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

Client Alert

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open initial H-1B registration at noon Eastern time on March 4, 2026, and will remain open through March 19, 2026.

$100,000 Fee Not Applicable to Change of Status H-1B Petitions:

If you already reside in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status (F-1, F-2, H-4, J-1, O-1, O-2, TN, etc.), and your employer files an H-1B change of status petition, you will not be subject to the proposed $100,000 fee. This fee is intended to discourage certain overseas registrations/filings and is cost-prohibitive for employers to sponsor workers who do not reside in the U.S.

Further, the new H-1B rule of implementing a weighted selection process will generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels. This rule benefits physicians, engineers, and other skilled workers paid in Wage Levels 3 or 4 by increasing their chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery, in addition to advanced U.S. degree selections.

Why This is Significant for U.S.-Based Foreign Nonimmigrants:

If you are currently in the U.S. on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT or another valid nonimmigrant status, this year may offer:

  • Reduced financial barriers for employers sponsoring you.
  • Potentially higher selection probability (especially if you qualify for advanced degree or higher wage levels).

In short, if you legally reside in the U.S., this year is your golden chance of being selected in the H-1B lottery.

If you wish to submit employee names in the H-1B lottery, please contact BMD Member Duriya Dhinojwala at dd@bmdllc.com to discuss your options.  


Medicare Updates on Skin Substitutes: LCDs Withdrawn, Payment Changes Take Effect

Medicare’s planned Final Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for skin substitutes were withdrawn in late December 2025, meaning previous coverage rules remain in effect.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.

Understanding the Seven Core Elements of an Effective Healthcare Compliance Program

The Affordable Care Act requires healthcare providers participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to maintain an effective compliance program. Guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Inspector General outlines seven core elements that form the foundation of these programs, from written policies and compliance oversight to auditing, training, and corrective action. This alert highlights each element and explains how practices can tailor compliance programs to their size and risk profile while meeting federal expectations.

Preventing a Board Investigation

Healthcare professionals in Ohio are subject to licensing board investigations that can lead to disciplinary action. Staying compliant with regulations, documenting carefully, and operating within your professional scope can help prevent issues. If contacted by a board, working with an attorney is critical to protect your license and rights.

Ohio Board of Nursing Proposes Rule Changes for Nurses

On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ohio Board of Nursing (“BON”) released a package of proposed changes to the Ohio Administrative Code. There are two proposed changes to continuing education requirements that Ohio nurses should be watching.

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.