"These updated amounts for 2024 apply for penalties assessed on or after August 8, 2024 for violations that occurred on or after November 2, 2015.... [T]he HIPAA penalty amounts vary based on the penalized entity's level of care, while other penalties apply based on the violation itself, without regard to intent."  MORE >>

"Recent data security research suggests that only 7% of data security decision makers are concerned with breaches due to lost or stolen equipment, even though these account for 17% of breaches. From 2020 through 2023, [OCR] received over 50 large breach reports ... attributable to stolen equipment and devices containing ePHI.... This newsletter provides an overview of important considerations for regulated entities when implementing the Facility Access Controls requirement of the HIPAA Security Rule."  MORE >>

"Family building benefits continue to be top of mind as employers and plan sponsors implement new benefit programs to support family building journeys for their employees. At the same time, there have been a few recent lawsuits challenging health plan eligibility criteria for infertility treatment coverage. This post summarizes the recent litigation and challenges for employers and plan sponsors in this space."  MORE >>

"Core health plan benefits remain important to U.S. employers, with 88% of employers deeming them 'very important' or 'extremely important' ... However, employer offerings have expanded to include telehealth services and a greater emphasis on mental health and wellness -- trends often driven by the workforces of other countries."  MORE >>

"Employers are in a unique position to identify and address mental health issues, including substance use disorders, which are significant risk factors for suicide. ... [R]egional variances in suicide rates are wide and should be built into specific plans and communications. Here are some tips for employers on how to help stem this global suicide crisis."  MORE >>

"We write to request information regarding efforts of [EBSA] ... to address troubling practices of certain group health plan service providers. Recent reports -- including a front-page investigation by The New York Times regarding a company known as MultiPlan -- have drawn attention to practices that negatively impact workers, employers, and health care providers."  MORE >>

"For now at least, state law continues to govern the enforceability of restrictive covenants.... An already-signed non-compete covenant, may be still enforceable, if valid under state law.... [E]mployers should already be reviewing their existing practices on non-compete covenants, as well as their non-solicitation agreements, to confirm that they are narrowly tailored to support a legitimate business interest." [Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission, No. 24-0986 (N.D. Tex. Aug. 20, 2024)]   MORE >>

"[1] Create core values to stand by regardless of location.... [2] Benchmark to understand how far your budget will go ... [3] Know how 'standard' benefits differ from country to country ... [4] Get specialized support when needed "  MORE >>