United States: Health & Safety

Virginia has enacted sweeping new limitations on non-compete agreements effective July 1, 2026, requiring employers to provide severance as a condition of enforcing non-competes and banning such agreements with health care professionals entirely. The laws impose significant penalties for non-compliance, including $10,000 civil penalties per violation plus attorney's fees. Employers must update their employment agreements, posting obligations, and restrictive covenant practices to ensure compliance with thes

Virginia has enacted comprehensive paid sick leave legislation requiring nearly all private employers and government entities to provide paid leave benefits to their employees.

The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury released a final rule governing Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations under the No Surprises Act. While the rule aims to streamline dispute processing and reduce administrative burdens, it fails to address fundamental structural deficiencies that have led to overwhelming dispute volumes and provider-favoring outcomes.