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11/26/2024

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Protect Patient Safety: Oppose HB73

 

Legislative Alert Hb73

 

The Ohio Association of Physician Assistants tirelessly advocates for Ohio PAs, including raising our voice when we see legislation that may negatively impact PA practice and the safety and effectiveness of patient care in Ohio.

 

House Bill 73 presents multiple significant risks to patient safety and Ohio's healthcare practice integrity, undermining the role of healthcare providers, disrupting coordinated care, and imposing unrealistic and harmful mandates on pharmacists.

OAPA submitted opponent testimony this summer and continues to oppose the bill.

The bill has already passed the Ohio House and is currently in the Senate Health Committee. With the 135th Ohio General Assembly concluding at the end of December, now is crunch time for the legislators, where they will decide which bills they really want advanced through to a vote and signature by the Governor and which they are willing to forgo. Any legislation not passed through both chambers and signed by the Governor by the end of the year will be thrown out, and everything will start fresh with the 136th General Assembly in January.

 

How Can You Help?

From the Ohio Senate's website, "Committee is where you can participate in the bill-making process by sharing your opinion on legislation important to you." If you are a constituent of one of the 7 Senators on the Senate Health Committee, your voice is especially critical right now!

And, regardless of where you live in the state, reaching out to your Senator now to let them know that HB73 is bad for Ohio is a good preemptive action. If the bill is passed by the committee and reaches the Senate floor, we want it to have the best chance of being defeated.

You can use this tool to find your local legislators. Below is a form letter that you can customize and email to your Senator, or use as a script when you call their office. Please share this with your healthcare colleagues, as this legislation would impact providers of all types!

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Subject: Protect Patient Safety: Oppose HB73  
 
Dear [Senator’s Name], 
 
As a [your role, e.g., physician assistant, pharmacist, concerned Ohioan], I urge you to oppose HB73. This bill jeopardizes patient safety and burdens Ohio’s healthcare providers with unnecessary mandates. 
 
 Key concerns with HB73 include: 
 
- Forcing pharmacists to fill prescriptions despite safety concerns, removing critical safeguards. 
- Requiring written consent for all off-label prescriptions, adding red tape without improving care. 
- Allowing out-of-state providers to interfere with local care teams, undermining coordination. 
- Ignoring WHO guidelines without offering practical alternatives, isolating Ohio from global best practices. 
 
As healthcare providers, we need policies that ensure safety, reduce barriers, and improve care. HB73 undermines the integrity of care, increasing communication errors and risks to patient safety. 
 
Ohioans deserve better. Please vote no on HB73 to protect our patients and healthcare system. Thank you for your time and consideration. Feel free to reach out to discuss this further.
 
Sincerely, 
[Your Name] 
[Your Role] 
[Your Contact Information] 
[City, Ohio]

 

To help OAPA support and advance PA practice through government advocacy, please contribute to the OAPA Legislative Fund!

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