Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) President Mike Sevilla, MD; Executive Vice President (EVP) Ann Spicer; and Deputy EVP Kate Mahler, CAE; participated in an April 1 House of Medicine meeting hosted by the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA). Highlights from the meeting include:
- Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Contract Rebid Process – An announcement of new contract awards is imminent. Once awards are made there will be legal challenges, but the new contracts are still expected to be operational on Saturday, January 1, 2022. The standardized credentialing process has started and physicians are already being recruited for the network. The fiscal intermediary process will happen this fall.
- Vaccine Distribution – While the vaccine distribution process has been clunky, significant progress has been made over the past six weeks. Ohio is now getting between 400,000 – 500,000 vials of vaccine per week. Over 70% of patients over 70 years of age have had their first shot. Primary care practices still aren’t receiving much vaccine – especially the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines due to distribution and storage issues. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, because it is easier to ship and store, is being pushed specifically for primary care practices.
- State Budget – The Ohio General Assembly is in recess the week before Easter and the week after Easter. The budget bill, HB 110, is in the House. A substitute bill is expected after the legislative recess and a budget is expected to be voted on by the full House in mid to late April. The OSMA is watching language that allows for pharmacists to have standing orders to dispense tobacco cessation products without a physician’s prescription. Concern is that these cessation products can have medical side effects thus medical oversight is needed.
- Scope of Practice –
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have introduced their independent practice legislation (now called “transition to practice”). The bill as introduced would require 2,000 hours under a collaboration agreement but that agreement could be another nurse. APRN talking points include the myth that physicians are charging exorbitant fees to sign collaboration agreements and there will be a significant cost savings in the Medicaid program if APRNs are used because they will expand primary care services.
- Psychologist prescribing bill has been around for the last 4-5 General Assemblies. To date, the bill is stalled because they can’t find a sponsor.
- Physician assistants are looking for scope increases as well – this time focusing on sedation in the hospital setting. Eventually, they want independent practice too.
- Midwives – There will be an effort to certify licensure for midwives. Home births are happening so it’s critical that there are some guardrails put in place for the care midwives provide.
- Pharmacists are seeking to be allowed to administer vaccines to younger children which causes great concern relative well child visits.
The House of Medicine is also monitoring bills on insurance, price transparency, and interstate medical compacts.
The next House of Medicine meeting will be held in the fall.