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Northern District Court of Ohio Closed to the Public Until May 1

Client Alert

In order to protect the public health, and in order to reduce the size of public gatherings and reduce unnecessary travel, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio hereby issues the following order effective immediately:

ALL COURTHOUSES OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO, SHALL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL MAY 1, 2020. ONLY PERSONS HAVING OFFICIAL BUSINESS AUTHORIZED BY THIS GENERAL ORDER OR BY A PRESIDING JUDGE, INCLUDING CREDENTIALED MEDIA, MAY ENTER COURTHOUSE PROPERTY. THIS APPLIES TO ALL DIVISIONAL LOCATIONS.

The Clerk’s Office intake windows will be closed. Electronic filings may still be made through the CM/ECF system. For those without access to CM/ECF, documents may be submitted by mail, or in the event of an emergency, may be submitted by email to: EmergencyFiling@ohnd.uscourts.gov.

Clerk’s Office staff will be available by telephone from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each business day as follows:

Akron: (330) 252-6020
Cleveland: (216) 357-7011
Toledo: (419) 213-5521
Youngstown: (330) 884-7420

Click here to read the full order.


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.