DeWine Issues Statewide Mask Mandate 

As of 6:00 pm yesterday, all individuals in Ohio (10 years and older) must wear facial coverings in public at all times, according to a state order issued Wednesday by Gov. Mike DeWine. The mandate comes as hospitalizations rise, with 743 COVID-19 patients admitted to Ohio hospitals last week, the second-highest week of the pandemic and the largest number in more than three months.

The OOA joined with other organizations to issue a statement on behalf of Ohio physicians in support of the mandate. The mandate specifically requires facial coverings when:

• at an indoor location that is not a residence;
• outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members;
• waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.

Individuals are not required to wear facial coverings if they: 

• have a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability;
• are actively exercising or playing sports;
• are officiants at religious services;
• are actively involved in public safety; or
• are actively eating or drinking.

The mandate, which is part of a public health order, is enforced by state and local authorities, not businesses. Under state law, the penalty for violating a public health order is a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a fine of not more than $750. DeWine also issued a travel advisory, asking Ohioans and all travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days when coming into Ohio from states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or higher. 

Eight Ohio counties were upgraded to Level 3 (Red) this week as part of the Public Health Advisory System.

The CDC issued new guidelines regarding isolation and return-to work criteria. Someone who has tested positive and has symptoms may discontinue isolation 10 days after the symptoms first appeared if 24 hours have passed without a fever and symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath have improved. Quarantine for those who might have been exposed is still at 14 days.

Ohio Speaker of the House Arrested in $60M Bribery Case

FBI agents arrested Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder and four others Tuesday morning in connection with a $61 million federal public corruption racketeering conspiracy. It is thought to be the largest money laundering scheme ever in the state.

The secret federal investigation is related to HB 6, the FirstEnergy nuclear bailout proposal that lawmakers passed last year. The bill, now law, eliminated subsidies for renewable energy and energy efficiency and added a new fee to all electricity bills, providing $150 million annually for the next six years to Ohio’s two nuclear power plants.

Between March 2017 and March 2020, FirstEnergy paid approximately $60 million to Generation Now, a 501(c)(4) entity secretly controlled by Householder. Householder used Generation Now to support candidates and the passage HB 6, block referendum efforts to overturn the bill, and for his own personal benefit and political aspirations to become speaker.  

One third of state representatives have publicly called for Householder’s resignation in addition to several statewide officials. Speaker Pro Tempore Jim Butler has scheduled an informal caucus meeting on Tuesday to discuss the chamber’s options. The Speaker effectively has control over priority legislation in the House, so Householder’s status will directly impact current legislation.

The investigation into Householder and the interrelated organizations supporting the nuclear subsidy continues.

BWC Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BCW) has completed a review of the current Inpatient Hospital Reimbursement Rule, Ohio Administrative Code 4123-6-37.1 effective February 1, 2021, and the current Professional Provider Medical Services Fee Schedule Rule, Ohio Administrative Code 4123-6-08 effective January 1, 2021.

Per the review, BWC is proposing changes. You can review the proposed rules on the BWC website. At the bottom of the page, click the link that says “I accept the term of the above agreement and want to view, download and print a copy of the fee schedule.” Click the download/print icon for each specific fee schedule. The rules are at the bottom of the page under Proposed.

Submit your feedback to ProviderFeedBack@bwc.state.oh.us. Include your name, phone number, email address and practice and/or specialty, if applicable. The deadline is August 4.

Ohio Medicaid Issues Episodes of Care Changes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is suspending the Episodes of Care program for calendar year 2020 and 2021. ODM will not conduct reporting or assess positive and negative incentive payments during this time. ODM intends to restart episodes of care for calendar year 2022.

Get more information and updates here. Providers may also sign up for the listserv to receive email updates.

For questions, contact the ODM provider assistance team at 1-800-686-1516, option 5. You must enter two of the following: tax ID, 7 digit Medicaid ID, or NPI in order to authenticate and speak with a representative.

#DoctorsOrders T-Shirt Giveaway

As part of the new Doctor’s Orders: Mask + 6 Feet campaign, we’re giving away a free t-shirt to the first two who (1) share one of our #DoctorsOrders social media posts; and (2) get a friend to add us on one of our platforms. Send verification along with the social media post share to cmarkino@OhioDO. You can also purchase a shirt directly.

Also, be sure to email your masked photo to cmarkino@OhioDO.org. Or post it to your own account. Use the hashtags #DoctorsOrders and #MaskPlus6 so we can find your post and share it. Let’s encourage Ohioans to wear a face mask and practice physical distancing when in public.

New AOA President Installed

Thomas Ely, DO, a family physician from Tennessee, is now president of the American Osteopathic Association. He was officially installed at the 100th House of Delegates last weekend via videoconference. During his inaugural address he outlined emphasized his goal of building osteopathic pride and community and outlined three primary areas of focus for his term:

• Expanding the osteopathic profession’s presence through membership.
• Ensuring continuity in leadership.
• Continuing to advance Osteopathic Recognition for residency programs nationwide.

Anthony Fauci, MD, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, addressed the delegates in a recorded message. He provided an update on the clinical manifestations and treatment protocols for COVID-19, global prevalence over time, and various vaccine trials underway.

Two Ohioans, Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO, of Cleveland, and Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, of Dayton were re-elected to the AOA Board of Trustees. Both will serve three-year terms ending in 2023. Proxies voted on each affiliate’s behalf. George Thomas, DO, served as the Ohio delegation proxy.

Resolutions, reference committee debate, and policy considerations will be on the agenda at the October 13-14 House of Delegates meeting.

The White Coats are Coming!

The deadline is approaching to contribute to the the Student White Coat Fund for the OU-HCOM Class of 2024.

Connect with the newest members of the Ohio osteopathic family by purchasing a white coat for an incoming student. The short coat, complete with OOA armpatch, is a welcome gift from the OOA and Ohio Osteopathic Foundation.

When you make your tax-deductible donation online (in $45 increments), be sure to write an encouraging message to a new student. Messages will be tucked in the white coat pocket.

Make your donation by July 31.