Key Healthcare Reforms Enacted as Part of 2026 Federal Spending Law

Governor Sherrill Signs Law Granting Independent Practice Authority for Certain Advanced Practice Nurses

In this episode, we dive into a major legislative update impacting New Jersey’s healthcare landscape: Governor Mikie Sherrill's signing of P.L.2026, c.6. This new law permanently grants independent practice authority to certain Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in primary and behavioral health care, eliminating the need for joint protocols with collaborating physicians. Join the Brach Eichler Healthcare Law team as we break down the specifics of the legislation and what it means for practitioners across the state. Topics covered in this episode include: * The 5,000-Hour Rule: Understanding the active practice requirement for APNs to prescribe medications (including medical cannabis) independently. * Permitted Practice Areas: A look at the authorized population focuses—such as family, pediatrics, and behavioral health—and which services (like general obstetrics and cosmetic procedures) are excluded. * The Grace Period: Crucial timeline details for APNs who currently have fewer than 5,000 hours and how to maintain compliance while reaching the threshold. Whether you are an APN, a collaborating physician, or a healthcare facility administrator, this episode provides the essential regulatory insights you need to navigate these new prescribing rules. Resources Mentioned: * Read the full May 2026 Healthcare Law Update here: https://www.bracheichler.com/healthcare-law-update-may-2026/ [https://www.bracheichler.com/healthcare-law-update-may-2026/] Contact Our Healthcare Law Team: * John D. Fanburg [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/john-d-fanburg/]: jfanburg@bracheichler.com | 973.364.5201 * Edward Hilzenrath [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/edward-hilzenrath/]: ehilzenrath@bracheichler.com | 973.403.3114 * Vanessa Coleman [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/vanessa-coleman/]: vcoleman@bracheichler.com | 973.364.5208 *This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific advice.

NJDOH Reiterates Licensed Healthcare Facilities’ Documentation Production Obligations

In this episode of Brach Eichler Talks, we break down the recent New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) memo detailing documentation production obligations for licensed healthcare facilities. Are your facility's internal reports protected under the PSQIA, or are they subject to state disclosure? We clarify the critical differences between privileged patient safety work product and mandatory regulatory reporting, including adverse event and infection control reports. We also explore how HIPAA intersects with the Department's oversight authority so administrators can ensure full compliance during facility inspections. In this episode, we cover: * The scope of the NJDOH’s March 19 memo on document production and regulatory oversight. * Why the Federal Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (PSQIA) does not preempt state or federal reporting obligations. * How to distinguish between privileged patient safety work product and required compliance documentation. * HIPAA exceptions that permit the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to the Department without patient authorization. 📲 Read the full May 2026 Healthcare Law Update: https://www.bracheichler.com/healthcare-law-update-may-2026/ [https://www.bracheichler.com/healthcare-law-update-may-2026/] Contact the Brach Eichler Healthcare Law Team: * Caroline Patterson [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/caroline-j-patterson/]: cpatterson@bracheichler.com | 973.364.5233 * Edward J. Yun [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/edward-j-yun/]: eyun@bracheichler.com | 973.364.5229 * Vanessa Coleman [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/vanessa-coleman/]: vcoleman@bracheichler.com | 973.364.5208 *This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific advice.

The FTC is Challenging Non-Competes – It May Be Time To Review Your Practices

Think your non-compete agreements are safe because the federal ban didn't pass? Think again. In this episode, we break down a major shift in how the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is handling non-competes. While the "one-size-fits-all" ban may have stalled, the FTC has moved to a high-scrutiny, case-by-case approach. We take a close look at the recent proposed order against Rollins, Inc., and why "indiscriminate" policies, requiring every worker to sign a non-compete regardless of their role, are now catching the eyes of antitrust regulators. If you’re an employer, it’s time to move past the "routine" signature and start looking at your independent justifications for protecting confidential information. We discuss what’s still defensible (like corporate transactions and high-level access) and what might be inviting an investigation. Connect with Jay For more information on the FTC’s recent actions or for legal guidance on structuring a defensible non-compete program, reach out to Jay Sabin. * Jay Sabin, Esq. [https://www.bracheichler.com/professionals/jay-sabin/] * Member, Labor and Employment Practice at Brach Eichler LLC * Phone: 917.596.8987 * Email: The FTC is Challenging Non-Competes: It May Be Time To Review Your Practices [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.bracheichler.com/insights/the-ftc-is-challenging-non-competes-it-may-be-time-to-review-your-practices/] Disclaimer: This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific advice.

Key Healthcare Reforms Enacted as Part of 2026 Federal Spending Law

In this episode of Brach Eichler Talks, we discuss key healthcare reforms enacted as part of the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, including the two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, and new federal oversight requirements for pharmacy benefit managers. The episode highlights what healthcare providers and organizations should know about continued telehealth access for Medicare beneficiaries, PBM rebate pass-through requirements, prescription drug pricing transparency, audit provisions, and disclosure obligations related to affiliated pharmacies. Listen for a clear overview of these important federal healthcare policy updates and what they may mean for the healthcare industry. 📲 Read the full alert now: https://www.bracheichler.com/insights/key-healthcare-reforms-enacted-as-part-of-2026-federal-spending-law/ For more information, contact: Joseph M. Gorrell | 973.403.3112 | jgorrell@bracheichler.com [jgorrell@bracheichler.com] Richard B. Robins | 973.447.9663 | rrobins@bracheichler.com [rrobins@bracheichler.com] Rebecca Falk | 973.364.8393 | rfalk@bracheichler.com [rfalk@bracheichler.com] *This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific advice.

New Jersey Healthcare Providers Face New Observer Training Requirements Starting April 18 – Here’s What You Need to Know

Stay ahead of New Jersey’s latest healthcare compliance changes in this episode of Brach Eichler Talks. We break down the new observer training and qualification requirements taking effect April 18, 2026, under the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners’ amended observer regulation. This episode explains what healthcare providers, practices, and licensees need to know about CP-2 training requirements, written affirmations, observer responsibilities, notice and posting obligations, recordkeeping, and practical compliance steps for applicable practice locations. If your practice uses observers during sensitive examinations, this is an important update to understand now. Listen in for a clear overview of the new requirements and what your organization should do to prepare. For more information, contact: John D. Fanburg, Esq. [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Lm3-CADQgOUr3l7JsgUBTG8a1v?domain=t.e2ma.net], Managing Member and Chair, Healthcare Law [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/e3YeCBB8jEHP9REJU4c4T2_tPs?domain=t.e2ma.net], jfanburg@bracheichler.com [jfanburg@bracheichler.com], 973.403.3107 Edward Hilzenrath, Esq. [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VM4_CDkYlEfjKJgrSzf2Tj9GCy?domain=t.e2ma.net], Member, Healthcare Law [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/X4iXCERZmQS1J0Ros5hoT7hlxc?domain=t.e2ma.net], ehilzenrath@bracheichler.com [ehilzenrath@bracheichler.com], 973.403.3114 Erika R. Marshall, Esq. [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/M0VrCG6YoKtWpOjZcGijTBPrd0?domain=t.e2ma.net], Counsel, Healthcare Law [https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A1XICJ6YrXtpmA0LcrsyTya8-7?domain=t.e2ma.net], emarshall@bracheichler.com [emarshall@bracheichler.com], 973.364.5236 *This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific advice.