Fun Run Next Weekend

Each year at OMED, the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) host the AT Still Fit for Life Fun Run, a timed 5K run/walk race with proceeds designated for AAOA’s Special Projects Grant Fund. The live event is Sunday, September 22, in San Antonio, but you can participate on Team OOA whether or not you attend OMED.

Team OOA members are invited to walk or run at OMED or any time on their own during the September 20-22 weekend.

OOA Past President/AOA Board Trustee Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, serves as honorary chair of the event and the Ohio Osteopathic Association is a sponsor.

The entry fee is $35. Register here.

After Passage of SB 144, Pharmacy Board Unveils Draft Rules for Childhood Vaccination

Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly passed and Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 144, which expands the scope of practice for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns related to childhood vaccination.

Sponsored by State Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), SB 144 allows pharmacy-based providers to administer any ACIP-recommended vaccines to children as young as five years of age; current law allows for vaccination to children as young as 13, with additional authority granted for the flu and COVID vaccine for children as young as seven. SB 144 seeks to codify temporary authority granted to pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy released draft rules to codify the new authority granted to pharmacy-based providers in SB 144. Comments are due by September 18, with a hearing expected later this year. More information can be found here.

During legislative debate over SB 144, physician groups including OOA and the American Academy of Pediatrics expressed concerns that allowing pharmacy-based providers expanded ability to vaccinate children could erode well-child care and disincentivize parents taking their children in for annual visits. Additionally, there are concerns about how these providers will report administered vaccines to the state vaccine registry. The Board of Pharmacy does have guidelines for how pharmacists can report vaccines, however these reporting requirements can often pose an administrative burden for primary care providers or local health departments. Lastly, nothing in SB 144 requires pharmacies to participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides free vaccines to kids enrolled in Ohio Medicaid. Given that nearly half of Ohio children are Medicaid-eligible, lack of VFC access excludes many children from receiving vaccines at a pharmacy. More updates to follow as these rules move through the process.

ODH Seeks Feedback on Draft AED Plan

The 135th Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 47 which takes effect on October 24. The new law requires the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in both of the following:

• Each public and chartered nonpublic school.
• Each municipal sports and recreation location, except in townships and villages with populations of less than 5,000.

The new law also:

• Modifies training requirements related to AEDs in public and chartered nonpublic schools.
• Requires the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to develop a model emergency action plan for the use of AEDs by public and chartered nonpublic schools, youth sports organizations, and municipal sports and recreation locations.
• Requires each public and chartered nonpublic school and youth sports organization, before each athletic season, to hold an informational meeting regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest for student and youth athletes.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 3701.851, ODH has developed a Model Emergency Action Plan for the Use of the Automated External Defibrillator and is currently seeking written feedback. If you have comments to offer, submit them in writing to Lisa.Locklin@odh.ohio.gov in the ODH Office of the Medical Director no later than September 25.

The full text of the new law is available here and the analysis is here.

Ohio Voters to Decide on Redistricting Reform in November

In addition to a major Presidential race, notable Congressional races, and a myriad of local issues, Ohio voters will also be asked to decide on a redistricting reform proposal. Officially appearing on the ballot as Issue 1, the redistricting constitutional amendment was brought forward by Citizens Not Politicians, a coalition of citizen groups and voting rights advocates.

This is the second major reform proposal placed before Ohio voters in the past decade, with legislatively backed proposals advancing in 2015 and 2018 for state legislative and Congressional maps, respectively. Unlike past proposals, the current Issue 1 faces opposition from majority Republicans in the General Assembly and the Ohio Republican Party. The proposal would establish an independent commission to decide on legislative maps for 2026 and beyond.

While many Issue 1 supporters backed previous reform efforts, there is frustration that those reforms did not put an end to gerrymandering of state legislative and Congressional maps. If approved by voters, Issue 1 could dramatically alter the politics at the Ohio Statehouse.

Volunteer Needed for Medicaid Committee

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is seeking a DO to fill a vacant seat on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending medications and related products for the preferred drug list. The Unified Preferred Drug List (UPDL) is maintained through a review of current evidence-based medicine and based on the professional judgment of physicians, pharmacists, and other experts.

Meetings are held quarterly, in person, at the Ohio Medicaid office in downtown Columbus. Committee members serve on a volunteer basis; there is no reimbursement for time, travel, parking, etc. The next meeting is October 9. More information about the committee is here.

If interested, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.

Advocate for Your Profession

The Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OOPAC) has contributed to a number of candidates running for state legislative office. Now, we’re looking for DOs who are interested in attending informal gatherings to meet and talk with the candidates. The fundraising receptions and golf outings provide an opportunity to chat directly with those involved in health care legislation and policy. The OOA can provide talking points if needed.

The current schedule includes:
September 19 – Columbus, reception
September 23 – Lima, golf outing and reception
September 30, 6:00-7:30pm – Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland

If you are able to attend or want more information, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.

OOPAC supports candidates on both sides of the political aisle. A strong PAC helps to strengthen the osteopathic voice at the Ohio Statehouse. Read more about OOPAC here.

Seeking Speakers

The OOA is a participating partner in the VOC, the Virtual Osteopathic Conference, and we are looking for faculty members in the subjects below. Fuller course descriptions are available. Faculty receive a stipend and free conference attendance. Lectures are pre-recorded. Find out more about the VOC faculty opportunities here.

February 14-16, 2025
Live Virtual Conference
On-Demand Available

• Assessment and Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies (respiratory distress, dehydration, anaphylaxis, seizures, and trauma)
• Perinatal Care

Offering 48 credits of both AOA and AMA-accredited CME in a flexible format, the VOC has over 2,000 physicians attendees from throughout the country. 

Contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org if you are interested in becoming a VOC faculty member.