Guest Column: Legislative Update by Representative Scott Oelslager - Sept. 10, 2020
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation recently including measures to protect businesses from COVID-19 related lawsuits and to continue fighting the opioid crisis in the state.
My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the Legislature.
Mobile Dental Facilities: House Bill 203 makes the services provided by Mobile Dental Facilities more effective in order to allow greater access to proper oral health care. This legislation, which I co-sponsored, allows for a more streamlined process for sharing medical records between mobile dental facilities and dental offices, and establishes a greater framework for a statewide mobile dental facility database. The House concurred with the Senate’s amendment to allow pharmacists to engage in consult agreements with Physician Assistants and APRN’s.
Extending Ohio’s Long Arm Statute: I sponsored House Bill 272, which extends Ohio’s long arm statute to allow Ohioans to hold out-of-state individuals or companies accountable for the damage or harm they cause to Ohioans. The House concurred with the Senate’s amendments to prohibit a public official from ordering the closure of all places of worship in a geographic area, and to prohibit a public official from changing the time, place, or manner of conducting an election.
Combatting the Opioid Epidemic: House Bill 341 is a multifaceted and continued effort to fight the opioid crisis in the state. This bill authorizes pharmacists to administer long-acting addiction treatment medication and authorizes the State Board of Pharmacy to provide information from the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System to a prescriber or pharmacist participating in a prescription monitoring program. The House concurred on Senate amendments to increase access to naloxone for those suffering from opioid-use disorder, increasing naloxone education for Ohio pharmacists, and modifying language to prevent an individual from possessing hashish with a THC level over 0.3 percent.
Protecting Individuals and Businesses: House Bill 606 protects individuals, healthcare professionals, and businesses from unforeseen liability as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will give businesses and schools protection from liability if someone tests positive, and will allow businesses and schools to open without the fear of being sued.
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.