The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) advocacy team monitors healthcare related legislation, rule changes, and legislative updates for Ohio’s family physicians.
To access the OAFP Bill Tracker, visit the OAFP Public Policy webpage and click on the Bill Tracker icon.
Read on for this week’s updates and contact Advocacy Coordinator Kaela Springhetti with questions or for ways to get involved.
Speak Out: Oppose the ECAPS Act and Protect Physician-Led Primary Care
Legislation that could undermine the safety and quality of care for millions of Medicare patients has been introduced in both chambers of Congress and may be getting traction in key congressional committees. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act (HR 3164/S 2426) would allow pharmacists to independently provide direct patient care without the training or tools to diagnose or manage complex conditions.
While pharmacists are essential members of the care team, they are not trained to replace physicians. This bill risks fragmented care, misdiagnosis, and increased costs, especially for seniors with chronic conditions.
We need your voice to protect whole-person, physician-led care and to prevent this bill from moving forward.
Please take two minutes to participate in this Speak Out. Together, we can ensure a stronger healthcare system for all. Thank you for your commitment to protecting our physicians and improving patient care.
Ohio Legislators Propose Limits on Healthcare Worker Noncompete Clauses
Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
The issue of non-compete clauses for doctors and other highly skilled healthcare workers is under scrutiny by the Ohio legislature, where two bills aimed at addressing it have been introduced (Source: Rural Ohio Hospitals Feel Brunt of Noncompete Clauses as Legislators Eye Ban, The Columbus Dispatch, May 15).
Last year, retired physician and state Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott, OH) introduced a bill that would limit noncompete clauses in healthcare contracts.
The legislation would ban nonprofit hospitals from enforcing noncompete clauses more severe than banning employment with a competitor for six months within a 15-mile radius. An employee is allowed to bring a civil action against a hospital if they believe these terms, should they become law, are being violated.
Senators Louis Blessing (R-Colerain, OH) and Bill DeMora (D-Columbus, OH) also introduced a more general noncompete ban to the Ohio Senate in 2025.
Both bills have had several hearings in their respective committees.
Governor DeWine Issues Executive Order on Revalidating Medicaid Providers
Source: Dayton Daily News
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order to require more frequent revalidation of certain Medicaid providers as part of an effort to address potential Medicaid fraud.
The executive order comes about a week after Gov. DeWine first announced that the order was coming. At that time, Gov. DeWine issued additional instructions to the Ohio Department of Medicaid about new limitations on aspects of the Medicaid program that critics have accused of lacking oversight or proper checks.
This executive order targets providers whom the state identifies as being high-risk for committing fraud. The state does this using advanced data analytics, electronic visit verification compliance, and targeted screening protocols, according to the Ohio Department of Medicaid.
“Ohio is consistently recognized by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as one of the top states in fighting and prosecuting Medicaid fraud,” Gov. DeWine’s executive order reads. “…Ohio Medicaid continues its efforts and innovation to identify those trying to defraud Medicaid and prevent fraud before payment is made.”
Read the full article in Dayton Daily News.
340B Rebate Model Pilot Program
As Congress continues to evaluate reforms to the federal 340B drug discount program, policymakers are considering new approaches aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and program integrity. The Health Resources $ Services Administration (HRSA) previously proposed a 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program that would shift certain outpatient drugs from the program’s traditional upfront discount structure to a post-sale rebate system, although implementation has since been paused and reconsidered following federal court action. Under the proposed model, providers would purchase drugs at standard acquisition cost and submit claims-level data to manufacturers within 45 days of dispensing, after which manufacturers would be required to issue rebates or provide justification for denial within 10 days.
Supporters argue the model could create a more traceable and auditable claims process, helping address longstanding concerns about duplicate discounts, drug diversion, and limited oversight, while also aligning aspects of 340B administration more closely with rebate frameworks already used in Medicaid and Medicare Part D. Some stakeholders have suggested that, if successful, a rebate-based approach could serve as a framework for broader modernization of the 340B program over time.
At the same time, the proposal has generated significant debate among hospitals, manufacturers, physicians, and patient advocacy organizations. Critics of the rebate approach contend that it could create new administrative burdens for providers, delay access to critical program savings, and strain the financial resources of safety-net hospitals and clinics that rely on 340B revenue to support uncompensated care and patient services. Broader criticism of the 340B program itself has also continued, with some policymakers and industry groups arguing that the program may incentivize use of higher-cost drugs, contribute to rising healthcare spending, and encourage consolidation as large health systems acquire physician practices.
As reform discussions continue at the federal level, understanding how potential changes to 340B reimbursement and compliance requirements could affect independent practices, hospitals, and patient access to care in Ohio will remain important for ongoing advocacy and policy engagement.