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Introducing HB 281: Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws in Ohio Hospitals

Client Alert
July 1, 2025

On May 20, 2025, House Bill (HB) 281 was introduced in the Public Safety Committee. HB 281 seeks to require licensed hospitals regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) (per O.R.C. 3722) and licensed psychiatric hospitals regulated by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) (per O.R.C. 5119) to permit law enforcement to enter hospital facilities and enforce immigration laws.

Law enforcement includes any agent or officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), any other federal law enforcement officer, or any state or local law enforcement officer who is assisting a federal officer or agent of DHS (federal agents). When enforcing federal immigration laws, law enforcement would be permitted to (1) arrest any individual, including patients or family members present pursuant to a lawful judicial or administrative warrant; (2) interview any individual, including patients or family members present; (3) collect information or evidence, potentially including personal information or citizenship documentation; and (4) request hospital employees to provide any information or evidence that the hospital possesses to the extent permitted by federal or state law. If law enforcement is denied access to the hospital, the agent can file a report with the hospital’s respective Ohio licensing agency (ODH or OMHAS), which can cause the hospital to lose state funding and its status as a Medicaid provider.

Moving forward, HB 281 requires hospitals to adopt a written policy to establish standards and procedures to comply with law enforcement’s requests for information. Hospitals will need to think about how they want to structure their policies and procedures to comply with state law and also protect patients. HB 281 will dramatically impact hospitals’ ability to protect immigrant patients. One practical impact of HB 281 will be fewer patients, especially immigrant patients without legal status, seeking life-saving healthcare services at Ohio hospitals. Additionally, hospitals will be required to routinely deal with law enforcement while simultaneously providing care to patients.

To learn more about HB 281 and how the bill could impact your hospital, please contact BMD Healthcare Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com or Attorney Jordan Burdick at jaburdick@bmdllc.com.

HealthcareHospital LawImmigrationDaphne KackloudisJordan Burdick
Client Alert

Ohio Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Gender-Affirming Care

March 19, 2025On March 18, 2025, the 10th District Court of Appeals in Franklin County ruled that Ohio’s House Bill (HB) 68, which restricts puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors seeking gender-affirming care, violates the Health Care Freedom Amendment and is therefore unenforceable. The court found that the law unlawfully interferes with parental rights and medical decision-making. The case, Moe v. Yost, has been remanded, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost intends to appeal.Client Alert

HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

March 5, 2025The 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.Client Alert

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

March 3, 2025A 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.Client Alert

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

February 28, 2025Recent 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.Client Alert

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

February 26, 2025Ohio 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.
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