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11/20/2025

OSMA Testifies in Hearings: Scope of Practice and Noncompete Clause Legislation

 

The Ohio Legislature held one last slate of hearings before a break for the holidays this week, and the OSMA Advocacy team was on-hand to provide testimony regarding several scope of practice-related proposals, as well as legislation which would restrict the use of noncompete provisions in certain health care professional employment contracts with nonprofit hospitals.

 

HB 508: APRN Independent Practice

On Tuesday, OSMA testified in opposition to House Bill 508, which would terminate the requirement that APRNs collaborate with physicians under a standard care arrangement and permit APRNs to practice independently.

Monica Hueckel, OSMA’s VP of Advocacy testified in the hearing of the House Medicaid Committee, detailing OSMA’s history of working with allied practitioners including APRNs on modifications to scope of practice, and the need to ensure patient safety. Her testimony also provided insights on how APRN independent practice is unlikely to help rural access to care.

Dr. Elizabeth Muennich, immediate past president of OSMA, was also present and provided testimony on behalf of the Ohio Dermatological Association. Dr. Muennich was able to give powerful clinical perspective about the collaborative relationship between APRNs and physicians in practice and the importance of physician-led, team-based care.

Dr. Muennich testimony

Several other physicians representing other health care organizations also testified in opposition to HB 508 during the hearing.

Visit the Ohio Channel to watch the recording.


HB 353: Physician Assistants Name Change

On Wednesday, in a hearing of the House Health Committee, OSMA VP of Advocacy Monica Hueckel testified in opposition to House Bill 353, legislation which would change the title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate.” Several other organizations including the Ohio Osteopathic Association were also on-hand to provide opponent testimony.

OSMA is concerned about this legislation, as we believe this name change would cause patient confusion and that there is no demonstrated need or patient benefit for HB 353. We also believe that it could represent a first step in the process toward pursuit of physician associate independent practice.

Visit the Ohio Channel to watch the recording.


SB 301: Noncompete Clauses

OSMA also submitted written testimony this week in support of Senate Bill 301 for a hearing in the Senate General Government Committee. SB 301 would limit nonprofit hospital requirements for a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, as a condition of employment, to enter into a postemployment noncompete agreement. Under SB 301, such an agreement would only be authorized if the terms are limited to six months and the surrounding 15-mile area.

OSMA has heard concerns from our members for years about the use of noncompete clauses or restrictive covenants, and physicians have expressed frustration over the impact of such clauses, including their exacerbation of physician shortages in certain regions.

OSMA fundamentally believes that Ohio’s patient population has a right to receive health care services from the physician of their choice, and to that end, employment contracts should not interfere with access to their doctors.


Insurance Reform Legislation Reminder

The House and Senate will reconvene in the New Year and OSMA will pick back up with our advocacy priorities, including the group of proposals we are supporting as part of our insurance reform campaign. This fall was an extremely busy time for the OSMA Advocacy team and in case you missed the series of updates from OSMA on the influx of activity on the insurance reform legislation, please refer to our previous news updates:

 

 

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