Section 649.NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] [Requirements for collection agent to work remotely]Before a collection agent begins working from a remote location, the collection agent must:
1. Sign a written agreement prepared by the collection agency that requires a collection agent working from a remote location to:(a) Maintain data concerning debtors in a confidential manner and refrain from printing or otherwise reproducing such data into a physical record while working from the remote location;(b) Read and comply with the security policy established pursuant to section 9 of this act and any policy to ensure the safety of the equipment of the collection agency that the collection agent is authorized to use;(c) Review a description of the work that the collection agent is authorized to perform from the remote location and only perform work included in that description;(d) Refrain from disclosing to a debtor that the collection agent is working from a remote location or that the remote location is a place of business of the collection agency;(e) Authorize the employer to monitor the collection agent while he or she is working from the remote location, including, without limitation, recording any calls to and from the remote location relating to collection activities; and(f) Refrain from conducting any activities related to his or her work with the collection agency with a debtor or customer in person at the remote location;2. Complete a program of training regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations, privacy, confidentiality, monitoring, security and any other issue relevant to the work the collection agent will perform from the remote location; and3. Work for the collection agency under direct oversight and mentoring from a supervisor for at least 7 days.Added by 2023, Ch. 534,§7, eff. 10/1/2023.