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                        Frequently Asked Questions
              


          
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                                              faq

Notice concerning the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022

This document was issued prior to enactment of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which took effect on June 27, 2023. The PWFA expands the rights of workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions to receive reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship. To learn about protections under the PWFA, visit What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

We often receive similar questions from small business owners: Do the laws that the EEOC enforces apply to my business? How can I prevent discrimination? If I receive a charge of discrimination, what should I do? This section provides answers to these - and other - frequently asked questions.

Do the federal employment discrimination laws apply to my business?

	Who is an "employee" under federal employment discrimination laws?
	What are my responsibilities under federal employment discrimination laws?
	Who is protected from employment discrimination?
	Who is an "employee" under federal employment discrimination laws?
		Employee rights
	What can't I ask when hiring?
	What shouldn't I ask when hiring?
	How can I prevent harassment?
	What should I do if an applicant or employee asks for breaks, leave or other changes to a work situation because of his medical condition or his religious beliefs?
	How can I avoid breaking the law when I discipline or fire an employee?
	What is retaliation and how can I prevent it?
	What should I do if I receive an EEOC charge of discrimination?
	How can the EEOC's mediation program help me resolve a charge of discrimination?Have a question that's not listed here? Review the rest of our small business web pages or contact us for assistance.

**See** **also:**

Small Business Assistance
      
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