EBN's top stories in 2012
December 18, 2012 5:41 PM
10. Legal considerations when implementing on-site clinics
The issues in implementing an on-site clinic may seem obvious: Finding a service provider; installing an appropriate facility; and addressing employee access during work hours. However, there are less obvious but equally important compliance concerns that arise when an on-site clinic is implemented.
9. Seattle paid leave rule could have nationwide implications
Employers with more than four full-time equivalent employees who have workers in Seattle needed to comply with the citys new Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. The new rules apply not only to Seattle-based workers, but also employees who perform even occasional work there.
8. Blues plan gets nailed for HIPAA security breach. No one is outraged because ?
This story never made national news, but it was a big deal for HR/benefits professionals. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee agreed to pay the agency $1.5 million to settle a potential HIPAA violation the first resulting from a breach under the HITECH Acts breach notification rule.
7. Small firms fear possible stop-loss limit on self-insurance
Before the Supreme Court decided on PPACA, The Obama administration investigated the possibility of imposing limits on stop-loss coverage that could severely undermine the ability of small and midsize businesses to offer self-insured plans.
6. Study: sitting less lengthens life
Busy HR practitioners and wellness program directors took note of new research finding most Americans could live two years longer on average if theyd spend less than three hours a day sitting.
5. Is allowing employees to pump breast milk an undue hardship for an employer?
A February court ruling on a woman fired from her job over a request to pump breast milk spurred debate over what constitutes an undue hardship under PPACA, now that break time and private quarters for nursing is required by law.
4. Prepare for insurance rebate checks under PPACA
EBNs legal contributor details the biggest determiners of whether or not an employer should share a rebate check with employees in light of the health care reform law.
3. Why paying employees to be healthy doesn't work
Youd think paying people cash incentives to lose weight, quit smoking, lower their blood pressure or engage in other healthy behaviors should work. But it doesn't. Or at least, not in the long run.
2. Reading the fine print on the Supreme Court health care ruling
The most significant event in 2012 for the benefits industry was arguably the Supreme Court decision to uphold the bulk of President Obamas health care reform law. Legal experts outlined impending health care reform requirements for plan sponsors on the heels of the landmark court decision.
1. Study uncovers widespread employee disengagement
Towers Watson revealed in a workforce study that "63%" of U.S. employees are not fully engaged in their work and struggling to cope when sufficient support is not provided in a struggling economy.
