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04/22/2021

Medical Board's April Meeting Highlights

 

The State Medical Board of Ohio met on April 14, 2021.  Below are highlights from the meeting:


Light-Based Medical Devices
Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4731-18

The medical board filed the light-based medical device rules with the Joint Commission on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) in April and a public hearing is scheduled on May 17.

Currently, the medical board’s light-based medical rules prohibit the delegation of light-based medical devices for all purposes except hair removal. The medical board is proposing changes to the rules that would allow the delegation of these devices in limited circumstances. The proposed rules lay out the framework for physician delegation and application of light-based medical devices. The proposed rules would NOT allow a physician to delegate the application of light-based medical devices for ablative procedures. The rules only allow delegation for specific types of non-ablative procedures.


ICD-10/Pain Prescribing Resources

Current pharmacy board data indicates that, although required by rule, 20% of prescribers are failing to include the ICD-10 code on prescriptions for controlled substances. The medical board and the pharmacy board are working together to remind prescribers of their obligation to report this information and will be working to enhance the way prescribers can use the information provided in the OARRS database. The medical board will also be updating the prescriber resources section of the board’s website and working with the pharmacy board to beta-test proposed changes to the reports physicians receive from OARRS. The boards expect to roll-out these changes and related education over the summer. 


License Renewal Extension Deadline Approaching

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. Over 5,000 physicians have not yet renewed! If you are one of those 5,000 physicians, make sure that you renew by the deadline.

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.


Medical Board in Need of Physician Medical Experts!

The medical board seeks physicians in a variety of specialties to review confidential complaints involving quality of care issues and other medical review needs.  At this time, the board is especially seeking a neurologist’s expertise to assist with reviewing the board’s medical marijuana petitions. Many of the petitions submitted, which ask the board to add conditions that may be treated with medical marijuana, deal with neurological conditions and the board needs expert advice.

If interested in contracting with the Medical Board for this service, please contact:
Jill Phalen Reardon
Director of External Affairs
Jill.Reardon@med.ohio.gov 

 

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