Advocacy Updates
What We Are Watching at the Ohio Statehouse
Ohio ACEP is following a number of legislative issues related to the practice of emergency care in the state of Ohio.
Ohio ACEP is following a number of legislative issues related to the practice of emergency care in the state of Ohio.
APRN Scope of Practice Bill Introduced
Legislation has been introduced by Senator Mark Romanchuk regarding APRNs. Senate Bill 321 proposes adding APRNs to code sections where currently only physicians are listed. For example, allowing APRNs to certify patients’ PASSPORT and assisted living program eligibility; allows APRNs to direct care at outpatient health facilities; allowing them to establish consult agreements with pharmacists; etc. While the bill doesn’t remove the requirement that APRNs have a standard care arrangement with a physician, Ohio ACEP will still be watching this bill very closely if/when it begins hearings.
Redistricting Still in Limbo
The Ohio Supreme Court has now four times ruled maps drawn for the Statehouse races (House and Senate) as unconstitutional. A panel of federal judges have ruled that if the Redistricting Commission cannot develop a map that passes constitutional muster by late May, we will default to the 3rd rejected map for the Statehouse primaries. As of now, there will be a May 3, 2022 primary for Statewide offices, Congressional seats, judicial seats and local issues. Then, a second primary will be held on a to-be-determined date (likely in August) for Ohio House, Ohio Senate and school board seats.
Legislation Would Increase Access to Narcan
Senators Nathan Manning and Steve Huffman are jointly sponsoring Senate Bill 296 that would increase access to lifesaving Narcan as well as fentanyl testing strips. According to the bill summary the legislation: Generally expands existing naloxone access authority, including by authorizing access for all persons and government entities to purchase, possess, distribute, dispense, personally furnish, sell, or otherwise obtain or provide naloxone and any instrument or device to administer it. The bill also authorizes the use of fentanyl testing strips and provides immunity from criminal prosecution for using the testing strips. There is a loophole in current law that classifies these strips as drug paraphernalia. This bill is pending in the Senate Health Committee. There is broad support for moving forward with the legislation from both state regulators and recovery organizations.
Coroner Legislation Introduced
Legislation introduced by Senators and physicians Terry Johnson and Steve Huffman would make several changes to laws regarding coroners. Senator Johnson and Huffman have both previously served as county coroners. Senate Bill 311 would specify that to qualify to serve as a county coroner, an individual must be a licensed physician (MD or DO). There was an instant in the previous election where a chiropractor was certified to run and won that election to be a county coroner. SB 311 would clarify the law so that doesn’t happen again. The bill also requires that standard care arrangements with APRNs contain an agreement that the collaborating physician must be the one to complete and sign death certificates.
