The medical marijuana program established by New York’s Compassionate Care Act has been implemented.

Effective August 10, 2016, Colorado employers are no longer required to complete and retain the Colorado Affirmation Form, confirming that they have examined whether a new hire is authorized to work in the United States.

In an effort to help our clients and worksite employees understand and prepare for potential health events, Life’s Solutions, our Employee Assistance Program provider, has created an educational brochure that provides information about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of the Zika virus, which is affecting some areas of South Florida.

New Hampshire recently enacted Senate Bill 416, which grants an employee the right to request (1) a flexible work arrangement that meets the needs of the employer and employee and (2) advance notice of his/her work schedule.  It also prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee solely for making a request.

The Virginia state poster has been updated in regards to accident reporting. All injuries or illnesses that result in an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye must be reported to Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSH) within 24 hours. This Virginia law has been effective as of July 1, 2016.

There are several updates to our model handbook.

The Georgia state poster has been updated to reflect changes in the Workers' Compensation Bill of Rights.

The Minnesota state poster has been updated to reflect a change in the state minimum wage.

Voters in the city of San Diego supported a ballot measure that imposes a citywide minimum wage and also requires employers to provide paid sick leave.  The ordinance is now in effect while an implementing ordinance (“IO”) amending the sick leave requirements remains pending. While the IO requires a second read before it is effective, the City Council has set July 11, 2016 as the effective date for employers to comply with the ordinance’s original requirements. This communication summarizes the current ordinance and highlights changes and clarification provided by the IO.