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OIR Issues Memorandum on Disaster Response Coordination

OIR Issues Memorandum on Disaster Response Coordination

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an informational memorandum (OIR-11-02M) informing property and casualty insurers of Partners in Recovery, a not-for-profit organization intended to expedite the settlement of property insurance claims.  The program coordinates disaster preparation and response communications among the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), emergency management agencies, […]

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EEOC Publishes Final Regulations Implementing ADAA

EEOC Publishes Final Regulations Implementing ADAA

The EEOC has now published its final regulations which implement the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.  The new regulations can be found at http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/03/25/2011-6056/regulations-to-implement-the-equal-employment-provisions-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-as According to the EEOC press release yesterday, “the regulations are designed to simplify the determination of who has a ‘disability’ and make it easier for people to establish that […]

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EEOC Launches Religious Discrimination Claim Against Convergys

EEOC Launches Religious Discrimination Claim Against Convergys

Earier this month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against Convergys Corporation, charging that the relationship management company violated federal law by refusing to hire a call center employee who could not work on Saturdays due to his religion. In its lawsuit, the EEOC alleges that Convergys refused to hire Shannon Fantroy when […]

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OIR Announces Personnel Changes

OIR Announces Personnel Changes

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has announced announced a series of staff changes at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).  Al Willis has been appointed acting Deputy Commissioner for Property & Casualty. Mr. Willis previously was the Director of Life & Health Financial Oversight and has been with OIR since 1987.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in […]

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FMA Hosts Days At The Capital

FMA Hosts Days At The Capital

For most of today, the Florida Medical Association will be hosting the “Days at the Capital” event.  The function includes lunch with Senator Hays and an evening reception at the FMA’s new building located at 1430 Piedmont Drive East in Tallahassee.   Founded in 1874, the FMA is one of Tallahassee most influential associations and is dedicated […]

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Legislative Session Kicks Off With a Full Property Insurance Agenda

Legislative Session Kicks Off With a Full Property Insurance Agenda

The 2011 legislative gets underway with several property insurance bills on its agenda.   Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have major property insurance bills on file that include numerous revisions to the property insurance laws, and in particular to laws governing residential property insurance. Perhaps the biggest issue of the 2011 session will […]

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Health Bill Allowed to Move Forward; Status in Florida Uncertain

Health Bill Allowed to Move Forward; Status in Florida Uncertain

U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson has issued a response to the Department of Justice’s most recent motion in the federal healthcare lawsuit.   Judge Vinson previously ruled that the federal healthcare law is unconstitutional, but the Department of Justice filed a motion seeking to ensure implementation will continue while it appeals.  Vinson criticized the Department of Justice for […]

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Commissioner McCarty Identifies Top Five P&C Issues

Commissioner McCarty Identifies Top Five P&C Issues

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has been discussing the “cost drivers” affecting Florida’s property insurance market since last year’s legislative session.  As the 2011 session draws near, Commissioner McCarty continues to identify the key factors affecting property and casualty insurers in Florida.  McCarty top five issues include the following: 1.  Attracting Capital–  Commissioner McCarty points […]

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OIR Issues Memorandum on Guaranteed Availability of Health Insurance

OIR Issues Memorandum on Guaranteed Availability of Health Insurance

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued informational memorandum OIR-11-01 to life and health insurers and health maintenance organizations licensed in Florida.  The stated purpose of the memorandum is to inform insurers of the requirements of Section 627.6487, Florida Statutes, relating to the guaranteed availability of health insurance. The memorandum states that eligible individuals […]

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Legislature Considers Rulemaking Revisions

Legislature Considers Rulemaking Revisions

Florida’s administrative rulemaking process has received considerable attention in recent months.  First, the legislature overrode a veto by former Governor Charlie Crist on a bill aimed at reducing costly regulations.  New Governor Rick Scott then followed with an Executive Order directing all gubernatorial agencies to suspend rulemaking while pending rules can be evaluated for their […]

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