There are nearly a dozen new and amended employment laws going into effect in California that dentists and dental practices need to know, according to an Oct. 31 news release from the California Dental Association.
Here are 10 notes for dentists:
1. The new and updated laws take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
2. Many of the laws will impact employers of all sizes.
3. Under Senate Bill 1100, California employers cannot require applicants to have a driver's license unless the employer reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions for the position and reasonably believes that satisfying the job function through a different form of transportation would not make sense in terms of travel time or cost to the employer.
4. The California Labor Code is being updated with amendments to existing leave requirements.
5. Employers with more than 25 employees must provide job-protected leave for additional purposes related to qualified acts of violence suffered by the employee or the employee's family member.
6. Employers or organizations who hire independent contractors are subject to new requirements when the contractor's services exceed $250 within 120 days.
7. Employees can receive paid family leave benefits without using up accrued vacation time before receiving benefits through the PFL program.
8. Local agencies will have a more active role in enforcing employment discrimination claims to provide faster resolutions.
9. Employers are prohibited from terminating, discriminating or retaliating against employees who choose not to attend employer-sponsored meetings about religious or political topics.
10. Reproductive loss leave will be subject to the same mediation requirements as bereavement, family care and medical leave.