OH SB177

Prohibits physicians from submitting any portion of a patient's medical record to an electronic database created or maintained by a government entity or third party without valid patient authorization, with exceptions for insurance claims and federal regulatory requirements.

Requires valid authorization under federal regulations (45 C.F.R. 164.508 and 42 C.F.R. part 2) signed by the patient, guardian, authorized person, or parent/guardian for minors before medical records can be submitted to electronic databases.

Exempts disclosures required by federal law or needed for medical claims payment to insurance companies, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, third-party administrators, and other entities responsible for processing medical claims.

Prohibits physicians from asking patients or prospective patients whether they or anyone in their household owns or possesses firearms, or any related questions about firearm ownership or possession.

Amends section 3798.04 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 4731.74 and 4731.78 defining "physician" as individuals authorized to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine, or podiatric medicine in Ohio.