The Better Access to Health Care Act seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code in Ohio to enhance the roles and responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and improve maternal and newborn care coverage under Medicaid. Key provisions include the replacement of the term "physician" with "practitioner" in standard care arrangements for certified nurse practitioners, allowing for more flexible collaborative practices. The bill mandates that Medicaid cover a minimum of 48 hours of inpatient care after a normal vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery, with follow-up care directed by either a physician or an APRN. Additionally, it allows certified nurse-midwives to make discharge decisions in collaboration with their practitioners, rather than solely relying on attending physicians.

The legislation also introduces new legal language regarding the immunity of APRNs when performing actions typically reserved for attending physicians, provided they operate under a standard care arrangement. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration in decision-making and outlines the responsibilities of the Board of Nursing, including the establishment of advisory groups and the authority to grant conditional approvals for nursing programs. The bill aims to streamline the certification and practice processes for APRNs, ensuring compliance with established standards while enhancing access to healthcare services for mothers and newborns.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1751.67, 2133.211, 3313.539, 3707.511, 3727.06, 3923.233, 3923.301, 3923.63, 3923.64, 4723.01, 4723.02, 4723.06, 4723.07, 4723.24, 4723.28, 4723.36, 4723.41, 4723.42, 4723.43, 4723.431, 4723.44, 4723.46, 4723.481, 4723.482, 4723.483, 4723.493, 4723.50, 4731.27, 4761.17, 5164.07, 4723.45, 5164.73