02/26/2016
Physicians, Medical Groups, Testify Against APRN Scope of Practice Bill
Meanwhile, Sen. Shannon Jones introduces companion bill in the Senate
On Wednesday, February 10, physicians, health policy experts, and even a licensed registered nurse gave testimony against House Bill 216 before the House Health and Aging Committee. 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 prescription drugs, including opioids.
At the hearing, opponents of HB 216 took the opportunity to lay out their objections and to correct the record on a number of points made by the bill’s supporters. Elizabeth Snajdar, a registered nurse who is also a first year medical student, outlined the differences in roles and extent of training between physicians and APRNs, saying, “APRNs on our unit managed the care for less complex patients and the physicians covered the patients that had multiple comorbidities and complex chronic disease processes.”
Other HB 216 opponents pointed out that, despite claims from supporters that the bill would improve access to care, nothing under current standard care agreements prevents an APRN from going to a rural or underserved area.
Opponents also testified that eliminating the APRN drug formulary, which would allow APRNs in Ohio to prescribe any drug, would be dangerous for patients and public health. At a time when the Ohio is working hard to combat its prescription drug abuse epidemic, opponents argued, eliminating the APRN drug formulary would undermine that work and weaken prescribing accountability.
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.
Earlier this month, in the Ohio Senate, Sen. Shannon Jones (R – Springboro) introduced what is known as “companion legislation,” Senate Bill 279. Essentially, a “companion bill” is a piece of legislation which has similar or identical language to another bill introduced in the other legislative chamber. Stay tuned for updates on the Senate version of the bill.
The Ohio State Medical Association has made it easy to send an email to your legislators about HB 216 and SB 279 through their online Advocacy Action Center. This handy tool helps you with what to say and even directs the email to the correct legislators.
Thank you for helping preserve team-based, physician-led patient care in Ohio!