Chapter 4723-26 | Community Health Workers

Rule 4723-26-01 | Definition of terms.

• Effective: February 1, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(A) "Administrator" means the individual who is administratively responsible for a community health worker training program.

(B) "Board" means the Ohio board of nursing.

(C) "Certificate to practice" means the certificate issued by the board in accordance with section 4723.85 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Clinical experience" means a task or activity planned to meet course objectives or outcomes and to provide community health worker students with the opportunity to practice cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills related to the delivery of care by community health workers. This experience may take place in a community setting or other appropriate site.

(E) "Community health worker" and "certified community health worker" mean an individual who satisfies both of the following:

(1) As a community representative, advocates for clients in the community by assisting them in accessing community health and supportive resources through the provision of such services as education, role modeling, outreach, home visits, or referrals; and

(2) Holds a certificate to practice issued or renewed by the board under section 4723.85 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Continuing education" means a planned learning activity that builds upon a community health workers precertification education program and enables a community health worker to acquire or improve skills, knowledge or behavior that promotes professional or technical development or the enhancement of career goals and is approved by the board under Chapter 4723-14 of the Administrative Code.

(G) "Curriculum" means the standard minimum curriculum to be used in a board-approved training program for community health workers as provided in rule 4723-26-13 of the Administrative Code.

(H) "Delegation" means the transfer of responsibility for the performance of selected nursing tasks from a registered nurse to a community health worker.

(I) "Didactic" means the component of an educational program that provides faculty-interactive instruction and includes lecture, verbal instruction, or other means of exchanging theoretical information between instructor and students.

(J) "Inactive certificate" means the status of the certificate of an individual who has made a written request that the board place the certificate on inactive status. An individual with an inactive certificate does not hold a current, valid certificate.

(K) "Laboratory experience" means an activity planned to meet course objectives or outcomes and to provide a community health worker student with the opportunity to practice cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills in the delivery of care, that takes place in a learning resource center or other appropriate location.

(L) "Lapsed certificate" means the status of a certificate of an individual who did not meet all of the requirements of certificate renewal and has not requested prior to the renewal deadline that the board place the certificate on inactive status.

(M) "Patient" means the recipient of a nursing task delegated by a registered nurse and may include an individual, group, or community.

(N) "Registered nurse" means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code that authorizes the practice of nursing as a registered nurse.

(O) "Representative of the board" means an employee of the board or an individual designated by the board to act on its behalf.

(P) "Site visit" means an announced or unannounced visit to a community health worker training program by a representative of the board to determine whether the program meets or maintains the minimum standards require by the board.

(Q) "Supervision by a registered nurse" means initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, observation, and evaluation by a registered nurse who is continually available in person, or by some form of telecommunication, of the nursing tasks performed by a community health worker. For purposes of Chapter 4723-26 of the Administrative Code, supervision by a registered nurse is not required when a community health worker is performing non-nursing tasks.

Last updated February 1, 2022 at 8:57 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.81, 4723.82, 4723.83, 4723.84, 4723.85, 4723.86, 4723.87, 4723.88
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024

Rule 4723-26-02 | Community health worker certification.

• Effective: February 1, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

[Comment: Information regarding the availability and effective date of the materials incorporated by reference in this rule can be found in paragraph (G) of rule 4723-1-03 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) To obtain a certificate to practice as a community health worker, an applicant who meets the qualifications set forth in division (A) of section 4723.84 of the Revised Code shall:

(1) Submit a completed "Community Health Worker Application";

(2) Submit an application fee of thirty-five dollars; and

(3) In accordance with division (A) of section 4723.091 of the Revised Code, submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for a criminal records check. The results of the criminal records check shall:

(a) Be received by the board before a certificate can be issued; and

(b) Indicate that the individual has not been convicted of, pled guilty to, or had a judicial finding of guilt for any violation set forth in section 4723.092 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board shall issue a certificate to practice as a community health worker to applicants who satisfy the requirements of paragraph (A) of this rule, after receipt of written notice from a community health worker training program approved by the board that the applicant has successfully completed the program, and that the applicant is competent to provide care as a community health worker.

(C) If an applicant fails to meet the requirements for certification within one year from the time the board receives the application, the application shall be considered void and the fee shall be forfeited. The application shall state the circumstances under which this forfeiture may occur.

(D) A community health worker certificate shall be considered current until the next scheduled renewal period for a certified community health worker. When a certificate is issued on or after January first of an odd numbered year, that certificate shall be considered current through March thirty-first of the next odd-numbered year.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: ORC 4723.88
Amplifies: ORC 4723.81, 4723.83, 4723.84
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2010, 2/1/2014

Rule 4723-26-03 | Community health worker certification by endorsement.

• Effective: December 17, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) An applicant for community health worker certification by endorsement shall satisfy the following:

(1) Submit a completed "Certified Community Health Worker by Endorsement Application," and the certification application fee required by sections 4723.08 and 4723.88 and Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code;

(2) Submit to a criminal records check completed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation;

(3) The applicant has not surrendered or had revoked a license, out-of-state occupational license, or government certification because of negligence or intentional misconduct related to the applicant's practice as a community health worker;

(4) The applicant has not been convicted of, found guilty pursuant to a judicial finding of, or plead guilty to a criminal offense for which a licensing authority may deny an application for a license or government certification or that would otherwise disqualify the applicant for the license or government certification under the applicable law of this state governing the profession, occupation, or occupational activity for which the applicant is applying;

(5) Submit any other documentation required by the board.

(B) Pursuant to section 4796.03 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue a community health worker certificate in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if the applicant holds a substantially similar out-of-state occupational license to engage in practice as a community health worker, or, holds a government certification to engage in practice as a community health worker from one of the uniformed services or from a state that does not issue a license for practice as a community health worker, if the applicant:

(1) Has held the license or government certification for at least one year immediately preceding the date the application is submitted to the board;

(2) Has been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker for at least one of the five years immediately preceing the date the application is submitted to the board;

(3) Is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds the license or government certification; and

(4) Was required to satisfy minimum education, training, or experience requirements or pass an examination to receive the license or government certification.

The applicant shall have verification of licensure or government certification to practice as a community health worker submitted directly to the board from the issuing state or uniformed services. The applicant shall also have verification of having been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker for at least one of the past five years submitted directly to the board by the employer or employer designee for whom the applicant practiced as a community health worker.

(C) Pursuant to section 4796.04 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue a community health worker certificate in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant who has held a private certification as a community health worker in a state that does not issue an occupational license or governmental certification to practice as a community health worker, if the applicant:

(1) Held the private certification for at least two years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted;

(2) Has been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker in a state that does not issue an occupational license or government certification to practice as a community health worker, for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted; and

(3) Is in good standing with the private organization that issued the private certification.

The applicant shall have verification of private certification as a community health worker submitted directly to the board by the private organization that issued the certification. The applicant shall also have verification of having been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker for at least two of the past five years, submitted directly to the board by the employer or employer designee for whom the applicant practiced as a community health worker.

(D) Pursuant to section 4796.05 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue a community health worker certificate in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant who, for at least three of the five years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted to the board, has been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker, in either:

(1) A state that does not issue an occupational license or government certificate to practice as a community health worker, or

(2) Service of the uniformed services.

The applicant shall have verification of having been actively engaged in practice as a community health worker for at least three of the past five years submitted directly to the board by the employer or employer designee or the uniformed services for whom the applicant practiced as a community health worker.

(E) The board may propose to deny certification by endorsement pursuant to an adjudication conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) If an applicant for certification by endorsement as a community health worker fails to meet the requirements for certification within one year from the date the application is received, or the application remains incomplete for one year, the application shall be considered void and the fee forfeited. The application shall state the circumstances under which forfeiture may occur.

Last updated December 18, 2023 at 8:27 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4796
Amplifies: 4723.83, 4723.84
Five Year Review Date: 12/17/2028

Rule 4723-26-04 | Renewal of community health worker certificate.

• Effective: February 1, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

[Comment: Information regarding the availability and effective date of the materials incorporated by reference in this rule can be found in paragraph (G) of rule 4723-1-03 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) The board shall provide on-line access to a "Community Healthworker Renewal Application" to every holder of a current, valid certificate, except when the board is aware that the individual may be ineligible for certificate renewal for any reason, including those reasons set forth in section 4723.092 of the Revised Code. Failure of the certificate holder to receive an application for renewal from the board does not excuse the certificate holder from the requirements of section 4723.85 of the Revised Code and this chapter, except as provided in section 5903.10 of the Revised Code.

