State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) has announced that Ohio Governor John Kasich signed Amended Substitute House Bill Number 292. Sponsored by Representative Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville), Am Sub HB 292 establishes licensure requirements for genetic counselors. The bill also includes provisions passed by Representative Sears in HB 438, which creates a visiting clinical professional development certificate for certain physicians who are not licensed in Ohio.

“I am pleased that Representative Gonzales, the sponsor of Am Sub HB 292, amended her bill to include HB 438,” said Representative Sears. “The passage of this bill will bring millions of additional dollars in economic development and research funding, and allow important medical research to continue in Ohio.”

Under current Ohio law, foreign-trained doctors may obtain a temporary three-year certificate to conduct clinical research in Ohio. However, the research often takes more than the three-year period permitted by the current program. House Bill 438—which passed from the House in February with unanimous support—will allow for the renewal of that original certificate by three-year intervals and help keep the world’s best talent in Ohio.

“This legislation will help the state of Ohio become an international leader in science, research and technology, which will also help to build a strong foundation for a better job market and highly trained workforce,” said Representative Sears. “This is another step toward attracting and retaining our best and brightest minds who can then offer us their talents and knowledge.”

There are currently 10 individuals with active certificates who are conducting research in Ohio and will be positively impacted by this law. Additionally, this will allow Ohio’s finest research and educational hospitals to attract and compete for more medical research funds.