200: Understanding the New EEOC Proposed Law with Barbara Zabawa, Owner of the Center for Health and Wellness Law, LLC

Redesigning Wellness Podcast

In a meeting on June 11th, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to move forward with a new initiative of proposed laws pertaining to wellness programs. The unofficial transcript of the meeting has many wellness professionals concerned that employee wellbeing is not at the forefront of the proposal. Today’s guest, Barbara Zabawa, owner of the Center for Health and Wellness Law, LLC, returns to dissect and explain the new proposal and what it might mean to employers.

Barbara is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Health Sciences, Department of Health Services Administration in addition to owning a law firm dedicated to improving legal access and compliance for the health and wellness industries. She is an acclaimed author and speaker on health and wellness law topics, lending her expertise to notable wellness powerhouses such as WELCOA, the National Wellness Institute, and HERO.

In this episode, Barabara breaks down the construct of the hearing and the new proposed laws. She explains the meaning of the term “de minimis” used in the document and what kinds of incentives are allowed under the new proposal, as well as the privacy and confidentiality guidelines (or lack thereof) that it suggests. Lastly, Barbara discusses the process of submitting comments on the new proposal once it is made public, and the power of numbers in amplifying different voices.

This episode is sponsored by University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management, offering online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in wellness management. You can visit hwm.wisconsin.edu for more information.

Graduates of the program have launched successful wellness careers with healthcare systems, wellness program vendors, community agencies, insurance providers, even the military. Here are some really cool things about UW Health and Wellness Management:

• Courses are designed and taught by distinguished faculty from the University of Wisconsin, many of whom actively work in the field.
• UW Health and Wellness Management is also supported by an advisory board, industry experts from corporations such as Children’s Wisconsin, Willis Towers Watson, and the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds, who offer advice on changing trends in health and wellness so that students are learning the most up-to-date methods.
• Students often say the flexible, online format is a big factor in their ability to earn a degree. (Our recent situation is an indication of the advantages of online learning.) Although the program is online, you’ll make strong connections with peers and faculty, just as you would on campus.

UW Health and Wellness Management bachelor’s and master’s degrees provide the skills you need to manage comprehensive employee well-being programs that foster healthier lifestyles and promote the value of staying well.

Turn your passion for wellness into a healthy career with University of Wisconsin Health and Wellness Management. Visit hwm.wisconsin.edu or contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 1-877-895-3276.

For links mentioned in today's episode visit: http://bit.ly/Redesignpod