As part of the May 2016 Regulations and OSHA's Interpretation, OSHA specifically requires that employers implement reasonable procedures for employees to follow when reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.  An employer's reporting procedure is reasonable if it (1) is not unduly burdensome; and (2) would not deter a reasonable employee from reporting.  The Anti-Retaliation Regulations also now prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report work-related injuries or illnesses, and allow OSHA inspectors to cite an employer for a violation.  Read more. 

In November, OSHA released a new Small Entity Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction. Earlier in March, OSHA issued a final rule lowering the permissible exposure limit to 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air during an eight-hour period for all industries.

The new OSHA guide is divided into sections that correspond to the major provisions (paragraphs) of the silica standard for construction.   Read more.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has extended the effective date of its model  Employer CHIP Notice,  General Notice of COBRA Rights, and  COBRA Election Notice through December 31, 2016. Previously, these model notices were set to expire on November 30, 2016.  

These model notices are the most current versions provided by the DOL. For the latest guidance regarding these notices, please visit the DOL's  Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act and  COBRA Continuation Coverage webpages.

The ACA offers subsidies to reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs in an effort to expand access to affordable health insurance for moderate and low-income people - particularly those without access to affordable coverage through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare.  There are two types of subsidies available to marketplace enrollees. The first type of assistance, called the premium tax credit, works to reduce enrollees' monthly payments for insurance coverage. The second type of financial assistance, the cost-sharing subsidy, is designed to minimize enrollees' out-of-pocket costs when they go to the doctor or have a hospital stay. Read more.