CMA Public Policy Committee Summary - December 2019
The Ohio General Assembly is out of session for the remainder of 2019, and with 2020 expected to be an especially volatile political year, there will be limited session days next year. Here is a brief update on selected issues/legislation.
Surprise billing: SB 198 and HB 388. These bills remain in committee in their respective chambers. There is general agreement on removing patients from the middle of a surprise billing situation and eliminate balance billing; however, there are differences on how to resolve payment disagreements between providers and payers. SB 198 is generally supported by providers, including major physician groups. HB 388 is generally support by payers. At the core of the differences is the payment dispute determination via SB 198’s mandatory arbitration provisions vs HB 388’s approach of benchmark pricing.
Price Transparency: SB 97. This issue has been the subject of considerable activity in recent years, including attempts to address the issue in state budget bills, veto’s by the Governor, and lawsuits by major provider groups, include the OHA and OSMA. This year an attempt at a workable system has emerged from the committee process in the Ohio Senate with broad provider support. The bill unanimously passed the Senate and is receiving hearings in the House Health Committee.
APRN’s independent practice: HB 177. This bill remains in hearings in the House Health Committee without apparent support at this time to move forward. There is high level of work on various ideas for changes.
Psychologist prescriptive authority: HB 323. This bill remains in the House Health Committee. Unresolved issues are many, including level of education/training and lack of a formulary, and a collaboration agreement with physicians.
CRNA’s Scope of Practice: HB 224. While this bill remains in the House Health Committee, this month a substitute version of the bill was presented to the committee that major physician groups did not oppose; but rather took a neutral stance on. Among the provisions in the substitute bill include an option for a supervising physician to opt out of the expanded authority if they believe it is in the best interest of the patient.
Abortion Regulations: SB 155 and 208. HB 413.The CMA has opposed legislation when there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the proposed policy and/or physician actions that are consistent with standards of care are criminalized. Two such abortion related bills have passed the Senate and are in committee in the House. SB 155 requires physician communication to patients about reversing medication abortions and SB 208, deals with provisions following a live birth after an attempted abortion. HB 413 establishes the basis for murder charges against any physician who provides an abortion. The bill has not received any hearings in committee.
Other bills on the watch list include:
Gun regulations: SB 221. In Senate committee, getting hearings.
Vaccinations: HB 268. In House committee, no recent hearings.
Health education standards: HB 165. In House committee, no recent hearings.
Tanning prohibitions for youth: HB 329. In House committee, getting hearings.
Science based medicine: HB 407. In House committee, no hearings yet
Mental health parity: HB 443. In House committee, no hearings yet.
Prior authorization. No legislation at this time. A few years ago, the Ohio Legislature made changes to the laws governing the prior authorization process. Over the past 2 years as full implementation was supposed to occur, there has been considerable anecdotal feedback that the insurance companies have circumvented the intent of the legislation and that goals of the legislation have not been realized. In preparation for going to the ODI, or returning to the General Assembly, OSMA, active local and all the specialty societies have come together to do a comprehensive survey to capture a more detailed current portrait of the PA landscape. Analysis of the survey results is underway, with follow expected in early 2020.
Advocacy Day. The CMA’s Public Policy Committee will be sponsoring its first ever official Advocacy Day at a date to be determined in 2020. In addition to focusing on legislative content, there will be training provided for helping physicians conduct effective office visits with legislators, as well as provide testimony in a legislative committee. More information will be coming in January.
Political Action Committee Summary
Legislative Delegation Screenings for CMA Physicians. All members of the Ohio Houses and half of the Ohio Senate will be on the 2020 ballot. Watch for mid-year dates to be scheduled for any CMA physician to attend screenings and ask questions to all members of the Central Ohio legislative delegation and their opponents. All screenings will be held at the CMA's offices on Dublin Road.
Ohio Supreme Court. This week was filing deadline for all candidates in the 2020 elections. With the Supreme Court races now finalized, the CMA’s PAC is inviting Supreme Court candidates of both parties to meet with CMA physicians in early February. Scheduling efforts are on-going, so dates will follow after the first of the year.
Learn more about the Columbus Medical Association’s advocacy work and committee here.