U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.  The final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals can be found HERE.

Air Ambulance Billing Issues Appealed to US Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court  (SCOTUS) is being asked to review the pre-emption issue involving  air ambulance billing charges. A Petition for Certiorari was filed by PHI Air Medical, LLC following the denial of the Texas Supreme Court to honor the full air ambulance billing changes in a workers’ compensation claim.

Former Head of OSHA to Join Biden-Harris Transition Team

Workforce health continues to be focus of concern by the Biden-Harris Transition team. President-elect Joe Biden announced new members of the Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. 

Survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae

A recent study concludes that survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae. This reports reflects the potential for an increased surge of workers’ compensation claims attributed to exposure to coronavirus in the workplace.

Talc-Based Cosmetics Test Positive for Asbestos

Laboratory tests of talc-based cosmetics products, commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, found asbestos – a deadly human carcinogen for which there is no safe level of exposure – in almost 15 percent of samples. 

CDC Likely to Allocate COVID-19 Vaccine to Essential Workers Ahead of Seniors

Who gets the COVID-19 vaccine first was the subject of a meeting this week of the Centers for Disease Control’s [CDC] Advisory Committees on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. While a final determination has yet been made, it appears that the initial vaccine allocation will prioritize essential workers.

ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Meatpacking Plant for Treacherous COVID-19 Conditions

While the workers’ compensation system was established to shield employers from civil actions, in certain circumstances employers may still bring a cause of action directly against the employer. Essential workers in Nebraska have sued their employer for operating a meatpacking plant under conditions that were unsafe during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case highlights the need for employers to formulate worker safety protocols during the COVID-19 Pandemic.