February 2023 eNews from SMBO

February eNews

Updates & important information from the State Medical Board of Ohio

Telehealth Rules Update
On Wednesday, February 8, the board voted to adopt new telehealth rules. Along with Ohio’s telehealth law in Sub. HB 122 (134th G.A.) (in particular R.C. 4743.09) which became effective on March 23, 2022, the rules expand telehealth for physicians (MD, DO, DPM), physician assistants, dietitians, respiratory care professionals and genetic counselors. The rules will go into effect on February 28, 2023
 
To view the rules and related telehealth documents, visit https://med.ohio.gov/Telehealth-Guidance.
SMBO Statement on Handling Sexual Misconduct Complaints
The State Medical Board of Ohio takes allegations of licensee misconduct seriously, especially when it involves sexual misconduct.

Since 2019 the board has prioritized understanding sexual misconduct complaints and has put in place measures to protect Ohio residents from licensees who engage in sexual misconduct or commit crimes of a sexual nature. We’ve dedicated resources, staffed key positions such as a victim coordinator and specialized investigators, strengthened policies and procedures, implemented new training, and reinforced the duty to report statute that requires physicians to report misconduct to the board. To learn more about how the board handles sexual misconduct complaints, take time to review our Fact Sheet.

Protecting the public is our mission and primary purpose. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual misconduct complaints and that victims of abuse often have difficulty coming forward. Through a confidential investigation and the assistance of a victim coordinator, victims can be assured of their ability to share their story and help the board take action against bad providers. To file a complaint with the Medical Board visit med.ohio.gov/Regulation/File-a-Complaint or call our confidential hotline 1-833-333-SMBO (7626).

Please click here to watch a video statement from the State Medical Board of Ohio.
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Monthly Formal Action reports include summary descriptions of the disciplinary actions initiated and the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Medical Board at its monthly meeting. Reports also contain updated information regarding changes in probationary monitoring requirements, reinstatement of licenses following suspension, and status reports of cases on appeal through the courts.

 

Click here to view Monthly Formal Action Reports.

Duty to Report

As a licensee of the State Medical Board of Ohio, you have a statutory and ethical duty to report misconduct to the Medical Board. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to, sexual misconduct, impairment, practice below the minimal standards of care, and improper prescribing of controlled substances. If you suspect or have observed inappropriate behavior by a health care professional or colleague, you should contact your local law enforcement immediately and file a complaint with the State Medical Board. Knowing a colleague is violating regulations and not reporting to the Medical Board not only puts patients at risk but also puts your license to practice in jeopardy. 
  
You can read more about your duty to report and the CME requirement on our website.

Newly Adopted Rules
The following rules were adopted by the Board at its meeting on February 8, 2023. They are effective on February 28, 2023.
Medical Board Considers New Qualifying Conditions

The State Medical Board of Ohio received 10 petitions during the 2022 submission period. On February 8, the board’s Medical Marijuana Committee decicded to move the petitions for irritable bowel syndrome, obsessive compulsize disorder and autism spectrum disorder forward for expert review. 

 

Written public comment on these conditions are accepted February 9-24. Anyone may submit their comments by emailing MedicalMarijuana@med.ohio.gov.

 

The Medical Marijuana Committee will then review the subject matter experts’ reports and make a recommendation to the full board for a vote to adopt/deny the petition to add the qualifying conditions. The board is expected to make a final decision this summer.

 

Click here to view more information about the petitions.

Subject Matter Experts Wanted to Review Medical Marijuana Petitions
The State Medical Board of Ohio is seeking qualified medical experts to review petitions. These petitions will request the addition of qualifying medical conditions to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. If you are interested in becoming a subject matter expert reviewer, please submit a completed questionnaire and a copy of your CV to donald.davis@med.ohio.gov. Following receipt of this information, your name will be added to our list of subject matter experts. If a petition matches your background, experience, and specialty, board personnel will contact you with further details.
OhioPHP Now Offering Educational Programs 
OhioPHP is now offering educational programs to all healthcare professionals, regarding stress, burnout, mental health and well-being. To schedule an education program, contact Outreach Manager, Katie Trausch at ktrausch@ohiophp.org or visit their website https://www.ohiophp.org/education-programs and click “schedule program”.
 
For an overview of their Education Program, access the flyer here
SMBO Partners with Other Law Enforcement Agencies to Combat Human Trafficking in Ohio
The State Medical Board of Ohio continues to partner with law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking in Ohio. Earlier this month, the board was named among the agencies that investigated four Northeast Ohio spas, leading to the indictment of 11 individuals https://bit.ly/3DTcVgQ.
Ohio Responds Volunteer Registry 
The Ohio Responds Volunteer Registry is the State of Ohio’s online system for managing public health and healthcare professionals who wish to volunteer. If you are would like to volunteer to help the state's efforts, please visit www.ohioresponds.odh.ohio.gov/ to register.
Licensee Obligation to Complete Death Certificates
When an individual dies under natural causes the attending physician is to sign the death certificate within forty-eight hours after the death. Read the Medical Board's policy statement and FAQs here.
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One-bite Program & Confidential Monitoring
The Medical Board's One-bite Program is a non-disciplinary, confidential program for the treatment of impaired licensees and applicants of the Medical Board - established in section 4731.251 of the Revised Code. For more information visit med.ohio.gov and ophp.org.
 
The Medical Board's Confidential Monitoring Program is a non-disciplinary, confidential program for licensees with mental physical conditions impacting ability to practice established in section 4731-28-02 of the Administrative Code.
 
Well-Being CARE Service
The Ohio State Medical Association created a Well-Being Checkup And Referral Engagement Service, which is a free, anonymous checkup of one's mental and emotional health. For more information, click here
 
Click here to view available wellness resources. 
 
Additional Resources
Text 4HOPE to 741 741 or visit https://www.ophp.org/covid-19-resources.
ICD-10 Code
Ohio prescribers are required to include the diagnosis code on all controlled substance prescriptions per 4729:5-5-15 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
Stay in Touch With Us!
#didyouknow the Medical Board has Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts? Follow our pages for news, updates, videos and more.
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Need to check the expiration date of your license?

eLicense.ohio.gov

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Office Closure
The Medical Board’s office will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of the state holiday. 
Upcoming Meetings

March 7 – Respiratory Care Advisory Council

Respiratory Carey Advisory Council meetings are held in-person at the Rhodes State Office Tower.

 

March 8 – Board Meeting

Board meetings are held in-person. They are shared as a courtesy via livestream on our YouTube channel, as
technology permits.

 
Contact Us
30 E. Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-3934
contact@med.ohio.gov

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Duty to report obligation

Licensees have statutory and ethical duties to report certain misconduct to the board.

 
Frequently Asked Questions 

The board has created FAQ documents to address questions on specific rules and protocol.

 

FAQs >

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