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WEBINAR SERIES RECAP | Employment & Labor

Client Alert, Multimedia

BMD Partner and Co-Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Group, Bryan Meek, presented this four-part webinar series.

The Future of Non-Compete Enforcement and Methods for Employer Protection

Originally Aired October 11, 2023

Speakers: Bryan Meek and Amanda Waesch

Non-compete agreements are becoming heavily restricted, and proposed regulations from the federal government further threaten their existence as a tool for employers to protect trade secrets, customer bases, and exclusivity. Learn about the restrictive changes coming for non-competes, how employers can prepare, and other tools that are available to employers to protect business interests.


Employee Misclassification and Discrimination in the Workplace

Originally Aired October 25, 2023

Speaker: Bryan Meek

Terminated employees are increasingly filing for discrimination investigations at state and federal level discrimination agencies. These filings range from gender and race-based discrimination to improper coordination of the interactive process under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, employees are now banding together to bring filings challenging their exemption classifications or classifications as contractors, which lead to class action lawsuits against companies. We discuss the increase in discrimination and wage & hour filings, what employers can do to protect themselves, and what employers should do when they become subject to discrimination and harassment investigations.


Employee Marijuana Use in the Era of Legality

Originally Aired November 8, 2023

Speakers: Bryan Meek and Ashley Watson

Marijuana legalization is taking the country by storm with new states legalizing recreational or medical use of marijuana each year.  Are employers required to allow use of marijuana as a recreational drug outside of work hours? Can employees still be fired if they test positive for marijuana use? Do employers have to allow their employees to use marijuana as prescribed for the treatment of an ailment or disability? Are there added limitations for healthcare workers when it comes to the use of marijuana? Find out the answers to all of your questions regarding the use of marijuana in the workplace.


The New Pregnant Employee Protections in the Workplace

Originally Aired November 15, 2023

Speaker: Bryan Meek

This year, the United States witnessed the biggest changes to pregnant employee discrimination protections since the adoption of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. As a result, pregnant employees and those that are breastfeeding have more significant protections in the workplace than ever before. Get to know the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Pump Act, as well as how to engage with pregnant employees when seeking accommodations.


Friendly Physician Models: The Basics Through 5 Frequently Asked Questions

During the past several years, many health law practices have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of telehealth businesses and private equity backed health care providers. Both of these trends often rely heavily on corporate structures commonly referred to as “friendly physician,” “captive PC” or “MSO” models. Although friendly physician models are used by non-physician health care providers (e.g., physical therapists, psychologists, and dentists), this article focuses on physicians and how the model is used in connection with the provision of professional medical services.

The DOL and EEOC Enter a Partnership to Strengthen Federal Employment Law Enforcement

On September 13, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to work together in enforcing federal employment laws. The MOU forms a partnership between the two agencies to encourage coordination through information sharing, joint investigations, training, and outreach.

Proposed Laboratory Arrangement Draws Heightened Scrutiny from the OIG

On September 25, 2023, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG) issued Advisory Opinion 23-06 (AO). The Opinion involved a proposed arrangement between an independent laboratory and other physician laboratories for the purchase of the technical component of anatomic pathology services. The OIG ultimately concluded that the arrangement at issue, if it was entered into with the requisite intent, would implicate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and constitute grounds for sanctions.

SMALL BUSINESS ALERT: January 1, 2024 - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting

Beginning on January 1, 2024, many small businesses across the United States will have to report personal information about their owners, beneficial owners, and others who own or exercise control over the company. The information will have to be reported to, and maintained by, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) as part of the Beneficial Ownership Information Rule. FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Health Care Inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Healthcare providers, regardless of practice setting, should be aware of the healthcare disparities for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and ways in which they can be more inclusive of these individuals by making modifications to their practices.