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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. 

 


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.