On September 9, 2025, Ohio Senators George Lang and Mark Romanchuk introduced Senate Bill 258 — The Better Access to Healthcare Act, a historic step toward removing the outdated Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
And now, the momentum has doubled. On the heels of SB 258, Representatives McClain and Barhorst introduced House Bill 449, identical legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives. Yes — we now have strong sponsors in both chambers.
Why This Matters
The introduction of HB 449 alongside SB 258 signals broad, bipartisan commitment to finally modernize Ohio law and allow APRNs to practice to the full extent of their training. Eliminating the SCA will:
- Expand patient access to high-quality care, particularly in underserved areas.
- Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens that delay treatment.
- Strengthen Ohio’s healthcare system by empowering APRNs to meet community needs.
It is important to note, these bills are not a scope expansion bill, but rather a removal of a state-mandated, unfunded contract. Each piece of legislation enables APRNs to work to the top of their licensure, education, and training. Collaboration will still occur in healthcare; removal of the SCA does not eliminate that.
What Happens Next
- SB 258 and HB 449 will each move to sponsor testimony, then be assigned to committees.
- Legislators in both chambers will hear testimony from proponents and opponents.
- Your voice is critical: legislators must hear directly from APRNs, patients, and community members about why this matters.
Call to Action
This is our best chance yet to make full practice authority a reality in Ohio — but it will only happen if every OAAPN member steps up. Here’s how you can help:
- Register now for the OAAPN Statewide Conference, October 23–25 in Columbus.
- Stay engaged with OAAPN updates on both SB 258 and HB 448.
- Be ready to act when asked to write, call, or testify.
OAAPN is the largest and only full-service statewide professional membership organization for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) of all specialties within Ohio. Our mission is to promote advanced practice nursing through practice, education, advocacy, and leadership.
OAAPN continually strives to remove barriers to APRN practice and has become a leading information resource within Ohio regarding APRN practice, legislative and reimbursement issues, as well as providing a gateway of opportunities to employment and continuing education.
Become a member or renew your membership today. Together, we can retire the SCA and move Ohio healthcare forward.