Enact the Better Access to Health Care Act
If enacted, SB258 would significantly change the regulatory landscape for advanced practice nursing in Ohio. Specifically, it would amend various sections of the Revised Code related to maternity care coverage and the capacity of advanced practice registered nurses to provide care independently. By facilitating fewer restrictions on practice arrangements and expanding prescriptive authority, the law could enhance the overall availability of healthcare services to mothers and newborns, improving outcomes and reducing gaps in care for vulnerable populations.
SB258, also known as the Better Access to Health Care Act, aims to modify existing laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses in Ohio. The bill seeks to enhance the scope of practice for clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives by allowing them to practice without a standard care arrangement after fulfilling specific requirements, including a defined period of collaboration with physicians. This legislative effort is primarily motivated by the need to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, and to address the growing demand for healthcare services in the state, especially during the perinatal period.
The sentiment surrounding SB258 is mixed. Proponents of the bill, including nursing associations and patient advocacy groups, argue that expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses is essential to improving access to care, particularly for maternal and newborn health. Conversely, some opposition stems from concerns about patient safety and the potential implications of reducing physician oversight in certain clinical scenarios. The debate reflects broader tensions in healthcare reform regarding the balance between patient safety and accessibility.
Notable points of contention revolve around the extent of the powers granted to nurse practitioners and the implications for physician-led care models. Critics worry that the bill may undermine the collaborative framework traditionally employed in maternity care. Specific provisions, such as those allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe schedule II controlled substances, have raised eyebrows among some medical professionals who argue this could lead to prescription abuse. Conversely, advocates maintain that empowering nurses to operate independently, within defined limits, can alleviate pressure from physicians and enhance patient care overall.