08/04/2023

OSMA Advocacy Priorities for Physician & Patient Mental Health Passed in Ohio Budget

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio

The OSMA House of Delegates passed a resolution in April to prioritize securing funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio. We’re pleased to report that OSMA’s advocacy helped secure nearly $47 million over the next two years to continue 988 service operations at its 19 Ohio call centers. We believe this funding to likely be reallocated in future budget cycles. 

Protecting Physician Personal Data

After concerns were raised by members last year, the OSMA, the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati and other medical associations collectively advocated for language in the budget that will protect Ohio physicians by ensuring that physicians’ private addresses are not posted on the medical board’s website. We’re pleased to report this language was passed and the medical board will be operationalizing this change in the months ahead.