CMA Leading Change Through Public Policy: April 7th Meeting Overview

Through advocacy and education, the physicians of the Columbus Medical Association’s Public Policy committee continually work to help set public policy on issues that matter most to the medical community.

“Our overall goal is to try to help physicians be leaders in the public policy arena,” said Dr. Stephanie Costa, the CMA’s public policy committee co-chair. “We want to be able to support you in your work to advocate what’s important in your life.”

The Public Policy Committee met for the second time this year on April 7 to review a number of legislative items that could potentially impact physicians.

Among the bill discussed were HB 378 (regarding Mifepristone reversal), HB 492 (which would require school athletic coaches to complete mental health training), and SB 296 (which would legalize the use of narcotic testing products and deregulate Naloxone).

Speaking on behalf of SB 296, Dr. Beth Weinstock addressed the committee to voice her support for its passage. Six months ago she founded BirdieLight, a non-profit dedicated to her son Eli, who tragically died after ingesting a legal herbal supplement that had been laced with fentanyl.

“This is a poisoning crisis that runs in parallel to the opioid crisis,” she said.

The bill is currently in the Ohio Senate health committee and is set for a hearing soon.

The CMA Public Policy committee agreed to support her fight and help further her cause – likely with a letter to legislators.

Having the support of the CMA is a powerful tool for physicians to use to help set public policy.

“Doctors are listened to by the legislature and it’s important for you to get involved,” said Dr. William Cotton, a co-chair of the committee. “And the CMA will be able to help you get involved so you can be more effective.”

The purpose of the committee is to:

Provide Central Ohio physician perspectives to policymakers on issues that impact the practice of medicine and the patient-physician relationship
Support and develop individual physicians’ abilities to pursue policies and interests of their own choosing
Support physicians and CMA and affiliates programs who work or volunteer with medically underserved populations and emergency/trauma issues

The Ohio Legislature will soon be entering a period where members turn their focus away from legislation and concentrate on campaigning for their own elections this November.

As a result, CMA physicians will be holding interviews this summer with Central Ohio legislators and candidates in consideration of recommendations for endorsements by the Ohio State Medical Association.

Any CMA physician who is interested in learning more or participating in this recommendation process can let us know by clicking here.

Physicians with an interest in making a difference through advocacy and public policy can get involved by visiting columbusmedicalassociation.org/advocacy.

The Columbus Medical Association is medicine reorganized. We are physicians and other experts improving the health of caregivers, patients, and communities. We are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access for all. Learn more about the CMA and our affiliates at columbusmedicalassociation.org/home.