Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects every industry, including healthcare. In recent years, New York State has implemented comprehensive measures to combat workplace sexual harassment, including mandatory training requirements for employers.
This article will explore the New York sexual harassment training requirements for healthcare providers, discuss whether harassment training is mandatory in New York, and provide an overview of the changes to the training requirements in 2023.
Is Harassment Training Mandatory in New York?
In response to the growing awareness of workplace sexual harassment, New York State enacted legislation in 2018 requiring all employers to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to their employees. This law applies to all employers, regardless of size, and includes healthcare providers.
As a result, the answer to the question, "Is harassment training mandatory in New York?" is a resounding yes. All employers, including healthcare providers, must ensure that their employees receive annual sexual harassment training. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, including fines and potential legal liabilities. By Oct 8, 2019, all employers should have provided training to their employees in NY.
Sexual Harassment Training Requirements in 2023
While the current New York sexual harassment training requirements are already comprehensive, they are set to become even more rigorous in 2023. Employers will need to adapt their training programs to meet the new requirements, which include:
- Expanding the training content to cover additional forms of harassment and discrimination beyond sexual harassment, including harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, and gender orientation.
- Instructions on prohibiting retaliation, information regarding bystander intervention, employee’s rights of redress, and updated complaint forms.
- Providing training in multiple languages to accommodate employees with limited English proficiency.
- Ensuring that the training is interactive and engaging, with opportunities for employees to ask questions and receive feedback.
- Training is required regardless of immigration status, which includes part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers, as well as for interns, freelancers, and independent contractors, regardless of whether the employee is living or based in NY.
- Anyone who works more than 80 hours in a calendar year and for at least 90 days must undergo training.
Healthcare providers will need to update their sexual harassment training programs to meet these new requirements by the specified deadlines to remain compliant with New York State law. New York is setting the example nationwide for creating an inclusive workplace that prevents discrimination.
Sexual Harassment Training Requirements in New York City
In addition to the state-level requirements, New York City has its own set of sexual harassment training requirements under the New York City Human Rights Law. The NYC requirements are similar to the state-level requirements but have some additional stipulations, including:
- Employers with 15 or more employees must provide annual sexual harassment training to all employees, hang posters in both English & Spanish and provide employees with a sexual harassment fact sheet.
- Prohibitions now include discrimination against height and weight.
- The training must include information about the New York City Human Rights Law and the specific protections it provides against sexual harassment.
- Employers must maintain records of all sexual harassment training provided to employees, including signed employee acknowledgments.
- Healthcare providers in New York City must ensure that their sexual harassment training programs meet both the state and city requirements to remain compliant with the law.
These updated policies help create a safe, respectful, and more inclusive work environment for all employees. Healthcare providers should review their current sexual harassment training programs to ensure they meet the New York State and New York City requirements and make any necessary updates in preparation for the 2023 changes.
In addition to providing training, healthcare providers should also encourage employees to report any incidents of sexual harassment and provide resources for employees to seek help and support. By taking a proactive approach to preventing and addressing sexual harassment, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.
Understanding the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy and Training
To assist employers in meeting the New York sexual harassment training requirements, the state has developed a model sexual harassment prevention policy and training program. This model program includes:
- A comprehensive sexual harassment prevention policy that outlines the employer's commitment to preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment.
- A detailed training program that covers the definition of sexual harassment, detailed examples of inappropriate behavior, and the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers under the law.
- An interactive training format that encourages employee participation and engagement.
- Employers, including healthcare providers, can use the model policy and training program as a starting point for developing their own customized sexual harassment training programs that meet the specific needs of their organization.
In conclusion, New York sexual harassment training is a mandatory requirement for healthcare providers and all employers in the state. With the upcoming changes in 2023, it is important for healthcare providers to stay informed and update their training programs accordingly. By utilizing resources like our sexual harassment training course, healthcare providers can ensure they meet the New York State and New York City sexual harassment training requirements and foster a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
HIPAA Exam's Sexual Harassment Training Course
For healthcare providers looking to meet the New York sexual harassment training requirements, our course offers:
- Comprehensive training content that covers all aspects of sexual harassment prevention and meets the requirements of both New York State and New York City laws.
- An engaging and interactive training format that facilitates employee learning and retention.
- Convenient online access, allowing employees to complete the training at their own pace and on their own schedule.
By using a reputable, professional training provider like HIPAA Exams, healthcare providers can ensure that their employees receive the necessary sexual harassment training and remain compliant with New York State and New York City laws.
