How Biden’s Vaccine Mandate Could Affect U.S. Businesses
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On Friday, September 10, 2021, the Biden Administration announced a vaccination mandate for the U.S. workforce to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who Does it Affect?
This will affect public and private businesses, healthcare, federal agencies, federal contractors, and local government.
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) will be implementing and regulating the rule, as a result, many American businesses will need to require their workers to show proof of vaccination or submit weekly COVID-19 testing going forward to comply with OSHA. Some sectors will have to require proof vaccination without the options for weekly COVID-19 testing.
Business Requirements
The presidential order to the Department of Labor is to require private and public businesses with more than 100 employees to require proof of vaccination or weekly employee testing.
Public & private sector employers will also be required to give paid time off to any employee who is taking leave to get vaccinated.
Federal & Local Government Requirements
All federal agencies, government contractors, and local government will be required to require their employees to show proof of vaccination. They cannot provide the option for weekly testing.
Healthcare Requirements
The vaccination requirements for healthcare workers have been expanded under the new Biden vaccine mandate to include all healthcare facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding.
This includes hospitals, dialysis centers, ambulatory surgical settings, and home health agencies, in addition to elder care facilities that already had a vaccination requirement.
When does it take effect?
According to the official statement from the White House, employees will have 75 days to get vaccinated before consequences will be enforced.
What are the consequences of NOT complying with Biden’s Vaccine Mandate?
According to the executive order, organizations could face a $13,600 fine per violation of this OHSA rule. The employees who fail to comply with new mandates could also face a range of consequences, including termination.
Questions?
Have questions about how Biden’s vaccine mandate could affect your business? Our team of advisory experts are here to help. Contact us today.