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Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Client Alert

Over the past several months, the federal judiciary has provided numerous rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which became effective January 1, 2024.  For a more detailed overview on the CTA, click here.

On February 20th, we alerted business owners that the reporting required by the CTA was reinstated, as all nationwide federal injunctions had been lifted. However, on February 27th, the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a press release providing that no enforcement actions will be taken against businesses that fail to submit reporting.

The press release provides that FinCEN will be reevaluating the CTA and will provide new guidance and clarity “as quickly as possible.”  Public comment will be solicited by FinCEN during this reevaluation.

Given FinCEN’s new position on the CTA, businesses no longer have any obligation to submit reporting.  A reevaluation of reporting obligations will also be warranted by business owners in the event FinCEN does publish a new final reporting rule, as the impetus for change was a reduction of the regulatory burden on businesses while prioritizing reporting only for those entities that pose the most significant risks.

For further guidance on the changing landscape of CTA reporting, business owners should reach out to their BMD legal advisors or contact BMD Member Blake Gerney at brgerney@bmdllc.com.


Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.

Corporate Transparency Act Effective Again

The federal judiciary has issued multiple rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, enforcement was halted nationwide due to litigation in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, on February 18th, the court lifted the stay, reinstating the CTA’s reporting requirements. Non-exempt entities now have until March 21, 2025, to comply. Businesses should act promptly to avoid civil penalties of $591 per day and potential criminal liability.

Status Update: Physician Noncompete Agreements in Ohio

Noncompete agreements remain enforceable in Ohio if they meet specific legal requirements. While the AMA and FTC have challenged these restrictions, courts continue to uphold reasonable noncompete provisions for physicians. Recent cases, like MetroHealth System v. Khandelwal, highlight how courts may modify overly restrictive agreements to balance employer interests with patient care. With ongoing legal challenges to the FTC’s proposed ban, Ohio physicians should consult a healthcare attorney before signing or challenging a noncompete agreement.

Immigration Orders and Their Economic Impact on Small Business: Insights from Attorney and Former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff

President Trump's recent executive orders, targeting immigration policies, could significantly impact small businesses in Ohio, particularly those owned by undocumented immigrants. With stricter visa vetting, halted refugee admissions, and potential deportations, these businesses face uncertainty, workforce disruption, and closures. Ohio's immigrant-owned businesses, especially in food services and transportation, contribute billions to the state economy, and any disruption could result in economic ripple effects.