Transparency

Ohio Parents Sue Over State Rule on Caregiver Eligibility, Claiming Lack of Transparency and Public Input

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Columbus, Ohio — A group of Ohio parents have brought a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), alleging the agency implemented policy changes concerning parental care providers without adhering to statutory rulemaking procedures. Lindsay Sodano, a resident of Mason and mother of a child with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, is at the forefront of this legal challenge. Sodano, who has been a direct caregiver for her daughter Mimi since 2022, is contesting DODD’s requirements surrounding the appointment of parents as paid caregivers under Medicaid waivers. Her role as caregiver is supported by … Read more

Unwritten Rules: How State Law’s Lack of Transparency Undermines Federal Program Implementation

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Chicago, IL — The nuances of state administrative law and its alignment with federal directives have been cast under scrutiny in new research from Anthony B. Derron, a distinguished legal scholar from the University of Chicago Law School. Derron’s examination unfolds the complexities that arise when state laws remain unwritten, yielding substantial consequences for the enforcement and efficacy of federal programs across the United States. In an era where approximately 90 percent of federal programs are implemented at the state level, Derron highlights a critical disconnect. Many states have yet to establish clear, written guidelines … Read more

New Billing Notification Practices at Local Imaging Center Spark Discussion on Healthcare Transparency Laws

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Recently, residents like myself in Colorado Springs, Colorado, encountered a new type of notification from healthcare providers concerning billing practices that may indicate a shift towards greater transparency in medical billing. Specifically, an imaging center informed us that for upcoming procedures, we should expect two separate charges: one for the use of facility resources and another for the medical professionals conducting the examination. It was further noted that some or all of these charges might not be covered by health insurance, advising us to verify coverage beforehand. This preemptive notification sparked curiosity about whether it … Read more

Illinois Sets New Employment Law Standards for 2025: Expanded Protections and Transparency Initiatives Unveiled

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Springfield, Illinois — As Illinois welcomes the new year of 2025, a slew of refreshed and new employment regulations are set to come into force. These revised laws, taking effect from January 1, are geared to enhance job transparency, protect employees’ rights, and cater to mental health professionals working with veterans and first responders. Employers across the state are advised to familiarize themselves with these updates to avoid hefty penalties and ensure workplace compliance. Starting in 2025, amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) will notably extend the period employees have to file discrimination … Read more