February 5,
2019 3441 3441 
The State is seeking a contractor to provide services as a Monitoring Organization who is charged with conducting the One-Bite Program and performing monitoring services. Please see the DAS procurement website for details. The proposal due date is March 4.
February 4,
2019 3316 3316
The January 2019 issue of the Medical Board's eNews is available. Here are the highlights:
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New Rules for One-bite Program and Limited Branch
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Reporting Loss, Theft of Dangerous Drugs & Documents
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Did you Know - Complaint and Investigation Process
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Public Hearing: Genetic Counselor Rules
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Chronic & Subacute Pain Opioid Prescription Regulations
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Ohio's Medical Marijuana Control Program Update
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Cosmetic Therapy Exam
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February Office Closure
Click here for all of the details.
January 25,
2019 5283 5283
The State Medical Board of Ohio voted today to summarily suspend William Husel’s osteopathic medicine and surgery license. Today’s board action means Husel cannot practice medicine in the state of Ohio. The board action is based on allegations of his failure to meet acceptable standards regarding the selection of drugs, violations of the minimal standards of care and failing to cooperate in a board’s investigation related to the doctor’s prescribing of fentanyl and midazolam to patients under his care at Mt. Carmel Health Systems.
A summary suspension is the fastest means to remove a licensee from practice. We were pleased yesterday when the Ohio Attorney General called for a summary suspension as it was consistent with our aggressive case development that occurred in collaboration with their office over the last several weeks, in preparation for the board’s vote today. There is a higher burden of proof than a regular administrative action as the licensee does not get a hearing prior to the board member’s vote. The law to issue a summary suspension requires the board’s Secretary and Supervising Member to determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a physician has violated the Medical Practices Act (4731.22B) and that the doctor’s continued practice creates a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public. For summary suspension cases involving minimum standards related to prescribing, the board would typically review patient records involved, interview witnesses, work collaboratively with law enforcement and interview the licensee whose practices are being questioned.
Next steps: the licensee has 30 days to request a hearing. Based on information from that hearing (if it occurs) or additional fact finding (such as criminal charges/convictions), members of the State Medical Board of Ohio will decide on permanent action. Board action can range from probation to permanent revocation. The decision would occur during a regular monthly board meeting.
January 15,
2019 3741 3741
The Medical Board's office will be closed on Monday, January 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
January 11,
2019 3724 3724
The date of the next Cosmetic Therapy exam is Monday, March 25. The application must be submitted before 5 p.m. on Monday, March 11. Click here for information and to submit an application.
January 2,
2019 5175 5175
Recent media reports have indicated a former resident in training made disparaging remarks on social media. The individual’s application for a training certificate stated the Cleveland Clinic as her training program. By removing this resident from their program, the Cleveland Clinic eliminated her ability to practice medicine at this time. While the individual’s training certificate may remain in “active” status, she does not have the authority to practice in Ohio because she is not part of an accredited program.
Ohio law makes all complaints and investigations of the State Medical Board confidential so the board is unable to share any additional information at this time. Discipline against a certificate holder or licensee can range from a reprimand to permanent revocation- meaning they are never able to practice again in Ohio.
It is the mission of the State Medical Board of Ohio to protect the health and safety of all Ohioans. Malicious acts and threats of patient harm go against the Medical Practices Act and are denounced by the board.
January 2,
2019 4190 4190
The December 2018 issue of the Medical Board's eNews is available. Here are the highlights:
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New Rules for Chronic and Subacute Pain
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Dietetics Jurisprudence Module Available
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Respiratory Care Continuing Education on Laws and Ethics
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New Email Address for Licensure, CME & Renewal Inquiries
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2019 Medical Board Officers
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2019 J-1 Waiver Program Application Cycle Now Open
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Medical Marijuana - New Video for Patients and How-to Video for the Patient Registry
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Upcoming Holiday Office Closure
Click here for all of the details.
December 28,
2018 4025 4025
The Medical Board’s office will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, in observance of New Years Day. The office will reopen on Wednesday at 8 A.M.
December 21,
2018 5415 5415
Starting December 23, 2018, Ohio physicians and physician assistants will need to follow new regulations when prescribing opioids for the treatment of long-term pain (lasting 12 weeks or more) and subacute pain (lasting between six and 12 weeks).
The new rules establish the following check points, not limits, to ensure appropriate prescribing:
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50 MED: prescribers are required to re-evaluate the status of the patient’s underlying condition causing pain, assess functioning, look for signs of prescription misuse, consider consultation with a specialist and obtain written informed consent from the patient.
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80 MED: prescribers need to look for signs of opioid prescription misuse, consult with a specialist, obtain a written pain-management agreement and consider a prescription for naloxone, the lifesaving overdose antidote.
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120 MED: in order for prescribers to prescribe a dosage that exceeds 120 MED (unless the patient was already on a dosage of 120 MED or more prior to December 23, 2018) there must be a recommendation from a board certified pain medicine physician or board certified hospice and palliative care physician that is based upon a face-to-face visit and examination. There does not need to be a recommendation if the prescribing physician is himself/herself board certified in pain medicine or hospice and palliative care.
The rules do not apply to patients receiving medication for terminal conditions or those within a hospital or in-patient setting where they are closely monitored. They also take into consideration patients who are already being treated for chronic pain by not establishing a maximum dose or duration of treatment. For patients that are already being treated with opioids for chronic pain, medical standards of care still apply, however, these patients will not be required to consult with a pain management specialist unless dosages increase.
The specific requirements can be found in Ohio Administrative Code 4731-11.
4731-11-01 Definitions
4731-11-02 General provisions
4731-11-14 Prescribing for subacute and chronic pain
The old chronic pain rules in Chapter 4371-21 of the Ohio Administrative Code are rescinded as of December 23, 2018.