Ohio House Approves Rep. Boyd Legislation to Expand Health Care Options

The Ohio House of Representatives this afternoon approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) to allow Advanced Practice Nurses to prescribe medication for patients. The vote was a bi-partisan 85-13.
HB 206 allows Advanced Practice Nurses who complete an additional training course as well an extensive “externship” with a physician to prescribe what are known as “Schedule II substances.” These are drugs that have a high potential for abuse but also have important medical uses.
“Schedule II medications are essential for comfort and pain management for a variety of patients, including those in hospice care and those with acute pain,” said Rep. Boyd. “There is an increasing need for quality care for Ohioans and APNs can take on an essential role in treatment and alleviating pain for patients when a physician cannot be reached in a timely manner.”
Nurses testifying before the Ohio House Health Committee chaired by Rep. Boyd argued that they will be better able to relieve the suffering of their patients if they do not have to track down a physician who may not be as familiar with the patients’ case.
Many noted that the number of primary care physicians in Ohio is declining, while the population is aging and will need increasing medical care. That combination will make it even more difficult for a doctor to be directly involved in every aspect of patient care. Backers also believe HB 206 could reduce medical costs, since it is likely to eliminate the need for some patients to go to a hospital to receive care by a physician. .
Currently, APN’s can only prescribe these drugs to terminally ill patients for a maximum of a 24 hour supply, and then only if the course was initiated by a physician. Rep. Boyd’s bill removes these barriers.
The bill will take some time to fully go into effect. Even APNs who currently have a license to prescribe must undergo an additional training course prior to gaining this authority at their next license renewal.
There are approximately 8,000 Advanced Practice Nurses in Ohio. They are required to have a master’s degree, and already perform a number of functions in place of doctors including treating patients.
HB 206 now goes to the Ohio Senate for consideration.