The ODA continues to advocate for Ohio Dermatologists and their patients through multiple advocacy initiatives. During the month of May, ODA submitted written or oral testimony and letters for three House Bills.
House Bill 159: Would prohibit the use of minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices. The ODA recently had two members, Dr. Shannon Trotter and Dr. Kris Fisher testify on behalf of this bill. The ODA, along with the ASDSA and the AAD submitted written testimony informing the Health Committee of the risks associated to minors when using these devices.
House Bill 153: The ODA was grateful for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of HB 153, legislation which would prohibit health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from engaging in the practice of non-medical switching. The ODA asked that the committee support HB 153 to enact safeguards which will help protect patients and allow them to continue utilizing the best treatments available to them for their conditions.
House Bill 248-11: This legislation puts all Ohioans, including children at risk. The proposal would destroy the current public health framework that prevents outbreaks of potentially lethal diseases, threaten the stability of our economy as it recovers from a devastating pandemic, and jeopardize the way we live, learn, work and celebrate life.
The legislature has heard that this bill’s purpose is to prevent the COVID-19 vaccine from becoming mandatory, but HB 248-11 applies to all immunizations, including childhood vaccines.
Please join the effort by submitting your written opponent testimony! Please visit https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sp/advocacy for more information and to get involved in this effort.
The ODA is also monitoring a proposed name change in the PA profession from Physician Assistant to Physician Associate. The ODA is working with the AAD and the OSMA and closely monitoring the situation.