On March 29, 2023, Governor DeWine signed an executive order directing the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to reclassify xylazine as a controlled substance. The reason given for placing xylazine on Ohio’s controlled substance list is its increasing prevalence in overdose deaths and in…
In January 2023, Ohio implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing students who are residents of Ohio to apply for a Multi-State License[1]. It is vitally important that applicants are aware of the differences between the Multi-State License Application…
At its March 2023 meeting, the State Medical Board of Ohio voted to elect veteran Member, Robert “Bob†Giacalone, as its new Supervising Member. He will replace Bruce Saferin, DPM, in that role. Originally appointed to the Ohio Medical Board by former Ohio Governor John…
In middle school or high school civics class, many of you will have learned that the three branches of government serve separate purposes. The legislative branch writes the law. The judicial branch interprets the law. And the executive branch enforces the law. However, as bureaucracy…
The Federal Government eliminated the “DATA-Waiver Program†as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, effective December 29, 2022. The relaxation of regulatory control signaled another step in the DEA’s stated goal of wanting: “medication for opioid use disorder to be readily and safely…
In January 2023, Ohio implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact. Now, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing students who are residents of Ohio[1] may apply for a multistate license (MSL). A nurse holding a MSL may practice in their state of primary residence, as well…
Late last year, the Tenth District Court of Appeals narrowed the application of the “comfort care” statute. Following this ruling, it remains imperative that healthcare professionals exercise independent medical judgment in end-of-life scenarios. Following a physician order is insufficient to grant a nurse or other…
The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board is in the early stages of establishing a “safe haven” program for licensees and applicants and recently sent out a request for comment on draft administrative Rules. The proposed “safe haven” program would allow certain…
On June 27, 2022, the United States Supreme Court sided with prescribers in holding the Government to a higher burden of proof regarding the subjective intent of medical practitioners. The case of Ruan v. United States interpreted the Controlled Substances Act, (21 U.S.C. §841), to…
In October 2021, the State Medical Board of Ohio permanently revoked a physician’s license to practice medicine in this state and imposed a $6,000 fine. They did so even though his license was last active on December 31, 1990. The facts of this case may…