(B) To renew a certificate to practice as a community health worker a holder of a current, valid certificate shall meet the continuing education requirements set forth in rule 4723-26-05 of the Administrative Code and submit:

(1) A completed on-line "Community Healthworker Renewal Application"; and

(2) A renewal fee of thirty-five dollars.

(C) If a completed renewal application is not submitted on-line on or before March first of each odd numbered year, the application shall be considered late and a late fee of fifty dollars shall be imposed in addition to the thirty-five dollar renewal fee.

(D) A certificate holder with a current, valid certificate may request that the certificate be placed on inactive status at any time by submitting to the board a written statement or electronic request asking that the certificate be placed on inactive status.

(E) To reactivate an inactive certificate or reinstate a lapsed certificate the certificate holder must meet the continuing education requirements set forth in rule 4723-26-05 of the Administrative Code and submit:

(1) A completed "Community Healthworker Reactivation and Reinstatement Application" including all required documentation; and

(2) A reactivation fee in the amount of thirty-five dollars.

(F) A certificate holder who has placed a community health worker certificate on inactive status is not required to pay a renewal fee unless the holder seeks to reactivate the certificate. If the certificate holder placed a certificate on inactive status after March second of the year in which the certificate was to be renewed, and notifies the board on or before March thirty-first of the same renewal year of the intent to reactivate, the certificate holder must still pay the late processing fee required by paragraph (C) of this rule.

(G) If a certificate to practice as a community health worker is not renewed by March thirty-first of each odd numbered year and the certificate holder has failed by that time to request that the certificate be placed on inactive status, the certificate will lapse.

(H) When a community health worker certificate is inactive or lapsed, the individual shall not represent or imply to the public that he or she is certified by the board as a community health worker.

(I) An individual who continues to represent to the public that he or she is a certified community health worker during the time that his or her certificate is inactive or lapsed, may be subject to disciplinary action by the board in accordance with rule 4723-26-11 of the Administrative Code.

(J) A community health worker certificate holder who is a service member or veteran, as defined in rule 4723-2-01 of the Administrative Code, or who is the spouse or surviving spouse of a service member or veteran, may be eligible for a waiver of the late application fee and the reinstatement fee according to rule 4723-2-03 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated February 1, 2022 at 9:05 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.85
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2010

Rule 4723-26-05 | Continuing education requirements.

• Effective: February 1, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

[Comment: Information regarding the availability and effective date of the materials incorporated by reference in this rule can be found in paragraph (G) of rule 4723-1-03 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Except in the case of the first renewal of a current, valid certificate to practice as a community health worker, to be eligible to renew a certificate, a community health worker shall complete fifteen contact hours of continuing education during each renewal period. For each reporting period, at least one of the required hours of continuing education must be directly related to Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and the rules of the board in Chapters 4723-1 to 4723-27 of the Administrative Code. To qualify as continuing education directly related to Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and the rules of the board, the continuing education must be approved by an OBN approver, or offered by an OBN approved provider unit headquartered in the state of Ohio. For each reporting period, at least one of the required hours of continuing education must be directly related to establishing and maintaining professional boundaries. This requirement applies to the reporting period set forth in paragraph (B) of this rule.

(B) A community health worker who requests that the certificate to practice as a community health worker be placed on inactive status shall not be required to meet the continuing education requirement for the period of time the certificate is on inactive status. To reactivate the certificate the community health worker shall complete fifteen hours of continuing education that meet the requirements as set forth in paragraph (A) of this rule, during the twenty-four months immediately prior to the application for reactivation.

(C) The holder of a lapsed certificate shall complete fifteen hours of continuing education that meet the requirements of paragraph (A) of this rule during the twenty-four months immediately prior to the application for reinstatement of the certificate.

(D) A community health worker shall verify completion of the continuing education required by this rule on the "Community Health Worker Renewal Application" or "Community Health Worker Reactivation and Reinstatement Application" for certificate renewal, reactivation or reinstatement, and at the discretion of the board, may be required to show proof of completion of the approved continuing education. Failure to verify or provide proof of completion shall result in ineligibility to renew, reactivate or reinstate a certificate until proof of completion of the continuing education requirements is provided to the board.

