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As the owner of my dental practice/business, can I choose to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on my premises?

This choice is up to each individual dental practice and we advise each dentist to consult its liability carrier prior to making this decision. 2011 Wisconsin Act 93 relating to the creation of the right to carry concealed weapons in Wisconsin also allows the owners of private businesses to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons… Continue Reading As the owner of my dental practice/business, can I choose to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on my premises?

Are not-to-compete covenants enforceable?

Generally, not-to-compete convenants are enforceable in Wisconsin if they are reasonable in time and scope. Unlike most states where the courts will strike out unreasonable portions of the non-compete restrictions and enforce the rest, in Wisconsin, unless all elements of a non-compete clause are fully enforceable, the entire agreement will be stricken. Whether restrictions are… Continue Reading Are not-to-compete covenants enforceable?

What must a dental practice provide in terms of employee benefits for part-time employees?

This depends on the type of benefit involved. For this discussion we will classify benefits as Employee Retirement Income Security Act covered retirement plans required to be qualified by the Internal Revenue Service for tax purposes, (i.e., 401(k) plans, money purchase plans, defined benefit plans), group health insurance plans and all other employee benefits (vacation,… Continue Reading What must a dental practice provide in terms of employee benefits for part-time employees?

Are there restrictions on the hiring of minors to work in a dental office?

The legal restrictions applicable to the hiring of minors in the dental office are the same as for the employment of minors in any other work setting. Specifically, Section 103.67, Wis. Stats., requires minors between the ages of 14 and 18 to obtain a work permit before they can be employed.1 Work permits are almost… Continue Reading Are there restrictions on the hiring of minors to work in a dental office?

If I am joining an existing practice, should I insist on a written employment contract?

There is no legal requirement that you have a written contract and, on occasion, some people view the idea of a contract as unnecessary or even as demonstrating a lack of trust. In addition, it may seem like a lot of work to sit down, think about the things that go into an employment agreement… Continue Reading If I am joining an existing practice, should I insist on a written employment contract?

What kinds of things should a written employment contract cover?

Employment contracts can be very brief or fairly detailed. Generally speaking, they should be long enough to include the major elements of your agreement. Employment contracts generally cover the following: Term of employment, events of termination – Employment contracts are either for a set term or period (e.g., one year, two years) or simply provide… Continue Reading What kinds of things should a written employment contract cover?

What are the federal and state employer poster requirements?

For information on federal and state employer poster requirements, visit the state Department of Workforce Development’s website at http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/posters.htm. Often time vendors try to get you to purchase these posters for a nominal fee, however, they are free for download online or by calling the noted office directly.

Where can I obtain assistance with human resource questions?

If insured by the WDA-endorsed Professional Insurance Programs, you have access to a legal hotline. WDA members may also contact PIP for assistance at 800-637-4676. In addition, all WDA members have access to the WDA Insider, members’ only blog, which publishes ThinkHR blog posts every other month for human resources management tips.