To help employers plan for the year ahead, Paychex, Inc. (a provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services) recently released a list of the top 10 regulatory issues that employers should be aware of in 2019. The list outlines the current, most impactful laws and regulations, and the anticipated changes … [Read more...] about The top 10 regulatory issues for employers in 2019
Risk management
Compliance officers must establish credibility with consistent, well-documented decision-making
One of the tougher issues a non-lawyer compliance officer faces is a challenge to their decisions and recommendations by other members of the management team. This happens more often when the person is new to the company or the position. In a large proportion of these challenges, the challenger cites a lawyer's comments or an interpretation they saw in a newsletter or on the … [Read more...] about Compliance officers must establish credibility with consistent, well-documented decision-making
Employee handbook compliance 101
An employee handbook is a living, active guide that your medical practice looks to and points to when your employees have questions about their employment. It is also a vital document that backs you up when you are making your management decisions. And most importantly, on the legal side, a properly crafted employee handbook is a litigation-avoidance tool, according to Paul … [Read more...] about Employee handbook compliance 101
Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio "J.J." is a hard-working, talented manager who makes caustic statements when he stresses out. Although he initially offended you when you first started supervising him, you learned not to take his comments to heart. When others come to you upset, you tell them, "That's just J.J. being J.J." Some coworkers even appreciate J.J.'s … [Read more...] about Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your medical office workers get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if your staff members neglect or just plain refuse to be vaccinated? Can you require them to get a flu shot? Bottom Line: Yes, a mandatory flu vaccination policy is legally justifiable … [Read more...] about Can you require your medical office workers to get a flu shot?
Managing political discussions in the workplace
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio During the Justice Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, more than fifty percent of Americans admitted they had taken part in political discussions in the workplace. Many of these discussions ended in conflict, frayed relationships, and tears. With the current high-stakes mid-term election, employers can expect more heated political … [Read more...] about Managing political discussions in the workplace
3 questions to help you handle patient credits
By Ranadene K. Tapio, MBA, CMRS, CMC, Guest Contributor bio How does your office deal with patient credits? More importantly, does your office deal with patient credits at all? Believe it not, not all offices do. There are several reasons why an office wouldn't address patient credits—from just not knowing they should to not knowing how to being short staffed. If … [Read more...] about 3 questions to help you handle patient credits
Six security tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
To help raise awareness in support of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Ivanti recently shared the following top cybersecurity tips and best practices. "October is Cybersecurity Awareness month, and while following security best practices are important every month of the year, it's a good time to remember that we should all take a collective role in organizational security and … [Read more...] about Six security tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Surviving seven types of nightmare personalities
They may do good work but their obnoxious personalities spawn resentment and negativity. Don't hesitate to strike hard at negative staffers, says Blaine M. Loomer, a management consultant and author of the book, "Corporate Bullsh*t: A Survival Guide." Let them carry on and the office can get more unpleasant every day—for both management and staff. He lists the seven most … [Read more...] about Surviving seven types of nightmare personalities
Model Employee Social Networking Policy
Why you need this model policy: This model policy will help you protect your practice from the potential threat posed by employee blogging, tweeting, Instagramming, and other social networking. How this model policy helps you: The key to protecting your practice is by implementing clear and specific policies to establish your right to discipline employees for social … [Read more...] about Model Employee Social Networking Policy