Health care reform guidance now available!

The DOL is stepping up to give employers another piece of guidance on how to comply with the PPACA (that’s government abbreviation for “health care reform” and not to be confused with the “alpaca”).  I know! This is great news! Especially for the 70% of readers who answered our survey “Are you still confused about health care reform?” with “Yes.” Well now that we know you want more, we’ve got your back. And you thought those surveys were useless simply for our entertainment.

This time they’re explaining what to do about providing notice to employees about health insurance coverage options. I forgot that was even a thing!

Click here to read about the DOL’s newest advice column from our partners at Polsinelli.

And if you need a broader resource, click here to check out “Health Reform Law 101” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Arizona – Prom just got a whole lot safer

A new law requires owners of livery vehicles, taxis, and limousines to drug test and background check all potential drivers. Also, current drivers are required to undergo random drug testing. The law is expected to go into effect later this year, making the state of Arizona a safer place to drive in, or to be driven in? Or both? Definitely both.

To read more about the new law, click here.

New York – Your suggested daily serving of labor law updates

I don’t know how you guys like your coffee, but personally I take mine with a side of employment law. If you are like me, then I have the perfect conference for you. On June 20th our partners at Jackson Lewis are hosting the “Melville 25th Anniversary Breakfast Series – Disability Management: Take Two Asprin and Call Human Resources in the Morning.” If the conference is half as fun as that title is, then I am sure you are in for a treat!

Click here for more information and to register.

Swearing at work? Heck no!

I have the worst (insert cuss word here) news ever: swearing in the workplace is on its way out. Every year employers are sued for harassment because they threw curse words around the office. While these cases are often thrown out, employers are starting to institute polices outlawing profanity. I guess the days of Don Draper are far behind us. Click here to check out our partners at Fisher and Phillips’s look into this very important issue, and excuse me while I erase some emails.

LinkedIn lockdown

Be honest, most of you got into HR because you like telling people what to do and what not to do. Well, I’m about to ruin your day by saying this but, you can’t tell your employees what to do with their LinkedIn profiles. In a recent article Inc.com warns that telling your employees what they can and can’t say on their profiles violates their NLRA rights. And you wouldn’t want to violate someone’s NLRA rights now would you? I thought not.

For more information, click here.

Virginia – Attention all stalkers: STOP!

A little while ago we told you about a new law that makes it illegal for employers to give out their employees’ personal information. If you completely ignored us at the time, we understand, it hurts, but we understand. Now is the time to listen up because this law goes into effect on July 1st. To recap the new law says employers can’t disclose a current or past employees’ phone number, email address, shift times, or work schedule to any third party. The law seems unclear as to whether you can discuss their current celebrity crush or what their favorite pizza toppings are, so use your best judgment there. If you are curious about mine, it is: Ryan Gosling and green peppers.

To read more about the new law, click here.

Interns invade

Interns are kind of like guinea pigs, you really wanted one, but now that you have one you don’t know what the heck to do with it. The Harvard Business Review has some tips for what to do with your precious interns now that they are here, and no, “put them in a giant plastic ball and let them roll around the room” didn’t make the list. Here is a preview:

• Have them make a wish-list.
• Take them to lunch.
• Let them speak up.

The intern life seems pretty sweet. And, unlike guinea pigs, interns actually serve a purpose. Plus you don’t have to clean their cage nearly as often. To read the rest of the list click here. To check out some clothes for guinea pigs, click here. I am not kidding, that site really exists.