Guest Column: A Legislative Update by Representative Scott Oelslager

The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation recently including protecting quality of care for nurses and patients, the Ohio Veterans’ Heritage Protection Act, creating more paycheck transparency for employees, and improving stroke treatment and care. 

My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work diligently to help the lives of Ohioans and I appreciate the opportunity to give you an update on these issues.

Protecting Quality of Care for Nurses and Patients: The bipartisan legislation under House Bill 163 prohibits mandatory overtime work for nurses as a condition of employment. Under the legislation, nurses can still voluntarily work overtime and hospitals can still offer overtime. Specifically, the bill prohibits a hospital from requiring a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work in excess of agreed upon, predetermined, scheduled full-time or part-time workweek as a condition of continued employment.

The bill’s goal is to protect the quality of care for both patients and nurses alike. The legislation passed 82-12 and awaits further consideration in the Senate.

Ohio Veterans’ Heritage Protection Act: Another bipartisan bill, House Bill 190 seeks to ensure the protection of war relics by prohibiting relics located on public or cemetery association properties from being sold, disturbed or disposed of in certain situations.

The bill was overwhelmingly approved in the Ohio House and has been sent to the Senate.

Employee Paycheck Transparency: I was pleased to join as a cosponsor of this thoughtful, bipartisan legislation that seeks to create more transparency for Ohio workers. House Bill 187 requires employers to provide written, printed or electronic pay statements for their employees.

With the passage of this bill, it will help ensure that Ohioans have full transparency and access to their paystubs – information that is important to the livelihood of themselves and their families.

Improving Stroke Treatment and Care: As a strong supporter of quality care I also cosponsored Senate Bill 21, which requires the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services to develop statewide guidelines for assessment, triage and transport of stroke patients. The advancement of this bill will hopefully create more dependability and protocols to save the lives of stroke patients in our state.

Back in June, the governor signed this bill into law and it will take effect later this year.

In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.