SB 276 Summary

• Expands physician assistant authority to determine and pronounce death in specified settings (nursing homes, hospices, certain facilities) when respiratory/circulatory functions are not artificially sustained.

• Allows physician assistants to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under strict conditions: only for terminal patients, only if supervising physician initially prescribed the substance, and only for single 24-hour supply amounts.

• Permits physician assistants to prescribe Schedule II substances from hospitals, nursing homes, hospice programs, and other institutional settings, but prohibits prescriptions from convenience care clinics.

• Grants physician assistants authority to perform end-of-life actions under sections 2133.21-2133.26 of the Revised Code (consistent with attending physicians) when acting under approved supervisory plans.

• Establishes Medicaid reimbursement for physician assistant services at 100% of the established Medicaid maximum fee schedule amount.