Public Policy Update - February 2021
Public Policy Update
Co-Chairs: Drs. Stephanie Costa and Bill Cotton | Staff Support: Carrie Baker and Malcolm Porter
Physician Training Opportunities on Effective Advocacy:
Advocating for Health: Legislative Training for Physicians: Led by Rep. Beth Liston, MD. February 23 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (see accompanying promotional material)
Legislative Delegation Relationship Meetings
Due to the pandemic, in lieu of “Advocacy Day,” we are planning a series of small group video sessions with legislators for the March/April timeframe.
An expanded legislative audience will include neighboring counties resulting in 20-25 legislative meetings. This level of activity will call for 50+ physicians to engage over the course of a six-week period.
Legislative Monitoring for Potential Communication w/ Central Ohio Delegation.
Note: as of the date of authoring this update, only a few bills have been introduced.
SB 6 Medical Compact - makes it easier to practice across state lines; part of a series of professional provider compact proposals; widely supported by many statewide physician organizations. Current position: support.
SB 21 Stroke Protocol - impacts EMS and hospital procedures with potential stroke patients. Current position: monitor.
SB 22 Emergency Health Orders - limits Governor/Health Director to 30 days and at that point for any order to continue, would need special legislative panel approval. Current position: monitor.
Initiatives Supporting Physicians Who Work/Volunteer with Vulnerable Populations and Trauma-Related Issues (CMA and COTS/PCC/HCGC)
Governor DeWine introduced his budget for the next 2 years on February 1. A legislative bill will be drafted, and hearings are beginning as the legislature works to pass a final budget before the end of the current fiscal year on June 30. Medicaid is the single largest portion of the budget. Medicaid dramatically impacts the ability of CMA physicians - through their work or volunteerism - to treat the most medically vulnerable in our community. Similarly, PCC and HCGC’s ability to support physicians and patients is impacted by Medicaid provisions. We are digesting the Governor’s proposal and will be engaged with the Medicaid budget going forward.
Very preliminary conversations are beginning regarding a proposed state-wide trauma effort to improve patient outcomes. COTS is a stakeholder involved in these early conversations.