03/14/2021

Medical Board's March Meeting Highlights

The State Medical Board of Ohio met on March 10, 2021.  Below are highlights from the meeting:

• The Federation of State Medical Board presented information about the Interstate Licensure Compact. There is currently Ohio legislation pending that, if passed, would add Ohio to the list of states that currently participate in the compact.
  
  
• The medical board presented a draft of a FAQ document that will help physicians determine tasks that can and cannot be delegated to unlicensed medical staff under Ohio’s rules. OSMA frequently receives questions about Ohio’s delegation rules and we will share the board’s document once it is published.
  
  
• Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical board suspended enforcement of CME requirements. The medical board announced that they are no longer suspending enforcement and physicians are expected to be up-to-date with all CME requirements.
  
  
• The medical board reminded physicians that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians have extended time until July 1, 2021 to renew their medical license. Whether you renew now or at a later date, your next license renewal date will not change. For example, if your license is due to expire on January 1, 2021, your next renewal date will be on January 1, 2023, regardless of when you renew during this extension period.
  
  
• The medical board reminded providers that they can still use telemedicine in place of in-person visits. Throughout the declared COVID-19 emergency, the SMBO will not enforce in-person visit requirements normally required in SMBO rules. Suspension of these enforcement requirements includes, but is not limited to:
  
  
  • Prescribing controlled substances
  • Prescribing for subacute and chronic pain
  • Prescribing to patients not seen by the provider
  • Pain management
  • Medical marijuana recommendations and renewals
  • Office-based treatment for opioid addiction

Providers must document their use of telemedicine and meet minimal standards of care. The Medical Board will provide advance notice before resuming enforcement of the above regulation when the state emergency orders are lifted.