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12/10/2024

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Another Round of HB 73 Opposition Testimony from OAPA

 

Legislative Alert Hb73

 

The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants tirelessly advocates for Ohio PAs, including raising our voice when we see legislation that may negatively impact PA practice and the safety and effectiveness of patient care in Ohio.

 

House Bill 73 presents multiple significant risks to patient safety and Ohio's healthcare practice integrity, undermining the role of healthcare providers, disrupting coordinated care, and imposing unrealistic and harmful mandates on pharmacists.

OAPA has submitted written testimony for the 4th Hearing of House Bill 73 in the Senate Health Committee on December 11, addressing more than 10 concerns with the bill. From the testimony:

"On behalf of the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants, we want to express our strong opposition to HB 73 due to several critical concerns impacting healthcare providers and patient safety. It is clear from the abundant opposition testimony from diverse healthcare systems, providers, educators, and industry groups that HB 73 is dangerous for Ohio patients."

Read the Full Text of the Testimony

Further reading:

 

How Can You Help?

From the Ohio Senate's website, "Committee is where you can participate in the bill-making process by sharing your opinion on legislation important to you." If you are a constituent of one of the 7 Senators on the Senate Health Committee, your voice is especially critical right now!

And, regardless of where you live in the state, reaching out to your Senator now to let them know that HB73 is bad for Ohio is a good preemptive action. If the bill is passed by the committee and reaches the Senate floor, we want it to have the best chance of being defeated.

You can use this tool to find your local legislators. Below is a form letter that you can customize and email to your Senator, or use as a script when you call their office. Please share this with your healthcare colleagues, as this legislation would impact providers of all types!

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Subject: Protect Patient Safety: Oppose HB 73  
 
Dear [Senator’s Name], 
 
As a [your role, e.g., physician assistant, pharmacist, concerned Ohioan], I urge you to oppose HB 73. This bill jeopardizes patient safety and burdens Ohio’s healthcare providers with unnecessary mandates. 
 
 Key concerns with HB 73 include: 
 
- Forcing pharmacists to fill prescriptions despite safety concerns, removing critical safeguards. 
- Requiring written consent for all off-label prescriptions, adding red tape without improving care. 
- Allowing out-of-state providers to interfere with local care teams, undermining coordination. 
- Ignoring WHO guidelines without offering practical alternatives, isolating Ohio from global best practices. 
 
As healthcare providers, we need policies that ensure safety, reduce barriers, and improve care. HB 73 undermines the integrity of care, increasing communication errors and risks to patient safety. 
 
Ohioans deserve better. Please vote no on HB 73 to protect our patients and healthcare system. Thank you for your time and consideration. Feel free to reach out to discuss this further.
 
Sincerely, 
[Your Name] 
[Your Role] 
[Your Contact Information] 
[City, Ohio]

 

To help OAPA support and advance PA practice through government advocacy, please contribute to the OAPA Legislative Fund!

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