The Buckeye Institute presented testimony before the Ohio Senate Health Committee regarding Ohio Senate Bill 230, which would allow pharmacists to test and treat patients for common illnesses. The organization said this measure could expand access to healthcare in Ohio, particularly in rural areas facing a shortage of physicians.
Rea S. Hederman Jr., vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, addressed the committee about the expected national physician shortage and its impact on Ohio. “The United States will soon face a physician shortage of 86,000, and Ohio will suffer along with the rest of the country. With fewer doctors than needed, quality medical care will prove harder to find, especially for those living in rural areas of the state,” Hederman said.
He argued that Senate Bill 230 could help by making pharmacies more accessible points of care. According to Hederman, “Senate Bill 230 can help by improving access to competent care and reducing critical wait times for patients. The legislation takes advantage of readily accessible pharmacies that are far more accessible than hospitals to low-income and rural communities. Offering faster access to care will help patients avoid expensive doctor visits and hospitalization, saving themselves and their care providers time and money.”
If adopted, Senate Bill 230 would permit pharmacists to test for respiratory illnesses such as strep throat, influenza, and COVID-19, then dispense prescription medications under State Board of Pharmacy protocols. The bill’s sponsor is Senator Mark Romanchuk; it is supported by Health Committee Chair Senator Huffman.
Hederman noted that other states have taken similar steps: “In 2019, Idaho became the first state to allow pharmacists to independently test and treat patients with minor respiratory issues. Since then, Idaho’s Board of Pharmacy has not received any safety concerns and 13 states, including West Virginia and Michigan, now allow pharmacists to independently test and treat patients.” He added that another 16 states plus Washington D.C. permit this practice under collaborative agreements with physicians.
Hederman clarified that “Senate Bill 230 does not allow pharmacists to replace or even compete with physicians. Nor does it remove referrals or collaborations.” He compared the bill’s approach with previous legislation designed to address workforce shortages among medical professionals.
Founded as an independent research institution focusing on free-market public policy solutions in Ohio, The Buckeye Institute relies on private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. It operates from offices on Capitol Square in Columbus as a nonprofit classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (source). The organization conducts research aimed at aiding policymakers with data analysis while promoting free-market ideas both within Ohio and nationally (source).
“Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important issue. I would be happy to answer any questions that the Committee might have,” Hederman concluded.
