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HR Management

Prepare for HIPAA’s final phase: the security rule

11/01/2004
It’s back … Just when you thought you’d heard the last word about complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the final compliance phase is just around the …

Skeptical of ‘Spouse’ on benefit plan? Ask for proof

11/01/2004

Q. A few of our employees have added their spouses to our health benefits plan. We’ve heard through the grapevine that some of these “couples” aren’t actually married. Can we check on this without being discriminatory? —L.C., Illinois

Enforce ‘truth statement’ on applications

11/01/2004
If your organization’s job application doesn’t include a “statement of accuracy,” add one fast. In signing, applicants promise they’ve given complete and accurate answers. Such statements provide a solid legal basis …

Bilingual bias: Don’t overwork staff who speak multiple languages

11/01/2004
You’re free to assign employees based on their foreign-language ability. For example, you can assign bilingual Spanish-speaking employees to serve customers who
speak Spanish.
But remind managers not to …

Erase ideas of ‘implied contract’ with repeated at-will statements

11/01/2004
Make sure all versions of your company policies, whether in employee handbooks, online policies or even offer letters, contain clear at-will employment statements.
As this ruling shows, you won’t be …

Protecting workers from harassment isn’t a ‘one and done’ deal

11/01/2004
Your best defense against a hostile environment claim is proof that you took quick and effective steps to stop the hostility. But courts won’t look kindly on your efforts if you …

Quiet a legal storm: Close during weather emergencies

11/01/2004
The hurricanes that battered Florida and the Gulf states this summer pushed an HR question to the forefront: Can employers require employees to report to work during an ordered evacuation or …

Tell employees to read each form; don’t summarize

11/01/2004
Issue: The danger of telling employees “Don’t bother reading that; it probably doesn’t apply to you.” Risk: Courts may view your action as a cover-up, sparking …

The new OT rules: You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers

11/01/2004
If you’re like most HR professionals, you’ve been scrambling in recent months to pull your organization in line with the Labor Department’s new rules defining …

‘Creative workplace’ defense won’t beat harassment suit

11/01/2004
Issue: A court ruling said sitcom writers have a “creative necessity” to engage in overtly sexual banter.
Risk: While the TV network was allowed to use this defense in a …