State Legislation
The OOA works to protect the physician-patient relationship and advocates to preserve the physician-led health care team in state law.
We are fighting on the front line at the Ohio Statehouse in battles involving practice regulation, Medicaid reimbursement, BWC compensation, tort reform and HMO/insurance company regulation to name a few. These areas of your practice are controlled by the states, not the federal government. For information about Congressional bills and regulatory issues at the federal level, check the American Osteopathic Association Action Center.
Pending Legislation
See a list of health care related bills.
Legislative Roundup
Legislature Overrides DeWine Vetoes
[January 26, 2024]
The Ohio General Assembly met the required three-fifths majority vote to override vetoes and enact state law regarding gender-affirming care and flavored tobacco.
Statehouse Recap 2023
[January 2, 2024]
Advocacy at the Statehouse and in the halls of state government has always been a primary focus for the OOA. Last year was no different.
DeWine Vetoes Gender-Affirming Care Legislation
[December 29, 2023]
At a press conference this morning Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced his veto of HB 68, which would have banned certain health care for trans youth.
Commerce Department Releases Non-Medical Cannabis FAQs
[November 22, 2023]
Medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016. Now, recreational marijuana is about to be legal as a result of a statewide ballot issue that passed, 57%-43%.
House of Medicine Convenes
[November 20, 2023]
The House of Medicine meets twice annually to review legislation that affects all physician specialties in the state. The latest meeting focused on 18 bills in four general areas: insurance, scope of practice, public health, and legislating the practice of medicine.
Election Recap
[November 13, 2023]
Ohio voters support ballot measures to ensure abortion access and legalize marijuana.
Election Next Week
[November 3, 2023]
While Election Day is November 7, Ohioans started early voting three weeks ago to decide two statewide issues.
Redistricting Commission Approves Maps
[September 28, 2023]
DeWine Signs State Budget Bill
[July 5, 2023]
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the state’s $190 billion two-year state budget bill into law late Monday night, but not before he used his line-item veto power on 44 provisions, including tobacco and vaccine regulations.
House Committee Considers Health Bills
[May 3, 2023]
Which Districts PAC a Punch?
[April 28, 2023]
The OOPAC Challenge pits the ten OOA district academies against each other for fundraising bragging rights. The winners were revealed during the OOA House of Delegates, April 21.
Meet the Challenge
[March 17, 2023]
The OOPAC Challenge pits the ten OOA district academies against each other for fundraising bragging rights.
Surprise Outcome in House Speaker Vote
[January 10, 2023]
Rep. Jason Stephens, a Republican from southern Ohio, was elected to lead the Ohio House of Representatives last week in a vote that surprised many.
New State Law Expands Breast Cancer Screening
[September 23, 2022]
HB 371 was signed into law in June and becomes effective today.
New Law Takes Effect Next Week
[September 16, 2022]
HB 193, signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine in June, requires that a prescriber issue an electronic prescription when prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance.
Ohio House Expels Former Speaker
[June 16, 2021]
The Ohio House of Representatives voted, 75-21, to expel Rep. Larry Householder. Householder was indicted last year as part of a federal investigation into a $60 million bribery scheme related to passage of HB 6, an energy bill that supported two Ohio nuclear power plants.
Senate Approves Fireworks Bill
[June 4, 2021]
The Ohio Senate passed legislation that allows the discharge of consumer fireworks on certain holidays. The OOA issued an action alert urging members to contact their state senator to oppose the bill.
Ohio Senate Considers Noncompete Agreements
[May 14, 2021]
SB 150 would ban noncompete agreements for Ohio physicians as a condition of employment.
Lawmakers Announce Articles of Impeachment Against DeWine
[August 28, 2020]
House Republicans allege the Ohio governor violated civil liberties when he issued state orders to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Senate Committee Continues Hearings on Racism as a Public Health Crisis
[June 24, 2020]
The Ohio Senate Health, Human Services & Medicaid Committee met today for several hours with SCR 14, which would declare racism a public health crisis, occupying much of the agenda.
House Passes Civil Immunity Bill
[May 28, 2020]
The House of Representatives approved legislation, 83-9, that grants immunity to health care workers, businesses, and others who provide essential services during the coronavirus pandemic.
OOA Supports Indoor Tanning Restrictions for Minors
[August 30, 2019]
Soon-to-be-introduced legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives calls for a ban on the sale of tanning bed ultraviolet (UV) radiation to people under the age of 18.
