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FTC Continues to Target Noncompetes

Client Alert

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is targeting noncompete agreements in the healthcare sector, particularly those that may prevent providers from working in areas with high patient need.

On September 10, the FTC Chair sent letters to several large healthcare employers and staffing firms, urging a review of employment and noncompete agreements to ensure they are appropriately tailored and lawful. The letters highlight that unreasonable restrictions on nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals can limit employment options and reduce patient choice, especially in rural communities where healthcare resources are already limited.

While the FTC continues to enforce antitrust laws against noncompetes, it is important to note that it is not currently reinstating the previously proposed nationwide noncompete ban, which courts blocked in 2024. Instead, enforcement will focus on agreements that may be overbroad or unreasonably limit workers’ mobility.

As a call to action, the Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition emphasized that employers, beyond those receiving letters, should review contracts to ensure that any restrictions comply with the law.

As to Ohio, noncompetes remain generally enforceable. The state has not yet enacted statutes limiting noncompetes, but lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 11, which would (among other restrictions) prohibit agreements that restrict a worker from joining another employer for a specified period, within a specified geographic area, or in a similar role.

Employers (particularly healthcare employers) should review existing noncompete agreements to ensure compliance with current FTC enforcement measures. Should you need assistance reviewing agreements or have questions regarding noncompetes or the content of this client alert, please contact Partners and Co-Chairs of BMD’s Labor & Employment Group, Adam Fuller or Bryan Meek at adfuller@bmdllc.com or bmeek@bmdllc.com


Another Transparency Obligation: The FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements

Many physician practices and healthcare businesses are facing a new set of federal transparency requirements that require action now. The U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements (the “Rule”), which was promulgated pursuant to the 2021 bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act, is intended to help curb illegal finance and other impermissible activity in the United States.

“In for a Penny, in for a Pound” is No Longer the Case for Florida Lawyers

On April 1, 2024, newly adopted Rule 1.041 to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedures goes into effect which creates a procedure for an attorney to appear in a limited manner in civil proceedings.  Currently, when a Florida attorney appears in a civil proceeding, he or she is reasonable for handling all aspects of the case for their client.  This new rule authorizes an attorney to file a notice limiting the attorney’s appearance to particular proceedings or specified matters prior to any appearance before the court.  For example, an attorney can now appear for the limited purpose of filing and arguing a motion to dismiss.  Once the motion to dismiss is heard by the court, the attorney may file a notice of termination of limited appearance and will have no further obligations in the case.

Enhancing Privacy Protections for Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

On February 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) finalized updated rules to 42 CFR Part 2 (“Part 2”) for the protection of Substance Use Disorder (“SUD”) patient records. The updated rules reflect the requirement that the Part 2 rules be more closely aligned with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) privacy, breach notification, and enforcement rules as mandated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020.

Columbus, Ohio Ordinance Prohibits Employers from Inquiries into an Applicant’s Salary History

Effective March 1, 2024, Columbus employers are prohibited from inquiring into an applicant’s salary history. Specifically, the ordinance provides that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice to:

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board’s Latest Batch of Rules: What Providers Should Know

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board has introduced new rules and amendments, covering various aspects such as CDCA certificate requirements, expanded services for LCDCs and CDCAs, remote supervision, and reciprocity application requirements. Notable changes include revised criteria for obtaining a CDCA certification, expanded services for LCDCs and CDCAs, and updated ethical obligations for licensees and certificate holders, including non-discrimination, confidentiality, and anti-sexual harassment measures.