California Senate Bill Might Double WC Permanent Disability Benefits

A California Senate Bill (SB 773) introduced by Senators Florez and Steinberg could potentially double California workers’ compensation permanent disability benefits.  A large coalition of various groups is writing letters opposing this bill. 

HHS and FTC Respond to ARRA’s Security Breach Requirements

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, commonly known as the “Economic Stimulus Package”) required both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the problem of securing an individual’s private health information from security breaches.  On April 17 HHS responded by issuing guidance on this subject and on April 20 the FTC responded by issuing proposed regulations. 

Act by May 28 to Submit Employer Comments on Mental Health Parity

Employers still have an opportunity to shape the finer details of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), which amended the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA).