Need PPE?

The OOA has teamed up with ActionPPE to help members secure personal protective equipment for their practices at a discounted rate from a vetted bulk supplier. Through this new group purchasing plan, you can buy KN95 masks which include the FDA owner/operator registration and other specific language on the boxes; disposable tri-fold masks; gowns; and face shields. Gloves and hand sanitizer will be added soon.

List prices have been reduced—and OOA members get an additional 5% discount when you use the  code OHIODO-5OFF. Orders are placed online and shipped directly to your office.

Questions may be directed to support@actionppe.org for fastest service.

Only Six Counties at Red Level Alert

Ohio reached a grim new milestone this week. On Wednesday, the number of people who have died with coronavirus surpassed 4,000. Cuyahoga County has the most deaths, followed by Franklin, Hamilton, and Lucas counties. Just over 90% of the deceased were age 60 or older.

There is some good news this week. New health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health indicates that six counties currently have a very high risk of exposure and spread. This is the lowest number of Level 3 counties since the Ohio Public Health Advisory System was developed. In addition, 76 counties have remained at a consistent level, which is the lowest movement between levels that Ohio has experienced. 

Rural counties continue to see community spread. A listing released this week of Ohio counties by highest COVID-19 case occurrences over a 14-day period shows the top 10 counties all have populations at or below 60,000.

A new coronavirus travel advisory map shows Idaho, Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina as states from which people arriving in Ohio are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. The four states have testing positivity rates above 15%, which is considered relatively high, and likely an indicator of high rates of infection among the general population. By comparison, Ohio’s positivity rate was 4.1% as of Monday.

Board Seeks Input on Rules

The State Medical Board of Ohio seeks public input on proposed rules several times during the rule-making process. Public input is sought after the Medical Board has conducted its initial review of rules, after rules are filed with the Common Sense Initiative Office, and at the public hearing that occurs after the rules are formally filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.

SMBO’s initial review of rules may result in a proposal to amend current rules, rescind current rules, make no changes to current rules, and/or adopt new rules. Comments received will be reviewed and possibly result in changes to the initially proposed language before the rules are then filed with the Common Sense Initiative Office.

At this time, public comment is being sought on the proposed language for Chapter 13 related to Hearings and Chapter 17 related to Exposure-Prone Invasive Procedure Precautions

Chapter 13 Hearings. Proposed changes are noted below. The rules are here.

4731-13-01 Representatives; appearances - changes to add chapters 4759 (Dietetics) and 4761 (Respiratory Care) to the rule and to clarify what is needed for an attorney withdrawal notice.

4731-13-06 Continuance of hearing – amend to correct minor error

4731-13-07 Motions – amend to add “pdf” to attachment for clarification

4731-13-07.1 Form and page limitations for briefs and memoranda – amend to correct minor error and to clarify that memoranda filed in contravention of the rule will be permitted but pages beyond fifteen will not be considered 

4731-13-08 Filing – amend to add a filing option through an electronic filing system implemented by the board

4731-13-09 Service – amend to add a service alternative through any electronic filing system utilized by the board

4731-13-13 Subpoenas for purposes of hearings – amend to revise the compliance date deadline to put in accordance with the document exchange schedule set by the hearing examiner

4731-13-17 Settlements, dismissals, and voluntary surrenders – amend to accurately reflect the timing of the signature by the enforcement attorney or assigned assistant attorney general

4731-13-33 Physicians’ Desk Reference – amend to allow usage of the US National Library of Medicine at medlineplus.gov

4731-13-36 Disciplinary actions – amend to add chapters 4759 and 4761 to rule

Chapter 17 Exposure-Prone Invasive Procedure Precautions. The proposed changes are noted below. The rules are here.

4731-17-01 Definitions – Amend to include respiratory care practice

4731-17-05 Handling and disposal of sharps and wastes – amend to correct a minor error

4731-17-06 Violations – amend to add respiratory care code section

The deadline for submitting comments is September 18. Email comments to Public Services Manager Judy Rodriguez at judith.rodriguez@med.ohio.gov and  cc to Matt Harney, mattharney@OhioDO.org

Ohio Profession Continues to Grow

Welcome to the osteopathic family, class of 2024!

253 medical students joined the profession when Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine held orientation last week for first-year students.

Students received their white coats on Friday, compliments of the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation and individual donors. The ceremony was different with masks, smaller groups, and social distancing and without family and friends, but the sentiment is the same: We are proud of these future DOs and thrilled to have them as part of the Ohio osteopathic community.

HHS Extends CARES Act Provider Relief Funding Application Deadline

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the deadline for health care providers to apply for CARES Act Provider Relief Funding to September 13. HHS set aside $175 billion in relief funds for hospitals and health care providers as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.  

This funding, along with additional relief funding outside of the CARES Act, supports health care-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19 and ensures uninsured Americans can get treatment for COVID-19. The opportunity is open to all providers who want to apply for a Provider Relief Fund payment, regardless of network affiliation or payer contract. HHS is contracting with UnitedHealth Group to facilitate delivery of the funds.

Details are at the HHS application portal. In addition, there is a step-by-step resource to help with this process.

Tell Us How COVID-19 Has Affected Your Practice

Your practice is perfect? Struggling? We need to know!

Tell us your story via the OOA COVID-19 member survey. Your participation helps the OOA develop programs and benefits that serve you! These are unprecedented times and your input is vital to informing our efforts moving forward.

The survey assesses the impact of COVID-19 on member practices and takes less than four minutes to complete.

Your OOA Board Works for You

The OOA Board of Trustees, led by President Sandra L. Cook, DO, met via Zoom last weekend. The agenda included updates regarding membership, legislation, and governance issues as well as reports from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Thomas Ely, DO, a family physician from Tennessee who was installed as AOA president last month, joined the meeting to give an overview of his focus of the year. Supporting physicians during this pandemic tops his list.

Following the meeting, Board members divided into breakout Zoom rooms to host OU-HCOM students. The small group discussions provided an opportunity for networking and for students to ask questions. Thanks to all who participated!