July 24, 2026
 

Y P S  N E W S L E T T E R

Legislative Update

As young physicians, it is crucial that we remain engaged with the legislative activity impacting our practices and our patients. OSMA is closely tracking several key bills:

Insurance Recoupment (SB 162) – VICTORY: This bill, which limits the timeframe for health insurers to retroactively deny payment on claims (takebacks) to 12 months, was signed into law by Governor DeWine on July 8, 2026.

Mid-Year Medication Changes (SB 160): This legislation prohibits health insurers from enacting policy changes that require a patient to switch medication mid-year for non-medical reasons. It passed the Senate in June 2026 and has been introduced in the House.

Prior Authorization Reform (HB 220): Aiming to streamline prior authorization, this bill passed the House in March and has received its first hearing in the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Committee.

Medicaid Program Integrity (SHIELD Act - HB 795): We are monitoring legislative efforts, including the "SHIELD Act," aimed at combating Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. OSMA is actively educating legislators on this issue, specifically clarifying that physicians are not involved in these fraudulent activities and advocating for targeted solutions that protect program integrity without hindering legitimate care.

Pharmacist "Test and Treat" (SB 230): This bill authorizes pharmacists to diagnose and treat certain common conditions like flu, strep, and COVID-19. It passed the Senate in June 2026 and has been introduced in the House.

Physician Licensure (SR 375): This resolution, regarding physician license reapplications, was adopted by the Senate on June 22, 2026.

Scope of Practice Watch: We are continuing to monitor several bills that seek to expand the scope of practice for non-physician practitioners. While there has been no recent legislative progress, it is critical that our members remain vigilant and prepared to advocate for the physician-led, team-based care model.

Peer-to-Peer Recruitment

As young physicians, we are navigating a rapidly changing healthcare landscape that demands a collective voice. OSMA membership is about empowerment, advocacy, and access to vital resources and networking opportunities with peers and mentors across the state. Please help spread the word about the benefits of OSMA membership to your fellow physicians! Having a seat at the table where crucial decisions about our profession—and the care of our patients—are made provides our unique perspective and is essential to shaping the future of medicine in Ohio. There is strength in numbers! 
Encourage Membership to Your Colleagues >

Upcoming A.I. Webinar

We are putting together an AI in Healthcare webinar for this fall. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the medical landscape, this webinar will provide young physicians with practical insights on navigating technological integration safely and effectively.

Content being considered:

  • How AI Works:  An overview of how AI is trained, including Generative and Agentic AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), and its implications for usage. We will discuss several suggested prompts for increasing accuracy.
  • Medical-Legal Considerations: Understanding liability, regulatory compliance, and risk management when implementing AI tools into clinical practice.
  • Everyday Clinical Integration: Practical strategies for adopting AI workflows, streamlining documentation, and leveraging informatics to reduce administrative burden without compromising patient care.

Watch for more details and registration information!

Sincerely,
Your YPS Section Leadership

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