Benefit News

HHS makes HIPAA enforcement uniform

In a final rule that takes effect March 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will start applying a uniform regulation to enforce all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, not just the privacy rule. To read the full story click here.

Employment Practices

Crackdown on ‘shadow economy’ rattles employers

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff rattled the employer community when he announced a tough new zero-tolerance policy toward employers that harbor illegal aliens in the workplace. To find out who is at risk click here.


Springtime is a good time for Dress Policy Reminder

The arrival of spring means it is time to put away those wool pants, boots and other “wintry” clothes. It may also be a great time to remind employees about work place dress standards and re-state what it acceptable attire. Click here for more information.

Talent Management

Interview Questions, Part One of Five

Finding the right candidate is a difficult process. An employer can greatly reduce the likelihood of hiring the wrong candidate just by asking the right interview questions. Click here for a sample of questions one might ask to understand an individual’s integrity/honesty or trustworthiness.

Legislative News

New Hampshire: Law Mandates Midwife Benefits

To ensure that all insurance carriers operating within New Hampshire are providing midwife benefits, the New Hampshire legislators recently signed SB 175 into law. To find out more about NH SB 175 click here.


New Hampshire: Senate clarifies definition of employee

On March 22, 2006, the New Hampshire Senate passed Senate Bill 267, which establishes a uniform definition of “employee” and clarifies the criteria for exempting a worker from employee status. Click here for more details.


Q&A Corner

Question: What is “constructive discharge” and how can we avoid it?
Click here for the answer.