Advocacy

State Legislation

Ohio StatehouseThe 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 from this and past sessions of the Ohio General Assembly

 

Legislative Roundup

Lame Duck Ahead

[November 1, 2024]

The approximately six-week period between Election Day and the swearing-in of a new General Assembly has been referred to as “the wild west of lawmaking.”

Ohio Distracted Driving Law Works, According to Data

[October 16, 2024]

Traffic crashes in Ohio significantly decreased in the year since enforcement of the strengthened distracted driving law began. Fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving dropped 19.4%. 

AED Bill Takes Effect October 24

[October 2, 2024]

New state law requires automated external defibrillators in schools and rec centers.

Ohio Voters to Decide on Redistricting Reform in November

[September 13, 2024]

In addition to a major Presidential race, notable Congressional races, and a myriad of local issues, Ohio voters will be asked to decide on a redistricting reform proposal.

OOA Backs Legislative Candidates through Contributions and Attending Fundraising Events

[August 26, 2024]

Over the summer, the Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OOPAC) issued contributions to candidates for the Ohio General Assembly and OOA members represented the profession at legislative events.

DeWine Signs Bill Requiring AEDs in Ohio Schools

[July 23, 2024]

Governor joined by student-athlete whose life was saved by an AED, individuals with NFL ties discuss the importance of these devices.

OOA Joins Coalition to Oppose HB 319

[June 25, 2024]

The bill prohibit employers, including hospitals and other health facilities, from requiring employees to receive influenza, COVID, or other vaccines as a condition of employment or practice.

OOA Districts Meet the PAC Challenge

[May 22, 2024]

Congratulations to the Columbus Osteopathic Association and Eighth District Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, winners of the annual fundraising competition.

House Speaker Cleans House

[May 6, 2024]

New Public Health Policy Committee chair appointed as infighting among House Republican caucus continues.

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.

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.

OOPAC Surveys Legislative Candidates

[October 19, 2022]

For the third consecutive general election, the Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee has issued a health care questionnaire to all candidates for the Ohio General Assembly.

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.

OOA Supports HB 135

[July 22, 2022]

The bill was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives in March. Advocates for the bill are hoping the state Senate takes up the bill in September after its summer recess.

General Assembly Recesses for Summer Break

[June 8, 2022]

OOA issues action alert on HB 135 to urge consideration upon return in September.

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.