Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a portion of a bill that state lawmakers claimed would protect medical free speech but that DeWine argued would severely limit the state's ability to regulate misconduct. The vetoed provision aimed to prevent health professionals from being disciplined for expressing medical opinions that differ from official health authorities.
DeWine also allowed a provision in the bill that permits law enforcement agencies to charge up to $75 per hour for police body camera footage, despite objections from open government groups.
The bill, passed during a late-night session, included various controversial items and was vetoed by DeWine due to concerns about its potential impact on patient health and public safety.
Additionally, DeWine vetoed other sections of the bill related to ethics law exemptions and clerks of court, receiving praise from the Ohio Ethics Commission for his decision.
The vetoed medical freedom section would have prohibited disciplinary action against health professionals for expressing medical opinions contrary to official health authorities. DeWine emphasized the importance of maintaining accountability in the medical field to protect patients and the public.
Despite the veto, a provision declaring Ohio outside the jurisdiction of the World Health Organization was retained in the bill. DeWine's stance on global health matters has been notable, as he did not join other Republican governors in opposing a WHO draft proposal in May.
The bill's content sparked debate among various groups, including Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, which supported the vetoed medical free speech provision. The group has been advocating for limits on vaccine mandates and has been involved in previous legislative battles related to emergency health orders.
The bill's context was influenced by a high-profile case involving an Ohio doctor, Sherri Tenpenny, who faced disciplinary action for making false statements about COVID-19 vaccines. Tenpenny's controversial remarks led to a suspension of her medical license, which was later restored after she agreed to cooperate with investigators and pay a fine.
