COVID-19 Vaccine Paid Leave in Nevada

COVID-19 Vaccine Paid Leave in Nevada

Back in January 2021, Nevada issued guidance to employers about providing leave time for employees to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine.

In June 2021, Nevada made paid leave for COVID-19 vaccination a law.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak on June 9 signed SB 209, which requires private employers with 50 or more employees in Nevada to provide workers with time off to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the bill also included clarification on additional reasons employees may use paid leave under Nevada’s existing paid leave law.

Nevada Leave for COVID-19 Vaccination

Effectively immediately upon its signing, SB 209 will continue through Dec. 31, 2023.

Employers must:

• Provide up to four hours of paid leave for the specific purpose of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for employees receiving a two-dose vaccine (two consecutive hours of paid leave per dose)
• Provide up to two consecutive hours of paid leave for employees receiving a one-dose vaccine

The law also applies to seasonal, on-call, and temporary workers. All employees utilizing this paid leave must provide notice to their employer at least 12 hours before using this leave.

Any employer who provides vaccination clinics at their workplace where employees may be vaccinated during work hours are exempt from these requirements.

Paid Leave Management. Simplified.

Clarifying Additional Purposes for Paid Leave

Nevada’s general paid leave law allows employees to take paid leave for any reason and employees are not required to provide a reason for taking the leave to their employers.

SB 209 amends Nevada’s existing paid leave law by clarifying that paid leave may be taken for the following reasons:

• Treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition
• Receiving a medical diagnosis or medical care
• Receiving or participating in preventive care
• Receiving a vaccination, including, without limitation, a vaccination for COVID-19
• Participating in caregiving
• Addressing other personal needs related to the health of the employee

As always, employment laws are everchanging and employers need to be aware of the continual changes to remain in compliance.

Nevada Employment Law

With this latest measure, Nevada has added to its growing list of employment laws.

The state has been active in recent years, passing laws related to:

• Paid leave
• Pre-employment drug testing for marijuana
• Minimum wage

It’s also noteworthy that this latest bill regarding the COVID-19 vaccine extends through the end of 2023. Despite the headway the U.S. has made in battling the coronavirus in recent months, less than half the population has been fully vaccinated. In Nevada, that number was below 42 percent as of late June 2021.

Employers with locations in Nevada should ensure employees are provided paid leave to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.