(E) A community health worker who earns more than the number of contact hours of continuing education required for a single reporting period cannot apply the excess hours to satisfy future continuing education requirements.

(F) A community health worker who is ineligible to renew or reinstate a certificate due to failure to meet the continuing education requirements, may be required to show completion of up to thirty contact hours of continuing education, that meets the requirements of this rule, before their certificate is renewed or reinstated by the board. The continuing education shall be obtained within the forty-eight months immediately prior to the application for renewal or reinstatement.

(G) A community health worker may use a waiver to satisfy the continuing education requirement only one time, and must notify the board in writing requesting the waiver. Once requested the waiver cannot be rescinded and use of the waiver shall be documented on the community health workers certification record.

(H) The calculation of contact hours based on credit hours earned in an academic institution shall be made according to paragraph (B) of rule 4723-14-04 of the Administrative Code.

(I) Educational activities that satisfy the requirements of this rule are the same as those set forth in rule 4723-14-05 of the Administrative Code.

(J) The board may conduct a retrospective audit of any holder of a certificate to practice as a community health worker to determine compliance with this rule. The audit shall be conducted according to rule 4723-14-07 of the Administrative Code. A community health worker shall retain proof of completion of approved continuing education for a period of six years.

(K) A community health worker certificate holder who is engaged in active military duty may be eligible for an extension of time to complete continuing education as provided in rule 4723-2-04 of the Administrative Code.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: ORC 4723.88
Amplifies: ORC 4723.85
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024

Rule 4723-26-06 | Nurse delegation to community health workers.

• Effective: February 1, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) This chapter sets forth standards for the delegation and supervision of nursing tasks performed by a community health worker at the delegation of a registered nurse.

(B) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person registered, certified, licensed, or otherwise legally authorized under any law in this state from engaging in the practice for which such person is registered, certified, licensed, or authorized.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.82
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2005

Rule 4723-26-07 | Prohibitions on delegation.

• Effective: February 1, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Pursuant to division (B) of section 4723.82 of the Revised Code, a registered nurse shall not delegate to a community health worker the administration of medications.

(B) No community health worker to whom a nursing task is delegated shall delegate the nursing task to any other person.

(C) Employing a community health worker to engage in the unauthorized practice of nursing is prohibited by section 4723.03 of the Revised Code.

(D) If a community health worker delegates a nursing task, the community health worker shall be engaging in the unauthorized practice of nursing, which is prohibited by section 4723.03 of the Revised Code.

(E) If a community health worker performs a nursing task and does not comply with all the provisions set forth in this chapter, the community health worker shall be engaging in the unauthorized practice of nursing, in violation of section 4723.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.82
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024

Rule 4723-26-08 | Criteria and standards for a registered nurse delegating to a community health worker.

• Effective: February 1, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A registered nurse may delegate a nursing task to a community health worker if all the conditions for delegation set forth in this chapter are met.

(B) Prior to delegating a nursing task to a community health worker, the delegating registered nurse shall determine each of the following:

(1) That the nursing task is within the scope of practice of a registered nurse as set forth in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code;

(2) That the nursing task is within the knowledge, skill, and ability of the registered nurse delegating the nursing task;

(3) That the nursing task is within the training, skill, and ability of the community health worker who will be performing the delegated nursing task;

(4) That appropriate resources and support are available for the performance of the nursing task, and for management of the outcome;

(5) That adequate and appropriate supervision by the registered nurse of the performance of the nursing task is available in accordance with this rule; and

(6) That:

(a) The nursing task requires no judgment based on nursing knowledge and expertise on the party of the community health worker performing the task;

(b) The results of the nursing task are reasonably predictable;

(c) The nursing task can be safely performed according to exact, unchanging directions, with no need to alter the standard procedures for performing the task;

(d) The performance of the nursing task does not require that complex observations or critical decisions be made with respect to the nursing task;

(e) The nursing task does not require repeated performance of nursing assessments by the delegating registered nurse; and

(f) The consequences of performing the nursing task improperly are minimal and not life threatening.

(C) Prior to delegating a nursing task to a community health worker, a registered nurse shall:

(1) Identify:

(a) The individual on whom the nursing task may be performed; and

(b) A specific time frame during which the delegated nursing task may be performed.

