Quote of the day
“We understand that you’re trying to fight federally sanctioned air pirates. But … it seems like your fight is with Congress.”
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles
Questions employers can ask employees during pandemic
COVID-19 has changed the way workplaces operate perhaps forever, which makes reopening for many businesses challenging. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued updated guidance intended to help businesses. For example, under the guidance, it’s lawful to ask employees about symptoms associated with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Newsday
High court mulling if state can police medical bills from ‘air pirates’
Massive bills for air ambulance rides are common. The Kansas Supreme Court has yet to rule in a case involving an insurer who balked at the cost of air ambulance bills and offered significantly lower payouts based on Medicare rates. Hays Post
Oregon governor directs $30M to protect farmworkers, secure food supply chain
Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday a $30 million investment to secure Oregon’s food supply chain and protect essential agricultural workers by mitigating the spread of COVID-19. KTVZ (Bend, Ore.)
Arizona: State must find funds for boosted support for firefighters with cancer
Arizona cities must brace for more workers’ compensation payouts if and when a bill passes in the state House of Representatives that ensures listed cancers contracted by firefighters must automatically be covered under cities’ workers’ comp policies. Glendale Independent
Michigan Chamber urges caution on mandating workers’ comp coverage for COVID-19
Recently, there have been calls to mandate workers’ compensation insurance to cover all COVID-19 claims, regardless of whether employees contracted the illness in the workplace or not. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is urging caution on such changes. Detroit News