State Reps. Hiner, Klopfenstein Introduce New Rural Healthcare Legislation

State Representatives Mark Hiner (R-Howard) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) recently introduced House Bill 969 – legislation to revise the composition of some local boards of health, specifically in rural areas of Ohio.

"When qualified people are willing to serve, government shouldn't stand in the way,” said Hiner. “Physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners have the medical expertise local boards of health need, and this bill removes an outdated barrier that has made those positions harder to fill."

“Ohioans largely depend on their local Boards of Health to protect the public’s safety and respond to emerging health challenges,” said Klopfenstein. “This legislation helps address the changing landscape of medicine by allowing highly qualified nurse practitioners to take on the critical responsibilities of board members.”

House Bill 969 works to address the ongoing challenges that rural health care facilities face with having a physician present. This legislation would require that at least one board member be a physician, physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner.

This bill awaits a committee assignment.