I recently authored an article for BenefitsPRO examining the status of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation in the states. While benefits professionals have seen the cost of prescription drugs rise, there is a lack of consensus as to what exactly is causing the increase. As PBMs serve as the intermediary between prescription drug manufacturers and insurance or benefit providers to help providers save on prescription drugs, PBMs have found themselves under increased scrutiny and the target of litigation and heightened regulation.
Continue Reading Status of PBM Regulation in the StatesFederal Judge Strikes Down Increased FLSA Salary Basis Threshold
A federal judge in Texas recently ruled that the Department of Labor (DOL) did not have the authority to increase the salary basis threshold for the so-called “white-collar” exemptions from overtime. This ruling means that the new rule has been vacated nationwide, will not go into effect, and the previous increase has been rescinded.
Continue Reading Federal Judge Strikes Down Increased FLSA Salary Basis ThresholdNLRB Releases Two Major Decisions Less Than a Week Apart
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) recently issued two rulings that caused a seismic shift in what is permissible employer conduct during a union organizational campaign. While there is uncertainty about the longevity of these rulings with an incoming change in administration, employers are required to comply with the new precedents for the time being.
Continue Reading NLRB Releases Two Major Decisions Less Than a Week ApartUse of AI in Human Resources
We recently authored an article for HR.com’s HR Legal & Compliance Excellence magazine examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources and considerations employers should watch for when adopting AI technology.
Continue Reading Use of AI in Human ResourcesWhy Employee Handbooks Still Matter and Where They Can Go Wrong
Employee handbooks might seem like routine HR paperwork, but they continue to play a critical role in protecting employers if they’re done right.
Continue Reading Why Employee Handbooks Still Matter and Where They Can Go WrongLegal Risks Associated with Employee Handbooks
I recently discussed the use of employee handbooks and provided insight on how employers can avoid legal risks.
Continue Reading Legal Risks Associated with Employee HandbooksInsight for Law360 on Rideshare Wage Actions
I was quoted in an article on Law360 Employment Authority examining state attorneys general lawsuits against rideshare companies Uber and Lyft regarding worker classifications. The story follows the one-year anniversary of a $328 million settlement reached with both companies in New York.
Continue Reading Insight for Law360 on Rideshare Wage ActionsWebinar | Recent Legal Developments and Post-Election Insights for Employers
Join us for a webinar where we will address important employment law developments, discuss current challenges for employers, and provide insight into potential changes impacting employers following the upcoming election.
Continue Reading Webinar | Recent Legal Developments and Post-Election Insights for EmployersFalse Claims Act Application in Nevada Worker Classification Fight Against Lyft
I provided insight for a Bloomberg Law article on the False Claims Act allegations brought against Lyft in a worker classification suit. A recent Nevada lawsuit claims Lyft misclassified drivers as independent contractors and defrauded the government. The lawsuit claims Lyft’s actions violate Nevada’s False Claims Act, similar to the federal law in which it must be proven that individuals or companies “knowingly” intended to avoid paying the government.
2024 ERISA Welfare Plan Automatic Participant Disclosures Checklist
We recognize that many companies sponsor ERISA welfare benefit plans and will soon be undergoing their open enrollment process and issuing related participant communications. To assist with that process, we have prepared an Automatic Participant Disclosures Checklist for use during open enrollment and throughout the plan year. Note that some of these disclosures may be delivered electronically under certain circumstances.
If you have questions regarding the information in this checklist or would like additional information regarding the electronic delivery of notices, please contact any of the attorneys in our Employee Benefits Practice Group.