EEOC Issues Final Regulations on Wellness Programs

On May 16, 2016, the EEOC issued two sets of final regulations regarding the compliance of employer-sponsored wellness programs with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ?Ç£ADA?Ç¥) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (?Ç£GINA?Ç¥). The final regulations were generally consistent with the ADA and GINA wellness program proposed rules issued by the EEOC during 2015, which set forth limits on the inducements employers may offer to employees for participation in wellness programs that solicit health information from participants. Consistent with the proposed regulations, the final regulations also include confidentiality and notice requirements for wellness programs subject to the ADA and GINA. The effective date for compliance with the wellness program inducement limits and new ADA notice requirements is the first day of the plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The final regulations under the ADA are available?áhere. The final regulations under GINA are available?áhere.