Legislation & Regulations

Government Relations

In addition to working with the Legislature, OARF's lobbyist liaisons with the Rehabilitation Services Commission, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Department of Health and DAS/State Use Committee. Actions of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Policy (CMS) and AdminaStar FI are also closely monitored. OARF represents legislative, regulatory and public policy interests of members, and assists them in influencing decision-makers directly through commission appointments, advisory group membership, public hearings and grassroots lobbying efforts.

In 2003 OARF established a PAC to augment its governmental relations.

Political Action Committee: Together We Hold the Key

OARF Med-Voc Rehab PAC follows all laws governing Political Action Committees.
PAC contributions are targeted to legislators interested in OARF members' issues.
OARF's PAC is the only Ohio PAC devoted exclusively to supporting legislators concerned with industrial, medical & vocational rehab issues.

What is a PAC?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a legally recognized entity formed to collect and distribute contributions to political candidates. Elected officials are considered political candidates. State PACs follow laws of the state in which they are registered; their contributions are limited to local and state political candidates in that state. Federal PACs may make contributions to local, state and federal political committees, and are governed by the Federal Elections Commission. The Ohio Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' PAC is a state PAC.

It is important that legislators understand the position of OARF members regarding various issues and legislation. Some legislation may impact your mission or operations positively or negatively. OARF needs a voice to assure the Legislature knows our position on various topics, and is willing to act on our behalf. How does the legislative process work? Legislation is intended to introduce new or amend current laws. A concept for a law can be brought to a legislator by a group such as OARF. If the legislator sponsors the concept, s/he will have it drafted into a "bill" (or amendment to a bill). Once a bill is introduced in the House or Senate, it is assigned to a committee where it has hearings. After hearings to allow proponent and opponent testimony, it is voted before the committee. When positively acted upon, it is "reported" out of committee and sent to the floor of the chamber where it was introduced. The process then starts over again in the other chamber. If there is a conflict in the versions passed by each house, a "conference committee" is held to address differences. Often there are over 1000 bills in Ohio's two-year legislative cycle.

Why does OARF have a PAC?

All contributions are voluntary.
Only individuals may donate—corporate contributions are not permitted.
OARF's PAC is governed by state law.
Contributions cannot be mingled with member dues.
PACs are required to submit reports to the Secretary of State detailing contributions to candidates and funds from contributors.
Anyone may contribute to a PAC: vendors, physicians, managers, therapists, nurses.
There are legal limits to what a PAC can contribute to a candidate.
There are more than 100 PACs in Ohio including for: Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Physical Therapy Association, behavioral health providers, etc.

Make a PAC Contribution

To make a contribution to OARF's PAC, please download and complete the following donation form with a personal check and mail it to:

OARF PAC Contribution Form