 his Week’s Cybersecurity Tip of the Week, provided by PacketLogix
IT Security Tip: What the heck is an AUP…and why do you want it? With so many access points, from cell phones to laptop and home computers, how can anyone hope to keep their network safe from hackers, viruses and other unintentional security breaches? The answer is not “one thing” but a series of things you have to implement and constantly be vigilant about, such as installing and constantly updating your firewall, antivirus, spam-filtering software and backups. This is why clients hire us – it’s a full-time job for someone with specific expertise (which we have!). Once that basic foundation is in place, the next most important thing you can do is create an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and TRAIN your employees on how to use company devices and other security protocols, such as never accessing company e-mail, data or applications with unprotected home PCs and devices (for example). Also, how to create good passwords, how to recognize a phishing e-mail, what websites to never access, etc. NEVER assume your employees know everything they need to know about IT security. Threats are ever-evolving and attacks are getting more sophisticated and cleverer by the minute. This e-mail series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need training and a good AUP in place. If you’d like our help in creating an AUP for your company, based on best practices, call us at 401-227-2695 or email nikki@packetlogix.com . You’ll be glad you did. Thanks for your Time and Consideration Terrence Boylan, CEO
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 Washington Trust’s Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide
Westerly, R.I. August 10, 2023 – The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust,” “the Bank”) today announced that Sandra Mazo, Mortgage Loan Officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island, where she has been a member of Women United since 2019. “We are exceptionally proud of Sandra and her efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities through her work here at the Bank and as a member of the Women United Global Leadership Council,” stated Edward O. ‘Ned’ Handy, III, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Adding, “Sandra has been active in the local community, both personally and professionally, and will be a tremendous representative for our State at the national level.” Members of the Women United Global Leadership Council serve a three-year term, and the group is also represented on United Way Worldwide’s Board. Following a rigorous nominations process, Mazo was selected for her experience, commitment to Women United, and a deep investment in the mission of United Way. Locally, Mazo helps to drive impact work in our communities through volunteering and advocating for efforts that improve early childhood education, health, and economic mobility. Along with her standing as a member of Women United with United Way of Rhode Island, Sandra is part of the organization’s Young Leaders Circle, which she joined in 2016. “Serving on a global advisory board where she can mobilize fellow women leaders and advocates around key United Way issues is an incredible and well-deserved opportunity for Sandra,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island president and CEO. “We were excited to nominate Sandra for this leadership position and know she will passionately present Rhode Island’s needs, share ideas, and most importantly, inspire change.” Mazo has more than 30 years of lending experience and is responsible for developing and maintaining mortgage lending relationships throughout the Rhode Island market. Prior to joining Washington Trust, Mazo worked at RIHousing, helping families navigate the home buying process. She is an Affiliate Member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and Kent Washington Association of Realtors, Professional Women in Building, National Association of Real Estate Professionals (“NAHREP”) Providence Chapter, and a DEI Committee Member for the Rhode Island Association of Realtors (“RIAR”). # # # ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST® Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ: WASH). Additional information on Washington Trust can be found at washtrust.com. ABOUT UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram. foce_com_ma_18039_23-590__sa__initial_2023_08_07.pdf Disaster Field Operations Center East Release Date: Aug. 7, 2023 Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333 Michael.Lampton@sba.gov Release Number: 23-590, MA 18039 SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Massachusetts for Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Rain and Flooding ATLANTA- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that federal Economic injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Massachusetts for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses due to rain and flooding occurring on July 9-16. The declaration includes the primary counties of Berkshire, Bristol, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Worcester; and the contiguous counties of Middlesex, Plymouth and Suffolk in Massachusetts; the contiguous counties of Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland and Windham in Connecticut; Cheshire and Hillsborough in New Hampshire; Columbia, Dutchess, and Rensselaer in New York; Bristol, Newport and Providence in Rhode Island; and Bennington and Windham in Vermont. “When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4 percent for small businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 18039. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services), or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 1, 2024 
