Articles by Editorial Staff

On February 18th, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the launch of a modern open data portal. Specifically, according to the DOL, the data portal makes information more transparent. The data portal itself is also an efficient way for users to access data on the American workforce.

On February 13th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a new program involving substance use disorder information. Specifically, the program implements and enforces statutory and regulatory requirements that protect the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records.

As February begins to wind down, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) wants to remind employers of their obligations regarding workplace injury and illness reporting. Specifically, many employers must submit workplace injury and illness information electronically by March 2nd, 2026.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the launch of a voluntary, self-guided initiative on workplace safety programs. The new OSHA framework outlines several core practices employers should incorporate into their workplace safety and health plans.

Starting next week, on February 16th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is requiring all health plans and most health care providers to update their Notices of Privacy Practices (NPPs). Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is also reminding employers of the upcoming deadline.

On January 23rd, 2026, the Department of the Treasury (DOT) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Specifically, Fact Sheet 2026-01 addresses the new deduction for qualified overtime compensation under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB).

Last week, the Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced the launch of several compliance assistance tools. Specifically, these resources were designed to promote greater compliance with federal labor laws.

On January 22, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind the 2024 enforcement guidance on harassment. In summary, “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace” explained the legal standards and employer liability applicable to harassment claims.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced that it recovered the highest amount of back wages for employees in fiscal year 2025. In fact, the total is the highest amount of money recovered since 2019.

On January 14th, 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held its first public meeting in months and discussed, among other things, internal voting procedures. Notably, this was the first meeting since the EEOC reached quorum on October 27th, 2025.