HOT NEWS

Medicare scams are on the rise.  While this might not be an issue affecting you, it likely affects someone you know, possibly a parent or grandparent.  This information is valuable to be aware of and share with those you know and care about. 

On Wednesday, April 18^th, the FMCSA announced it is establishing a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and will require medical professionals who perform driver examinations to be trained, tested and certified on specific physical qualifications that can affect a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.  [A long awaited move!]

RENEE KUHS
Compliance Attorney

On April 17, 2012, yet another delay was made to the NLRB’s deadline for employers to comply with new NLRB posting requirements.

Recently the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced new changes to the Safety Measurement System which are now available for preview by motor carriers. The SMS preview began on March 27th, 2012 and runs through late June 2012.

Claim costs are on the rise, especially in workers compensation.  Work comp claims have steadily grown, nearly tripling in the past 20 years.  This is mostly due to an increase in medical expenses.

The following is a partial list compiled from the FDA’s online list of recent recalls. See complete listings at www.recalls.gov. 

The first legal challenge to the FMCSA Hours of Service final rule was filed yesterday.  On February 14, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) filed a petition with the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia asking the court to review the recently published rule. (See our recent blog on the topic for a breakdown of what's in the HOS final rule.)  

Recent NLRB regulations require that employers comply with new posting requirements.  The notice describes employees’ rights and must be displayed in a conspicuous place, where other notifications of workplace rights and employer rules are posted.  Posters must be 11” x 7” in size.  Employers should also publish a link to the notice on an internal or external website if other personnel policies or workplace notices are made available there. 

DON JERRELL
Associate Vice President

FMCSA has recently eased its stance on the push-to-talk (PTT) function on mobile telephones. They are allowing cell phones with the push-to-talk (PTT) function if: 

They’re changing the game in Lansing.