Media Statement

The following statement can be attributed to Nick Lashutka, President & CEO, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, in response to reintroduction of the SAFE Act in the Ohio House of Representatives:

“As children’s hospitals, our job is to save, protect and enhance the lives of our patients in our care and their families. Based on proven research, we know that children receive the best quality care and best possible outcomes when the patient care team – including the family and clinicians – work together to make medical decisions.  All treatment provided in our children’s hospitals has always required and will always require parental consent and support to optimize the health and wellbeing of our patients.

We are experiencing a pediatric behavioral health crisis never seen before in our state or nation. If enacted, this legislation will restrict access to care at a time when families need mental health supports more than ever.

We remain opposed to any legislation that inserts government between patients, their families, and medical professionals in decisions about what is best for their care.”

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