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New Ohio Recovery Housing Rules Take Effect January 1, 2025

Client Alert

Ohio is implementing new regulations to enhance accountability and quality in recovery housing. These changes, effective January 1, 2025, will impact certified community behavioral health providers and their referral practices.

The following text is an excerpt from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, published on December 31, 2024. 

"In accordance with Ohio law (R.C. 5119.394), OhioMHAS has established a registry of recovery housing residences that are accredited (or its equivalent) by certain accreditation organizations or, if newer (in operation for not more than 18 months), are actively engaged in efforts to obtain such accreditation. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, certified community behavioral health providers are prohibited from referring clients to a recovery housing residence that is not on the statewide recovery housing residence registry at the time of the referral."

Read the full update here.

If your organization needs assistance navigating the new recovery housing rules or ensuring compliance with Ohio’s updated regulations, please contact Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com.


HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.

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.