Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs Senate Bill 109. The bill will significantly strengthen the authority of the State Medical Board of Ohio to ensure sexually abusive medical professionals are held accountable. Through numerous provisions, the bill will allow the board to act more swiftly during sexual misconduct investigations - increasing reporting requirements and allowing for temporary license suspensions during an investigation. The bill also increases transparency for victims and other patients.

Many elements within this legislative package were recommended by a Governor-led 2019 working group, tasked with reviewing the State Medical Board's handling of the 1996-2002 investigation involving former Ohio State University physician Richard Strauss. As a result of Governor DeWine's working group and a thorough internal review of board processes, the State Medical Board has implemented numerous systemic improvements over the past five years to help the board more effectively address sexual misconduct complaints and better protect Ohio patients. SB 109 marks another momentous step toward increasing accountability for medical professionals.

WHO:
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Stephanie Loucka, Executive Director, State Medical Board of Ohio
Jonathan B. Feibel, MD, Board President, State Medical Board of Ohio
State Sen. Bob Hackett (R-London)