On February 11, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians and the other members of the Medical Associations Coalition (MAC) met at the OAFP office to strategize on formation of a working group which will soon be convened to address known gaps in the one-bite rule. The OAFP will be represented on the working group.
After months of pushing legislation to eliminate the One-Bite Program, the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) is proposing to withdraw its draft legislation and maintain the One-Bite Program as it exists for now while a working group is convened to address known gaps in the one-bite rule.
While the working group meets, licensees can continue to report confidentially to either a treatment provider or to the Ohio Physicians Health Program (OPHP) who can assess one-bite rule eligibility.
From the beginning, the OAFP and other members of the MAC have been asking for an opportunity to work with the SMBO to improve the program while maintaining a means for licensees to seek treatment without reporting to the SMBO. The SMBO has finally conceded that they do understand concerns expressed that requiring licensees report to the SMBO for approval to participate in the One-Bite Program would essentially eliminate any voluntary participation.
Visit the OAFP One-Bite Reporting Exemption webpage for additional information.