Trump Administration Bars Haitians from Obtaining US Low-Skilled Work Visas

The US Department of Homeland Security published a notice in the Federal Register barring Haitians from being issued low skilled work visas. The Notice has an effective date of January 18, 2918.

NJ Governor Murphy signs Executive Order Promoting Equal Pay, Gender Equity

In his first official act after being sworn in, Governor Phil Murphy today signed an executive order combating gender inequality and promoting equal pay for women in New Jersey. He was joined by legislators, officials, activists, and community members all involved in the fight for gender equity and equal pay.

Credibility is Essential Where Superseding Intervening Events Exist - Unpublished Opinion

Credible evidence is essential in the proof of a workers’ compensation case. To prove a case at trial the parties must offer credible evidence to the trier of the facts, especially where there appears to be a laundry list of intervening and superseding events since the time of the accident at work.

CMS to Host Webinar: Commercial Repayment Center Contractor Transition

Commercial Repayment Center Contractor Transition Webinar for Non-Group Health Plans on Thursday, January 18, 2018 

Effective February 8, 2018, a new contractor will assume the responsibility of the Medicare Commercial Repayment Center (CRC) functions.

Subrogation Notice Must Be Timely - Unpublished Decision

A NJ Appellate Court barred a subrogation claim made by an employer against a 3rd party for failure to give timely notice to the injured worker. The notice provisions of the NJ statute were strictly enforced.

An employer may bring a lawsuit, in the name of the injured worker or dependents,  against a wrongful third-party to recover workers’ compensation benefits paid, if the employee fails to bring an action within one year of the date of the accident. 

Adopted New Code of Conduct for NJ Judges of Compensation

A public hearing on the proposed repeals, amendments, and a new rule was held on October 3, 2017, at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, New Jersey. David Fish, Executive Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, was available to preside at the hearing and to receive testimony. There were no attendees at the public hearing and the Department received no written comments. The hearing officer recommended that the Department proceed with the repeals, amendments, and new rule, without change.

2018 May Bring Reduced Lead Exposure in the Workplace

Lead paint exposure and resulting illness in the workplace may be reduced following a Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision this week. The Court mandated that the United States Environmental Protection Agency act upon a rulemaking petition concerning dust-levels and lead-paint standards.