It’s been more than six months since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Texas and around the world. In that time, you and your practice staff probably have developed a better understanding of personnel issues, such as family and medical leave, sick leave, and even working from home.
But if you still have questions or concerns about complying with laws impacting personnel, the Texas Medical Association has updated a frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help guide your practice during the pandemic.
The FAQ, originally published in late March, addresses the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), including leave under the FFCRA and tax credits to help offset the cost of providing paid leave, as well as questions about things like reimbursing work-from-home expenses.
The updated FAQ expands on that, including exceptions under the FFCRA and documentation needed to request leave under the FFCRA.
The FAQ also includes new sections on staff returning to work, and infection control methods and safety standards.
Questions answered in those new sections, include:
- What are the criteria for returning to work for health care personnel with confirmed or suspected COVID-19?
- How much information can an employer request from employees who call in sick during a pandemic?
- What should health care employers do to protect staff from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?
- Can employers adopt infection-control practices, such as regular hand washing, and require employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks?
- Can employers require employees to stay home or send employees home if they display symptoms of COVID-19?
You can also find the FAQ on TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center, which is constantly updated with news, resources, and government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak.
Last Updated On
July 30, 2020
Originally Published On
July 30, 2020