Ohio Academy of Family Physicians President Ryan Kauffman, MD, on behalf of the OAFP, submitted written testimony in support of House Bill (HB) 145, legislation to create a confidential reporting program for treating impaired physicians and other health care professionals licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Testimony was submitted to Chairman Lou Blessing for presentation to the House Government Accountability and Oversight Committee on May 30.
The OAFP has long supported a system in which impaired physicians have a safe opportunity to seek confidential treatment at the earliest possible moment so patients aren’t put at risk and physicians, with treatment, can return to practice healthy and better able to serve their patients.
Over the past year, the OAFP has worked with other medical associations and the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) to develop the provisions of HB 145.
In his written testimony, Dr. Kauffman states, “Confidential access to high-quality addiction treatment through a state physicians’ health program is imperative so that physicians who need treatment, can get that treatment at the earliest possible time. The sooner treatment is sought, the better. Fear of disciplinary action by the SMBO can delay a physician from seeking needed treatment. The availability of a confidential reporting system and treatment program encourages people to seek treatment sooner.”
The confidential program, authorized through HB 145, would be available to those who would qualify under strict conditions.
Hearings on the bill were held on May 17, 24, and 31. Proponents of the legislation include the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Osteopathic Association, the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio, the Ohio Physicians Health Program, and the SMBO.