12 high-impact fed rules that will affect HR this year

HR Morning
January 7, 2010 by Jim Giuliano
Posted in: Employment law, Special Report

More Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) changes. Yes, your firm just had to account for new changes to the FMLA when it comes to military personnel. But the Feds aren’t done yet – they’ve vowed to review both those changes and the FMLA overhaul from Jan. ’09. No timetable yet.
Changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This major (and costly to comply-with) rule isn’t immune from new scrutiny, either. Expect to make changes in HIPAA provisions covering: access, portability and renewability. Expect it: September 2010.
Updated recordkeeping regs for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Plan on having to keep more thorough records in how you pay your people – you guessed it – in the name of “greater transparency.” No timetable yet.
An increase in wage-hour audits. Be sure your entire payroll papertrail is in order. DOL just hired 250 new investigators to enforce wage-hour laws. Expect it: Early 2010.
A spotlight on foreign workers. Firms that use workers with H-2B visas can expect more scrutiny – the Employment and Training Administration is proposing rules regarding labor certification for these folks. Expect it: after a February rule on agricultural workers.
A new definition of “temporary” workers. Along the same lines, the DOL wants to ensure people who are hired as temporary actually are. No timetable yet.
Greater accountability on affirmative action. Current regs will be revised to ensure your company complies with affirmative action reqs, particularly as it concerns veterans. Expect it: November 2010.

Full List of Rules: http://www.hrmorning.com/12-high-impact-fed-rules-that-will-affect-hr-this-year/