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FLSA Injunction on Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees

Client Alert

A November decision issued by the Eastern District of Texas officially “vacated” the Department of Labor’s Final Rule, nationwide, raising the salary threshold for exempt employees. Interestingly, the Court decided to vacate the rule and “set it aside,” rather than issue an injunction based on a directive from the Fifth Circuit that calls for “illegal agency action” to be nullified and revoked, rather than stayed. The decision can be located here: https://www.cupahr.org/wp-content/uploads/OT-SJ-Decision.pdf

What does this mean for employers?

  1. January 1st salary increase requirement for exempt employees will no longer be required, and employers will not be required to raise salaries to maintain the exemption status.
  2. The Court also held that the July 1st increase requirement was similarly unlawful and; therefore, employers who did raise employees’ salaries could theoretically drop them back to, at or above, $35,568 and still maintain the exemption.

Although the Department of Labor could appeal this decision to the Fifth Circuit, such appeal would not conclude by January 20th when it is expected that Trump’s AG/DOL would drop the appeal.

If your clients would like to further discuss how this ruling impacts them or how to unwind previous changes, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Meek at 330.253.5586 or bmeek@bmdllc.com.


HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.

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.