Legislative Update

The OOA joined with seven other physician and provider associations to provide joint testimony on SB 246, which requires occupational licensing of out-of-state licensees.

In a letter to members of the Senate General Government and Agency Review Committee, the groups argued that several sections of the bill could put Ohio patients at risk and noted it is more suited to licensees outside of the health care field.

The letter reads in part: “Our organizations are unaware of non-resident practitioners in our professions experiencing unnecessary difficulties in obtaining licensure though our respective Ohio healthcare licensing boards. In fact, many of the licensing boards which govern our professions already have well-established licensure by endorsement or reciprocity statutes and/or rules addressing this issue.”

In other legislative action:

• SB 252, which prohibits “fail first” drug coverage for advanced spreading cancer, received a hearing in the Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee.
• SB 254, regarding mental health and substance use disorder benefit parity, had its second hearing in the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee.
• HB 412, which establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council, was passed by the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration by the Senate.

Coronavirus Conference Call Today at Noon

The Ohio Department of Health is hosting a conference call today specifically for medical professionals about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV). The agenda includes updates on epidemiology, health care facility experience, process for specimen collection and testing, treatment, and an open discussion Q&A.

Medical Professionals Call
Friday, February 14, 2020
12:00 noon
Phone Number: 614-230-0229
Meeting ID: 52689

Seeking Nominations for Ohio Medical Quality Foundation

The Ohio Medical Quality Foundation (OMQF) is seeking nominations for its Board of Trustees. Since its inception in 1995, the Foundation has distributed more than $8.6 million in grants targeted at improving the quality of medical care in Ohio.

OMQF consists of thirteen members, twelve of whom are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. As specified in the Ohio Revised Code, appointees include two people holding the DO degree. The Board meets twice annually in Columbus, from 10:00-12:00 pm on the first Thursdays in May and November.

Candidates would need to complete a formal Boards & Commissions questionnaire as issued by the Governor’s Office and a bio or CV. If interested, contact OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org or 614-299-2107 to get the questionnaire and other instructions.

Register for the Symposium!

The premier osteopathic conference in the state is set! Join us April 22-26 in Columbus for the annual Ohio Osteopathic Symposium for 31 hours of Category 1-A credit, the latest in the art and science of patient care, networking, and more. The always popular Dermatology Roundtable is back as well as an OMM Skills Enhancement Course. Other lectures cover sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, antibiotic use, eating disorders, and more.

Register for the Symposium and book your room at the Hilton Columbus at Easton at www.OhioDO.org/cme.

Nominate Yourself or a Colleague

The OOA is accepting nominations for:

• Distinguished Service Award
• Meritorious Service Award
• Humanitarian Award
• Trustees Award

These honors will be presented at April 24 at an evening reception during the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium. Send your letter of nomination to ctatman@OhioDO.org or use this form. A copy of the nominee’s CV  is encouraged but not required.

Get information about each award and a list of past recipients on the OOA website.

photo: Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr, DO, recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award

You Say You Want a Resolution

The OOA House of Delegates will be held in Columbus, April 24-25 in conjunction with the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium. The House, the policy-making body for the osteopathic profession in Ohio, is led by Speaker David A. Bitonte, DO, and Vice Speaker Michael E. Dietz, DO.

Resolutions may be submitted directly to the OOA office or through your local district academy. If you want the OOA Board of Trustees to take a position on your resolution during its February 22 meeting, you must submit it by Monday. Otherwise, the final deadline is March 16.

Refer to writing better resolutions before submitting your resolutions. Once in final form, the HOD will discuss, and if passed the resolution becomes OOA official policy. Resolutions that require national attention will be passed to the AOA House of Delegates which meets in July.