The bill, introduced by Senator Lang, primarily aims to update the terminology surrounding healthcare professionals by replacing the term "physician assistant" with "physician associate" throughout various sections of the Revised Code. This change is reflected in definitions, eligibility requirements, and the roles of healthcare practitioners, ensuring that the updated title is consistently used across the legislation. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the reinstatement of individuals in classified service who have been separated due to injury or disability, allowing evaluations by physician associates and other qualified professionals. It also outlines eligibility criteria for appointments in police and fire departments, emphasizing the need for physical examinations conducted by licensed professionals, including physician associates.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several amendments related to the practice of healthcare professionals, including the establishment of a physician associate policy committee within the state medical board to oversee licensing and educational standards. It also clarifies the responsibilities of healthcare providers in various contexts, such as medication-assisted treatment and telehealth services, while ensuring compliance with established standards of care. The legislation aims to enhance the clarity and regulatory framework governing healthcare practices, improve patient care, and streamline processes related to the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1.64, 124.32, 124.41, 124.42, 124.50, 173.525, 503.45, 503.47, 505.38, 709.012, 737.15, 737.16, 737.22, 742.38, 911.11, 1337.11, 1349.05, 1561.26, 1751.01, 1785.01, 2108.61, 2133.01, 2133.211, 2135.01, 2151.3515, 2151.53, 2305.113, 2305.234, 2305.2311, 2305.41, 2305.51, 2711.22, 2743.62, 2907.01, 2907.13, 2907.29, 2909.04, 2921.22, 2925.01, 3107.12, 3111.91, 3301.531, 3313.5310, 3313.7112, 3313.7117, 3319.13, 3327.10, 3331.02, 3331.07, 3701.046, 3701.23, 3701.25, 3701.36, 3701.59, 3701.615, 3701.74, 3701.90, 3701.92, 3701.928, 3701.941, 3709.161, 3715.50, 3715.501, 3715.502, 3715.503, 3715.872, 3719.06, 3719.064, 3719.12, 3719.121, 3719.81, 3721.21, 3727.06, 3728.01, 3792.05, 3795.01, 3919.29, 3963.01, 4503.44, 4507.20, 4715.30, 4723.01, 4723.18, 4723.181, 4723.72, 4723.73, 4729.01, 4729.39, 4730.02, 4730.03, 4730.04, 4730.05, 4730.06, 4730.07, 4730.08, 4730.10, 4730.101, 4730.11, 4730.111, 4730.12, 4730.13, 4730.14, 4730.141, 4730.15, 4730.19, 4730.20, 4730.201, 4730.202, 4730.203, 4730.204, 4730.21, 4730.22, 4730.25, 4730.251, 4730.252, 4730.26, 4730.27, 4730.28, 4730.31, 4730.32, 4730.33, 4730.34, 4730.38, 4730.39, 4730.41, 4730.411, 4730.42, 4730.43, 4730.432, 4730.433, 4730.437, 4730.44, 4730.49, 4730.53, 4730.55, 4730.56, 4730.57, 4730.60, 4731.053, 4731.054, 4731.22, 4731.2210, 4731.25, 4731.297, 4731.33, 4731.37, 4743.09, 4755.48, 4755.623, 4761.01, 4761.11, 4761.17, 4765.01, 4765.35, 4765.36, 4765.37, 4765.38, 4765.39, 4765.49, 4765.51, 4769.01, 4933.122, 5103.0327, 5104.0110, 5104.037, 5119.185, 5119.363, 5123.47, 5164.072, 5164.301, 5164.95, 5180.45, 5503.08