Posts by Kathryn Lease Simpson
DOL Issues New Salary/Fee Requirements for Exemption from Overtime Employers: Check Your Compensation Schedules
The United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a new salary test regulation for employees in the Executive, Administrative and Professional (“EAP”) classification in order to treat the employee as exempt from payment of overtime. The salary requirement was issued on April 23, 2024, with an effective date of July...
College Athlete’s Name, Image and Likeness Law in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania now joins 12 other states in enacting a law that allows college student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. The law, part of the School Code, was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on June 30, 2021. The name, image and likeness (NIL) law is...
New Salary Threshold For Exempt Employees
Effective January 1, 2020 , the salary level for an employee to qualify for the white-collar exemption of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has been raised from $455 per week to $684 per week ($35,568 per year). To be exempt from overtime under the white-collar exemptions, employees must: be...
Human Relation (HR) Issues
Human Relations (HR) department often encounter legal questions. Attorney Kathryn Lease Simpson discusses the HR issues Mette, Evans & Woodside can assist with.
Employee Handbook Review
As a Pennsylvania business owner, you probably have an employee handbook. Attorney Kathryn Lease Simpson discusses why it is a good idea to review your handbook for any updates or changes.
Avoiding Employment Issues
Attorney Kathryn Lease Simpson discusses how you can avoid employment issues as an employer. The number one way is through prevention.
Married Or Soon To Be?
By: Kathryn Lease Simpson If you are headed down the aisle or have recently taken that trip, marriage may mean more than just a name change or a change of address. Real Estate: Changing deeds of previously owned property to “tenants by the entireties” a category only available to married...
Employee Handbook Mistakes
by Kathryn Simpson As a business owner, you probably have an employee handbook (or manual). It may have been drafted by an attorney or perhaps an employee downloaded a template from the internet and adapted it to your situation. Whatever the source or whenever it was done, now is the...
What Workplace Notices To Employees Are Required?
Some of the statutes and regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) mandate notices be provided to employees and/or posted in the workplace. Posting requirements vary by statute; that is, not all employers are covered by each of the statutes and thus may not be required to post...
Background Investigation of Prospective Executive Hires: a Necessary Evil
By: Kathryn L. Simpson The headlines are everywhere. Every day another occupant of the “C-Suite” in a large company is accused of sexual harassment or physical assault. Many of the instances of harassment may have occurred while the person worked for another employer but the sins come home to roost...
There’s a New I-9 in Town
Starting on September 18, 2017, all employers will be required to have completed a new I-9 Form for every NEW employee. However, you can start using the new form immediately. Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States....
The Defend Trade Secrets Act: Do Your Employment Documents and Policies Comply?
By Kathryn Lease Simpson The Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) was amended on May 11, 2016, effective immediately. The newly amended law contains a whistleblower clause that provides immunity for the disclosure of trade secrets to government officials for the sole purpose of reporting violations of the law. Why...
Protecting Your Electronic Communication Privacy
by Kathryn Simpson Anyone who has had an appointment with a health care provider in the past nine years is familiar with the privacy policies that protect their health information. Federal law requires the protection of this information and provides a sense of security in knowing that your health privacy...
The Patient Protection And Affordable Health Care Act:
Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (PPAHCA) continues. Effective January 1, 2013, there are several financial and revenue raising provisions that become effective that may affect you, personally and as an employer. These include: 1. Itemized Deductions for Medical Expenses Threshold The PPAHCA increases the threshold...