What’s Happening
FEB 15, 2024
Both MHAS and ODH filed their draft rules with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) ahead of their public hearings in March. JCARR’s jurisdiction over the proposed rules ends on Apr. 20, 2024.
APR 15, 2024
JCARR reviewed rules from both MHAS and ODH proposals. Two anti-trans rules (ODH 3701-59-06 and 3701-83-60) were recommended for validation, and they can be enforced by ODH as early as Apr. 25. All other rules were marked as TBR (to be refiled) for potential consideration by JCARR at a future date.
APR 16, 2024
An Ohio state court issued a temporary restraining order against House Bill 68, the ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth, which stopped it from taking immediate effect.
AUG 6, 2024
A Franklin County judge ruled that HB 68 is constitutional and takes effect immediately.
Equitas Health | Speaking Up & Speaking Out
See what Equitas Health providers and advocates have to say about the impact of HB 68 and DeWine’s proposed rule changes.
Equitas Health | Public Statements & Comments
No one should have to worry that the government will block their access to medically necessary care.
What’s Next
Stay informed about the latest developments
HB68
On Jan. 24, the Ohio Senate voted to override DeWine’s veto. Unless challenged in court, HB 68 will become law after 90 days on Apr. 23, 2024.
On Mar. 26, the ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit challenging HB 68.
On Apr. 16, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas issued a temporary restraining order to prevent HB 68 from taking immediate effect.
On Aug. 6, A Franklin County judge ruled that HB 68 is constitutional and takes effect immediately. Minors currently receiving gender-affirming care can continue their current treatment. However, HB 68 bans any changes to meds, dosing, etc. The ACLU announced they will appeal this decision.
DeWine’s Proposed Administrative Rule Changes
On Apr. 15, JCARR hosted a public hearing to review the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department of Health proposals. JCARR recommended that the General Assembly validate two anti-trans rules: ODH Rules 3701-59-06 (Hospital Quality Standards for Gender Reassignment Surgery and Genital Gender Reassignment Surgery for Minors) and 3701-83-60 (Health Care Facility Standards for Gender Reassignment Surgery and Genital Gender Reassignment Surgery for Minors).
The other anti-trans administrative rules – ODH 3701-3-17, 3701-59-07, 3701-83-61, and MHAS 5122-26-19 and 5122-14-12.1 – were removed from the agenda and marked as TBR (to be refiled) for potential consideration at a future date.
What We Are Doing
Providing Care For All
Equitas Health will continue to provide gender-affirming care. We will continue to follow internationally established guidelines for that care. Unlike Gov. DeWine’s proposed rule changes, medical experts developed these guidelines, placing patient care at the forefront.
- Learn more about Equitas Health’s gender affirming care services here.
- Review our Gender-Affirming Care Guide here.
Fighting for Gender-Affirming Care in Ohio
Equitas Health will always speak out against any attempt to restrict gender-affirming care for the people we serve. Our gender-affirming care providers and advocates are making their voices heard and sharing their expertise on local, state, and national news outlets.
We will provide updates about this developing situation on this page, our social media platforms, and equitashealth.com.
Equitas Health | Speaking Out in the News
Equitas Health talks to local, state, and national news outlets about the dangerous impact of Ohio’s anti-trans legislation
Equitas Health | Speaking Out on Social Media
Follow, like, and share! Let your followers know how you feel about lifesaving gender-affirming care in Ohio.
What You Can Do
Make your voice heard!
Let the state know how you feel about HB 68 and Gov. DeWine’s proposed administrative rule changes. Tell them that gender-affirming care saves lives. Remind them that healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their healthcare providers – not politicians.
Remain ready to contact the members of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).
JCARR may host another public hearing for the anti-trans administrative rules that were marked as TBR (to be refiled) in the future. Remain ready to contact the committee members again. In the meantime, you can still express your opposition
to these anti-trans administrative rules to JCARR members.
Donate to or apply for TransOhio’s Trans-formation Emergency Fund.
Every dollar you give pays for emergency expenses, such as covering initial care visits outside of insurance, travel, moving costs, temporary housing, and other essentials.
Follow the ACLU of Ohio.
The ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit challenging HB 68, citing that it violates four sections of the Ohio Constitution. Follow their page for updates about the lawsuit.
Contact Gov. Mike DeWine!
JCARR recommended that the General Assembly validate two of the anti-trans administrative rules, but the five other anti-trans administrative rules were marked as TBR (to be refiled). Contact Gov. DeWine and tell him: gender affirming care IS healthcare; these proposed anti-trans rules are dangerous, discriminatory, and completely unnecessary; and he should formally rescind any and all anti-trans administrative rules.