Ohio law has enacted measures to ensure that every resident of the state has access to appropriate care.  Every territory in the state will be designated as part of a health service area governed by a health service agency, which will work to identify the health care needs of the area and develop plans for addressing such needs.1  These community-based plans will be made a part of the overall resource plan for the state in an effort to more adequately provide care to all residents in the state.

Ohio has also instituted many measures to ensure that patients play an integral role in the management of their own care.  Skilled nursing facility residents may select the physician of their choice, obtain information from their physician about their condition and treatment, participate in the planning of their own care, and give or refuse consent for treatment.2  Hospice programs must work with each patient and his family to create a coordinated plan of care for the patient.3

Ohio has also instituted measures to facilitate care management for patients to ensure continuity and quality of care.  Nursing homes must provide a comprehensive assessment for residents,4 and on the basis of such assessment establish a comprehensive plan of care for each resident.  When transferring or discharging a resident, the nursing home must establish a discharge plan for the resident and provide the transferee facility or care provider with the resident’s updated plan of care.5  Residential care facilities will conduct health assessments for all residents and will transfer or discharge the resident when the facility cannot meet the needs of the resident after meeting with the resident to discuss his condition and the options available to him.6

Care coordination and management are significant components of the state’s Medicaid program.  A care management system has been established for the Medicaid program.7  Entities may receive recognition as pediatric accountable care organizations, which may develop partnerships with relevant groups to provide more streamlined care to Medicaid-eligible individuals under age 21.8  Home and community-based care services as part of Medicaid must establish a comprehensive plan of care for individuals receiving services, and must inform the participant of the services available to him and the choices available to the participant in accessing the necessary services.9 Managed health care programs also have a number of care coordination responsibilities, including the provision of care management services to coordinate and monitor treatment provided to certain members and the assignment of a primary care provider to each member to assist with care coordination.10  Managed care members have the right to be informed about their health and to participate in decisions involving their health care.11