Know the law

HIPAA. The New York Life Group Benefit Solutions Healthy Working Life program is designed to comply with federal privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

ADA. As an employer, it is your responsibility to engage employees in the interactive process for reasonable accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). NYL GBS vocational coaches can’t insert themselves into the interactive process. However, coaches can help to facilitate communication between the employee and the employer.

Employers can also visit EEOC.gov for question-and-answer guides from the EEOC.

FMLA. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) laws explicitly prohibit employers from interfering with an employee’s right to take family medical leave.

Therefore, employees who have requested family medical leave, are currently on intermittent family medical leave for their own health condition, or may be eligible for the program will be referred by their NYL GBS leave manager as needed. The employee’s participation is completely voluntary.

Additional helpful resources:

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) - www.osha.gov
• 2-1-1 National Information Line for Community Resources - www.211.org
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - www.askJAN.org JAN is a service funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). They provide information and consulting on job accommodations; individual rights and employer responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.