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Ohio Board of Nursing Proposes Rule Changes for Nurses

Client Alert

On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ohio Board of Nursing released a package of proposed changes to the Ohio Administrative Code.  While most of the rules had no proposed changes or merely proofreading changes, there was one rule change that will be of significant interest to our LPN, RN, and APRN clients.

Ohio Board of Nursing Proposed Rule Changes - a medical professional's arm holding a stethescope.

OAC 4723-14-01 sets forth definitions related to continuing education (CE) requirements.  There are two proposed changes that Ohio nurses should be watching. 

First, under Section (E), the definition for “Category A” credits would be adjusted to allow for CE credits that may be offered by an approved organization that is not headquartered in Ohio.  This may expand a nurse’s CE opportunities. 

Second, under Section (U), the “Reporting Period” definition would be adjusted.  LPNs, RNs, and APRNs would now have a reporting period of July 1 – June 30 in odd numbered years.  (The current reporting period is November through October.)  If this change is adopted, nurses will want to be aware, so that they don’t miss any deadlines. 

As a reminder, proposed changes to the Ohio Administrative Code trigger a public hearing.  As such, If you or your organization wish to submit comments or give testimony on any of the proposed rules discussed herein, please note that there is a hearing scheduled for February 13, 2026.

If you would like assistance with laws governing Ohio’s nurses or in preparing comments on potential regulatory changes, please contact BMD Health Law Group member, Jeana Singleton at jmsingleton@bmdllc.com or 330-253-2001. 

 


Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.