From the Statehouse

By Jennifer Garrison

February 26, 2010

The state has licensing requirements and regulations so you the consumer get the best possible service. Recently, the Ohio House has passed legislation to update these rules for several professions. This ensures common standards and practices are used, and consumers are protected from fraud and abuse.

Senate Bill 89 codifies externship requirements for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) and updates requirements for out-of-state nurses.  It has become apparent that there is a high demand for nurses in Ohio and a shortage of faculty at nursing schools.  Senate Bill 89 is intended to remove barriers for qualified nurses to move to and work in Ohio.

In addition, the bill grants the Chancellor of the Board of Regents authority to distribute funds from the Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program based on need. Currently, funding for each program is set in law through 2012.

I voted “yes” on SB 89 as it passed out of the House. The bill was signed by the governor and will take effect at the end of March.

House Bill 122 establishes standards for physician rankings published by health insurers. Many health insurers rate physicians in their network with the goal of allowing consumers to make a more educated choice when selecting a doctor. However, there is currently no government oversight of these rankings.

HB 122 identifies several factors that must be included in such a ranking system. The bill is also intended to make the ranking process more transparent. Doctors must be notified of their ranking prior to its publication, they must be able to request a description of methods used to determine rankings, and must be able to appeal their ranking.

I voted “yes” as HB 122 passed out of the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Another bill makes changes to the laws governing the licensure and regulation of insurance agents. The changes are an effort to bring Ohio into uniformity with standards created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

In 1999 Congress passed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which said a national board would be established to oversee agent licensing unless 29 or more states adopted uniform standards. 46 states have already adopted such standards, but until Ohio adopts these standards our ability to regulate insurance companies could continue being called into question by those seeking a federal regulatory system.

HB 300 also requires an individual agent’s license to be renewed biennially. Under current law, a license does not expire unless it is suspended or revoked; it does not need renewed. Requiring license renewals will strengthen consumer protections by allowing the state to maintain more accurate records of agents currently working in Ohio. The bill also requires a federal background check for all agents.

HB 300 also increases continuing education requirements for insurance agents, and it requires nonresidents to hold an active surplus line broker’s license in their home state in order to receive such a license in Ohio.

I voted “yes” on HB 300 as it passed out of the House by an overwhelming majority.

In the Senate, HB 300 received several amendments, which included extending mini-Cobra coverage from 12 to 15 months. This change allows laid-off workers to take advantage of the full 15 months of federal subsidy that is available to continue their health insurance coverage. Also, an emergency clause was attached so Ohioans can benefit immediately.

I voted “yes” to join my House colleagues in unanimously approving these amendments and sent the bill to Governor Strickland for his consideration.

You can reach Jennifer Garrison in her Columbus office at (614)644-8728, in the district at (740)373-2414 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com.