09 Jan ORS-Initiated Legislation Passed by Ohio Legislature, Signed Into Law in 2021!

We are pleased to let you know that legislation initiated by the Ohio Radiological Society (ORS) passed the Ohio General Assembly recently after some tense moments and strategic maneuvering.  The legislation that was originally Senate Bill 236 passed the Senate and the House, but only after a few unrelated amendments were added to the bill essentially killing the bill when it went for concurrence in the Senate.

ORS along with our sponsor, Senator Steve Huffman, negotiated the language to be included as an amendment into a separate piece of legislation, House Bill 210, regarding Tuberculosis testing in child care settings.  With the help and support of House Bill 210 sponsor Rep. Sarah Carruthers, the bill passed the General Assembly on the last day of session.  It is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

The legislation accomplishes two things:

1. Section 3748.04 of the Ohio Revised Code mandates that the Director of Health adopt standards established by the State Suggested Regulations for Control of Radiation (SSRs) by the National Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors.  The new law will provide the Director of Health with flexibility to deviate from the SSRs if the deviation is warranted in Ohio and does not pose a health, environmental or safety risk; and
2. HB 210 allows Radiation Technologists to document contrast orders in the Electronic Health Record according to the clinical guidelines of the hospital (protocol), when a physician orders an imaging test with contrast, without the need for a second prescription.

Special thanks to our members who raised these issues during the rule-making process at the Ohio Department of Health and to those who worked over the last few years trying to address the contrast issue through the healthcare boards and especially to Dr. Houser, Dr. Geis and Dr. Mannava who provided proponent testimony before the House and Senate Health Committees during legislative hearings on the bill.  Also, thank you to our partners the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the Ohio Radiological Technologists Association who all pitched in to support our efforts.

Please see the final bill here and analysis here.

The Governor signed the bill on January 8, 2021. It will be effective on April 8, 2021. 

Thank you,

Your ORS Board