Attorney, John Izzo attended the September 2013 Racing Commission meeting and this is what he had to say... The Commission did not approve live race dates for 2014 calendar year. The Commission discussed making changes to the living quarters and tack room rules. An Ohio Thoroughbred Race Fund meeting will be held next month to discuss changes to its program. The Commission addressed staff’s rescinding of thirteen Rulings that were issued in error against standard-bred horsemen this year. The Commission ratified staff’s action but took no other action concerning the rulings that were wrongfully issued.

Are you a Physician who would be interested in having your application fast tracked?

The State Medical Board of Ohio plans on beginning an Expedited Licensure Program in the near future. Check back with us each month and we will keep you posted on the details.

Douglas E. Graff Selected For "Best Attorneys In Ohio"

Columbus, OH (PR Newswire) June 25, 2013 - Douglas E. Graff of Columbus, OH has been honored with a recognition by Woodward/White Inc in its selection of "Best Attorneys In Ohio." in the May, 2013 issue .
Mr. Graff commented on the recognition: "This is quite an honor for me. The fact that I have been included me in the selection of "Best Attorneys In Ohio," signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent work has paid off. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way."

Following the publication of Mr. Graff's selection the American Registry seconded the honor and added Mr. Graff to the "Registry of Business Excellence™".

Sending in Your Application to the State Medical Board of Ohio?

Are you a Physician in the process of sending in your application to the State Medical Board of Ohio? The State of Ohio Medical Board members suggest that applicants be more than honest in their submissions. Example: You have a previous charge from your teenage years that is not off of your record, but you find it to be a minor lapse in judgment and do not feel it is important to include in your licensure application. However, when it’s time for your background check and a violation is shown, it slows down the process of your licensure versus just stating on your application the small charge that is on your record. So keep this in mind when applying for your Medical License in the State of Ohio.

Ohio Eyes Changes in Racehorse Drug Policy and Testing

On August 22, 2013, The Medication Committee met for the first time since May 24, 2012. Attorney John Izzo attended this meeting and this is what he had to say... The first item on the agenda was therapeutic medication thresholds adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International in April of 2013. The medication list was provided and the public was given ten days to comment on it. There was no further discussion, other than the Commission’s unwillingness to provide withdrawal times for the medications listed. The next item on the agenda was TCO2 testing. Effective January 1, 2014, the Commission will no longer test for TCO2 pre-race. Instead, post-race testing will be done at the standardbred and thoroughbred tracks. The winner and others tested will remain in the test barn for ninety minutes after the race have blood drawn to be tested at the official laboratory. The consensus appeared to be that there were too many problems with the Radiometers at the tracks, and it would be better to have certified technicians conducting the tests. At the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Committee was asked about the status of the ruled change submitted by the Jockeys’ Guild last year concerning shock wave therapy. There was no update. In addition, when asked about pre-race examinations required by the Rules, Investigator Joe Crugnale said he didn’t know what was being done, so he would look into it. For more detail about this new change in Drug Policy and Testing for the Ohio State Racing Commission, take a look at the attached article.http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32448/ohio-eyes-changes-in-racehorse-drug-policy-and-testing

August Medical Board Meeting Update

On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, Attorney Levi Tkach attended the monthly State Medical Board of Ohio

board meeting. During this month's meeting, the State Medical Board of Ohio (“Board”), Board Members unanimously approved the creation of a panel of experts to review Board Rules regarding Suboxone. In a proactive approach to regulation, the Board intends to identify areas of change before Ohio experiences another potential prescription drug epidemic. While the Board did not set a precise objective for the expert panel, broad goals were discussed. A main area of focus is creating a foundation for future regulatory processes, similar to the Washington State Medical Board. If the expert panel is successful in its recommendations for proper Suboxone use, regulation of the medication Buprenorphine will follow. Although the expert panel meetings will not be public hearings, periodic updates and reports during other regular Board Meetings will occur.

The Board also took another set towards formal adoption of new rules regarding the discharge of patients. The Board received a large number of public comments from both physicians and patient rights advocates regarding the proposed rule amendments. While the initial goal of protecting patients remains a primary objective, practitioner’s complaisance requirements (specifically the prohibition against patient abandonment, see O.A.C. 4731-27-01) has garnered serious Board attention. The proposed rule amendments were approved for transmission to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rule Review for review and comment. Additional information in available on the Board’s website at http://www.med.ohio.gov/professional-rules_homepage.htm.