On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a “flexibility policy” that allowed some employers to remotely inspect and retain copies of documents for the Form I-9 process on a temporary basis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. […]
Covid-19 Information Hub
Updated EEOC Guidance on Vaccines, Masks and Incentives
Late last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published FAQs to answer questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, loosened mask restrictions, and offering incentives to employees to be vaccinated. Vaccines, Masks, and Confidential Medical Information: Remember that under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s current guidelines, fully vaccinated […]
IRS Answers Questions About the COBRA Subsidies
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) creates a 100% COBRA premium subsidy for certain “assistance eligible individuals” beginning April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. While the DOL has issued the new model notices which must be used by plan administrators during the subsidy period, a number of […]
New OSHA Guidance Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recently released three new FAQs for employers that have decided to either recommend or require employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Baird Holm previously reported that employers can require employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment, but […]
DOL Issues Much-Anticipated Model Notices for COBRA Premium Subsidies
On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor issued the much-anticipated new model notices in connection with the 100% COBRA premium subsidy created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Employers are required to use the new model notices under the following circumstances: The COBRA election notice – […]