SimplyHR | Employment & Labor Blog 

On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the final rule updating the regulations defining and limiting “white collar” overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These rules apply to workers who fall under the executive, administrative, or professional exemptions from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections. The rule will go into effect December 1, 2016, giving employers over six months to adjust.

On May 16, 2016 the EEOC issued final rules amending the regulations and interpretive guidance implementing Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) with respect to employer wellness programs. These changes clarify that employers may use incentives to encourage participation in wellness programs that include disability-related inquiries and/or medical examinations as long as the programs are voluntary and the incentives do not exceed certain limits. Additionally, the rules confirm that employers may provide incentives when employees’ spouses—but not children—provide certain health information.

It is no secret that the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to release the final rules related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) soon — possibly sometime this month. The rules, which could make millions of more employees eligible for overtime, may also make compliance more difficult for employers and business leaders in their classification of employees.