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'ABC test' is now the law, but it's not a free ticket for independent contractors

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, it will be more difficult for most employers in California to classify workers as independent contractors, rather than employees, and in some cases will make employees out of independent contractors. And although CDA secured an exemption for dentists, employee classification still isn’t clear-cut, and dentists will need to err on the side of caution when classifying their workers.

All California employers will begin paying minimum wage of at least $15.50 in January 2023

California’s minimum wage will rise again in January 2023 – to $15.50 for employers of every size. More than 30 California cities and counties have their own local ordinances that set the minimum wage even higher. The City of Los Angeles's Healthcare Workers Minimum Wage Ordinance does not apply to dental office settings.

California ‘right to recall’ law requires certain employers to rehire laid-off employees

Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 16 signed a bill that requires employers in certain industries statewide to rehire employees who were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental practice owners who hire and employ an individual janitorial staff member to clean their dental office are considered covered employers and must comply with the new obligations. 

California small businesses can apply now for state grant to reimburse costs related to COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

Qualified California small businesses and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs for providing COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022, can apply now for up to $50,000 through the state's relief grant program. 

Classifying workers as independent contractors under law

Employers in California can now visit a single website to help them understand their requirements under a new law that further restricts their ability to classify their workers as independent contractors. Launched late last year by the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, the website provides employer-specific resources and FAQ summarizing AB 5 and the ABC test and more.

Compliance essentials: Hiring and paying temporary employees

Commonly, a dental practice will hire a temporary dental assistant, hygienist or front-office staff to fill in briefly for employee sick days, when the practice’s needs have increased or for an employee’s long-term leave of absence. CDA Practice Support finds that many employers are still puzzled about the requirements when hiring, classifying and properly paying these short-term employees.

Dentists can use CDA's new Practice Health Check to evaluate employment law compliance this winter

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Employee meal and rest breaks, leaves of absence, and other employment matters are the focus during the first quarter of 2023. CDA members are invited to take the Q1Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions.

Dentists required to comply with new information blocking rule granting patients more access to health records

All health care providers, including dentists, will soon be required to comply with a new federal regulation that aims to enhance a patient’s right to access their health information. Under the new rule, patients will have greater and, at times, immediate access to health information.

Employers can now register to help employees save through CalSavers

Eligible employers as of July 1 can now register for CalSavers, the state’s new retirement savings program for private sector workers. Employers are eligible to participate in CalSavers — a Roth IRA (after tax) — if they have five or more employees and do not already offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Employers pay no fees for participating in CalSavers.

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