Major Laws Related to Human Resource Management

Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) (1970)

establishes mandatory safety & health standards in organizations

Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (2010)

imposes a fee on firms with 50 or more employees if the government subsidizes their employees' health care coverage prevents insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions or charging women more than men

Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA)(1996)

allows employees to switch health insurance plans when changing jobs & get the new coverage regardless of preexisting health conditions prohibits group plans from dropping a sick employee

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (1963)

prohibits age discrimination in employment & restricts mandatory retirement

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals by employers on the basis of disability and demands that "reasonable accommodations" be provided for the disabled to allow performance of duties

Vocational Rehabilitation Act (1973)

prohibits discrimination based on physical or mental disability & requires that employees be informed about affirmative action plans

Civil Rights Title VII

prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, or national origin

Equal Pay Act (1963)

prohibits sex differences in pay for substantially equal work

Civil Rights Act (1991)

provides for possible compensatory & punitive damages, plus traditional back pay, for cases of international discrimination brought under the Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. shifts the burden of proof to the employer

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) (1985)

requires continued health insurance coverage (paid by employee) following termination

Family Medical Leave Act (1993)

requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for childbirth, adoption, or family emergencies