Ohio DPC Guide¶

Quick Summary: Ohio has DPC-enabling legislation (O.R.C. § 3901.80) and permits physician medication dispensing with registration. Large population with opportunities across Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros plus rural areas.

[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the State Medical Board of Ohio and review Ohio Revised Code Title 39 for the most current statutory language.

At a Glance¶

DPC Law Status¶

Legislation¶

Statute: Ohio Revised Code § 3901.80

Statute URL: Ohio Revised Code Title 39

Ohio has DPC-enabling legislation exempting DPC agreements from insurance regulation.

Key provisions: - DPC agreements not considered insurance - Primary care services defined - Written agreement required

What This Means¶

• DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
• Legal clarity for membership model
• Standard business regulations apply

Medication Dispensing¶

Regulatory Status¶

Ohio permits physician dispensing with registration.

Requirements¶

• DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
• State Registration: Terminal Distributor of Dangerous Drugs (TDDD) license from Ohio Board of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Board: pharmacy.ohio.gov
• OARRS Requirement: Must check Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System
• Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records

Important Note¶

Ohio's TDDD license is specific to dispensing practices. Review Board of Pharmacy requirements carefully.

Licensing and Registration¶

Medical License¶

Board: State Medical Board of Ohio

Website: med.ohio.gov

Business Registration¶

Entity Registration: Ohio Secretary of State

Website: sos.state.oh.us

DEA Registration¶

Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Medicare Considerations¶

MAC for Ohio: CGS Administrators (J15 jurisdiction)

See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.

Key Resources¶

State Agencies¶

Professional Organizations¶

State-Specific Considerations¶

Three Major Metros¶

• Cleveland: Healthcare hub, academic centers
• Columbus: Growing, state capital
• Cincinnati: Established medical community

Manufacturing Base¶

• Strong employer-sponsored DPC opportunity
• Many mid-size companies

Appalachian Region¶

• Primary care shortage
• Rural opportunities
• Telehealth valuable

Checklist for Starting DPC in Ohio¶

• Obtain or verify Ohio medical license
• Register business entity with Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from IRS
• Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
• Obtain TDDD license from Board of Pharmacy (if dispensing)
• Secure malpractice insurance
• Develop membership agreement
• File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)

Related Guides¶

• Medicare Opt-Out Guide
• Dispensing Medications
• State DPC Laws Overview