Assignment: Laws Affecting Healthcare.

Let’s learn about some laws or acts affecting the healthcare industry. 1963: The Equal Pay Act: This was the first law in the United States to address the issue of equal employment. Under this law, all workers, regardless of gender, should be paid equally for performing the same job. 1964: The Civil Rights Act: This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or origin. This act requires employers to provide equal employment opportunities to all workers without any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or origin. 1967: The Age Discrimination Act: This act prohibits discrimination based on age. It requires employers to hire people on the basis of their ability rather than age. 1970: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

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This act establishes issues and enforces national workplace safety regulations. It also helps employers and employees reduce on-the-job injuries, illnesses, and deaths. 1978: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act: This act prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions during employment. 1986: The Immigration Reform and Control Act: This act prohibits an employer from hiring anyone who is not legally authorized to work in the United States. 1986: Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA): This act provides workers— who lose their health benefits—the right to continue their group health benefits under certain circumstances. The act is designed to prevent employees who are between jobs from experiencing a lapse in coverage. 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This act prohibits discrimination based on disability. It also requires an employer to make reasonable accommodations for an employee’s known disability. 1991: Amendment to the Civil Rights Act: This act was amended to provide appropriate remedies for intentional discrimination and unlawful harassment in the workplace. 1993: The Family Medical Leave Act: This act grants temporary leave to employees to maintain a work-life balance under certain circumstances. 1996: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): This law is designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.

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3 Laws Affecting Healthcare

2009: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: This law is an amendment to the Equal Pay Act and protects workers against pay discrimination. It states that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit resets with every new discriminatory paycheck. 2010: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): This act requires individuals, not covered under any insurance plans, to maintain minimum essential health insurance coverage. Note: This is not an exhaustive list.