The theft of credit and debit card information from Target’s computer systems should serve as a reminder that the risk of a data security breach must be taken seriously. Every organization must have a plan to not only prevent data security breaches, but to respond...
On February 10, 2014, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final regulations implementing the employer responsibility provisions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite being previously delayed, the final regulations provide transition relief to employers with 50 or...
Though often overshadowed by hurricanes and earthquakes, fire remains one of the greatest risks facing homeowners. Consider the following: U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,375,000 fires in 2012 Residential fires caused 2,450 deaths and 13,900 injuries in 2011 On average, 7 people per...
Dealing with delinquent tenants is an unavoidable part of operating a self storage facility. Strict legal requirements make enforcing storage liens and selling tenants' property a risky proposition. The risk is even greater for those facilities that permit the storage of motor vehicles. Unlike other kinds...
Property damage caused by flooding is not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance policies, so those facing a flood risk need a separate flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides access to affordable, federally backed flood insurance. What is a Flood? The NFIP defines a...
They say that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and 2013 provided many lessons for those wishing to avoid a data security breach. Let's review some of 2013's data security breaches so that they do not have to be...
As 2013 comes to an end, many are making plans and resolutions for the New Year. 2014 is also a big year for the Affordable Care Act, as many of the Act’s provisions go into effect, such as: Individual Mandate. Under the Act, most individuals who...
People typically purchase insurance because they have to, not because they want to. For the most part, consumers are happy to obtain the minimum required insurance coverage at the lowest price they can find. That is, until a claim comes along. Only then do they...
Businesses commonly use consumer reports when deciding whether to make a job offer or extend a line of credit. In the wrong hands, consumer reports may also be used to commit fraud and identity theft. This is why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted the...
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued final rules implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (Act). Though interim final rules implementing the Act were published and became effective in 2010,...