SMBO Introduces New Confidential Monitoring Program

The health and wellness of Ohio practitioners is critical for safe patient care. To better support licensees, the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) recently advocated for and received legislative changes to modernize practices related to impaired practitioners.

These new laws and rules will allow physicians and other practitioners to seek confidential help for mental, physical or substance abuse impairment. In partnership with the Ohio Professionals Health Program (OhioPHP), SMBO will implement:

• Expansion of a Confidential Monitoring Program to all impaired licensees and applicants, not just those who have presented to the board for the first time.
• A transition of board ordered impairment monitoring from the board to OhioPHP.
• Transfer of the management of the board’s treatment provider network to OhioPHP.

These changes go into effect October 3.

In addition to these updates, SMBO has also modernized questions about impairment for initial and renewal licensure applications. New questions remove language about a licensee’s history with impairment. Instead, the board is interested in an applicant receiving help for current impairments.

Statehouse Update

The Ohio Redistricting Commission approved new state legislative district maps this week that maintain Republicans majorities in the House and Senate. The new boundaries will be in place for eight years.

The maps will impact state legislative races next year and will also play a role in the race for House Speaker. Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) is term-limited and is expected to run for the House of Representatives and challenge current House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) as leader of the lower chamber.

Last week, the Ohio Senate Health Committee held sponsor testimony on two scope of practice bills, both sponsored by Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario). SB 81 would update the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to allow them to sign intake and treatment orders for behavioral health services. This new authority must be covered under the standard care arrangement that an APRN or PA has with a physician. SB 144 allows pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns to administer vaccines to children. Separately, an APRN independent practice bill is expected to be introduced in the near future.

DeWine Holds COVID Briefing

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, held a COVID-19 briefing yesterday to encourage Ohioans—especially those over age 60—to get the updated vaccine that targets the new omicron subvariants. Since the new vaccine became available last week, 87,871 Ohioans received it. Of those, 58,529 were over age 60.

Ohioans with insurance, whether private, or Medicare/Medicaid, will likely have no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccination. Vanderhoff noted there are no-cost options for those without insurance, including the Vaccines for Children program and the CDC’s Bridge Access Program.

DeWine stressed that COVID-19 remains a very real health threat. According to ODH data, there are two deaths daily in Ohio to COVID-19 and high-risk populations are being hospitalized the most by the virus.

The briefing came 10 days after DeWine’s most recent COVID-19 infection. The governor said he had a mild case and took anti-viral medication.

AOA Issues Call to Action

The American Osteopathic Association launched a grassroots campaign this week encouraging members to write their federal lawmakers to urge reauthorization of the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program. A looming government shutdown has the potential to disrupt health care services like the THCGME program, absent Congressional action.

THCGME supports the training of residents in primary care residency training programs in community-based ambulatory patient care centers. THCGME programs prepare residents to provide high-quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and develop competencies to serve these diverse populations and communities.

Join this advocacy effort by writing to your Congressional representative. Send your email here. Remind Congress that patients rely on the stability and continuity of health care services and the THCGME program.

OOA Conference Room Available

In Columbus and need somewhere to take a private call or access secure internet? The OOA conference room is available for members to use.

In addition to free wi-fi, coffee, and privacy, the OOA office has free parking in a small lot directly behind the building and convenient access to downtown. The office is located at 53 W. Third Avenue, Columbus 43201.

For more information, contact Office Manager Teri Collins at 614-299-2107 or tcollins@OhioDO.org.

New ODH Committee Focuses on Parkinson’s Disease

A new state law (HB 476) creates the Parkinson’s Disease Registry Advisory Committee (PDRAC) to assist the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) in developing and implementing a registry; determining the data to be collected and maintained; and developing and periodically updating a list of conditions related to Parkinson’s disease to be reported.

ODH is now seeking nominees who are interested in being considered for appointment to the PDRAC in one of the designated categories:

• Neurologist
• Movement disorder specialist
• Primary care provider
• Physician informaticist
• Public health professional
• Population health researcher familiar with disease registries
• Parkinson’s disease researcher
• Patient living with Parkinson’s disease

The PDRAC will meet at least twice a year (either virtually or in-person), and its initial members will serve two- or three-year terms.

For more information, send an email to cmarkino@OhioDO.org. The deadline is October 13.

Call for EMFTS Nominations

The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for:

Seat #1 - ER physician
Seat #2 - trauma surgeon
Seat #3 - ER pediatrician
Seat #4 - hospital administrator

The Board establishes certification standards for EMS personnel and training programs. Per state law, Board members are appointed by the Governor. The Revised Code also requires that the Governor appoint only members with expertise or background in EMS or trauma care and attempt to include members representing urban and rural areas, various geographical regions of the state, and various schools of training.

Board members meet six times per year in addition to an annual retreat, are expected to attend 3/5 of meetings, and receive travel reimbursement depending on mileage.

Interested candidates should call the OOA Office at 614-299-2107.