COVID-19…
Sixth Circuit Grants the Biden Administration’s Motion to Dissolve the Stay of the OSHA Vaccine ETS
On December 17, 2021, the Sixth Circuit granted the Biden Administration’s motion to Dissolve the Stay of the OSHA Vaccine ETS, which was issued by the Fifth Circuit on November 5, 2021. See link to full opinion. Judge Stranch…
Cal/OSHA Revises COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards to Remove Distinctions for Vaccinated Workers
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Board) readopted a revised version of its earlier Emergency Temporary Standards (Standard) for employers on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace on December 16, 2021. The revised Standard was readopted…