Take Action!

Thank you to the many OOA members who have contacted their state senators regarding HB 218. If you haven’t yet, go to the OOA website to quickly and easily send an email.
 
HB 218—legislation that would dramatically alter vaccine protocol in the state of Ohio—has been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives and is now under consideration by the Ohio Senate. A hearing is set for Tuesday in the General Government Budget Committee. If enacted, the bill would broaden vaccine exemptions and prohibit entities from requiring proof of vaccination to enter facilities or receive services. It is imperative that employers—including hospitals and medical facilities—have the right to implement workplace policies they believe are in the best interest of their patients, employees, and communities.
 
The Vaccine Coalition, a group of 100+ business and health care organizations including the OOA, sent a memo to all Ohio senators this week noting opposition to HB 218 and offering to work together to find a better solution.
 
Tell your senator to oppose the bill and that it dangerously undermines Ohio’s ongoing pandemic recovery efforts.

COVID Cases on the Rise, State to Track Omicron Variant

In Ohio, the COVID-19 Delta variant remains dominant in the state and is driving cases and hospitalizations to the highest levels since January. But Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, is urging people who test positive to take a PCR test (if they haven’t already) as part of the state’s effort to track the new variant of concern known as omicron.
 
Vanderhoff explained that PCR genomic sequencing can test for the variant while at-home rapid tests cannot. The CDC issued a health advisory “New SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Identified: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant” on Wednesday.  
 
Statewide, the highest number of hospitalizations and cases is currently in northeast Ohio. Ohioans there between 23-49 years old have a case rate 25% higher than the statewide average. Vanderhoff said the majority of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Hospital staffing also continues to be an issue throughout the state. Hospitals do not have the capability to expand capacity on a short-term notice when there is a surge of patients.
 
As of this afternoon, 61.78% of eligible Ohioans (age 5 and up) have started the vaccine process.

New Medical Director Appointed at ODH, ODA

John M. Weigand, MD, a central Ohio physician who has served as a leader in the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response, has been appointed Medical Director at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA). 
 
In the newly created role at ODA, Weigand will assist with the development and implementation of statewide, older adult public health policies and programs, with an emphasis on helping older adults remain active and independent in the community. At ODH, he will help guide the state’s pandemic response and develop modern, innovative approaches to address all public health needs. 
 
During his 29 years as a physician, Weigand has held executive positions related to geriatric services, long-term care, assisted living, home health care, and wellness programs for aging Ohioans.

Ohio CTR Course Available On-Demand

Ohio law provides that physicians with a full, unrestricted state license are eligible to apply for a certificate to recommend medical marijuana. To apply, physicians must complete a certified two-hour course that covers diagnosing and treating qualifying medical conditions, the characteristics of medical marijuana, and possible drug interactions. The education course is required annually. 
 
The OOA has the certified two-hour course online and available on demand. Upon registering, you will receive an automated receipt and email with a link to the video program featuring Charles V. Barrett, DO. The course includes additional segments on the history and evolution of marijuana and hemp; 20th century evolution on related laws; cannabinoid receptors; homeostasis of activators and sensitizers; product types; and the patient experience.
 
According to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, there are 639 physicians statewide with a CTR.
 
OOA members receive a discounted registration fee. 

Seeking Nominations for Trauma Committee Seat

The Trauma Committee of the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for Seat #6. It is designated for a physician who actively provides rehabilitative care to trauma victims.
 
The Committee was created to advise and assist the EMFTS in all matters regarding trauma care and the Ohio Trauma System. Its membership is spelled out in the Ohio Revised Code. A list of current Committee members is here.
 
State law also specifies that the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety appoint this member from among three persons nominated by the Ohio Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and three persons nominated by the OOA.
 
Interested candidates should send their CV to OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org.

Certifying Board Deadlines

There are two application deadlines this month:

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians Early Entry Initial Certification (EEIC) exams
  December 15 final deadline
 
American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians Initial primary, CAQ, and OCC written exams
  December 31 first deadline
 
For questions, contact Chaunessie Baggett, Associate Vice President, Certifying Board Services, at CBaggett@osteopathic.org.

ICYMI

The Ohio Osteopathic Foundation participated this week in #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It was started in 2012 as a way to get people to donate to philanthropic and charitable organizations as part of their spending during the traditional holiday shopping season.

Even if the day has passed, donations to the OOF can be made online at any time.

With your generosity, we can enhance Ohio’s strong osteopathic roots and strengthen osteopathic medicine for generations to come.