Are there differenced between independent contractors and employees. You bet there are.
“Understanding Employee vs. Contractor Designation”
The IRS is pretty clear about persons engaged in labor arrangements — whether contracted for professional services or paid employees for business, government and all organizations.
Columbia news, views & reviews 
Interesting they had the Solicitor there to call me out and address the alleged Sunshine Act violation. Don’t know if I should feel honored or angry. Even though he referred to me as Mrs Zink when I am not a Mrs.