(2) Complete an evaluation of the conditions that relate to the delegation of the nursing task to be performed, including:

(a) An evaluation of the individual who needs nursing care;

(b) The types of nursing care the individual requires;

(c) The complexity and frequency of the nursing care needed;

(d) The stability of the individual who needs nursing care; and

(e) A review of the evaluations performed by other licensed health care professionals.

(D) The delegating registered nurse shall be accountable for the acts of delegation to and supervision of the community health worker in the performance of the delegated nursing task.

(E) If a registered nurse determines that a community health worker is not correctly performing a delegated task the registered nurse shall immediately intervene.

(F) A registered nurse shall not be responsible for the delegation of a nursing task by another licensed health care practitioner to a community health worker.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.82
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024

Rule 4723-26-09 | Supervision of the performance of a nursing task performed by a community health worker.

• Effective: February 1, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) When a community health worker is performing a nursing task in accordance with this chapter, supervision shall be provided by a registered nurse. For purposes of this rule, supervision includes initial and ongoing direction, procedural guidance, and observation and evaluation. The registered nurse providing the supervision for a delegated nursing task shall evaluate and document the following on an ongoing basis:

(1) The degree to which the nursing care needs of the individual are being met;

(2) The performance by the community health worker of the delegated nursing task;

(3) The need for further instruction to the community health worker who is performing the nursing task; and

(4) The need to withdraw the delegation.

(B) For purposes of providing supervision to a community health worker performing a delegated nursing task, the registered nurse must be either:

(1) Continually accessible to the community health worker in person; or

(2) Continually available to the community health worker by some form of telecommunication.

(C) In determining the number of community health workers that a registered nurse may supervise, the registered nurse shall consider all of the following:

(1) A registered nurse may not supervise any more than five community health workers at one given time;

(2) The number of clients who require nursing care and the health status of those clients;

(3) The types and numbers of nursing tasks delegated to each community health worker;

(4) The competency, dependability, and reliability of each community health worker to be supervised;

(5) The number of different settings in which the community health workers will be providing services and the proximity between these settings and the location of the registered nurse; and

(6) The availability of emergency aid if the registered nurse is not able to reach, in a timely manner, the setting in which the community health workers are providing services.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.88
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2005

Rule 4723-26-10 | Standards of safe care provided by the community health worker.

• Effective: February 1, 2014
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimal acceptable standards of safe and effective care provided by community health workers holding a certificate issued by the board of nursing pursuant to Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code.

(B) A community health worker shall maintain knowledge of the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities of a community health worker and shall practice in accordance with the following:

(1) Laws regulating the provision of care by a community health worker as set forth in Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(2) Rules adopted by the board in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code; and

(3) Any other applicable state or federal laws and rules.

(C) A community health worker shall perform nursing tasks in accordance with sections 4723.81 and 4723.82 of the Revised Code, only as delegated and supervised by a registered nurse holding a current, valid license issued by the board under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code.

(D) A community health worker shall demonstrate competence and accountability in performing nursing tasks as delegated by a registered nurse, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Consistent performance of nursing tasks as delegated by a registered nurse; and

(2) Consulting with the supervising nurse in a timely manner to facilitate referral, consultation, or intervention when a community health worker identifies factors or conditions adversely affecting, or potentially affecting, a patient's health status.

(E) A community health worker shall, in a timely manner:

(1) Perform the nursing tasks as delegated by a registered nurse, unless the community health worker believes or should have reason to believe any of the following:

(a) Performing the nursing task would be harmful or potentially harmful to the patient;

(b) The nursing task is contraindicated by other documented information; or

(c) The nursing task has not been properly authorized.

(2) Clarify the direction received from the delegating nurse if the community health worker believes, or should have reason to believe, any of the following:

(a) Performing the nursing task would be harmful or potentially harmful to the patient;

(b) The nursing task is contraindicated by other documented information;

(c) The nursing task has not been properly authorized; or

(d) The condition of the patient has changed.

(F) When clarifying a nursing task the community health worker shall, in a timely manner:

(1) Consult with the supervising registered nurse to explain the cause of concern;

(2) Advise the supervising registered nurse if the community health worker decides not to perform the nursing task;

(3) Document that the supervising registered nurse was advised of the community health worker's decision not to perform the nursing task as delegated; and

(4) Take any other actions needed to assure the safety of the patient.

