Butler County Today

The Ohio House Health Committee has commenced hearings on a bill known as House Bill 12, or the Jeff, Dave, and Angie Patient Right to Try Act. The bill is sponsored by State Representatives Jennifer Gross from West Chester and D.J. Swearingen from Huron. Gross has been an advocate for this policy in previous legislative sessions.

The proposed legislation aims to achieve several objectives. It seeks to ensure Ohio citizens have access to potentially lifesaving medications that are used off-label, safeguard the ability of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and pharmacists to prescribe and dispense such medications, and protect the freedom of speech for healthcare providers to voice medical opinions that may differ from those of health and licensing authorities.

Representative Gross emphasized the significance of the bill by stating, “House Bill 12 is life-saving legislation that provides the medical freedom needed for prescribers and patients to direct their care and optimize health outcomes.”

Representative Swearingen also highlighted the bill's importance, noting, “This issue is very important to the wellbeing of patients in Ohio and the providers who work hard every day to keep them healthy.”

The Jeff, Dave, and Angie Patient Right to Try Act will continue to undergo further evaluation by the House Health Committee.