OSTEOFACTS | Take the new COVID-19 Survey, DeWine tests negative

August 7, 2020

	Take the OOA COVID-19 Member Survey The OOA has a new survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on member practices. There are 17 questions, including 10 yes/no questions. It takes less than four minutes to complete. Your participation helps the OOA develop programs and benefits to serve you. As a reminder, the OOA has a COVID-19 resource page where you can find the most relevant information, specifically about Testing Clinical Guidance Telehealth Coding/Billing and Insurance Licensure State Orders Vaccines And more!
	Ohio to Secure Rapid Tests This week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio is entering a multistate purchasing agreement with Maryland, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia to expand the use of rapid point-of-care tests. More rapid point-of-care testing will help Ohio detect outbreaks sooner with faster turnaround time, expand testing in congregate settings, and make testing more accessible for the most high-risk and hard-hit communities. DeWine announced a forthcoming ODH order requiring that all K-12 children wear facial coverings at school. DeWine has continued to urge Ohioans to follow safety protocols, particularly when visiting with friends and family. He said the state continues to see spread related to informal gatherings. He cited a wedding, condolence visit, and bridal shower as specific examples. He also pointed out a situation where 91 cases were linked to one person who attended a church service. On Thursday evening, it was announced Gov. DeWine tested negative for COVID-19 after initially testing positive in advance of meeting President Trump in Cleveland. It was also announced that eleven counties were at the Level 3 category under the state's public health advisory system.
	Ohio Supreme Court Hears Statute of Repose Case The timeliness of medical malpractice claims in Ohio is governed by two statutes—the statute of repose and the statute of limitations. Both are products of a detailed framework enacted by the General Assembly to balance the rights of plaintiffs and health care providers. Ohio’s statute of repose essentially bars malpractice claims from being brought more than four years after the alleged occurrence, with some limited exceptions. The statute of repose issue was brought before the Ohio Supreme Court in oral arguments this week in Wilson v Durrani. The case dates to 2013 when a physician indicted on charges of performing unnecessary surgeries and billing the federal government and private insurers for those services fled the country to avoid prosecution. Attorneys for many of the former patients consolidated lawsuits—a plan which was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2016. Once the cases were severed and sent back to the original judges, the physician’s attorney asked for dismissal, since the cases were refiled after the four-year statute of repose. The OOA joined with the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio State Medical Association to file a friend of the court brief in the case. The brief stressed the purpose of the repose statute is to give providers certainty about when a claim may be brought. Overriding the four-year limit puts providers in a position where they are exposed to indefinite liability.
	Seeking Nomination for State EMS Board The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for an emergency room pediatrician. Expertise or background in EMS or trauma care is required. The timeline calls for Gov. Mike DeWine to make the appointment so the selected candidate may attend the December 16 EMFTS Board meeting. Candidates will need to submit a current CV along with a State of Ohio Boards and Commissions application. Nominations are due by September 25. Contact Executive Director Matt Harney, mattharney@OhioDO.org, to get the application form and other instructions.
	Physician Jobs at ODH The Ohio Department of Health search for a new medical director remains open. The position is not posted, but applicants may send their CV to: Jaime.Erickson@odh.ohio.gov Jennifer.Valentine@odh.ohio.gov. ODH is recruiting for two other vacant physician administrator positions. These opportunities take on an elevated importance to public health in the midst of the pandemic. The job descriptions and application process are posted at www.careers.ohio.gov: Physician Administrator /Assistant State Epidemiologist Physician Administrator /Infectious Diseases

IN MEMORIAM

The Ohio Osteopathic Association honors a member who recently passed away. Make a memorial contribution to the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation. A card is sent to the family informing them of the contribution in their loved one’s memory. No amounts are mentioned.

Tom L. Sefton, DO, 88, Miamisburg, August 1

Memorial contributions may be made at any time. An archive listing of members who’ve passed away over the last few years can be found on the OOA website.