By Catharyne Henderson, BSN RN
Chairwoman, ONA Health Policy Council
At the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), advocacy for nurses and health professionals is not just our priority—it’s our mission. With the start of a new legislative biennium this January, we are capitalizing on the momentum of our successes from the last General Assembly to drive forward policies that protect and empower Ohio’s healthcare workforce.
Legislative Victory: HB 452 Becomes Law
Thanks to your dedication and advocacy, House Bill 452, the workplace violence prevention bill, was signed into law at the end of 2024. This significant legislative achievement marks a critical first step in addressing the alarming rates of violence nurses and health professionals face in healthcare settings. HB 452 requires healthcare facilities to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, equipping workers with better protection and safeguards as they care for patients.
While this is a moment worth celebrating, the journey is far from over. The next steps include ensuring the law is implemented effectively and building on its foundation to advance further protections for healthcare workers.
Addressing the Staffing Crisis: The Next Chapter
The staffing crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Ohio’s healthcare system. Unsafe staffing levels compromise both patient safety and the well-being of nurses and health professionals. Surveys show that 63% of direct care nurses in Ohio are considering leaving bedside nursing due to these conditions.
To tackle this issue head-on, ONA will reintroduce a bipartisan safe staffing bill this year. This legislation will establish minimum staffing standards to ensure that healthcare professionals can deliver the high-quality care patients deserve. It is time to hold healthcare institutions accountable for investing in adequate staffing levels, rather than prioritizing profits over patient and worker safety.
A New Biennium: A Fresh Start and New Opportunities
With the beginning of the new legislative biennium, we are reintroducing our legislative priorities, including safe staffing, equitable healthcare access, and occupational safety. A crucial aspect of this process involves educating new legislators, as any bill that does not pass by December 31 of the previous biennium must be reintroduced in the new session.
This year, the Ohio House and Senate Health Committees include new members. These committees are key to advancing our legislative agenda, and ONA is meeting with each member in January and February to discuss our priorities and raise awareness about the challenges nurses and health professionals face daily.
Ohio Senate Health Committee Roster
The Ohio Senate Health Committee comprises five Republicans and two Democrats. These legislators will play a vital role in shaping healthcare policy:
- Chair: Senator Steve Huffman (R)
- Vice Chair: Senator Terry Johnson (R)
- Senator Kristina Roegner (R)
- Senator Mark Romanchuk (R)
- Senator Susan Manchester (R)
- Ranking Minority Member: Senator Beth Liston (D)
- Senator Catherine Ingram (D)
Ohio House Health Committee Roster
The Ohio House Health Committee is made up of nine Republicans and four Democrats. Here are the members:
- Chair: Representative Jean Schmidt (R)
- Vice Chair: Representative Jennifer Deeter (R)
- Representative Tim Barhorst (R)
- Representative Meredith Craig (R)
- Representative Jennifer Gross (R)
- Representative Angie King (R)
- Representative Melanie Miller (R)
- Representative Brian Stewart (R)
- Representative Andrea White (R)
- Ranking Minority Member: Representative Anita Somani (D)
- Representative Rachel Baker (D)
- Representative Karen Brownlee (D)
- Representative Michele Grim (D)
ONA is committed to working with these committees to advocate for the policies that will make Ohio’s healthcare system stronger, safer, and more equitable.
Our Legislative Priorities for 2025-2026
As we build on the success of HB 452, we remain focused on advancing ONA’s comprehensive Health Policy Platform. Our priorities for the new biennium include:
- Safe Staffing: Passing legislation to establish enforceable minimum staffing standards in healthcare facilities.
- Workplace Violence Prevention: Strengthening and expanding protections for healthcare workers beyond HB 452.
- Equitable Healthcare Access: Ensuring every Ohioan has access to affordable, high-quality care.
- Occupational Safety: Advocating for policies that protect nurses and health professionals from workplace hazards, including physical injuries, burnout, and infectious diseases.
- Accountability and Transparency: Promoting financial transparency in healthcare institutions to prioritize patient care over profits.
How You Can Help: Advocacy in Action
Legislation doesn’t pass without the voices of those directly impacted. Nurses and health professionals are the most powerful advocates for change, and ONA is here to amplify your voices. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share Your Story: Your experiences with understaffing, workplace violence, or other challenges are essential for educating legislators and building support for our priorities.
- Engage Locally: Build relationships with your local legislators by inviting them to visit your workplace or joining us at advocacy events.
- Stay Informed: Follow ONA updates to stay engaged with legislative developments and action alerts here: www.ohnurses.org/codered
Moving Forward Together
As we move into 2025, we are reminded of the power of collective action. The passage of HB 452 is proof that when nurses and health professionals unite, we can achieve meaningful change. But our work is not done. By building on our successes and continuing to fight for safe staffing, workplace violence prevention, and other critical priorities, we can create a healthcare system that values and supports both caregivers and patients.
Together, we will turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for Ohio’s healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. Stay engaged, stay strong, and let’s make 2025 another year of progress and empowerment for Ohio’s nurses and health professionals.