Tag: COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID Vaccines: When is Employee’s Vaccination Status HIPAA-protected?

Whether an employee’s COVID-19 vaccination status is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has been (or should be) on the minds of all HR personnel as of late. That’s especially true as we await the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) impending rule that will likely require employers with 100 or more employees […]

13 Questions and Answers About OSHA’s New COVID-19 Vaccination Standard

Here is the skinny on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) much-anticipated emergency temporary standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccinations for large employers. Released on November 4, the policy requirements take effect December 5 and must be fully implemented by January 4, 2022. What Large Employers Need to Know Who is covered? The ETS covers all […]

Employers Ponder Next Steps as They Pore Over OSHA Vax Rule

The long-awaited rule requiring some 84 million U.S. workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 provides employers with many answers, but the rule’s future remains clouded as litigation looms. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) was released November 4, nearly two months after President Joe Biden announced the administration’s intention […]

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Maine’s Vaccine Mandate

On Tuesday, October 19, the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals denied unvaccinated healthcare workers’ request for an injunction to delay Maine’s healthcare provider vaccine mandate. On the same day, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the same request. The Supreme Court left the door open for the workers to file a new application for an […]

vaccine

What to do When Employees Claim Religious Exemption From Vaccine Mandates

Although most employers were hesitant to implement vaccine mandates after the initial rollout of the COVID-19 shots, the still-surging pandemic (driven by the highly contagious delta variant) has caused many companies to rethink their position. Exemptions may be available, however, to those who can demonstrate a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief barring them […]

travel

Employee Attitudes on the Return to Business Travel

Not so long ago, business travel was a key component of the work lives of countless employees who experienced the familiar ritual of Monday morning and Thursday evening flights and continental breakfasts at major hotel chains. The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, had grounded the vast majority of business travel to a halt. But, now that […]

Thinking of Requiring COVID-19 Shots? What Employers Need to Know

The list of employers and government agencies requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is growing, and such requirements are generally legal under federal law. But employers need to be clear about when exceptions must be made and how state laws can add a wrinkle to their vaccination policies.

You Haven’t Changed a Bit!

As fully vaccinated late baby boomers, my wife and I have begun slowly widening our circles and reengaging in social activities. During trips to local restaurants, we’ve heard the phrase “you haven’t changed a bit” from acquaintances we haven’t seen for at least 15 months. While this phrase is a polite lie we tell each […]