While this probably won't impact many dental offices, you should be aware that 

beginning May 7, 2022, New York will require employers to provide written notice to new hires who are subject to electronic monitoring.  These new disclosure requirements come after Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law amendments to Civil Rights Chapter 6, Article 5, Section 52-C*2.

Who is covered under the law?  All private employers with a place of business in New York regardless of size.  “Employer” is defined as any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, or association with a place of business in the state (not including the state or any political subdivision of the state).

What does the law require?  The law requires employers to: 1) provide employees with a notice of electronic monitoring; 2) obtain proof of acknowledgement; and 3) prominently post the notice for all to see.

Notice of electronic monitoring.  Any employer who monitors or otherwise intercepts the following must comply:

• Telephone conversations or transmissions;
• Electronic mail or transmissions; or
• Internet access or usage of or by an employee of any electronic device or system (including the use of a computer, telephone, wire, radio, or electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical systems).

The law does not specifically define “intercept,” but it would be reasonable for employers to rely on the definition found in the Federal Wiretap Act (“intercept” means the aural or other acquisition of the contents of any wire, electronic, or oral communication through the use of any electronic, mechanical, or other device).

Covered employers must give prior written notice upon hiring to all employees subject to electronic monitoring.  The written notice must inform employees that all of this activity may be subject to monitoring “at any and all times and by any and all lawful means.”

Employee acknowledgment.  Employers must also obtain acknowledgement from employees, either in writing or electronically, that they have received the legally required notice.

Posting in a conspicuous place.  Finally, employers must also post the notice of electronic monitoring “in a conspicuous place which is readily available for viewing” by the employees who are subject to monitoring.

What exceptions apply?  Employers are not required to comply with the law’s disclosure obligations if the monitoring activities:

• Are designed to manage the type or volume of incoming or outgoing electronic mail, telephone voice mail, or internet usage;
• Are not targeted to monitor or intercept the electronic mail, telephone voice mail or internet usage of a particular individual; and
• Are performed solely for the purpose of computer system maintenance and/or protection.

What are the penalties for violations?  Though employees do not have a private right of action for violations of the law, the New York attorney general is authorized to enforce the law, with penalties that can quickly add up.  Employers will be subject to a maximum civil penalty of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $3,000 for the third and each subsequent offense.

What should New York employers do now?  There are several steps employers should take now to prepare.

• Update policies and procedures to ensure that all new hires receive the required notice and provide the necessary acknowledgment, and that the posting requirement is met.  This includes determining how employers will provide notice, collect and store employee acknowledgement forms, and conspicuously post notice so that employees subject to electronic monitoring can readily view it (which may include, for instance, posting on an intranet site).  In addition, consider updating any acceptable use and electronic communication policies to reflect the new law.
• While the law specifically applies to new hires, employers would be wise to also follow these steps for current employees subject to electronic monitoring-before the May 7, 2022 effective date.
• For a seamless transition come May, train managers/supervisors now about the new law and new policies and procedures.
• As always, employers planning to implement new employee monitoring tools or processes can help manage risks by anticipating what notice(s) may be necessary.

To read the full provisions of the new law, click here.