State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on Senate changes to Substitute House Bill 417, which requires health care entities to notify patients when their physician’s employment has been terminated by that health care entity.

Specifically, Sub. House Bill 417 will require health care facilities to give notice to patients in the event that a physician ceases practicing there. Additionally, the hospital or health care provider will be required to furnish the terminated physician’s name and possible contact information for him or her, the date on which the physician will no longer treat patients at the facility, and contact information for an alternative physician employed by the hospital or health care facility.

“In the past, there have been unfortunate situations where patients undergoing care have arrived at their doctor appointments to find a note at the office that their physician is no longer practicing at that location,” said Rep. Grossman. “This bill will require proper notification be given to patients so that they can contact their physician to continue their care if they so desire.”

Senate amendments to the bill include a provision to require that patents be notified of where their medical records can be obtained, as well as a provision to add federally qualified health centers.

Sub. House Bill 417 passed unanimously and will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.