The proposed legislation to remove Ohio’s Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) is gaining momentum in the Statehouse. But with progress comes misinformation. Let’s set the record straight.
Update on Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 449 >>
Myth 1: Eliminating the SCA expands APRN scope of practice.
Fact: This is not a scope expansion bill. APRNs will continue to practice within the education, licensure, and certification they already hold. The bill simply removes a state-mandated, unfunded contract that creates unnecessary barriers.
Myth 2: Without an SCA, APRNs won’t collaborate with physicians.
Fact: Collaboration is—and always will be—a cornerstone of patient care. Removing the SCA does not eliminate collaboration; it eliminates only the paperwork. Healthcare teams will continue to consult and coordinate care, just as they do in other states.
Myth 3: The SCA protects patients.
Fact: There is no evidence that SCAs improve patient safety. In fact, requiring this contract limits access to care, especially in underserved areas. Eliminating the SCA allows APRNs to practice to the top of their training, which increases access while maintaining safety.
Myth 4: Ohio would be “going it alone” by passing this legislation.
Fact: Ohio is actually catching up. A growing number of states have already removed similar restrictions. This bill aligns Ohio with the national momentum to modernize healthcare and improve access.
Myth 5: This bill benefits APRNs, not patients.
Fact: While it does remove a barrier for APRNs, the real winners are patients. More efficient care, reduced administrative hurdles, and expanded access—especially in rural and underserved communities—directly benefit the people of Ohio.
Why It Matters
OAAPN has fought for this reform across multiple General Assemblies. Your voice matters now more than ever. Eliminating the SCA will empower APRNs, strengthen healthcare teams, and expand patient access to safe, high-quality care.
Join OAAPN. Register for the 2025 Statewide Conference. Support the PAC. Together, we can make this milestone a reality.