HOT TAKES. ONE PLACE.

There's a LOT to know about insurance. So, whether you've got a specific question or just want the 411 on what we do, click around on the articles below.

Laptop and glasses
 
Compliance Megan Henderson Compliance Megan Henderson

FMCSA Medical Examiners Must Now Recertify Every 10 Years

On Jan. 11, 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice of implementation of medical examiner refresher training and recertification every 10 years. The regulation is required for all eligible medical examiners certified and listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry).

Read More
Employee Benefits Megan Henderson Employee Benefits Megan Henderson

Employer Takeaways From the Speak Out Act

On Nov. 16, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Speak Out Act, prohibiting courts from enforcing nondisclosure and nondisparagement clauses between employers and their employees and independent contractors that were in place before sexual harassment and assault disputes. The U.S. Senate signed the bill on Sept. 29, 2022.

Read More
Compliance Megan Henderson Compliance Megan Henderson

FMCSA Ends All Active Coronavirus Trucking Exemptions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has allowed all COVID- 19 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) emergency declarations to expire on Oct. 15, 2022. These exemptions provided CMV drivers compliance flexibility for certain sections of Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), including hours of service requirements, vehicle inspection obligations and driver qualification rules.

Read More
Personal Lines Megan Henderson Personal Lines Megan Henderson

Biden Issues Pardon for Simple Marijuana Possession Offenses

President Joe Biden recently issued a presidential proclamation that pardons federal convictions of simple marijuana possession offenses. The proclamation applies only to federal convictions, including District of Columbia code violations; it does not apply to convictions under state or local law. In a statement, the president also called upon governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses.

Read More
Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson

What Employers Should Know About E-Verify

Federal law requires employers to only hire individuals who may legally work in the United States—either U.S. citizens or authorized foreign nationals. To comply with the law, employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of each individual they hire by completing and retaining the Employment Eligibility Verification document (Form I-9). Despite employers’ best efforts, compliance with federal law can be difficult.

Read More
Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson

DOT Issues Notice of Changes to Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules

On Aug. 5, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published an advance notice of proposed rule-making (ANPRM) on workplace drug and alcohol testing requirements. Specifically, the DOT is requesting public comments on how its regulations for conducting such testing within the transportation industry could be amended to allow electronic signatures on required documents, permit the use of electronic forms and authorize digital data storage.

Read More
Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson Compliance, Employee Benefits Megan Henderson

Court Invalidates No Surprises Act Dispute Resolution Rules for Air Ambulance Services

On July 26, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas struck down part of an interim final rule related to the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process under the No Surprises Act (NSA), which was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).

Read More
Compliance, Employee Benefits, Personal Lines Megan Henderson Compliance, Employee Benefits, Personal Lines Megan Henderson

CDC Ends COVID-19 Social Distancing and Quarantine Recommendations, Eases Testing Guidance

On Aug. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new COVID-19 community guidance that ends or eases several key recommendations, including social distancing and quarantine. This change shows how much has changed since the pandemic began more than two years ago. The agency stated that nearly the entire U.S. population has some COVID-19 immunity through vaccination, previous infection or both.

Read More