State of emergency in Ohio lifted

The state of emergency in Ohio caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted on Friday, June 18, 2021. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Medical Board of Ohio temporarily suspended the enforcement of rules that require in-person visits and allowed providers to use telemedicine to treat patients. On June 9, 2021, the board voted to resume enforcement of these rules; enforcement will resume September 17, 2021. The Medical Board indicated that it will soon provide additional information and resources to clarify Ohio’s telemedicine requirements.

Despite the lifting of Ohio’s state of emergency, the Ohio Board of Nursing indicated that, for the duration of the federal Public Health Emergency, it will continue to recognize ORC Section 4723.32(G)(7) as in effect for purposes of authorizing nurses who hold an active, valid license in another state to practice in Ohio without an Ohio nursing license. The Board considers this statute to be applicable only to nurses who do not hold licensure in Ohio, whether that nursing license be active or inactive.