Healthcare

To amend sections 2108.25, 4501.80, and 4501.81 and to enact section 313.141 of the Revised Code regarding organ donation and family notification after a death resulting from a motor vehicle accident.

To amend sections 3701.021, 3701.023, 3701.025, 3701.027, and 3701.029 and to repeal section 3701.024 of the Revised Code to eliminate county contributions to the Program for Medically Handicapped Children and to make an appropriation.

HB 969 creates a new District Advisory Council for certain local health districts to oversee the selection of board members and guide health policy. This council is composed of the county commissioner president, municipal chief executives, and township trustee chairpersons, who will appoint health board members while ensuring representation from doctors and nurses. The bill also establishes procedures for holding regular and special meetings, forming an executive committee if needed to make appointments when a full council meeting cannot occur, and outlines how different districts can merge into a single combined district.

This Ohio House resolution formally recognizes August 2-8, 2026, as National Health Center Week to honor the state's community health centers. The bill acknowledges the vital role these facilities play in providing affordable and accessible healthcare to medically underserved residents. It also highlights the dedication of the healthcare professionals and management teams who run these centers. To spread awareness, the resolution directs the House Clerk to send copies of the document to Ohio news media.

To enact section 3902.78 of the Revised Code to prohibit a health plan issuer from imposing restrictions on pharmacy services that increase transparency and prescription drug access for patients.

This bill directs the Ohio Department of Health to conduct a one-year study on cholestatic liver disorders among women aged 35 to 45 who are enrolled in the state's Medicaid program. The study will gather data on participant demographics, existing health risks, and reasons why some high-risk individuals avoid necessary medical referrals or treatment. Upon completion, the department must produce a report with recommendations to improve public awareness and increase access to screenings and genetic testing. The report will also analyze funding strategies and suggest ways to create partnerships between public and private sectors to support future research. All information collected during the study will be protected according to state and federal privacy laws.

To amend section 3715.99 and to enact sections 3715.811, 3715.812, and 3715.813 of the Revised Code to prohibit the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to minors.

This bill designates the second week of May as "Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis Awareness Week" to raise public awareness about these life-threatening conditions. The legislation aims to educate people on the signs and symptoms of sepsis in mothers and newborns while providing a platform for survivors to share their experiences. Additionally, the bill serves as a memorial to honor the lives lost to maternal and neonatal sepsis. By adding this designation to the state code, the bill creates an official observance period for advocacy and education efforts.

To enact section 3722.15 of the Revised Code to require hospitals to develop discharge plans for pregnant patients and to name this act the Women Expansion of Learning and Labor Safety or WELLS Act.

To enact section 5139.15 of the Revised Code to require juvenile facilities to develop health care and education policies and make those policies available to the public on the facility's web site.