This Week’s Cybersecurity Tip of the Week, provided by PacketLogix IT Security Tip: The Top 10 list for keeping your mobile phone secure 10 easy tips to mobile phone security: 1. Lock your device with a PIN or password, and never leave it unattended in public 2. Uninstall apps you don’t use 3. ONLY download apps from trusted sources 4. Keep your phone’s operating system updated 5. Install antivirus software 6. Use your phone’s “find me” feature to prevent loss or theft 7. Cover the camera with a camera sticker when not in use 8. Back up your data 9. Encrypt the data if you have sensitive info stored on it 10. Don’t click on links or attachments from unsolicited e-mails or texts Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! For a very limited time, at no cost to your company, we will conduct a dark web scan looking for your company’s hacked credentials for sale on the dark web. Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or nikki@packetlogix.com for us to start your dark web scan today.  SAM – “School Attendance Matters” Initiative
IT Security Tip: NEVER use the same password twice
A complex password is a necessity, but hard to remember. And with so many websites requiring a password these days, users often reuse the same password again and again with different sites. BAD idea. When a big company gets hacked (like LinkedIn, for example), the criminals post and sell the username, e-mail, password and confidential information in that account. Since many people reuse the same password, hackers will try that e-mail and password combination across multiple sites, including Amazon, PayPal or other sites where you might store credit card information. Remember, they aren’t doing this manually. They have highly sophisticated software to automate ALL of this. If you want a better way of storing and organizing UNIQUE passwords, we recommend our password management software. The bottom line is that no matter how much of a pain it is, it is very important to have different passwords for each online account – and make sure they are TRULY unique, not just with a “1” or an “!” as an extra character. Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com For a very limited time, at no cost to your company, we will conduct a dark web scan looking for your company’s hacked credentials for sale on the dark web. Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or nikki@packetlogix.com for us to start your dark web scan today. Thanks for your Time and Consideration 2023 New Laws and Enactment Dates
The General Assembly has completed the process of transmitting bills to the Governor for his consideration. Governor McKee had the option to sign a bill into law, veto a bill or allow a bill to become law without his signature. In 2023, the Senate introduced 1135 bills, while the House introduced 1535 bills, for a total of 2670 bills. A total of 397 new public laws were adopted this year, not including local laws or resolutions. If local laws and resolutions are included, the number soars to 913 bills passed in 2023. Governor McKee signed 338 bills into law in the month of June. Throughout the year, the Chamber actively tracked 329 pieces of legislation. Below is a list of new laws along with the effective dates. Budget - H.5200 Sub Aaa – The $14 billion budget was signed into law by Governor McKee. This budget includes the Chamber’s priority issue of reducing the tangible tax for all businesses and eliminating the tangible tax for 75% of Rhode Island businesses. Fifty thousand dollars of value will be eliminated from the tangible tax assessment in all municipalities with the State providing reimbursement to communities. Chapter 79 of the 2023 Public Laws. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5200Aaa.pdf Both S.928 SubAaa and H.6333 SubA mirror the tangible tax language in the budget. Those bills were signed into law, becoming Chapters 327 and 328 of the 2023 Public Laws. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0928Aaa.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H6333A.pdf Wage Theft/Independent Contractor - S.1079 SubAaa and H.5902 SubAaa – create felony penalties if an employer knowingly and willfully: (1) fails to pay employees on a regular pay day and the amount owed is over $1500, (2) fails to pay any employee wages owed at the time of termination of employment and the amount is over $1500, or (3) fails to pay wages owed to a deceased employee to the appropriate person/entity within 30 days of death, and the amounts owed are greater than $1500. The bills adopt the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) definition of independent contractor by directing the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) to review all complaints of misclassification using those factors. The bills require DLT to undergo an investigation of complaints with the assistance of the Underground Economy Task Force. The findings, along with a recommendation, is given to the Director of DLT who then passes it along to the Attorney General with the Director’s recommendations. A business that misclassifies employees under the new test, is liable for civil penalties in the amount of $1500 - $3,000 for each misclassified employee for the first offense and up to $5000 for each misclassified employee for any subsequent offense. The money is divided equally between the DLT and the individual harmed. Any “construction industry” related entity that knowingly and willfully violates the new standard is guilty of a misdemeanor if the value is less than $1500, or a felony if the value is greater than $1500 and it is a second offense. If the construction related business or individual misclassifies employees in a manner that is not knowing and willful, the penalty reverts back to a civil penalty of $1,500-$3,000 per misclassified employee. Lastly, any “party” that is not an employer but intentionally contracts with an employer that intends to misclassify employees is subject to the same penalties as the employer. Chapters 244 and 245 of the 2023 Public Laws were signed by the Governor. