Health Care Workers Are at a Heightened COVID Risk - Updated 5/5/2020

A report published today by the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] highlights the increased risk of health care workers who are working so diligently on the frontlines in the effort to battle the COVID pandemic.

OSHA Steps Backwards on COVID-19 Occupational Exposures

On Friday, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration [OSHA] announced a policy minimizing occupational exposure to COVID-19 exposures and disease in the workplace. The policy contradicts the nationals patchwork of state Workers’ Compensation Acts that have statutorily included occupational exposure to infectious disease as a work-related and compensable illness.

NY State Bar Seeks Lawyers for Pro Bono COVID-19 Assistance Program

The NewYork State Bar Association in partnership with the New York State Court System, is seeking to lawyers for a pro bono COVID-19 assistance program to help New Yorkers who are struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need of legal assistance.

HHS Relaxes HIPAA Rules During COVID Pandemic

The US Department of Health and Human Services has published a “Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency,” that eases the enforcement of medical record privacy. As workers’ compensation providers increasingly employ electronic communication with their patients, these rules will have a major impact on how medical care is provided.

NJ Workers’ Compensation and the New Virtual Reality

The COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly changed how hearings will conducted before the NJ Division of Workers Compensation [Division]. In light of State of Emergency Orders announced by NJ Gov. Pat Murphy that mandate social distancing and restricted travel, the DIvision has embarked upon limited virtual hearings.

NJ Law Expands Employee Benefits During the COVID Pandemic

NJ Governor Pat Murphy has signed into law new
Legislation that expands employee benefits during the
COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ Labor Department Urges Businesses to Keep Employees on the Payroll through COVID-19

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is urging employers to keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to take advantage of a 100 percent, dollar for dollar, payroll tax credit provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).