Comment on Proposed Rule Updates on SMBO Board Meetings

Comment until June 12

The State Medical Board of Ohio (SBMO) is seeking public input on proposed rules pertaining to its board meetings.

SBMO will review comments received and possibly make changes to the initially proposed language before the rules are then filed with the Common Sense Initiative Office. 

Deadline for submitting comments: Friday, June 12, 2026.

Send comments to: Kimberly.Anderson@med.ohio.gov

View Rule Changes

The rules up for review are in Chapter 4731-13, Ohio Administrative Code related to Board Hearings. The most impactful changes for physicians include:

• Electronic service of notices — Hearing notices and filings would be permitted to be delivered by email, shortening response timelines. Physicians would need to monitor email closely to avoid missing deadlines.
• Stricter hearing timelines — The 30‑day window to request a hearing would begins on the date of service, not the mailing date.
• More authority for hearing examiners — Examiners would gain expanded discretion over scheduling, expert‑witness deadlines, consolidation of cases, and the use of virtual testimony.
• New subpoena rule — A rewritten rule would clarify subpoena procedures, objections, and protections for confidential Board records.
• Modernized filing and transcript rules — Electronic filings would be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the due date, and transcripts would be provided electronically.