The bill amends the Revised Code to strengthen the regulation of hospice care programs in Ohio by introducing new definitions and establishing a comprehensive licensing process. A key addition is the definition of "medical director," who is responsible for overseeing clinical care and compliance within hospice programs. The bill creates new sections (3712.20 and 3712.21) detailing the licensing requirements, including a license fee of seven hundred dollars and a renewal period reduced from three years to one year. It also mandates that applicants post a surety bond of one hundred thousand dollars and provides that licenses will not be granted to those with a history of exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid or convictions related to health care fraud.

In addition to licensing changes, the bill imposes operational standards for hospice care programs, such as limiting the chief administrator and medical directors to overseeing a maximum of two programs unless they share at least fifty percent ownership. It requires programs to maintain a separate commercial office, ensure nursing care availability within two hours, and establish written policies for the disposal of controlled substances. The Department of Health is tasked with monitoring compliance through performance measures and criminal records checks for key personnel. The bill also repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code, indicating a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing oversight and improving the quality of hospice care services in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3712.01, 3712.03, 3712.04, 3712.06, 3712.062