Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Ohio Med Spas: Peptide Do's and Do Not's

Client Alert

Recent Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“BOP”) guidance has highlighted compliance considerations surrounding the use of peptides in med spas.  Owners and operators of med spas will want to keep these considerations in mind as the use of peptides, especially GLP-1 medications, expands.  

Certain peptide drugs are FDA approved medications and can be used in med spas. However, not every peptide-based drug is created equal or is approval by the FDA. According to BOP guidance, some peptides, such as Retatrutide, are not currently FDA approved.[1] In addition, many peptide-based drugs, such as Semaglutide or BPC-157 peptides, cannot currently be compounded.[2]

The BOP conducts regular inspections of med spas and has revoked or suspended several med-spa’s TDDD licenses for violations surrounding the use of peptides. The most common violations are purchasing medication from an unlicensed seller, purchasing and utilizing medication marked “for research purposes only,” purchasing non-FDA approved medication, and obtaining foreign sourced medication.   

When determining which peptides your med-spa can utilize, it is important to keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Only use peptides that are FDA approved.
  • Do not purchase peptides from unlicensed sellers.
  • Do not use peptides labeled “for research purposes only.”
  • Ensure compliance with compounding requirements, including not making prohibited copies of peptides.
  • Properly store any peptides prior to their use.

If you have questions regarding BOP compliance or how using peptides may impact your practice, please contact BMD Member Jeana Singleton at jmsingleton@bmdllc.com or 330-253-2001.     


[1] Compounding of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Drug Products (GLP-1) in Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026.

[1] Ten Common Prescriber Clinic and Medical Spa Violations, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026. See also, Compounding of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Drug Products (GLP-1) in Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026.


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.

Ohio House Bill 537: Proposed Regulations for Midwives and Birthing Centers

House Bill 537, introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives, proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, licensed midwives, and traditional midwives. The legislation would clarify scope of practice, establish licensure standards, and impose new requirements for freestanding birthing centers and home births. Healthcare providers and facilities should be aware of the proposed changes and their potential operational impact.

Proposed Health Information Privacy Reform Act Expands Protections Beyond HIPAA

The Health Information Privacy Reform Act (HIPRA) seeks to extend privacy protections to health data not covered under HIPAA, including data collected by apps and wearables. HIPRA introduces broader definitions of protected health information, strengthens privacy and security requirements, establishes patient notification rights, and sets national de-identification standards. Companies processing health data should monitor developments to ensure compliance.

Medicare Updates on Skin Substitutes: LCDs Withdrawn, Payment Changes Take Effect

Medicare’s planned Final Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for skin substitutes were withdrawn in late December 2025, meaning previous coverage rules remain in effect. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule introduces a single payment rate of approximately $127.14 for these products. Providers should review implications for diabetic foot and venous leg ulcer treatments.