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S1079Aaa.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5902Aaa.pdf Independent Contractor Registration - H.5710 SubA and S.427 SubB require independent contractors to file electronically with the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) on an annual basis, “regardless of how many forms are filed.” This would seem to suggest an annual filing for each client. There is no fee tied to the filing requirement. DLT is required to submit the list to the Division of Taxation each April 1st. The new law becomes effective January 1, 2024. Chapters 242 and 243 of the 2023 Public Laws were signed by the Governor. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5710A.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0427B.pdf Electric Vehicle Parking Lot Infrastructure – S.988 aa was signed into law by the Governor. S.988aa requires large employers – defined as those with 100 employees located in a single complex – to install circuitry and other necessary equipment to support Level 2 or DC fast chargers in new parking lots as well as lots undergoing a 50% expansion renovation. The mandate also applies to big box stores, grocery stores, housing developments with more than twenty units, malls, hotels, and certain municipal buildings. The bill was amended during the final hours of session to apply only to new projects awarded subsequent to January 1, 2024, that receive any form of public funding. Public funding is defined as “funds derived from federal, state or municipal sources; in-kind remuneration from any federal, state or municipal source; gifts or grants from any federal, state or municipal source; revenue sharing or other federal, state or municipal payments of any nature, intergovernmental transfers; tax stabilization agreements, revenues resulting from the sale of state or municipal bonds; or by the sale or lease of any property owned by the federal government, the State of Rhode Island, and/or any municipality of the state.” Chapter 268 of the 2023 Public Laws. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0988aa.pdf Gift Card Sales - H.5732SubA and S.759SubAaa were signed into law by Governor McKee. The new law requires businesses that sell gift cards for their own store or affiliated businesses, to display a notice at the location where the cards are sold. The notice must caution the purchaser about prepaid card scams and instruct the purchaser on what to do if they suspect they might be a potential victim of such a scam. The Department of Business Regulation is charged with determining the content and form of the notice. The approved sign, in both English and Spanish, can be found at: https://dbr.ri.gov/gift-card-fraud-mandate Failure to display the notice can result in a penalty of up to $250 per violation. The law is in effect now. Chapter 167 and 168 of the 2023 Public Laws http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5732A.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0759Aaa.pdf New State Holiday for Employers - June 19th became the newest state holiday when Governor McKee signed both H.5380 SubA and S.444 SubA into law. Chapters 81 and 82 of the 2023 Public Laws designate June 19th (Juneteenth National Freedom Day) a state holiday making employees eligible for holiday pay if they work that day without a special state exemption. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5380A.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0444A.pdf Ban on Polystyrene Containers – H.5090 SubA and S.14 SubB ban most food establishments from using polystyrene containers for food and beverages beginning January 1, 2025. Any establishment that fails to comply is subject to a fine of up to $100. Exemptions do exist for hospitals, agricultural fairs, nursing homes, etc. Chapters 273 and 274 were signed into law by the Governor. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5090A.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0014B.pdf Non-disclosure Agreements – S.342aa was signed into law and became 2023 Public Law Chapter 252. S.342aa makes it an unlawful employment practice to require an employee as a condition of employment, to execute a nondisclosure agreement or an agreement with a clause that requires alleged violations of civil rights remain confidential, or a non-disparagement agreement concerning alleged violations of civil rights or alleged unlawful conduct. It became effective June 22, 2023. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0342aa.pdf Unemployment Benefit Sunset – S.716 aa and H.5989 SubA became law when the Governor signed the legislation and they became 2023 Public Law Chapters 146 and 147. Both bills allow individuals to collect unemployment benefits if they are “partially employed,” which is defined as earning up to 150% of the weekly benefit rate the person would be entitled to if totally unemployed and eligible. The 150% threshold was adopted by the General Assembly in 2021 in an attempt to incentivize individuals to return to work during the COVID pandemic. The bills changed the sunset date from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2025. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0716aa.