In a purported effort to increase vaccinations, the Biden Administration just announced its plan to have OSHA issue an Emergency Temporary Standard requiring employers with one hundred or more employees to ensure their employees are either fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. The Emergency Temporary Standard will also require mandatory vaccinations for: 1) federal employees; 2) employees of federal contractors; and 3) employees at healthcare facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid. The Emergency Temporary Standard will impact approximately 100 million American workers.
Since the announcement was made today, and not many details were provided, applicable employers will have some time—possibly a few months—to process and comply with the new requirements. Additionally, while the rule making process is taking place, there will be no shortage of legal challenges to the planned rule. Moving forward, we will keep you advised as to any and all updates on this issue.