Senate Bill 279, the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) independent practice companion bill to House Bill 216, was referred to the Senate Medicaid Committee on February 23 for consideration.
Since the bill sponsor, Senator Shannon Jones (R-Beavercreek, OH), is chair of the Senate Health Committee, the bill was referred to the Medicaid Committee for consideration. The Senate does not typically refer bills to a committee where the bill sponsor is the committee chair.
House Bill 216, that also seeks to grant APRN independent practice, was earlier introduced in the House by Representative Dorothy Pelanda (R-Marysville, OH) and is currently being heard by the House Health and Aging Committee.
Both the House and Senate are expected to maintain a low level of activity until after the March primary election on Tuesday, March 15.