Ohio MGMA State Chapter Legislative Update
1. 2024 Legislative Updates
House Bill 452 – The Healthcare Workplace Safety Act
Summary: Signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on January 8, 2025, this act addresses the rising issue of workplace violence in Ohio hospitals. It introduces new safeguards and protections for healthcare workers, aiming to create a safer environment for patient care. Source: Ohio Nurses Association
House Bill 315 – Healthcare Reform
Summary: Enacted in late 2024, this bill introduces healthcare reforms, including access to certain medications, even those not universally approved. It also outlines protocols for their use, as well as a response to challenges highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Legislation Effective January 1, 2025
Recovery Housing Referral Regulations
Summary: Certified community behavioral health providers are prohibited from referring clients to recovery housing residences that are not listed on the statewide recovery housing residence registry. This regulation ensures that referrals are made only to accredited facilities, enhancing quality and accountability. Source: Brennan Manna Diamond Law Level One Waiver Amendment Summary: This amendment, developed through collaboration between the Department of Developmental Disabilities and stakeholders, introduces changes to the Level One (L1) waiver, impacting services and compliance requirements for providers working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Source: Ohio Medicaid 3.
What to Watch for in 2025
Senate Bill 78 – Ohio Health Care Plan
Summary: Introduced on February 4, 2025, by Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson and William DeMora, this bill proposes establishing a statewide healthcare plan to provide universal and affordable coverage, including prescription drug benefits. Source: Planned Parenthood Action
House Bill 343 – Reproductive Care Act
Summary: Seeks to amend existing reproductive health laws and enact the Reproductive Care Act, addressing various aspects of abortion and reproductive healthcare laws in Ohio. Source: Ohio Legislature
House Bill 49 – Hospital Price Transparency
Summary: This bill focuses on enhancing hospital pricing transparency. Initially facing legislative challenges, it aims to ensure patients have access to clear and understandable information regarding hospital service costs. Source: Ohio ACEP
House Bill 73 – Off-Label Medication Use During Public Health Emergencies
Summary: Hospital pharmacists must dispense prescribed drugs for off-label use during public health emergencies, with certain exceptions. Source: Health Policy Ohio
4. Resources
Legislative & Compliance Resources
Ohio Legislative Services Commission: www.lsc.ohio.gov – Tracks legislative activity and provides summaries of new laws.
Ohio Board of Pharmacy: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov – Regulatory updates on medication dispensing laws.
Ohio Department of Health: www.odh.ohio.gov – Public health regulations and compliance guidelines.
Ohio Medicaid: www.medicaid.ohio.gov – Policy changes impacting healthcare providers.
Prepared By: Hesham M Youssef, EMBA, CAEMA, Ohio MGMA State Chapter Legislative Liaison