Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

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. 

 


A Shift in Coverage: HHS Reinterprets “Federal Public Benefit” Under PRWORA

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rescinded a 1998 interpretation of “federal public benefit” used in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) on July 10, 2025. This notice removes "outdating exclusions" and includes additional programs under “federal public benefit."

Supreme Court Upholds Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force under the ACA, ensuring continued no-cost coverage for over 100 preventive health services. The decision impacts millions of Americans and preserves provider reimbursement through insurance.

Health Care Providers Take Note: Federal Budget Brings Medicaid and Staffing Rule Changes

The 2025 federal budget introduces significant changes for health care providers and Medicaid recipients, including new cost-sharing requirements, work eligibility mandates, rural health grants, and a pause on minimum staffing rules.

Key Healthcare Provisions in Ohio’s 2026–2027 Budget

Ohio’s newly enacted biennial budget (HB 96) for FY 2026–2027 brings sweeping changes for healthcare providers across the state. The law includes new Medicaid eligibility requirements, reporting mandates, funding directives, and social policy provisions. Several vetoes by Governor DeWine also affect healthcare-related initiatives.

Providers Beware: Court Sides with Insurers in No Surprises Act Arbitration

On June 12, 2025, the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of Aetna and Kaiser in two lawsuits brought by air ambulance providers challenging how insurers calculated payments under the No Surprises Act’s Independent Dispute Resolution process. The court held that unless there is clear evidence of fraud or serious misconduct, IDR decisions will stand, reinforcing the finality of the arbitration process.