01/29/2016
Oppose the APRN Scope of Practice Bill Promoting Independent Practice
At committee hearing, APRNs offer supporting testimony; meanwhile, physicians tell lawmakers, “Teams Work!”
On Wednesday, January 20, the House Health and Aging Committee heard testimony in support of House Bill 216. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Dorothy Pelanda (R – Marysville), would allow advanced practice nurse practitioners (APRNs) to practice independently without a standard care agreement with a collaborating physician. The bill would also eliminate the APRN drug formulary, allowing APRNs to prescribe any drug—even dangerous and addictive drugs, including opioids.
Ohio ACEP has joined forces with a number of other medical organizations, including the Ohio State Medical Association, to oppose HB 216 and preserve physician-led, team-based care. In a January 20 press release, this coalition of medical organizations outlined physicians’ objections to the bill, citing serious concerns over quality of care, prescribing accountability, and patient safety.
Many of Ohio’s physicians have answered the call to contact their legislators, but special interests are determined to push this troubling bill through the legislature. If we’re going to stop this legislation, we need to keep up the pressure on the General Assembly!
The Ohio State Medical Association has made it easy to send an email to your legislators about HB 216 through their online Advocacy Action Center. This handy tool helps you with what to say and even directs the email to the correct legislators.
For more information on HB 216, check out the “Teams Work for Patients” fact sheet. Thank you for helping preserve team-based, physician-led patient care in Ohio!