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Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Getting Paid to Vote

Multimedia, Client Alert

On the eve of Election Day, did you know that about half of U.S. states have requirements that employees receive paid leave, under certain conditions, in order to vote? Another handful of states require employees to receive unpaid leave.

Over the next 36 hours, your clients may receive questions from their employees about the need to take this leave in order to vote, a request that is particularly common in healthcare given the nature of shift lengths. In this episode of Employment Law After Hours, we analyzed which states fall into which category of requirements and provided examples of certain conditions that may apply.

If you or your clients have any questions about requirements to receive paid or unpaid leave to vote, please let me know, and I can navigate these issues with you and your client.

FTC Continues to Target Noncompetes

The FTC is intensifying its focus on noncompete agreements in healthcare, urging employers to review contracts for compliance. While Ohio still generally enforces noncompetes, pending legislation could limit their use.

Medicare Updates: Prior Authorizations and Physician Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced two key updates effective January 1, 2026: a six-state prior authorization pilot program targeting high-risk services under the WISeR Model, and proposed revisions to the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) that include increased payment rates, expanded telehealth coverage, and updated policies for chronic care, behavioral health, and rural providers.

USCIS Policy Updates: Implications for Business Immigration

In August 2025, USCIS issued three key policy updates enhancing vetting, good moral character (GMC) evaluations, and scrutiny of "anti-American" conduct in immigration adjudications. These policy memos will impact employers sponsoring foreign workers, including H-1B, L-1, EB visas, adjustments, and naturalization.

Ohio Passes Antidiscrimination Provision for CRNA Reimbursement

Ohio 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.

Ohio Board of Pharmacy | Administrative Code Rule Changes

The 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.