Law and regulation

The federal government has issued new guidance to clear confusion about when an HRA is considered integrated with a group health plan, which could have major implications for employers.

A congressional committee attempts last-minute bid to block the plan, but President Obama would surely veto any legislation.

The Commission has no business pursuing a lawsuit involving a health risk assessment that is part of a group health plan under the ADA’s safe harbor.

Retirement advisers should be ‘proactively preparing’ for the impending regulatory changes.

Businesses that share employees or use contractors may become legally responsible for wage and hour violations committed by another employer. Employers that utilize alternative employment arrangements need to be mindful of these rules to avoid facing liability for another entity’s mistakes.

While employers are applauding the recent Flambeau wellness program court decision, they still need to be mindful of how the EEOC views ‘gateway’ HRAs.

Pending and forthcoming legislation in Washington, D.C., promises to impact the benefit industry and employers in several ways, so it’s good to have friends on the Hill. Here are 10 broker-friendly legislators who have sponsored/cosponsored important legislation, belong to congressional caucuses that support the industry, and/or have personal experience with the industry, including serving as a benefit adviser.

Commentary: It can be difficult for employers to create uniform employment policies across state lines due to constant changes at the federal, state and local level.

The DOL’s comment period on its proposed new rules governing overtime exemptions closed Sept. 4. Here’s what employers need to know.

Commentary: This time of year, employers will see an increase in requests for time off, and they need to be mindful of the legal protection for employees who seek leave to attend to their children’s school-related activities.

Under USERRA, employees that are called up for Reserves or National Guard duty are considered a protected class, and can’t be discriminated against based upon their military service or obligation.

Commentary: The narrowness of the ruling should not raise expectations that the NLRB will be shy about exercising jurisdiction in other cases or advancing a pro-labor agenda, as it has repeatedly done over the past several years.

On June 10, 2015, the New York City Council approved a new law prohibiting public and private sector employers from inquiring about a job applicant's criminal record history before making a conditional offer of employment. The new law, dubbed the "Fair Chance Act," adds New York City to a growing list of state and local jurisdictions with bans against employers' inquiries into prospective employees' arrest and conviction records.

Regulators at the Securities and Exchange Commission want publicly traded companies to make it easier to determine that top executives’ compensations are aligned with the company’s financial performance.

Recent guidance from the National Labor Relations Board includes details about the types of employer policies and rules likely to be considered to unlawfully interfere with employees’ rights.

There are several important aspects of Obama's immigration Executive Order that potentially can impact employers in a wide range of industries.

Good recordkeeping is important to avoid paying for benefits for ineligible recipients.

Senator says accountability, transparency issues warrant move out of HHS.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a notice that provides some relief this tax season from tax penalties for taxpayers who find out when they file their taxes that they received an overpayment of premium tax credits for buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

While there are still some areas that could benefit from additional guidance, the agencies provide some much needed clarity in the issues that are addressed.