Employees who take off work for military duty may be entitled to paid leave from their employers, according to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. The Feb. 3, 2021, opinion in White v. United Airlines, Inc. held that the Uniformed Services Employee and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) requires employers to provide paid military leave to the same extent they provide paid leave for other absences, such as jury duty and sick leave. The opinion is the first circuit court ruling on the issue.
IRS Updates FAQs on Employer Tax Credits for FFCRA Leave
On Jan. 29, 2021, the IRS updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on tax credits available to employers for providing paid employee leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). While the leave requirements of the FFCRA expired on Dec. 31, 2020, the law’s tax credits were extended for employers that voluntarily provide FFCRA leave to employees through March 31, 2021. The FAQ updates address this extension.
2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters Partially Finalized
DOL to Accept Telemedicine as In-person Visit
On Dec. 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-8 to provide enforcement guidance regarding the use of telemedicine when establishing a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Final Rule Provides Greater Flexibility for Grandfathered Plans
On Dec. 11, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury (Departments) announced a final rule that provides greater flexibility for grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).