AMCNO Physician Leadership and Other Supporting Organizations Meet with Senators Coughlin and Stivers to Discuss SB 59

Representatives from the AMCNO, the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA), the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ohio Section, (Ohio ACOG) met personally with Senators Kevin Coughlin and Steve Stivers to discuss moving SB 59 through the Senate. Other organizations supporting SB 59 that were unable to send a representative to the meeting include the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association and the Ohio Orthopaedic Society. 

Representatives from the groups expressed their viewpoint regarding the need for an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) concept like the one requested in SB 59. Ohio ACOG indicated that OB/GYNs around the state continue to experience high medical liability rates and cited information from a recent statewide survey. OOA representatives noted that the legislation provides a viable alternative to the current system and that the bill has been changed to address procedural issues. AMCNO representatives continued to press for passage of the bill.

Senator Coughlin, the sponsor of SB 59, informed the representatives that he favors moving the bill out of the Senate committee and he expressed appreciation to the groups supporting the bill. Senator Stivers, chairman of the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee indicated that there is a need for the representatives of the supporting groups to reach out to specific members of his committee to discuss specific issues with the bill. Opposition testimony on SB 59 is expected from the Ohio State Bar Association. Representatives from the OSBA plan to provide this testimony at a hearing next week. Physician members of the AMCNO are encouraged to write to Senator Stivers urging support of SB 59. Members may send a letter directly to the Senator via the AMCNO website at www.amcnoma.org. Click on the legislation link and Eye on the Statehouse – a letter has been prepared and can be sent to Senator Stivers through our website.