Guest Post By NFP Benefit Partners
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) recently launched a new website intended to provide employers with a library of online resources with cost-effective tips and solutions for any industry setting in order to comply with the nursing mothers accommodation requirements under health care reform.
As background, PPACA amended the FLSA to require employers to provide breaks for mothers to express breast milk each time a non-exempt employee has a need to do so. In addition, the employer must provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is private and free from intrusion from co-workers for mothers to express breast milk. Employers with fewer than 50 employees are not required to provide the breaks "if such requirement would impose an undue hardship by causing the employer significant difficulty or expense when considered in relation to the size, financial resources, nature or structure of the employer's business."
This new website provides welcome clarification on this topic, addressing topics such as:
- Employer solutions
- Industry solutions
- Time and space solutions
- FAQs for employers
- Business case for breastfeeding support
- Laws protecting nursing moms
- Support for employers
Finally, the new website includes a sample breastfeeding policy for employers to utilize.