Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

CLIENT ALERT UPDATE: AHCA License Alert

Client Alert

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  AHCA updated its website to clarify that all Behavior Analysis (“BA”) Groups have either (1) a health care clinic license or (2) an exemption from licensure as a health care clinic under Fla. Stat. 400.9905(4)(g) by December 1, 2020.  Florida Medicaid has also updated Section 9.5, Appendix E of the Florida Medicaid Enrollment Policy, which confirms the December 1, 2020 date.  This date extends the previously published date from July 1, 2020 to December 1, 2020. 

BA Groups will only qualify for an exemption if (1) all of its owners are Florida-licensed health care practitioners (i.e. Licensed Mental Health Counselor), or (2) the BA Group is owned by a combination of Florida-licensed health care practitioner and the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the Florida-licensed health care practitioner owner. 

BA Groups that do not qualify for the exemption must file an Application for Licensure as a Health Care Clinic with AHCA. As part of the application process, BA Groups will need to complete a Proof of Financial Ability to Operate. Additionally, BA Groups will need to complete Level 2 Background screenings for all employees and owners who will have contact with patients and/or access to patient information. 

BA Groups that qualify for the exemption must still file an Application for Certificate of Exemption as a Health Care Clinic with AHCA.

Health Care Clinic Licensure applications need to be filed at least 60 – 120 days prior to the effective date; therefore, for a license to be effective by December 1, 2020 the application will need to be submitted no later than September 30, 2020.

For additional information regarding updates to AHCA’s Behavior Analysis Policy, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Specific to Providers of Behavior Analysis Services.  

If you would like copies of the regulations, need legal assistance with filing your AHCA Health Care License application or Exemption application, or have any questions concerning these matters, please contact:

Member, Executive Committee
Licensed in Ohio & Florida
P: 330.253.9185
C: 330.351.1945
F: 330.253.9187

 

 


Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.

Corporate Transparency Act Effective Again

The federal judiciary has issued multiple rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, enforcement was halted nationwide due to litigation in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, on February 18th, the court lifted the stay, reinstating the CTA’s reporting requirements. Non-exempt entities now have until March 21, 2025, to comply. Businesses should act promptly to avoid civil penalties of $591 per day and potential criminal liability.

Status Update: Physician Noncompete Agreements in Ohio

Noncompete agreements remain enforceable in Ohio if they meet specific legal requirements. While the AMA and FTC have challenged these restrictions, courts continue to uphold reasonable noncompete provisions for physicians. Recent cases, like MetroHealth System v. Khandelwal, highlight how courts may modify overly restrictive agreements to balance employer interests with patient care. With ongoing legal challenges to the FTC’s proposed ban, Ohio physicians should consult a healthcare attorney before signing or challenging a noncompete agreement.