Manning Named Legislator of the Year by Ohio Pharmacist Association

COLUMBUS—State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Pharmacists Association for his legislation to ensure effective patient care management and efforts to remove barriers for providers. Earlier this year, Senators Manning and Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) introduced Senate Bill 303 to ensure that patients are receiving the most accurate representation of their specific care management. The bill builds on “Kevin’s Law” and expands a pharmacists' consult agreement privileges to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants (PAs). In 2016 Senator Manning worked with Representative Gayle Manning and the Houdeshell family to pass Kevin’s law to expand access to life saving medications after they loss their son because we was unable to get insulin. This was the first law in the country and because of the amazing work of Dan and Judy Houdeshell, similar laws have now been passed in 19 states. “Over the past several years, I have had the good fortune of working with some of the most talented individuals I know, including the Houdeshell family of Avon Lake, on bills aiming to improve accessibility of life-saving pharmaceuticals," said Manning. "I am honored to have been named Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Pharmacy Consortium and look forward to future opportunities to work together to ensure that Ohioans are able to access the medication they need and receive the care they deserve." “Senator Manning has been one of the foremost leaders in expanding Ohioans’ access to healthcare, elevating the role of the pharmacist, and removing unnecessary barriers for patients to receive life-saving medications," said Antonio Ciaccia, who serves as the CEO for the Ohio Pharmacists Association. "He has authored transformative pieces of healthcare legislation, did the hard work of driving them through the legislative process, and ultimately has had them signed into law. Ohio continues to be a national leader in healthcare reform, thanks in large part to the efforts of Senator Manning.” Senate Bill 303 was amended into House Bill 203, which was signed by the Governor on September 16, 2020.