WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 966

Study the prevalence of cholestatic liver disorders in women

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 6 co-sponsors

Study to determine how common cholestatic liver disorders are among Ohio Medicaid women 35–45 and identify barriers to screening, referral, and treatment.

Introduced
#healthandhumanservices #publichealth
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 966

Overview

HB 966 (136th General Assembly, Ohio) proposes a one-year statewide study led by the Ohio Department of Health to examine the prevalence of cholestatic liver disorders in women and to identify factors that influence risk, referral, and treatment uptake among Medicaid-enrolled individuals aged 35 to 45. The bill requires a final report with policy recommendations, including awareness, screening, genetic testing, and public-private funding strategies. The study would conclude with a report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2028.

Purpose and Intent

  • To assess how common cholestatic liver disorders are among a specific at-risk population (women ages 35–45 enrolled in Ohio Medicaid) and to identify barriers to care.
  • To inform recommendations for increasing awareness, screening, genetic testing, and collaboration with advocacy groups.
  • To analyze funding and partnership opportunities to sustain screening and genetic testing infrastructure and research.

Key Provisions

  • Study scope:
    • Duration: one year.
    • Population: women aged 35–45 enrolled in Ohio Medicaid.
    • Focus: prevalence of cholestatic liver disorders associated with an increased risk of end-stage liver disease.
  • Data collection requirements:
    • Demographics (age, genetic predispositions, autoimmune and metabolic conditions, lifestyle risk factors).
    • Care-seeking behavior: number/percent of high-risk participants who do not follow through with medical referrals or treatment recommendations.
    • Referral and treatment avoidance: instances of participants avoiding referrals or follow-up care.
    • Other relevant information identified by the Department.
  • Reporting requirements:
    • Written report post-study with:
    • Recommendations to raise awareness (screenings, genetic testing) and to collaborate with patient advocacy groups for public outreach (social media, seminars, community events).
    • Analysis of strategies and funding to expand screening and genetic testing, including public-private partnership approaches to sustain genetic research and testing infrastructure.
    • Privacy and data handling: all collected information must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws.
    • Submission deadline: December 31, 2028; upon submission, the study is concluded.

Who is Affected

  • Primary population: women ages 35–45 enrolled in Ohio Medicaid.
  • Stakeholders likely impacted or engaged via the study and recommendations:
    • Ohio Department of Health (data collection, analysis, reporting).
    • Medicaid program participants (data collection with privacy protections; potential future screening/test access).
    • Healthcare providers and medical referral networks (referral and follow-up processes).
    • Patient advocacy groups and public health organizations (awareness campaigns and outreach).
    • Genetic testing providers and researchers (screening, testing infrastructure, and funding considerations).
    • State policymakers and the General Assembly (receiving the final report and implementing recommendations).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Initiation: The bill directs the Ohio Department of Health to conduct the study during a one-year period after enactment.
  • Reporting: A comprehensive written report is due to the General Assembly by December 31, 2028.
  • Privacy: Data handling must adhere to applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations.
  • Conclusion: The study is considered concluded upon submission of the final report.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Increased awareness and potential early identification of cholestatic liver disorders in a defined at-risk group.
  • Information on barriers to care could inform targeted interventions to improve referral completion and treatment uptake.
  • The report’s policy recommendations could influence funding priorities, screening programs, and genetic testing access in Ohio.
  • Emphasis on public-private partnerships suggests a focus on sustainable financing for screening and genetic research infrastructure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.