Record Cases and Hospitalizations; Booster Approved for 12+

Ohio saw a record number (6,500+) of COVID-19 hospitalizations yesterday and the highest single-day total of new cases over the entire pandemic. Today, the state reached a grim milestone: over 30,000 COVID deaths since the pandemic began.
 
COVID-19 patients now make up one-third of all hospitalizations in the state. The strain has caused hospitals statewide to delay or cancel elective surgeries.
 
Ohio cases are more than 18 times the CDC threshold for high transmission. The state has exceeded 20,000 new daily cases three times since the start of the new year. Last week was the first time to pass the 20,000 mark since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago. The highly contagious Omicron variant is now the most prevalent strain.
 
COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are now recommended for people age 12 years and older following action by the USFDA and CDC this week. This is a crucial step toward strengthening protection against COVID-19 for Ohio’s children as the state is experiencing historic case numbers and hospitalizations. Providers may begin to offer booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to this age group as soon as practical. These boosters can be given to Pfizer vaccine recipients at least five months after completion of the primary series.
 
Because the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for any person younger than 18, people age 12-17 years old can only receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
 
At this time, booster doses are not authorized for any children younger than age 12.
 
Mix-and-match booster doses—in which fully vaccinated people can choose any of the three vaccines approved for use under an EUA in the US for their booster—is an option only for adults 18 years and older. It’s important to note the CDC has endorsed the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The recommendation followed a thorough review of the latest evidence on vaccine effectiveness and safety. Most patients should now consider an mRNA primary vaccine series or booster dose due to the remarkable safety and efficacy of these vaccines. 
 
As of this afternoon, 64.03% of eligible Ohioans (age 5 and up) have started the vaccine process.

No Verdict on Redistricting Lawsuit

Redistricting legal battles are causing a precarious situation for legislators and candidates as the filing deadline nears.
 
Candidates for the Ohio General Assembly must file by February 2. Because there has been no ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court, potential candidates are left uncertain as to which district to collect the necessary constituent signatures.
 
All 99 state representatives are up for election this year. They serve two-year terms. State senators serve four-year terms and each general election year about half are up for election. This year, 17 Senate seats are on the ballot.
 
It is a similar story for Congressional candidates, who must file by March 3. Ohio has lost one seat in the US House of Representatives based on census figures. All 15 seats are on the ballot.
 
Ohio’s primary election is May 3. The general election is November 8.

BWC Seeks Feedback

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is responsible for managing and processing workers’ compensation claims and related benefits. The Physician’s Report of Work Ability (MEDCO-14) form is a primary communication vehicle used by physicians to communicate injured worker disability and work ability information to BWC.
 
BWC has modified the form and is asking for comment on the revisions. The goal is to enhance readability and use. The most significant draft updates include:

• Streamlined form instructions
• Simplified injured worker restrictions and work status questions (Section 2)
• Updated abilities and clinical findings chart using medical and rehabilitation industry language (Section 4)

The draft MEDCO-14 form is here. Send your feedback to BWC by January 21 to Steve.D.1@bwc.state.oh.us.

Loan Repayment Applications Due Feb 3

The US Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) sponsors the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to connect primary and behavioral health care clinicians to people across the country who have limited access to health care.
 
Qualified clinicians can receive student loan repayment in return for serving at National Health Services Corps-approved sites. HRSA is giving more loans than ever in HRSA history. According to the HRSA, physicians and other clinicians should apply even if their organization’s health professional shortage area (HPSA) score has not been competitive for awards in the past. 
 
There are three loan repayment programs:

• The NHSC Loan Repayment Program awards up to $50,000 in exchange for a two-year commitment to provide primary medical care at approved sites in high-need, underserved areas.
• The NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program provides up to $75,000 in exchange for a three-year commitment to health care professionals who provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services at NHSC-approved SUD treatment facilities. 
• The NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program awards up to $100,000 for three years of service for providers in rural communities.

HRSA is hosting four Q&A sessions this month for interested applicants. The schedule, application process, and other details are here. The deadline is Feb. 3. 

Wellness Webinar Next Week

Across the country, doctors and other health care workers are battling burnout, chronic stress and PTSD in high numbers. Before the pandemic, physicians were at twice the risk for burnout compared to the general population. Now, exacerbated by COVID-19, the situation is worse. You provide tireless care for others. Here is an opportunity to prioritize your own health.
 
The Physician Wellness Webinar will be held Saturday, January 15, 8:00 am – 1:45 pm. The program offers 5 AOA Category 1-A CME credits as well as a discounted registration rate for OOA members! Students can register for free!

Federal Student Loans Paused until May

As announced by the White House last month, the moratorium on federal student loan payments has been extended through May 1. It was originally set to expire January 31.
 
For members participating in the OOA-AOA “snooze promotion,” SoFi is working through the next steps and will reach out to these borrowers directly. The partnership with SoFi was developed last year to provide a complete solution for student loan needs. SoFi, a leading student loan refinancing provider, offers additional discounts as well as quality service and an easy application process.

Seeking Nominations for Board Seat

The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for Seat #2. It is designated for a trauma surgeon. 
 
The Board is responsible for establishing training and certification standards for emergency medical services personnel, accreditation of EMS training programs, and more. Board members are appointed by the Governor as spelled out in the Ohio Revised Code—which calls for three nominations from the OOA. A list of current Board members is here.
 
Interested candidates should send their CV to OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org.