OH Pulse – March 29, 2026

Apr 01, 2026

Ohio House advances prior authorization reform to cut care delays.
The Ohio House passed House Bill 220 on March 25, requiring insurers and Medicaid to honor dosage change approvals, banning appeal fees and retroactive denials for mental health and substance use treatment, and mandating clinical peer reviewers. Sponsored by Rep. Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown), the bill aims to slash bureaucratic hurdles and put patients first. It now heads to the Senate.
“House Bill 220 is about putting patients back at the center of health care.” ~State Representative Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown)
Ohio House News

Walsh-Turner joint venture finishes $1.5B Ohio State University Hospital.
The 1.9-million-square-foot, 26-story facility with 820 beds, 24 ORs, expanded ICU and NICU capacity, and advanced tech features reached substantial completion ahead of schedule. The project also added 148 beds to the adjacent cancer center and a new central sterile facility. It strengthens OSU Wexner’s role as a top academic medical destination.
Turner Construction
OhioHealth kicks off major cancer and ED expansions.
Construction is underway on a $226M, five-story outpatient cancer center at OhioHealth’s Columbus administrative campus, consolidating radiation, medical and surgical oncology, infusion, and supportive services with completion eyed for late 2028. Separately, the system launched a $65M project at Pickerington Methodist Hospital to add 28 ED rooms (total 44) and 16 inpatient beds, addressing surging local demand.
Source: OhioHealth.com, Courtesy: Design Group and HKS
OhioHealth Cancer Center
OhioHealth Pickerington Expansion

Cleveland Clinic launches Hospital Care at Home across Northeast Ohio.
Starting at Fairview and Avon hospitals, the program delivers acute hospital-level care—including remote monitoring, in-home IV therapy, labs, and imaging—for conditions like COPD, sepsis, pneumonia, and select post-op cases. Patients receive tablets, vital sign devices, and 24/7 virtual command center support within a 25-mile radius. The model, already proven in Florida with over 4,000 patients, aims to improve recovery while reducing readmissions.
Cleveland Clinic Newsroom

Cleveland Clinic and OSU Wexner announce key executive moves.
Cleveland Clinic expanded Jorge Guzman, MD’s role to executive vice president of U.S. markets overseeing Northeast Ohio and Florida, while Kelly Hancock, DNP, added marketing and philanthropy oversight. At OSU Wexner Medical Center, Beth Carlson joined as chief revenue officer, bringing deep revenue cycle experience from WVU Medicine. These shifts signal tighter alignment and revenue focus amid system growth.
Beckers – Cleveland Clinic Moves
Beckers – OSU CRO

Sisters of Charity Health System pledges $3M for new Cleveland behavioral health crisis center.
The commitment supports The Centers’ 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood, offering immediate stabilization, withdrawal management, and connections to ongoing care in a “living room” model. It will reduce ER and justice system reliance and integrate with the upcoming Sister Ignatia Gavin Center for Addiction Medicine. The center is slated to open in fall 2026.
“This is not just an investment in a facility, it’s an investment in people, in dignity and in the future of our community.” ~Michael Goar, President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System
Sisters of Charity

OhioHealth Van Wert earns national rural hospital recognition.
OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital landed on the National Rural Health Association’s 2026 Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals list, evaluated on quality, outcomes, patient experience, and financial metrics. The honor underscores strong performance among critical access and PPS rural facilities nationwide. Recognition is set for May at the NRHA conference.
NRHA Top 20
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo plans $100M+ outpatient expansion.
The system committed $100–150M over five years to build two new child-friendly outpatient facilities in northwest Ohio, adding primary/specialty clinics, diagnostics, therapy, and behavioral health services. The investment will create hundreds of jobs, reduce travel to Columbus, and boost local provider recruitment, with openings targeted for 2028–2030.
“[Nationwide Children’s] continued growth and expansion will strengthen pediatric care in northwest Ohio and help address challenges like infant mortality, that not only impact Ohio families but families nationwide.” ~Governor Mike DeWine
Nationwide Children’s

Trendline Health | OH Pulse curates the signals that matter for Ohio healthcare leaders. Fast, focused, no fluff.

Sources synthesized from official health system announcements, construction reports, legislative updates, and industry trackers (March 2026).

Questions, story tips, or feedback? Reach us at Ohio@trendlinehealth.com

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