• Describe the various federal labor acts.
• Discuss the rights and responsibilities of unions and management.
• Describe the purpose of an Affirmative Action Plan.
• Describe a patient’s rights during labor disputes.
• Discuss the types of discrimination that occur in the workplace.
• Describe what sexual harassment is and what forms it can take.
Federal or state regulation generally pervades all areas of employer–employee relationships. Healthcare organizations are not exempt from the impact of these laws and therefore are required to take into account such matters as employment practices (wages, hours, and working conditions), union activity, workers’ compensation laws, occupational safety and health laws, and employment discrimination law.