Senate Bill 258: Better Access to Health Care for Every Ohioan

Ohio families deserve health care that is fast, safe, and easy to access. But outdated laws create delays and make it harder to see the providers you already trust.

That’s why lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 258, the Better Access to Health Care Act. This bill is a chance to bring Ohio’s health care system into the future.

What Would This Bill Do?

Right now, nurse practitioners (NPs) are required to have extra contracts just to do the work they are already trained and licensed to do. SB 258 removes this red tape so NPs can:

• See patients sooner

• Provide care in rural and underserved areas

• Focus more on you, instead of paperwork

But Is NP Care as Good as MD Care?

Yes — and research proves it.

• A large review of studies found that patients of NPs had outcomes just as good as those cared for by doctors in areas like blood pressure, diabetes, and overall health (BMJ, 2002).

• Patients often report higher satisfaction with NPs, saying they listen more closely and spend more time explaining care (Stanik-Hutt et al., 2013).

• NPs provide safe, high-quality care. Multiple studies confirm complication rates and safety outcomes are the same as with MDs (McMenamin et al., 2023).

In other words: choosing an NP doesn’t mean “settling.” It means getting safe, trusted care—often with shorter waits and more personal attention.

Why This Matters for You

• Faster appointments – no more waiting months to be seen.

• Closer to home – especially in rural towns where doctors may be scarce.

• Affordable care – less red tape means fewer hidden costs.

• More choices – MDs remain available, but NPs can help ease the burden on the system.

Your voice can make the difference in whether this bill passes. Legislators listen to the people they represent. If you live in the 43074 (Sunbury, Ohio) area, here are your direct contacts:

• Ohio State Senator – District 19Senator Andrew O. “Andy” Brenner (R)📞 Phone: (614) 466-8086📧 Email: brenner@ohiosenate.gov📍 Office: Senate Building, 1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

• Ohio House of RepresentativesYour House Representative depends on your exact street address within 43074. To find your representative, visit the Ohio House Member Directory and enter your address.

  
  

What to Say When You Call or Write

• Tell them you live in their district.

• Share why access to timely health care matters to you and your family.

• Ask them to support Senate Bill 258 to improve care for all Ohioans.

Final Word

Senate Bill 258 is about one thing: giving Ohioans better access to excellent health care. Research proves NPs deliver care that is just as safe and effective as doctors, and patients love the personal touch they bring.

This is our chance to make health care in Ohio faster, fairer, and more accessible for everyone. Let’s support SB 258 and make history together.