House of Medicine Convenes

[November 20, 2023]

OOA Health Policy Chair Jennifer L. Gwilym, DO, attended the House of Medicine meeting Friday, November 17 to review pending legislation that affects all physician specialties in the state. Discussion focused on 18 Ohio bills in four general areas: insurance, scope of practice, public health, and legislating the practice of medicine.

HB 97/SB 60 was discussed in depth since the issue seems to have momentum at the Statehouse. The companion bills establish licensure at the State Medical Board for certified mental health assistants (CMHA), a new position that doesn’t exist in any state. The CMHA would be allowed to prescribe medication through a physician supervision agreement but not make an initial diagnosis. The bill does not address any of the educational requirements, courses, or prerequisites for this new allied health profession.

About 30 association staff, lobbyists, and physicians participated via Zoom at the House of Medicine, which meets twice a year.

There are more than 50 health-related bills currently pending before the Ohio General Assembly. The OOA maintains a comprehensive listing here.