(G) A community health worker shall, in a timely manner, document, report to, and consult with, the supervising registered nurse when a patient refuses to follow the health care regimen.

(H) A community health worker shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information obtained in the course of the community health worker's duties and responsibilities. A community health worker shall communicate patient information to other members of the health care team for health care purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the worker's assigned job responsibilities, and shall not disseminate patient information for purposes other than patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the worker's assigned job responsibilities through social media, texting, emailing, or any other form of communication.

(I) To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not be disclosed by a community health worker unless the patient has consented to the disclosure of identifiable patient health care information. A community health worker shall report individually identifiable patient information without written consent in limited circumstances only, and in accordance with an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.

(J) A community health worker shall do all of the following to promote patient safety:

(1) Display the applicable title set forth in section 4723.82 of the Revised Code at all times when providing direct patient care, or if interacting with a patient, or health care provider on behalf of the patient, through any form of telecommunication, the community health worker shall identify their certification to the patient or healthcare provider;

(2) In a timely manner, completely and accurately document and report all client data obtained while performing nursing tasks delegated by the supervising registered nurse, and the patient's response to the care;

(3) In a timely manner, completely and accurately document and report to the supervising registered nurse all errors in, or deviations from, the delegated nursing tasks;

(4) Not falsify any patient record or other document prepared in the course of, or in conjunction with, the performance of delegated nursing tasks;

(5) Implement measures to promote a safe environment for the patient including consulting with a supervising registered nurse any time that the community health worker suspects patient abuse or neglect;

(6) Establish, delineate, and maintain professional boundaries with each patient;

(7) Refrain from all behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse or distress to a patient, or in behavior that may be reasonably interpreted to cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse or distress;

(8) Not misappropriate a patient's property, engage in behavior to seek or obtain, behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seeking or obtaining, personal gain at the patient's expense, or engage in behavior that constitutes, or that may reasonably be interpreted as constituting, inappropriate involvement in a patient's personal relationships or financial matters;

(9) Not engage in sexual conduct or in conduct that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual, or in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient, or in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient;

(10) Treat each patient with courtesy, respect, and with full recognition of dignity and individuality; and

(11) Provide each patient with privacy while performing delegated nursing tasks.

For purposes of paragraphs (J)(6) to (J)(9) of this rule, a patient is always considered to be incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to the actions of a community health worker.

(K) A community health worker shall not make any false, misleading, or deceptive statements, or submit or cause to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive information or documentation to:

(1) The board or any representative of the board;

(2) Current employers;

(3) Prospective employers when applying for positions requiring a community health worker certificate;

(4) Facilities in which, or organizations for whom, the community health worker is working a temporary or agency assignment;

(5) Other members of the patient's health care team; or

(6) Law enforcement personnel.

(L) For purposes of paragraphs (J)(6), (J)(7), (J)(8), (J)(9), and (J)(10) of this rule, a certified community health worker shall not use social media, texting, emailing, or other forms of telecommunication with, or about, a patient, for non-health care purposes or for purposes other than fulfilling the worker's assigned job responsibilities.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.81, 4723.82
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2010

Rule 4723-26-11 | Disciplinary actions against certified community health workers; investigations.

• Effective: February 1, 2015
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The board of nursing, by the vote of a quorum, may impose one or more of the following sanctions if it finds that a person committed fraud in passing an examination required by a community health worker training program, or committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for a community health worker certificate: deny, revoke, suspend, or place restrictions on a certificate issued by the board; reprimand or otherwise discipline a certificate holder; or impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars per violation.