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5989A.pdf Private Right of Action for Violations of TCI and Holiday Pay - S.828aa and H.5591 SubA provide a private right of action as a penalty for an employer’s violation of the temporary caregiver’s law. Employers are required to reinstate the employee at the return from leave and restore seniority and other benefits to the employee. Additionally, the employer is required to maintain the employee’s health insurance while the employee is out on leave. Lastly, the new laws provide a private right of action to employees that fail to correctly receive Sunday or Holiday pay. The Governor signed both bills, now Chapters 248 and 249 of the 2023 Public Laws, and they became effective upon passage. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0828aa.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5591A.pdf Take It Outside Moratorium – H.5264 SubA and S.683 became law back in March when the Governor signed the bills extending the moratorium on municipalities from April 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024. Cities and Towns may not restrict food establishments from providing outdoor dining as long as the business is in compliance with local and state building codes and safety codes. The laws are Chapters 5 and 6 of the 2023 Public Laws. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5264A.pdf http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0683.pdf Data Breach – H.5684 SubAaa became effective without the Governor’s signature. H.5684 SubAaa requires State agencies and municipalities to notify affected employees/customers within 30 days of discovery of a data breach and pay for five years of remediation services for adults and remediation services for minors until the age of twenty. The House amended H.5684 to apply to State agencies and municipalities only. Businesses remain under the same rules of notification to customers within 45 days of discovery of a data breach and including information as to what customers can do to protect themselves. The law is Chapter 375 of the 2023 Public Laws. http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/HouseText23/H5684Aaa.pdf New Health Care Mandates A number of new health care mandates also passed into law this year. The effect on health care premiums is not yet known. Epinephrine Injectors (Epi-pens) – S.575 SubA, now Chapter 263 of the 2023 Public Laws, requires insurers to provide coverage for at least one type of epinephrine auto-injector and cartridges, with no co-pay or deductible. Insureds after January 1, 2025, may obtain a two-pack of injectors or cartridges once every twelve months. A deductible may be applied to health plans that are paired with a federally qualified health savings account under 26 U.S. Code 223. HIV Treatments – S.563 SubAaa was signed by the Governor and became Chapter 254 of the 2023 Public Laws. The law requires insurers to cover treatment of pre-exposure prophylaxis (“PrEP”) for the prevention of HIV and post-exposure prophylaxis (“PEP”) to prevent HIV infection starting January 1, 2024. Screening for Dense Breast Tissue – H.5283 SubA and S.1134 were signed by the Governor and became 2023 Public Law Chapters 331 and 332. These laws require insurers to cover additional screenings for individuals diagnosed with dense breast tissue. Coverage for Specialty Drugs – S.871 SubA became 2023 Public Law Chapter 233 when the Governor signed it into law. Effective January 1, 2025, insurers must limit any required copayment of coinsurance applicable to specialty drugs for rare conditions to an amount not to exceed $150 per month for a 30-day supply of any single drug. This limit is inclusive of any copayment or coinsurance. This limit is applicable after any deductible is reached and until the individual's maximum out-of-pocket limit has been reached. Bills That Did Not Make the Cut Workplace Psychological Safety Act - S.821 SubA, died in the House Labor Committee. This bill proposed to create rules, and procedures for employers and penalties for employers that fail to comply, to curtail behaviors in the workplace including: exclusion, marginalization, spreading of lies, withholding vital information, abusive gestures, frequent request for work below competence level, long-term assigning of tasks beyond the employee’s duties without compensation, physical isolation, ignoring, regular inconsistent instructions, unmanageable workloads, taking credit for work, making snide comments or ridicule publicly, exclusion from work-related social gatherings, changes that could jeopardize future career prospects, discounting a person’s work proposals or opinions, persistent criticism, excessive monitoring, threat of dismissal, and changing work conditions or duties. Parental and Family Medical Leave Expansion - S.145 passed the Senate but died in the House Labor Committee. H.5990 was heard in the House Labor Committee. The bills proposed to increase the amount of parental or family leave available to an employee from thirteen (13) weeks to twenty-four (24) weeks in any two (2) calendar years. Wage Stubs and Employee Handbook Mandate - S.663 passed the Senate but died in the House Labor Committee. H.5707 was heard in the House Labor Committee. The bills would have required employers to provide wage payment information and a type of “mini employee handbook” to employees in each employee’s primary language. Non-compete Clauses – S.888, was passed by the Senate the last night of session, but was not transmitted to the House before the session came to a close. The bill sought to eliminate the use of non-compete agreements except when they are used during the purchase and sale of a business. Agreements not to share client lists, trade secrets or business plans were still enforceable under the legislation.