Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

CLIENT ALERT: Update on Discrimination

Client Alert
October 23, 2018

The “#metoo” presence and the recent Kavanaugh confirmation hearings have brought sexual discrimination issues to the forefront of the American mind.  Always an incendiary and confusing topic, it also includes various permutations of issues involving sex, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, and  transgender  situations.  Employment issues abound, including proper use of restrooms and disciplinary matters. “LBGTQ” are more than mere letters strung together.

Cuyahoga County passed an ordinance recently which applies to all Cuyahoga County cities and townships, making it unlawful for any business to discriminate against any person based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  A Commission on Human Rights was designated to investigate and rule on complaints.

Similarly, the City of Akron passed an ordinance expanding equal employment for employees working in the city.  Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees located in the city, as well as businesses that take contracts from the City but are located elsewhere.  Employers with 4 or more individuals are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of the “traditional” bases (such as race, color, religion, etc.), but also on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.  The ordinance also created the Akron Civil Rights Commission to receive and investigate complaints.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has taken the position that discrimination on the basis of sex includes transgender, sexual identity, and sexual orientation.  The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is the state investigative arm that similarly investigates such complaints (which they often term as a “Charge”).

Ohio is located in the Federal Sixth Circuit.  The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently decided a case involving transgender issues, and also discussed whether a religious belief may play a part in an employer’s decision to terminate an employee.  That case is now on appeal to the United States Supreme Court and, no matter how the Supreme Court rules (and whether or not the Court decides to take the case for review), employer-employee relations will be affected.

Given the currently charged atmosphere, employers should consider a review of their employment practices and handbooks.  In addition, management training should be considered to stay ahead of the trends in this important area. 

If you would like more information, please contact Richard L. Williger at (330) 253-3770 or rlwilliger@bmdllc.com.

 

LaborEmployment Law
Client Alert

Ohio Passes Antidiscrimination Provision for CRNA Reimbursement

August 14, 2025Ohio has passed House Bill 96, introducing a provider nondiscrimination provision that requires health plans to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for the same services. The law aims to improve patient access to care by eliminating payment discrimination against CRNAs and will take effect on September 30, 2025.Client Alert

Ohio Board of Pharmacy | Administrative Code Rule Changes

July 16, 2025The Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“BOP”) recently posted notices of Ohio Administrative Code rule changes related to record keeping and the sale and distribution of certain ephedrine-containing products.Client Alert

A Shift in Coverage: HHS Reinterprets “Federal Public Benefit” Under PRWORA

July 16, 2025The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rescinded a 1998 interpretation of “federal public benefit” used in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) on July 10, 2025. This notice removes "outdating exclusions" and includes additional programs under “federal public benefit."Client Alert

Supreme Court Upholds Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

July 10, 2025The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force under the ACA, ensuring continued no-cost coverage for over 100 preventive health services. The decision impacts millions of Americans and preserves provider reimbursement through insurance.Client Alert

Health Care Providers Take Note: Federal Budget Brings Medicaid and Staffing Rule Changes

July 7, 2025The 2025 federal budget introduces significant changes for health care providers and Medicaid recipients, including new cost-sharing requirements, work eligibility mandates, rural health grants, and a pause on minimum staffing rules.
Older posts