(B) By the vote of a quorum, the board may impose one or more of the following sanctions on an individual who applies for or holds, a community health worker certificate: deny, revoke, suspend, or place restrictions on a community health worker certificate, or reprimand or otherwise discipline a holder of a community health worker certificate. The sanctions may be imposed for any of the following:

(1) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to engage in a licensed profession or practice a health care occupation, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction, including but not limited to nursing, practice as a dialysis technician, nurse aide, community health care worker or medication aide, for any reason other than a failure to renew;

(2) Performing a nursing task as a certified community health worker having failed to renew a community health worker certificate issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, or while a community health worker certificate is under suspension or inactive;

(3) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for a pretrial diversion or similar program or for intervention in lieu of conviction for, of a misdemeanor committed in the course of performing care as a certified community health worker;

(4) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for a pretrial diversion or similar program or for intervention in lieu of conviction for, any felony or any crime involving gross immorality or moral turpitude;

(5) Selling, giving away, or administering drugs or therapeutic devices for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes; or conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for a pretrial diversion or similar program or for intervention in lieu of conviction for, violating any municipal, state, county, or federal drug law;

(6) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for a pretrial diversion or similar program or for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in another jurisdiction that would constitute a felony or a crime of moral turpitude in Ohio;

(7) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for a pretrial diversion or similar program or for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in the course of practice in another jurisdiction that would constitute a misdemeanor in Ohio;

(8) Self-administering or otherwise taking into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for that individual, or self-administering or otherwise taking into the body any drug that is a schedule I controlled substance;

(9) Habitual or excessive use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs the individual's ability to comply with the standards of safe care established in rule 4723-26-10 of the Administrative Code;

(10) Impairment of the ability to comply with standards of safe care established in rule 4723-26-10 of the Administrative Code because of the use of drugs, alcohol or other chemical substances;

(11) Impairment of the ability to comply with standards of safe care established in rule 4723-26-10 of the Administrative Code because of a physical or mental disability;

(12) Assaulting or causing harm to a patient or depriving a patient of the means to summon assistance;

(13) Misappropriation or attempted misappropriation of money or anything of value in the course of performing care as a certified community health worker;

(14) Adjudication by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent. The board may restore the person's community health worker certificate upon adjudication by a probate court of the person's restoration to competency or upon submission to the board of other proof of competency;

(15) The suspension or termination of employment by the department of defense or the veterans administration of the United States for any act that violates or would violate his chapter;

(16) Violation of Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code or any rules adopted under it;

(17) Violation of any restrictions placed on a community health worker certificate by the board;

(18) Failure to use universal and standard precautions including those set forth in Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code;

(19) Engaging in activities that exceed those permitted under sections 4723.81 to 4723.88 of the Revised Code or this chapter;

(20) Failure by a certified community health worker to conform to the standards of safe care established in rule 4723-26-10 of the Administrative Code;

(21) Aiding and abetting a person in that person's practice of nursing without a license, or practice as a dialysis technician or certified medication aide without a certificate issued under this chapter;

(22) Regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engaging with a patient other the spouse of the certified community health worker in any of the following:

(a) Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning; or

(23) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) The hearings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and Chapter 4723-16 of the Administrative Code. The board may appoint a hearing examiner, as provided in section 119.09 of the Revised Code, to conduct any hearing the board is authorized to hold under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(D) In any instance in which the board is required under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of an opportunity for a hearing and the applicant or certificate holder does not make a timely request for a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code:

(1) The board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by vote of a quorum, a final order that contains the board's findings; and

(2) In the final order, the board may order any of the sanctions listed in paragraph (A) or (B) of this rule.

(E) If a criminal action is brought against a certified community health worker for an act or crime described in paragraphs (B)(3) to (B)(7) of this rule and the action is dismissed by the trial court other than on the merits:

(1) The board shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the certified community health worker committed the act upon which the action was based.

(2) If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the certified community health worker committed the act, or if the certified community health worker fails to participate in the adjudication, the board may take action as though the certified community health worker had been convicted of the act.

(F) If the board takes action on the basis of a conviction, plea, or a judicial finding as described in paragraphs (B)(3) to (B)(7) of this rule that is overturned on appeal, the certified community health worker may, on exhaustion of the appeal process, petition the board for reconsideration of its action.

(1) On receipt of the petition and supporting court documents, the board shall temporarily rescind its action.

(2) If the board determines that the decision on appeal was a decision on the merits, it shall permanently rescind its action.

(3) If the board determines that the decision on appeal was not a decision on the merits, it shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the certified community health worker committed the act on which the original conviction, plea, or judicial finding was based.

(a) If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the certified community health worker committed such act, or if the certified community health worker does not request an adjudication, the board shall reinstate its action.

(b) If the board determines that the certified community health worker did not commit such act, the board shall permanently rescind its action.

