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Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

New Construction Contract Requirement for Public Projects

Client Alert

A new Ohio law imposes a disclosure requirement that will affect how public authorities prepare construction contracts—and what happens if they do not comply.

Construction contract negotiations typically begin with an industry standard form agreement. Common examples include the American Institute of Architects (AIA) forms and ConsensusDocs.

Ohio Senate Bill 262 takes effect on September 17, 2026. Under the new law, when a public authority modifies an industry standard form agreement, it must show those changes using strikethrough and underline formatting. If the public authority fails to mark these changes, the modifications are void, and the original standard form language governs.

While industry standards can assist in streamlining negotiations, each construction project comes with its own unique risks and considerations that might call for deviations, small or large, from the “standard” language. More importantly, deviations from standard language are typically negotiated for significant reasons—making compliance with this new marking requirement essential.

For assistance negotiating your next construction contract or implementing procedures to comply with this new requirement, please contact BMD Member Bob Hager at rahager@bmdllc.com or BMD Attorney Jacob Davis at jrdavis@bmdllc.com.


New Florida Law: Patient Overpayments Must Be Refunded Within 30 Days

Effective January 1, 2026, Florida Senate Bill 1808 requires health care facilities and practitioners to refund patient overpayments within 30 days after an overpayment is identified. The law applies to overpayments tied to claims submitted to government programs or private insurers and introduces fines and disciplinary consequences for noncompliance. Providers should review billing and payment practices now to prepare for the new requirements.

USCIS Policy Change Impacting Work Authorization: Advisory for Employers and Human Resources

USCIS has issued a policy memorandum pausing immigration benefit processing for individuals from 19 high-risk countries and requiring a re-review of certain previously approved cases. This change may affect work authorization, employment verification, and workforce stability. Employers and HR teams should review impacted employees and update compliance procedures.

CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule with Key Payment and Telehealth Updates

CMS issued the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule on October 31, 2025, with changes effective January 1, 2026. The Final Rule includes increases to the conversion factor, a new efficiency adjustment, updates to practice expense methodology, permanent telehealth policy changes, revised payment for skin substitutes, expanded rules for Part B drugs and biologicals, enhanced policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, and new care management and behavioral health services.

Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates: Key Changes to Physician Reimbursement Rates in Early Parenthood

The Ohio Department of Medicaid has proposed amending Ohio Administrative Code Rule related to covered Medicaid reimbursements for physicians. Beginning on January 1, 2026, they are proposing an increase to rates for prenatal care, childbirth, and infant care and provider visits.

Name, Image, and Likeness Agreements in Healthcare

For example, some healthcare providers have begun to utilize "Name, Image, and Likeness" agreements to promote the brand they have created through their healthcare practice.  We have seen the most healthcare NIL activity with longevity and wellness providers, as well as orthopedics.