Compliance Arena Heats Up in Early 2009

The year is off to a fast start on the compliance front as significant changes in the employment and benefits arena go into effect. Employers should examine current programs, policies and processes to ensure that they reflect the following:

New Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations that clarified several issues surrounding general application of FMLA as well as extensions of FMLA leave benefits for military families through the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which seeks to address persistent issues with the application of the original ADA. The ADAAA expands and clarifies the definition of a covered “disability” as well as tightens the concept of prohibited discrimination. While the new regulations provide more guidance and clarity for both employers and employees, companies might find that the changes make compliance with the ADA more challenging. (Effective on January 1, 2009.) Click here for clarification and commonly asked questions. Read more