Complete Story
05/27/2026
WORKING DRAFT: Your Academy Update: End of May/June
In This Edition
- The latest public health updates on local disease trends, drug shortages, and prevention and treatment initiatives
- Advocacy Alert: Ohio House Bill 508 Current Status
- Upcoming Events: BOA - A Night with the Experts on 6/4
- Dr. Keith Melvin's WCPO Interview
- HERmedicine: CME Opportunity on 6/19
- Save the Date: Academy Foundation Gala on 9/24
- Contract Negotiations: What to Know Before You Sign
Public Health Updates
Southwest Ohio Infection Control Committee Updates: the latest updates on respiratory viruses and influenza hospitalizations, measles and MMR vaccinations, and more.
ICYMI:
Vaccine Integrity Project, AMA launch vaccine review for next respiratory season
American Academy of Pediatrics' 2026 immunization schedule keeps routine recommendations intact after overhaul of federal schedule
Advocacy Alert
Ohio House Bill 508
Committee Vote expected on HB 508: Scope of Practice Bill for APRNs
Ohio House Bill 508 (HB 508) modifies current state law governing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) by removing the requirement for a formal collaborative agreement with a physician. Under the proposal, APRNs who have completed at least 5,000 hours of clinical experience would be permitted to practice independently. The bill also expands who may serve as a collaborating practitioner to include experienced APRNs.
The Academy of Medicine joined OSMA, Ohio ACEP, Ohio AAP, and several other organizations in a joint letter opposing HB 508.
At this stage, the bill is in committee review. The Medicaid Committee will likely hold hearings, markups, and votes before moving it to the full House for consideration. If passed by the House, it would then go to the Senate for similar action before being sent to the Governor for signature.
For the most up-to-date progress, you can track HB 508 on the Ohio House of Representatives legislation page or the Ohio Senate legislation page.
Upcoming Event on 6/4
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Knowles, Armitage & Lucas Group
A Night with the Experts: Your Blueprint for Practice Success
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Check-In: 5:00PM - 5:30PM
Presentation: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Social Hour: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Kenwood Country Club 6501 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243
all physicians, residents, and fellows to an event that the firm is hosting exclusively for medical professionals. It’s being held at Kenwood Country Club, and it will cover lending for medical professionals – for private practice and other business endeavors. Our firm is essentially the best in the nation when it comes to medical lending, so any members who are considering the possibility of a medical business in any capacity would find the material very useful. I’ve attached the invitation here.
Member Spotlight
Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award recipient Dr. Keith Melvin shares a moving message of resilience, faith and hope.
Dr. Melvin joins WCPO’s “Come Have Coffee” sharing how the three-time cancer survivor continues to inspire the community while facing his latest battle with strength, compassion and humor.
CME Opportunity June 19th
Women’s healthcare is evolving rapidly — especially in the areas of menopause care, obesity medicine, and breast health. Join HERmedicine for a comprehensive one-day CME experience designed to help clinicians navigate these increasingly complex areas of care with confidence.
Women’s Health Update: Navigating Menopause, Obesity Medicine & Breast Health
June 19, 2026
The Summit Hotel | Cincinnati, OH
8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
This practical, clinically focused program will explore:
Hormone therapy decision-making and menopause management
GLP-1 medications and obesity treatment in midlife women
Breast health risk assessment, screening, and prevention
Real-world clinical applications and patient-centered care strategies
Designed for physicians and healthcare professionals caring for women across the lifespan, this CME event offers actionable insights you can immediately apply in practice.
As a benefit of your Cincinnati Academy of Medicine membership, you can receive $50 off registration using code AOMC50.
Register and learn more at:
We hope you’ll join us for this important educational event from HERmedicine.
Fundamentals of Negotiating Physician Employment Agreements
By: Jeff Levine, Esq.
Partner, Strauss Troy
Before signing a physician employment agreement, physicians should carefully evaluate negotiable terms like restrictive covenants, termination rights, productivity metrics, and malpractice coverage to avoid costly long-term consequences.
Save The Date: September 24, 2026
Academy Foundation Gala
Celebrating Physician Leadership in Service to Community Health
Lead With Us
Join fellow physicians who are helping guide the Academy’s work and strengthen the physician voice in our community. Whether through Council service or Academy membership, your involvement helps advance high-quality care and support colleagues across our region.

