OSHA Issues Final Rule for Handling ACA Retaliation Complaints

OSHA has published a final rule that establishes procedures and time frames for handling whistleblower retaliation complaints under the Affordable Care Act.
The ACA protects employees from retaliation for receiving Marketplace financial assistance when purchasing health insurance through an Exchange.
It also protects employees from retaliation for raising concerns regarding conduct that they believe violates the consumer protections and health insurance reforms found in Title I of the ACA.
This rule also establishes procedures and time frames for hearings before Department of Labor administrative law judges in ACA retaliation cases; review of those decisions by the Department of Labor Administrative Review Board; and judicial review of final decisions.
In 2013, OSHA published an interim final rule and requested public comments. The final rule responds to the comments and updates the rule to clarify the protections for workers who receive financial assistance when they purchase health insurance through an Exchange.
OSHA’s Affordable Care Act fact sheet provides more information regarding who is covered under the ACA’s whistleblower protections, protected activity, types of retaliation, and the process for filing a complaint.