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2023 Forbes Selects Washington Trust to the Best-In-State Banks 2023 List Recognized as Best Bank in Rhode Island by Independent Consumer Survey Westerly, R.I. – The Washington Trust Company (“Washington Trust”; “the Bank”) today announced that the Bank has been selected to the Forbes list of Best-In-State Banks 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on June 20th, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Forbes website. Washington Trust was one of 137 unique banks across the United States selected for the Forbes list. “We are proud to be recognized by Forbes as the Best-In-State Bank in Rhode Island,” stated Edward O. “Ned” Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Throughout our 222+ year history, Washington Trust has been a community partner that provides trusted financial advice and personalized solutions to our customers. This honor reflects the value our customers place in us.” Forbes and Statista identified Best-In-State Banks 2023 based on two sources:
ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST® Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and one of the Northeast’s premier financial services companies. Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ: WASH). Additional information on Washington Trust can be found at washtrust.com. # # #  By Amanda LaRose, Owner, LCSW/LICSW, CIMHP What is the Integrative Wellness Program at Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness? Wellness is about physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness presents the standard of its vision of Wellness through its Integrative Wellness Program. Our Integrative Wellness Program aims for well-coordinated care among different providers under one roof, by bringing conventional and complementary wellness approaches together to care for the whole person. In addition to our popular stand-alone services: Counseling, Yoga, Acupuncture, Herbalism, Dietary Consult, and Massage Therapy, our Integrative Wellness Program provides Foundational, Enhanced, and Comprehensive levels of service to clients who wish to experience an encompassing journey on their path to wellness. At Rhode Island Oak Counseling and Wellness, we promote healing and growth using client-centered treatments and evidence-based interventions. We use a model of wellness that includes attending to six key points of wellness: Counseling: This addresses the mental and emotional side of healing. By talking with an objective, licensed professional, clients are able to gain awareness, and develop coping skills that can help reduce symptoms and improve psychological well-being. Client Testimonial: "I have had the opportunity to experience multiple counselors to find the best fit. It’s helped me pull the physical health wellness into mental health and put them together to get the most benefit and more quickly. There are many layers to wellness. The difference over three months in my anxiety is an incredible improvement.” Client Testimonial: “ The therapist has been a life saver, I was able to establish a rapport with her quickly. She helps me get to the root of what is bothering me and how to help myself. “ Acupuncture: This involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Common benefits include reduced stress, reduced back and neck pain, relieved joint tension, reduced pain in hands and arms, headache relief, enhanced mental clarity and increased energy. It can also provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, depression and migraines. Client Testimonial: "Acupuncture was something I was a little nervous about because I hadn’t done it but the acupuncturist helped me feel comfortable to get the treatment and to open up to talk about my experience with it." Client Testimonial: “Acupuncturist is a gentle soul and you feel like you are stepping into a cradle and being so comforted.” Massage Therapy: Massage therapy at Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness is provided by licensed professionals who are trained to determine problem areas which focus on the soft tissue — the muscles, tendons and ligaments that move and support your body. Our integrative wellness approach uses therapeutic massage to complement other therapies you may already be receiving, or as a stand-alone therapy, to treat a particular area of your body. During a massage therapy session, you can expect our licensed therapists to manipulate the soft tissue of the body by using varying degrees of pressure in order to release knots and tension. After your session you will notice reduced stress, relaxation, improved circulation, released tension, and improved sleep patterns. Of course, results will vary depending on each client. Client Testimonial: “The Massage Therapist is the best I have ever had. She fixes everything.” Dietary Consult: Learn how proper nutrition, and consuming bioavailable food sources impacts daily life; explore how potential changes in diet can have a positive impact on physiology and psychological well-being. Yoga: Our bodies are meant to move. Research has demonstrated time and again the important relationship between physical activity and wellness. We are fortunate to have an amazing Yoga Studio at our Wellness Center. Yoga helps the physical body by increasing flexibility, muscle strength and tone, maintaining a balanced metabolism, reducing weight, aiding in cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury. A recent publication by the Harvard Medical School noted that yoga can boost your mood by lowering levels of stress hormones, increasing the production