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President Biden Seeks to Limit Non-Compete Agreements

Client Alert

Today, President Biden announced he would issue an Executive Order that calls on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to adopt rules to curtail worker non-compete agreements. Interestingly, a week ago, the FTC approved changes to its Rules of Practice to modernize and expedite the way it issues Trade Regulation Rules. 

If you have followed our alerts, we predicted the elimination of non-competes would probably happen. In 2016, then-Vice President Biden was a vocal opponent against non-compete agreements. He led the Obama administration’s initiative seeking to limit or eliminate non-compete agreements. In his presidential campaign, Biden promised to “work with Congress to eliminate all non-compete agreements, except the very few that are absolutely necessary to protect a narrowly defined category of trade secrets....”

Since this is not an act of Congress, the question will be the extent and timing of any FTC rules.

The FTC enforces and administers a wide variety of federal consumer protection laws and regulations that prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. It also develops policy initiatives on issues that affect competition, consumers, and the U.S. economy. 

Once the Executive Order is issued, it will be interesting to determine the authority under which the FTC will issue its rules. We anticipate that the FTC will assert authority under its broad power to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive acts or practice (“UDAP”) and unfair methods of competition (“UMC”). On January 9, 2020, the FTC held a workshop to examine whether there is a sufficient legal basis and empirical economic support to promulgate an FTC rule that would restrict the use of non-compete clauses in employer-employee employment contracts. After the workshop, the FTC extended the public comment period through March 10, 2020, but the Commission has not issued any subsequent guidance on the subject.

Stay tuned for additional information. With the announcement of the Executive Order, the outcome of the FTC non-compete analysis should soon be released. 

For additional information or strategic planning on non-competes or other restrictive covenants, contact Jeffrey C. Miller, jcmiller@bmdllc.com 216.658.2323 or any member of the BMD L+E team.


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.

Compounding GLP-1 Drugs - Recent Updates

Recent guidance from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“BOP”) indicates that providers should generally use the FDA approved GLP-1 drug, rather than a non-FDA approved compounded version of the medication. Importantly, if a GLP-1 drug is commercially available, it cannot be copied through compounding. Currently, compounded copies of Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are not permitted.