MMC, Inc. HR Tip Volume 1 Issue 9

August 2009

3 Questions You Want Answered 

Written by: Michele O'Donnell, M.S. Human Resources Management

MMC has received a multitude of calls on the following three questions. Since they are relatively common, we are addressing these questions in this month’s HR Tip.

Q: The I-9 form (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) we are using has an expiration date in the upper right hand corner of 6/30/09. I cannot find a newer version of the form. Can I continue to use this form?

A. Yes. However, it is important to note that there are 2 versions of the form with a 6/30/09 expiration date. It is imperative that you use the form with a revision marking of Rev. 02/02/09. This revision number can be found in the lower right hand corner of the form. Failure to use the proper version of the form may result in the assessment of substantial penalties if an audit were conducted by a governmental agency.

[Visit USCIS - Employment Eligibility Verification]


Q. On July 24, 2009 the Federal Minimum Wage increased to $7.25 per hour. What does this mean for me?

A. If your state does not have an established minimum wage and defaults to the Federal Government’s minimum wage, you must ensure that all of your workers are paid at least $7.25 (per hour worked) beginning 7/24/09. If your state has a higher minimum wage than the federal requirement, you are already in compliance.

Please note there may be minimum wage exemptions in Collective Bargaining Agreements for unionized workers. In addition, many states have exceptions to the minimum wage for certain workers and occupations; please follow the link below for more information on state minimum wages.

[Visit U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) - Minimum Wage Laws in the States] 

Q. Is my medical/dental practice subject to the “Red Flags Rule” I have been hearing so much about?

A.  In November 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a set of regulations known as the Red Flags Rule, which requires that certain entities develop and implement identity theft prevention and detection programs to protect consumers from identity theft. 

According to the regulations, only health centers that regularly extend, renew, or continue credit to patients and that offer to maintain covered accounts must comply. This means the determining factor is whether or not a health center allows a patient to defer payments for service, which is extending credit to the patient.

Based on this information, many health centers will be subject to the Red Flags Rule, which becomes effective November 1, 2009. Please see links below for additional information.

[Federal Trade Commission - Fighting Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A How-To Guide for Business]
[American Medical Association - Red Flags Rule]

Please remember the friendly representatives at MMC, Inc. are always available to assist with any of your business concerns. If you have any questions please give us a call (888) 866-2476 or email us at info@mmchr.com

 

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