July 2025 Advocacy Update
The OOA brings advocacy directly to members through ongoing engagement and by investing in a government relations firm to represent osteopathic interests at the Statehouse. Our members power this work. Membership dues support and sustain a strong advocacy program, ensuring doctors have a voice in policy decisions. OOPAC backs pro-osteopathic candidates on both sides of the aisle who champion the issues DOs care.
Ohio Legislature
HB 7 - Signed by Governor; eff. 4/9/25 -- (Strong Foundations Act): This legislation supports critical early childhood development efforts by improving Medicaid coverage for infant mental health, streamlining access to parenting resources, and enhancing maternal-child health infrastructure—key areas of concern for DOs focused on holistic, preventive care.
HB 70 - Signed by Governor; eff. 3/20/25 -- (School OTC Drug Policy): This legislation requires Ohio schools to adopt policies governing the administration of over-the-counter medications to students. For DOs, this supports safer, more consistent medication practices in school settings and reinforces the importance of coordinated care between families, physicians, and educators.
HB 256 - Reintroduced with a different subject; referred to committee -- (Organ Donation Education): This legislation promotes awareness and education around organ donation by requiring the inclusion of organ and tissue donation information in Ohio’s health curriculum. For DOs, this aligns with a commitment to whole-person care and public health advocacy, reinforcing the importance of informed decision-making and expanding access to life-saving transplants.
Amicus Briefs
Christine Lewis v. OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital: Addresses whether plaintiffs can name previously unidentified defendants after the statute of limitations expires. Case before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Gregory J. Rau v. Miami Valley Hospital: Examines trial court evidentiary rulings. OOA and other organizations support physician-friendly standards to ensure fair trials and protect from judicial overreach.
AOA Affiliate Support Letters
The OOA is part of a coalition of osteopathic medical associations united in supporting these current and future initiatives.
Medicare Cuts: The AOA and partners urged Congress to stop a 2.83% Medicare physician payment cut and instead pass H.R. 10073, which would provide a 1.8% increase. They warned that ongoing cuts threaten care access and physician sustainability.
Chiropractor Scope Expansion: AOA and 55 organizations opposed legislation (S.106/H.R.539) expanding chiropractors’ Medicare authority and the use of the title “physician,” citing patient safety, training gaps, and increased healthcare costs.
Vaccine Policy Protections: The AOA supported the Family Vaccine Protection Act to safeguard ACIP’s authority in issuing evidence-based immunization guidance—critical for protecting access to safe, science-backed vaccines.
Student Loan Reform Concerns: The AOA opposed proposed loan policy changes that could worsen the physician shortage. They call for maintaining graduate loan programs, longer interest deferral, and PSLF eligibility during residency.
Ohio House of Medicine
The OOA is part of a coalition of medical associations united in supporting these current and future initiatives.
Insurance Issues
- Prior Authorization Gold Card HB 214
- Automatic Downcoding/Prudent Layperson SB 165
- Clawbacks SB 162
- AI Transparency SB 164 EFT’s SB 166
- Biomarker Testing HB 8
- Co-Pay Accumulator SB 207
- Non-Medical Switching SB 160
- Network Adequacy HB 219
- Prior Authorizations HB 220
- Breast Cancer Screenings HB 271
Public Health
- Ban on Tanning for Minors SB 25
- Prescription Drugs HB 12
- Anti-Vax HB 112
- Overdose Reversal Drugs SB 137
Scope of Practice
- Respiratory Therapists HB 253
- CRNA Scope of Practice HB 52
- Midwives HB 224
- PA Name Change TBD
- Optometrists SB 36
- APRN Independent Practice Authority TBD
Legislating the Practice of Medicine
- Medical Records HB 162
