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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio health officials have denied a Dayton abortion clinic's request for an exception to rules requiring it to have a patient-transfer agreement with a hospital in case of emergencies.
Women's Med Center in Dayton has sought a variance since 2012. It says two doctors could provide emergency coverage to patients.
The state's health director denied the request Thursday, saying that wasn't enough to ensure patient safety. Director Richard Hodges gave the clinic 30 days to file another request. Otherwise, the clinic's license could be in jeopardy.
Hodge's letter came hours after a negotiating panel of state lawmakers agreed to add to Ohio's budget a requirement that Ohio's health director respond to such variance requests within 60 days.
An attorney for the clinic says it could comply with the state's request.
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