Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

Ohio Senate Bill SB81

Introduced
3/7/23  
Report Pass
11/15/23  
Engrossed
11/15/23  
Report Pass
4/22/24  
Enrolled
5/8/24  
Passed
6/21/24  

Caption

Authorize certain nurses to sign hospital patient documents

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing nursing practices and the scope of responsibilities that registered nurses can undertake. It facilitates a more integrated approach to psychiatric care, bolstering the ability of qualified nursing staff to manage patients independently under predefined care agreements. This may lead to more efficient healthcare delivery in psychiatric services by improving turnaround times for patient admissions and treatments, thus enhancing patient care outcomes.

Summary

Substitute Senate Bill Number 81 (SB81) aims to amend certain sections of the Revised Code to enhance the role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants in psychiatric inpatient care. This legislation allows specific categories of nurses to sign documents regarding the admission, treatment, and discharge of psychiatric patients, which primarily focuses on streamlining care processes in healthcare settings dealing with mental health issues. By extending these privileges, SB81 seeks to empower APRNs and healthcare professionals to act more autonomously in their practice, particularly in mental health care scenarios.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB81 has largely been positive, particularly from proponents who argue that empowering nurses in this way will improve access to care and streamline psychiatric services. Supporters include various healthcare groups that advocate for enhanced nursing capabilities. However, some opposition may arise from concerns over patient safety and the adequacy of training for nurses to manage complex psychiatric cases. The discourse reflects an ongoing supporting push for modernizing healthcare practices while ensuring that patient welfare remains a priority.

Contention

A primary point of contention may relate to the supervision and collaboration required between APRNs and physicians in terms of responsibility and legal liability. While the bill does allow for greater independence in specific aspects of psychiatric care, critics may question whether this expansion adequately safeguards patient care, especially in high-stakes environments involving mental health. The debate over how best to balance expanded roles for practitioners while maintaining safe and effective patient care is likely to continue as SB81 is further discussed and scrutinized.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB224

Regulate the practice of certified and licensed midwives

OH SB196

Regards authority of advanced practice registered nurses

OH HB285

Require hospitals to establish registered nurse staffing plans

OH A08469

Authorizes certain patients who are terminally ill to use medical cannabis at hospitals and nursing homes.

OH SB1259

Hospital visitation; applicability to minors; right of adult patients; authorizing hospitals to enact policies; authorizing civil actions. Emergency.

OH HB72

Nursing Staff-to-patient Ratios In Hospitals

OH SB1152

Hospital patient discharge process: homeless patients.

OH SB201

Hospitals; financial assistance for uninsured patient, payment plans.

OH HB1071

Hospitals; financial assistance for uninsured patient, payment plans.

OH HB3301

Relating to merger agreements among certain hospitals; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

OH HB224

Regulate the practice of certified and licensed midwives

OH HB545

Regulate the practice of midwives

OH HB52

Revise the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists

OH HB362

Revise law governing certified registered nurse anesthetists

OH SB255

Revise the law governing coroners and death certificates

VA SB1105

Nurse practitioners and licensed certified midwives; licensed by the Board of Nursing only.

OH HB353

Change title used by physician assistants to physician associate

VA HB978

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.