Legal Update HeaderOn Aug. 17, 2020, a federal district court granted an injunction blocking a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulation that would have allowed health care and insurance discrimination based on sex stereotyping, gender identity and pregnancy-related conditions.

ACA Section 1557 Regulations

Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), discrimination on the “basis of sex” is prohibited in “any health program or activity” that receives federal funds or is administered by a federal agency.

HR Insights Blog HeaderIn light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many organizations are taking precautions to best ensure the health and safety of their workforce. As return-to-work plans are implemented, employees are also concerned about safety—and are often addressing concerns directly with their employers.

As organizations address new challenges, many are seeking answers regarding what they can, and cannot do in response to common return-to-work concerns. This article serves as a general guide for employers regarding safety and workplace precautions as organizations prepare and implement return-to-work plans, and prepare to address common concerns as employees return to the workplace.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued questions and answers (Q&As) on when federal contractors must include Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis- Bacon Act (DBA) or Executive Order (EO) 13706 fringe benefits—or their monetary equivalent—for workers taking leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

According to the Q&As, federal contractors whose work is covered by the SCA, the DBA or EO 13706 generally do not have to pay the health and welfare fringe benefit rate that those laws and the executive order would normally require when employees take FFCRA paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave.