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Families First Coronavirus Act (“FFCRA”) Under Attack

Client Alert
August 10, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Act (“FFCRA” or “the Act”) went into effect on April 1, 2020 followed closely behind by the Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) Final Rule on the Act which, collectively, describe the obligations of employers as well as the rights of employees under the FFCRA’s paid sick time and expanded family medical leave provisions.

In response to a legal challenge to the FFCRA by the State of New York, on August 3, 2020, a judge out of the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”) issued a decision vacating certain provisions of the DOL’s regulations. The SDNY Court found the following:

  • The FFCRA’s definition of “health care provider” is “overly broad” as it encompasses employees “whose [workplace] role bears no nexus whatsoever to the provision of healthcare services;”
  • An employer’s ability to provide an employee work to complete may no longer be considered relevant in assessing eligibility for FFCRA leave;
  • Under certain circumstances, an employee may take intermittent FFCRA leave without first obtaining employer approval;
  • The FFCRA’s notice requirement — obligating an employee to submit notice of intent to take leave prior to actually taking it — is not practicable and therefore, in some instances, may be waived, allowing employees to submit notice after their leave begins.

While attacks on the legality of the FFCRA have been levied since its passage by Congress, this is the first official decision handed down by the judiciary. With that said, the SDNY decision is limited in scope as it applies only to that jurisdiction — leaving open the issue of how other courts, as well as the Department of Labor, will respond to the FFCRA challenges.

As questions, concerns and legal guidance continue to evolve with the changing times, it is essential for employers to stay informed. If you need assistance with any issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, please contract Jeffrey C. Miller (216.658.2323 | jcmiller@bmdllc.com) or Bryan Meek (330.253.5586 | bmeek@bmdllc.com), or any member of the Labor and Employment Team of Brennan, Manna & Diamond LLC.

FFCRAFFCRA Amnestythe ActFamilies First Coronavirus ActU.S. Department of LaborDOLemployersemployeescoronavirusCOVID-19emergency paid sick leavePaid Leavefamily medical leave
Client Alert

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

February 20, 2026The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.Client Alert

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

February 17, 2026On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

February 9, 2026Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.
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