State Representative

Debbie Phillips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAR. 3, 2010

Contact: Christopher Germain, Legislative Aide (614) 466-2158

State Rep. Debbie Phillips Applauds Passage of House Bill 198

Bill will include Ohio University, focus on Patient Centered Healthcare

Columbus – The Ohio House this afternoon approved legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Debbie
Phillips (D-Athens) to establish a Patient Centered Medical Home Education Pilot Project in three areas
of the state – including rural southeastern Ohio. The bill passed with a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 96-
0.

“I am pleased to co-sponsor and vote for House Bill 198. The bill will provide southeastern Ohio with an
opportunity to be on the forefront of receiving more unified and complete heath care services,” said Rep.
Phillips. “Our area presents unique challenges regarding accessibility to complete healthcare services and
this pilot project is a way that private practices, the state, and Ohio University can work together to bring
better managed and accessible care to residents of the area.”

The Patient Centered Medical Home model provides an ideal approach to bringing together primary care
and specialty physicians with wellness providers such as dieticians, healthcare educators, nurse
practitioners and others to provide a more holistic approach to healthcare.

The bill also expands the “Choose Ohio First” scholarship to include medical students who study at one
of the four affiliated schools and agree to work for an affiliated primary practice after graduation.

The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine will appoint a member to serve on the 13 member
advisory council for the pilot project and in order for a physician practice or primary care nurses practice
to be included in the project, it must be affiliated with one of four schools in Ohio, including Ohio
University.

The bill now heads to the Senate.