Employee or Independent Contractor?

Are your staff employees or independent contractors? If you are the staff member, do you know if you are an employee or independent contractor? While the distinction may seem small, the difference could have a variety of consequences.

We can help your practice stay on top of the latest healthcare news, rules, regulations and trends.  Subscribe to stay current and up to date on important matters that will impact your practice.  (To subscribe to our blog ).

In Michigan, we follow the federal 20-factor test to determine if a person is an employee or independent contractor.

The requirements can vary from state to state.

When deciding if a person is an employee or independent contractor, it is essential to look at the factors. The factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Instructions regarding work
  • Training provided
  • Continuing relationship
  • Full time requirement
  • Payment intervals
  • Payment of expenses
  • Furnishing of tools and materials
  • Working for multiple businesses
  • Making services available to the public

As you can see from the examples above, the factors largely fall into three categories: 

  • Behavioral control
  • Financial control
  • Relationship of parties

Employers must weigh all 20 of the factors when determining whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor.

One of the major differences for an employer is how taxes are handled for the person. Employee’s wages are subject to state unemployment tax and that person may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Independent contractors are not covered employment and the employer does not pay unemployment taxes.

If you aren’t sure what is more accurate and beneficial for your place of business, contact Rickard & Associates today. We can help you determine whether personnel are employees or independent contractors.

It is important to document the reasons why someone is an employee or independent contractor.

If you need help with your employee handbook, employment agreements, or independent contractor agreements, contact Rickard & Associates today!

We publish vital information on health law topics and news every Wednesday and Friday. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, 

Do you need help with updating your Business Associate Agreement or negotiating contracts with third-party vendors?  We can help. Contact us today about your Business Associate Agreement, your vendor contracts or your other legal needs!

Related Posts

Categories

Recent Posts

Healthcare Tips for the Holidays
November 28, 2023
How Can I Maximize My Children’s Inheritance?
November 9, 2023
Do You Charge Patients for Emails?
November 7, 2023
Breaking: National Conference Speech
October 19, 2023
Do I Need an Estate Plan?
October 12, 2023

Subscribe

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe and get your FREE copy of Easy Guide to HIPAA Risk Assessments

An essential tool for all healthcare providers, Easy Guide to HIPAA Risk Assessments breaks down the requirements of HIPAA so you can successfully complete your required risk assessment. (an $8.99 value)

Thank you for subscribing to the Rickard & Associates healthcare blog. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly. After verifying your subscription request, you'll be sent to the "Easy Guide to HIPAA Risk Assessments" download page.