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 Manager Micah Cook with questions or for ways to get involved.
House Bill 68 – Gender Affirming Care Update
Source: NEA Consulting
Witnesses at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (OhioMHAS) public hearing on gender transition care (GTC) rapped the General Assembly, the DeWine administration and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office over draft changes to the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) which they called “cruel,” “dystopian” propaganda. The day’s hearing formally addressed draft Rule 5122-14-12.1, barring certain gender transition services at private psychiatric providers without specific standards, and Rule 5122-26-19, imposing the same restrictions on community behavioral health providers. The administration took comments from more than a dozen witnesses who generally thanked OhioMHAS for removing adults and mandatory bioethicists from the proposed rules, among other changes, but reserved plenty of criticism for remaining provisions.
DeWine, Husted Announce $64M+ for Appalachian Healthcare
Source: Hannah News Service
More than $64 million will be awarded to the Appalachian Children Coalition to fund dozens of projects that are expected to significantly improve healthcare access across the region, Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted recently announced.
The funding — which was provided as part of the new Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative — will support the creation or expansion of community- and school-based health clinics and the launch of healthcare-focused workforce development programs, among other items, the governor’s office said in a news release.
“Our vision for Ohio’s future is one where all Ohioans, no matter where they are from, have the opportunity to live up to their full potential,” Gov. DeWine said. “These projects will uplift and empower the people of Ohio’s Appalachian region for generations to come.”
The funding will be divided among 28 projects that are expected to affect 61,000 students and 375,000 residents across 20 Appalachian counties. Partners include 34 school districts, a career technical school, an educational service center, and 16 healthcare organizations. Expanded services will include comprehensive primary care, dental, vision, and mental health services for children, families, and communities.
“By addressing the holistic health needs of students and families, this project exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven solutions,” Ohio Department of Development (DOD) Director Lydia Mihalik said. “I commend the Appalachian Children Coalition and their partners for bringing together diverse stakeholders to create a healthier future for Appalachian Ohio.”
Funding for the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative is being awarded through the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program, which is investing $500 million into Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region.
Family Physicians Ask Lawmakers to Invest in Primary Care
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Why it matters: Family physicians are trusted leaders in their communities and valued constituents. Their perspectives on key policy issues are important for members of Congress to consider as they advance healthcare legislation.
On February 28, members of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Board of Directors spent time on Capitol Hill engaging with lawmakers about three key issues for family physicians: reauthorizing the THCGME Program, enacting Medicare physician payment reform, and ensuring that family physicians can continue to provide necessary substance use disorder (SUD) care.
- The AAFP continues to advocate for permanent authorization of the THCGME Program rather than patchwork reauthorizations, which create uncertainty for future family physicians. The THCGME Program helps train the next generation of primary care physicians and address the physician shortage.
- Family physicians expressed appreciation for the G2211 add-on code, which went into effect on January 1. The code appropriately values primary care services and is already being utilized by AAFP members. However, the AAFP continues to voice support for additional Medicare payment relief. Family physicians were encouraged Congress provided temporary relief in the March healthcare spending package.
The AAFP continues to express strong support for legislation that ensures trained family physicians can continue to provide necessary care, including SUD treatment. Family physicians provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services every day. They play a crucial role in safe pain management prescribing practices, screening patients for OUD, and prescribing and maintaining treatment of medications for OUD.