Epilepsy Right to Know Bill

To date, there have been 3 committee hearings for HB 99, sponsored by Representative Michelle Glass Schneider (R-Madeira) in the House Health Committee, chaired by Representative John White (R-Kettering). The Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee has also had 3 hearings on SB 114. The committee hearings have been in this order:  Sponsor (Bill sponsors present), Proponent (Us), Opponent (Pharmacist).

Additionally, there have been several interested parties with the bill sponsors, proponents and opponents. These meetings have not yet resulted in a compromise both sides can agree upon. Therefore, the Epilepsy Services Network of Ohio (ESNO) is continuing grassroots advocacy by asking epilepsy service providers and physicians who treat people with epilepsy to contact their legislators (specifically House of Representatives as momentum has not yet been gained on HB 99) and explain why the bill is necessary and to please give support.  The physician contacts are especially important as they (the physicians) are able to explain the Dispense as Written (DAW) issue in regards to pharmacists contacting them asking to switch medications when “DAW” was clearly written on the prescription.

Grassroots efforts continue over the summer as the Legislature will not reconvene until mid-September (they are on summer recess). Committees will resume at this time and lobbyists will be pushing hard for a vote on either HB 99 or SB 114.   Find out more about this bill and how to offer your support by contacting your local legislator at:  www.legislature.state.oh.us