Introduction
The success of any enterprise depends on the quality and scope of its human resources. Thus, human resources and their management are integral to any healthcare organization. The existing legislation on human resources in the sphere of healthcare in the United States incorporates several essential principles that should be taken into consideration by healthcare managers working in this country. The most significant pieces of legislation include the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). These and other regulations provide additional protection for workers living and working in the United States.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not allow employment discrimination based on race, national origin, skin color, gender, religion, or gender. The healthcare administration must strictly monitor compliance with this law and provide all applicants with equal access to employment opportunities (“Human resources laws,” 2020). This law aims to prevent racial injustice in society and promote equality among people.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides rights to people with disabilities. This law protects individuals from discrimination based on their physical or psychological limitations. This law implies the mandatory provision of accessibility for employees with disabilities (Friend & Kohn, 2018). The law covers the duties and rights of employees, including the right to protection from discrimination and the right to receive reasonable accommodation. Hence, the act makes society friendly to all individuals and promotes equal employment access for those with some health issues.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects citizens from being unfairly disregarded during the hiring, firing, and other processes based on age. The law prohibits age discrimination in wages, bonuses, recognition, and other employment relations. The act forbids employers from discriminating against people aged 40 and older (“Human resources laws,” 2020). This law positively impacts society due to its protective provisions for employees aimed at eliminating the practice of setting age limits or discriminating when making decisions about work.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act gives employees the right to a safe and healthy workplace. The law obligates employers to provide all employees with a safe and healthy workplace. The law contains rules and procedures that must be applied to protect workers from potential risks related to working conditions or the workplace (“Human resources laws,” 2020). The act requires employers to utilize safety and health procedures and use safe equipment to ensure the safety and health of all workers. Societally, the act improves overall stability by ensuring people do not risk their health and safety.
The Fair Labor Standards Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act protects workers’ rights to fair wages and other similar rights. This law makes employers provide monetary compensation to employees for their working time and guarantees the right to vacation and breaks as needed. The act establishes a minimum $7.25 hourly wage, specific standards for child labor, and fair overtime pay (“Human resources laws,” 2020). The law requires employers to pay for travel, waiting time, training, and other work-related aspects that are not included in the general obligations of an employee (“Human resources laws,” 2020). The act promotes societal equality by respecting and rewarding all employees’ time.
Conclusion
The existing human resources legislation in the United States contains principles that protect and support workers’ interests. Laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ADA Act, the ADEA Act, and others provide additional protection for US employees. These acts enable health managers to understand and apply the laws to protect workers’ rights and encourage fairness in society.
References
Friend, M. A., & Kohn, J. P. (2018). Fundamentals of occupational safety and health (7th ed.). Bernan Press.
Human resources laws: Everything you need to know. (2020). Upcouncel. Web.