of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, and bringing more oxygenated blood to your brain. Client Testimonial: "I love the yoga classes here! They are varied and great for all levels, and the convenient sign up process and location are wonderful." Client Testimonial: “A lot of the stuff that I am doing in yoga here, it is more gentle and I can even do some at home, so my mobility has increased.” Herbalism: Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and treating illness. In terms of its general benefits, they can be restorative, support the body and allow for a natural first port of call for minor ailments without immediately reaching for conventional drugs in a world where we are all more mindful about over use. Methods of consumption: herbal teas, skincare routine, essential oils, herbal steam inhalation when you have a cold; Or adding particular herbs and spices to foods for their healing properties. Herbology products in wellness programs are a good way to introduce herbology into your wellbeing. Conclusion No matter our current situation, we crave wellness. Being Well fulfills our lives and centers and balances us in the present. Often times, this is easier said than done but there are practices which can help us cope, and our Integrative Wellness Program has been known to do just that. At Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness, we are trained to integrate our Wellness Services together in such a way that focuses on healing, balance, and growth and sets you on a path to Wellness. Client Testimonial: "Breathing helps me be more mindful in the present moment. When I’m stressed I take a deep breath without even thinking about it. I have developed confidence in the Integrative Wellness Program treatment, and want to do it because it makes me feel better.” Client Testimonial: “I would love to refer others so they can get support to come up with a plan for how to get to where you want to be and have all the services in one center. To learn more, please visit our updated website: https://rioakcounseling.com/integrative-wellness/ Email: admin@rioakcounseling.com Phone: (401) 366-2426 Facebook: RIOakCounseling Instagram: @rioakcounseling Address: Rhode Island Oak Counseling & Wellness, 2984 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871  2023 Legislative Session Comes a Close
At 1:40 am June 16th, the legislative session wrapped up. The last day of session is always difficult as one branch must wait while the other acts on bills and sends them back to ensure that the language is identical to companion bills. It’s a messy process, but one that is unavoidable and difficult to explain to those that do not spend their days at the State House. Bills passed by both the House and Senate are transmitted to the Governor for his consideration. Once that process is complete, we will send a full list of new laws in a final wrap-up edition of Advocacy in Action. Bills Passed By Both the House and Senate Budget – The $14 billion budget passed and has already been signed into law by Governor McKee. This budget includes the Chamber’s priority issue of reducing the tangible tax for all businesses and eliminating the tangible tax for 75% of Rhode Island businesses. Fifty thousand dollars of value will be eliminated from the tangible tax assessment in all municipalities with the State providing reimbursement to communities. Wage Theft/Independent Contractor - S.1079 SubAaa and H.5902 SubAaa – The final versions create felony penalties if an employer knowingly and willfully: (1) fails to pay employees on a regular pay day and the amount owed is over $1500, (2) fails to pay any employee wages owed at the time of termination of employment and the amount is over $1500, or (3) fails to pay wages owed to a deceased employee to the appropriate person/entity within 30 days of death, and the amounts owed are greater than $1500. The bills adopt the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) definition of independent contractor by directing the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) to review all complaints of misclassification using those factors. The bills require DLT to undergo an investigation of complaints with the assistance of the Underground Economy Task Force. The findings, along with a recommendation, is given to the Director of DLT who then passes it along to the Attorney General with the Director’s recommendations. A business that misclassifies employees under the new test, is liable for civil penalties in the amount of $1500 - $3,000 for each misclassified employee for the first offense and up to $5000 for each misclassified employee for any subsequent offense. The money is divided equally between the DLT and the individual harmed. Any “construction industry” related entity that knowingly and willfully violates the new standard is guilty of a misdemeanor if the value is less than $1500, or a felony if the value is greater than $1500 and it is a second offense. If the construction related business or individual misclassifies employees in a manner that is not knowing and willful, the penalty reverts back to a civil penalty of $1,500-$3,000 per misclassified employee. Lastly, any “party” that is not an employer but intentionally contracts with an employer that intends to misclassify employees is subject to the same penalties as the employer. Independent Contractor Registration – H.5710 SubA and S.427 SubB, require independent contractors to file electronically with the Department of Labor on an annual basis, “regardless of how many forms are filed.” This would seem to suggest an annual filing for each client. There is no fee tied to the filing requirement. The bill becomes effective