New Fast-Tracked Vaccine Bill Stalls

Ohio House of Representatives leadership walked back their COVID-19 vaccine bill a day after it passed the House Health Committee without public testimony, input, or opportunity to review the bill.
 
On Tuesday, Reps. Bill Seitz and Rich Carfagna unveiled HB 435 which limits an employer’s ability to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment and prohibits schools and universities from requiring a student to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for which the FDA has not issued a biologics license. It also allows employees and students to opt out with exemptions for:

• Medical contraindications;
• Natural immunity; and
• Reasons of conscience, including religious convictions.

The plan was to have a floor vote the following day (Wednesday). Instead, House Speaker Bob Cupp removed the bill from the agenda after 100+ business and health care organizations, including the OOA, issued a joint statement in opposition.
 
There are a number of bills related to vaccinations, COVID-19, and use of masks.
 
In other legislative news, the Senate Health Committee heard proponent testimony for HB 122. The bill would codify the telehealth emergency rules and provisions established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pediatric COVID Cases Surge

Nationwide, COVID hospitalizations are beginning to decline and for the first time in Ohio in 12 weeks, the number of cases per 100,000 residents decreased. But Ohio’s transmission rate is still considered high according to the CDC and the rate of pediatric infections remains at an exceptionally high level. Ohio currently has the country’s second highest total of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations with more than 210 children as of Wednesday.

Sadly, Ohio reported 328 deaths today, the most recorded in the state in three weeks. Statewide, the death toll is 22,273 since the start of the pandemic. That figure exceed the population of eight Ohio counties. 

Across Ohio, the number of daily cases has slowly started to decline. The 7-day average is currently around 6,000 cases. Two weeks ago it was at 7,000. But one out of three patients in the ICU or on a ventilator are being treated for COVID-19 as of earlier this week.

Details about the new Vax-2-School incentive program were outlined this morning. Total prize money is at $2 million, double the amount originally announced by Gov. Mike DeWine. The state is sponsoring 55 scholarship drawings for those aged 12-25 who are vaccinated. Eligibility will expand to the 5-11 age group when the FDA authorizes a vaccine for them. The program includes five $100,000 scholarships and 150 scholarships worth $10,000 that would cover costs of any higher education, including college, technical school, and job training.
 
The Ohio Department of Health issued guidance regarding vaccine booster doses and launched a new dashboard today that shows the proportionality of variants over time in two-week periods.
 
As of this afternoon, 63.12% of eligible Ohioans (age 12 and up) have started the vaccine process. This week, the state surpassed 50% of the entire Ohio population to have completed vaccination.

Ohio Profession Continues to Grow

The 256 students in the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine incoming class joined the profession when they started last month. Last week, they received their white coats at the annual Convocation & White Coat Ceremony. The event was livestreamed across all three campuses, with safety protocols in place. The Ohio Osteopathic Foundation and individual donors gifted the white coats to the Class of 2025.
 
OOA President Henry L. Wehrum, DO, participated in the ceremony to welcome the newest members of the Ohio osteopathic family. He noted it has been a long-standing tradition for the OOA to provide the students with their first white coat. His remarks, in part:

“We are extremely proud that it is our patch sewn on your coat that will accompany you on your way to graduation and shall serve as a reminder that the OOA is here to support you throughout your career,” he said. “You are the future of osteopathic medicine, you are our future.”

The college received over 5,700 applications for the 256 spots. About 17% of the students are first-generation college students and 93% are from Ohio. Their average GPA is higher than any previous incoming class.

‘Tis the Season

The residency application process started this month. Medical students submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for the 2022 September cycle and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) registration for next year’s main residency match is open. Wednesday was the first day for programs to begin reviewing applications.
 
To the OMS-IVs, we encourage you to prioritize programs in Ohio with Osteopathic Recognition. Residencies with the OR designation demonstrate a commitment to teaching Osteopathic Principles and Practice in the clinical learning environment. These programs are dedicated to training the next generation of osteopathic physicians and provide valuable skills to enhance your future practice.

Ohio has the 2nd most OR programs of any state in the nation (behind Pennsylvania). Check out the OOA website for a directory of Ohio OR programs, specialties, and contact information.

Your Guide to Scholarly Work

The Scholar Series, developed by Past President Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO, is designed to help residency program requirements for research. In the single GME system, curricula must advance residents’ knowledge of the basic principles of research, including how research is conducted, evaluated, explained to patients, and applied to patient care.
 
Anyone interested in research – whether residents, practicing physicians or medical students – will find this series of video workshops helpful.

To date, there are four modules: Scholar 7, Scholar 4, Scholar Specific, and the two-part Scholar Teacher. Free online CME credit is available through the AOA. For more information, go to the OOA website.

Strengthening Osteopathic Giving 

The National Association of Osteopathic Foundations (NAOF) held its Annual Convening yesterday via a virtual platform. The organization, comprised of osteopathic foundations across the country, heard strategic plans from AOA CEO Kevin Klauer, DO, and AACOM President Robert Cain, DO, regarding their respective organizations.

The meeting also included an overview from ACGME representatives regarding Osteopathic Recognition requirements for residency programs. The last session of the day was presented by Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO, who highlighted Scholar Series, a collection of resources for scholarly activity and faculty development for programs with Osteopathic Recognition.
 
The annual convening serves as an opportunity for the philanthropic arm of the osteopathic community to network and engage the osteopathic family’s professional arm and leaders in health care.
 
Terri Donlin-Huesman, President/CEO of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations, serves as NAOF president and provided the welcome and closing remarks. The OOA’s foundation—the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation—is a member of NAOF and Executive Director Matt Harney serves as VP.