The New Hampshire House of Representatives has passed H.B. 1166. If voted into law, this legislation would require the state to provide free personal protective equipment to small employers, eliminate cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment, and extend paid time off for leaves due to coronavirus.
The bill would implement more requirements for employers, including making them provide paid time off for COVID-19 testing, offer personal protective equipment in all workplaces that employ 10 or more workers or customers on a regular basis. The bill would also mandate that employers strictly comply with state and federal COVID-19 safety and prevention guidance.
For insurers, the legislation instructs companies to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment for policyholders who are also New Hampshire residents. This is designed to include any out-of-network charges.
Lastly, the bill recognizes the lack of federal worker safety standards and would ask New Hampshire’s labor commissioner to adopt worker safety rules to protect workers from COVID-19, with a deadline of August 1, 2020, and require the state offers personal protective equipment to all employers who request the equipment, providing such equipment for free to employers who employ 15 or fewer workers.
Access the text of the bill here.
The bill would extend unemployment compensation to employers temporarily shut down due to coronavirus, employees who are quarantined by a medical professional or under government direction, and those who leave employment due to a reasonable risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member. The legislation would also extend the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), requiring employers with at least 15 or more workers to offer FMLA leave for COVID-19-related reasons unless the employer can demonstrate economic hardship in offering leave for employees. The current FMLA threshold is 50 workers.
Thanks to our friends at Property Casualty 360 for content in this piece
Recent Posts
IRS Guidance on Nutrition, Wellness, and General Health Expenses
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently highlighted that costs associated with nutrition, wellness, and general health do not typically qualify as reimbursable medical expenses [...]
HSAs Today and Every Day: A Triple Threat Against Rising Healthcare Costs
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and in 2024, rising costs remain a top concern for both employers and employees. Fortunately, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) [...]
April Showers Don’t Cause Accidents (Distracted Driving Does): Stay Safe on the Road This Month (and Every Month)
Spring is here, and with it comes April's designation as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. While the changing seasons and blooming flowers might tempt you to [...]