January 1, 2024. Data Breach – H.5684 SubAaa passed both the House and the Senate, while the Senate sponsor chose not to amend his bill (S.425) to mirror the House bill thus letting it die in committee. The House amended H.5684 to apply to State agencies and municipalities only. Businesses remain under the same rules of notification to customers within 45 days of discovery of a data breach and including information as to what customers can do to protect themselves. H.5684 SubAaa requires State agencies and municipalities to notify affected employees/customers within 30 days of discovery of a breach and pay for five years of remediation services for adults and remediation services for minors until the age of twenty. The Senate sponsor, Senator DiPalma felt strongly that the remediation service requirements should apply to all businesses. Electric Vehicle Parking Lot Infrastructure – S.988 aa passed both the House and Senate while the House duplicate bill, H.5159, failed to make it to the finish line. S.988aa requires large employers – defined as those with 100 employees located in a single complex – to install circuitry and other necessary equipment to support Level 2 or DC fast chargers in new parking lots as well as lots undergoing a 50% expansion renovation. The mandate also applies to big box stores, grocery stores, housing developments with more than twenty units, malls, hotels, and certain municipal buildings. The bill was amended during the final hours of session to apply only to new projects awarded subsequent to January 1, 2024 that receive any form of public funding. Public funding is defined as “funds derived from federal, state or municipal sources; in-kind remuneration from any federal, state or municipal source; gifts or grants from any federal, state or municipal source; revenue sharing or other federal, state or municipal payments of any nature, intergovernmental transfers; tax stabilization agreements, revenues resulting from the sale of state or municipal bonds; or by the sale or lease of any property owned by the federal government, the State of Rhode Island, and/or any municipality of the state.” Gift Card Sales - H.5732SubA and S.759SubaAaa are headed to the Governor’s desk. The bills require all businesses that sell gift cards to display a notice at the location where cards are sold. The notice must caution the purchaser about prepaid card scams and instruct the purchaser on what to do if they suspect they might be a potential victim of such a scam. The Department of Business Regulation is charged with determining the content and form of the notice. Failure to comply with the law can result in a penalty of up to $250 per violation. Once signed, the law would take effect upon passage. New State Holiday for Employers - June 19th, referred to as Juneteenth, is set to become the newest state holiday for which employers are required to pay holiday pay to employees. H.5380 and S.444 passed and have already been transmitted to the Governor. Ban on Polystyrene Containers – H.5090 SubA and S.14 SubB passed the House and Senate. These bills ban most food establishments from using polystyrene containers for food and beverages beginning January 1, 2025. Any establishment that fails to comply is subject to a fine of up to $100. Exemptions do exist for hospitals, agricultural fairs, nursing homes, etc. Non-disclosure Agreements – S.342aa passed both the House and Senate, while the House companion bill, H.5929 SubA failed to make it through the final step of passage on the Senate floor. S.342aa makes it an unlawful employment practice to require an employee as a condition of employment, to execute a nondisclosure agreement or an agreement with a clause that requires alleged violations of civil rights remain confidential, or a non-disparagement agreement concerning alleged violations of civil rights or alleged unlawful conduct. It becomes effective upon enactment. Bills That Did Not Make the Cut Workplace Psychological Safety Act - S.821 SubA, died in the House Labor Committee. This bill proposed to create rules, and procedures for employers and penalties for employers that fail to comply, to curtail behaviors in the workplace including: exclusion, marginalization, spreading of lies, withholding vital information, abusive gestures, frequent request for work below competence level, long-term assigning of tasks beyond the employee’s duties without compensation, physical isolation, ignoring, regular inconsistent instructions, unmanageable workloads, taking credit for work, making snide comments or ridicule publicly, exclusion from work-related social gatherings, changes that could jeopardize future career prospects, discounting a person’s work proposals or opinions, persistent criticism, excessive monitoring, threat of dismissal, and changing work conditions or duties. Parental and Family Medical Leave Expansion - S.145 passed the Senate but died in the House Labor Committee. The bill proposed to increase the amount of parental or family leave available to an employee from thirteen (13) weeks to twenty-four (24) weeks in any two (2) calendar years. Wage Stubs and Employee Handbook Mandate - S.663 passed the Senate but died in the House Labor Committee. The bill would have required employers to provide wage payment information and a type of “mini employee handbook” to employees in each employee’s primary language. Non-compete Clauses – S.888, sought to eliminate the use of non-compete agreements except when they are used during the purchase and sale of a business. Agreements not to share client lists, trade secrets or business plans were still enforceable under the legislation. |
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