SMBO Extends COVID-19 Telemedicine Rules for Prescriptions through 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) lifted a requirement that Ohioans must see a physician in person to receive certain specific prescription drugs or renew medical marijuana cards.

Governor Mike DeWine ended the COVID-19 emergency declaration in September 2021, and the in-person visit rule was set to expire September 17 and was delayed until the end of the year. Considering the pandemic is ongoing, the SMBO announced it is extending the scheduled expiration of COVID-19 emergency rules, so Ohioans will be able to continue using telemedicine through March 2022 for doctor visits that involve prescribing drugs or renewing medical marijuana cards.

The emergency telemedicine rules will continue to lift in-person visitation requirements for:

  • Prescribing controlled substances and for subacute and chronic pain
  • Prescribing to patients not seen by the provider
  • Pain management
  • Medical marijuana recommendations and renewals
  • Office-based treatment for opioid addiction

In the meantime, lawmakers continue to debate House Bill 122, which would keep in place these telemedicine rules established during the pandemic.