Ohio Department of Medicaid seeks input

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is seeking input from key stakeholders for its new Provider Portal. if you provide care to Medicaid patients, ODM needs to hear from you to properly tailor updates to the Provider Network Management Module.  If you can spare ten minutes to schedule a brief interview, please email Richard Willimott at Richard.Willimott@medicaid.ohio.gov. You can find a preview of the questions here.  

Medical Marijuana education course this Tuesday

It's almost here!  Register for the OOA's online, two-hour Medical Marijuana Education Course this Tuesday, September 22 from 6-8pm.

The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program allows people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio-licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana.

This program is approved for 2 hours of AOA Category 1-A credit and is certified by the OOA to meet the annual education requirements set forth by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Topics include: diagnosing qualifying conditions, possible drug interactions, cannabinoid receptors, side effects, and more.

OOA members receive a discounted registration fee of $175. Register today!

Are you ready to match? As long as you OR! 

Calling the attention of our fourth-year students looking ahead at your step in your osteopathic journey, we strongly encourage you to prioritize programs in Ohio with Osteopathic Recognition. Our OR page outlines programs, specialties, contact information, and more--complete with a map! We strongly encourage your path along the osteopathic continuum!

Got CME?  

2020 has impacted our lives in ways we've never imagined.  One certainty we can provide is the SMBO's willingness to enforce CME requirements for licensure. Please remember the SMBO has only delayed enforcement--but has not waived--the CME requirements as a condition of licensure.

To maintain these CME requirements, check out www.DOcme.org for on-demand programs on a host of topics.

Enjoy this CME credit from your home or office whenever you are able.  The OOA-produced lectures are 35% off the list price when you use the discount code OOAFamily.  Log on today!

DeWine provides updates on nursing homes, county alerts

This week, Governor DeWine and Director Ursel McElroy of the Ohio Department of Aging provided an update on testing in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult day centers, and adult day cares. Directory McElroy explained that frequent testing in congregate settings is important to control the spread of the virus. 

McElroy also mentioned that adult day care and senior centers will open on September 21^st. The facilities will test staff every other week and participants if they present symptoms. If visitors have questions about protocols or concerns about a facility in their area, they can contact the Ohio Department of Aging. 

Governor Mike DeWine announced five counties are in the red, Alert Level 3 Public Emergency of the Public Health Advisory System. Those include Butler, Mercer, Montgomery, Portage, Putnam. Just over half the counties in the state are at Level 2 or 3. 

AOA begins policy discussions

Next week, the special meetings of the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates will kick off in earnest to discuss policy. Open reference committee meetings will be held virtually September 25 from 2-5pm EST.

Resolutions can be viewed here.  Seven Ohioans have been appointed to reference committees.  They include:

• Sandra L. Cook, DO-Ad Hoc (Chair)
• David A. Bitonte, DO-Constitution & Bylaws
• Melinda E. Ford, DO-Credentials
• Nicklaus J. Hess, DO-Educational Affairs
• Sean D. Stiltner, DO-Professional Affairs
• Henry L. Wehrum, DO-Public Affairs
• Jennifer L. Gwilym, DO-Resolutions (Vice Chair)

The full meetings of the House of Delegates will be held Oct. 13 & 14. 

Help inform our work

Thank you for your selfless efforts during this pandemic. Please know the OOA is here to help you. Tell us what you need and what’s going on by taking the COVID-19 Member Survey. Your participation will help us develop programs and benefits to serve you better.

The survey assesses the impact of COVID-19 on your practice and will be one of easiest tasks of your day.