On Thursday, September 9, 2021, President Biden announced a new plan to
combat Covid-19. It mandates the Covid-19 vaccine for a select group of
employers/employees, but the specific rules are forthcoming. Here’s the
breakdown:
Employers with 100+ employees
The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) will announce a rule that will require all employers with 100 or more employees to
vaccinate their workforce, or require any unvaccinated employees to produce a negative
Covid-19 test once a week.
OSHA will create a separate rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to
provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated or to recover if they suffer from vaccine
side effects.
Healthcare Workers
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will require the vaccine for workers
in most healthcare facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, including:
hospitals, ambulatory surgical settings, dialysis centers, nursing homes, and home health
agencies.
Federal Contractors
All federal contractors seeking to do business with the federal government must fully
vaccinate their workforce.
Schools
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will require all teachers and staff
in Head Start Programs, Department of Defense schools, and Bureau of Indian Education-
operation schools be vaccinated.
President Biden is also calling on each state to adopt vaccine requirements for all school
employees.
Large Gatherings
In his plan, President Biden is calling on entertainment venues (i.e., sports arenas, large concert halls) to require patrons be vaccinated or show a negative Covid-19 test in order to enter.
Although these rules are forthcoming, employers should start preparing now.
Although these rules are forthcoming, employers should start preparing now. For
assistance, contact Nicole Gardner, Heather Skelton, or Erin Ball.