Ohio License Board: A Full Guide for Physicians

Are you a physician in Ohio looking to get your medical license?

It may be a complex process, as the board has other requirements beyond your education, degrees, and certifications.

This guide discusses the Ohio License Board and how it can affect you as a physician working in the state.

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Key Takeaways

• Ohio Medical Board oversees licensing, regulation, and standards for medical professionals.
• Board enforces policies, conducts background checks, and monitors physician conduct.
• Continuing education is mandatory to maintain a medical license in Ohio.
• License applications are online only; renewal costs $305 every two years.

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What Is the Ohio Medical License Board?

The Ohio Medical License Board is a state agency established in 1896. It licenses and regulates the practice of medicine and surgery.

The Board operates under the Ohio Department of Health, and its mission is to protect the health and safety of Ohioans by ensuring proper treatment standards and regulations.

Here are the board’s current contact details (valid as of September 2024):

• Phone number(s): (614) 466-3934 / 614-446-3593
• Fax number: (614) 728-5946
• Address: 30 East Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6127.

Board Structure

The Board is composed of 12 members, nine of whom are physicians, and the remaining three are public servants appointed by the governor.

Including three public members ensures that the board’s decisions are informed by the public perspective and medical expertise.

The board is led by a chairperson and a vice chairperson. The chairperson presides over board meetings, and the vice chairperson serves as a backup. The vice chairperson also has the authority to assume the chairperson’s duties in their absence.

As of September 2024, the chairperson of the Medical Board of Ohio is Jonathan Feibel, M.D., while the vice-chairman is Yeshwant P. Reddy, M.D.

Related: How to Get Your Illinois Medical License

How Does the Ohio License Board Influence Physicians?

While the board’s responsibilities are not officially classified, we can categorize its influence on the medical sector into four primary categories.

Policy and Advocacy

The Ohio Medical Board serves in an advisory capacity. It works closely with the state legislature to inform policy decisions related to medical practice laws and regulations.

The board also collaborates with medical associations, hospitals, and other key stakeholders to promote public health and safety initiatives.

Licensing and Certification

The Board is also the primary regulatory body overseeing the practice of medicine and other healthcare professions across the state.

In other words, all medical personnel must be licensed by the board before they’re allowed to practice medicine in the state.

Applicants can include MDs, DOs, physician assistants, and technicians. They must meet the educational, training, and examination requirements set by the board.

Additionally, the board conducts background checks to ensure that medical qualifications are accompanied by moral ones.

Oversight and Discipline

Getting the license isn’t the end of the Board’s influence over medical personnel. Beyond simply issuing said licenses, the Medical Board also monitors the conduct and performances of medical providers within the state.

This includes investigations of any complaints or allegations of misconduct, negligence, or impairment made against licensed professionals.

The board has the authority to suspend, restrict, or even revoke a medical license in cases of misconduct or malpractice.

Continuing Education

The lack of misconduct alone isn’t enough for a medical practitioner in Ohio to keep their license. Continuous education is also as important, if not more.

For example, a physician may easily misdiagnose a case or prescribe the wrong medication if their knowledge and skills are not up to date.

Accordingly, the Ohio Medical Board requires all licensed medical professionals to complete ongoing education programs. The Board is also responsible for approving these courses and various other educational activities.

Related: Steps to Get Licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice

FAQs

How Do I Apply for My Medical License in Ohio?

Visit the Ohio State Board of Education website to apply for your license online. You’ll need to create an OH|ID account to do so. You’ll be required to submit your certifications and degrees, but the exact specifics of other documents can change every year.

Can I Apply for My Medical License Offline?

No, applying online through the official website is the only method to apply for your license, as the Board of Education currently doesn’t accept paper applications. However, you can visit the physical location if you have any inquiries.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Medical License in Ohio?

The on-time renewal fee for an Ohio Medical License is $305. The renewal is required every two years; if you miss the renewal time, you’ll be subjected to late fees of $405.

A Few Extra Words

Getting (and keeping) your license is the heart of your practice as a physician. Accordingly, you’ll need the required knowledge and practice standards to keep yourself from receiving any restrictions, punishments, or license revocations.

Information about licensure can be confusing, and many websites/sources can give you outdated or inaccurate data.

Keep yourself well-informed and well-educated by collaborating with Physicians Thrive. Our team of experienced physicians has an endless supply of knowledge that will help any physician, PA, or nurse from the very start of their career.

What do you have to do? Contact us. We’ll do the rest.