(G) The board may investigate an individual's criminal background in performing its duties under this rule and sections 4723.81 to 4723.88 of the Revised Code. As part of such investigation, the board may order the individual to submit, at the individual's expense, a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for a criminal records check and check of federal bureau of investigation records in accordance with the procedure described in section 4723.091 of the Revised Code.

(H) During the course of an investigation the board may compel any certified community health worker, or applicant under section 4723.84 of the Revised Code, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by the board and at the expense of the individual, if the board finds reason to believe that the individual under investigation may have a physical or mental impairment that may affect the individual's ability perform delegated nursing tasks. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed constitutes an admission of the allegations, unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence.

(I) If the board finds that an individual is impaired in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule, the board shall require the individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certified community health worker certificate.

(1) The individual shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the individual can begin or resume the performance of delegated nursing tasks in accordance with standards established under rule 4723-26-10 of the Administrative Code.

(2) For purposes of this paragraph, any certified community health worker or applicant under this rule shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.

(J) The provisions of division (I) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code apply to information, investigations and adjudications involving certified community health workers or applicants under sections 4723.81 to 4723.88 of the Revised Code and this chapter.

(K) The provisions of section 4723.29 of the Revised Code apply with respect to any matter that the board has authority to investigate, inquire into, or hear under sections 4723.81 to 4723.88 of the Revised Code and this chapter.

(L) When the board refuses to grant a community health worker certificate to an applicant, revokes a certificate, or refuses to reinstate a certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to permanent action taken by the board is forever ineligible to hold a community health worker certificate and the board shall not accept from the individual an application for reinstatement of the certificate or for a new certificate.

(M) No unilateral surrender of a community health worker certificate issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code shall be effective unless accepted by majority vote of the board. No application for a community health worker certificate issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code may be withdrawn without a majority vote of the board. The board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action is not removed or limited when an individual has a certificate classified as inactive or fails to renew a certificate.

Last updated June 10, 2022 at 8:35 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.86
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2010

Rule 4723-26-12 | Standards for community health worker training programs.

• Effective: February 1, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) To be approved by the board in accordance with division (G) of section 4723.88 of the Revised Code, a community health worker training program shall employ or contract with a person to serve as program administrator. Such person shall meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Hold a license or certificate to practice as one of the following health care professionals:

(a) A dentist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code;

(b) A nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(c) An optometrist licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(d) A pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(e) A physician assistant certified under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code;

(f) A physician licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(g) A psychologist licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(h) A chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(i) A nursing home administrator licensed under Chapter 4751. of the Revised Code;

(j) A counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code; or

(k) A dietitian licensed under Chapter 4759. of the Revised Code.

(2) Hold credentials as an education professional that are recognized by:

(a) The Ohio department of education;

(b) The chancellor of higher education; or

(c) A nationally or regionally recognized accreditation body for programs of postsecondary education.

(B) The administrator of a community health worker training program shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Assuring that the community health worker training program establishes written policies addressing the issues set forth in paragraph (C) of this rule;

(2) Assuring that the policies of the program are implemented as written;

(3) Assuring that the nursing tasks included in the curriculum of an approved community health worker training program are taught by an individual who:

(a) Has held an Ohio license to practice registered nursing for a minimum of two years;

(b) Is not prohibited by law from teaching nursing tasks;

(c) Satisfies one of the following:

(i) Has experience in working directly with community health workers for a minimum of six months prior to entering into an instructor role; or

(ii) Within six months after assuming instructor responsibilities in the community health worker training program, successfully completes the community health worker program coursework.

(4) Assuring that the training program utilizes other licensed health care professionals to provide portions of the relevant classroom and clinical instruction in accordance with the professionals educational background and licensed scope of practice.

(C) A community health worker training program shall adopt and implement program policies that address all of the following:

(1) Criteria for students to enroll and continue in the program that establish a basic level of ability necessary for an individual to safely perform the essential functions of a community health worker;

(2) Criteria for student re-enrollment in the program;

(3) Criteria for successful completion of the program;

(4) A process for determining that a student has sufficient knowledge and understanding to competently provide the care and services of a community health worker including both nursing tasks and non-nursing tasks.

(a) A registered nurse shall provide written verification that a community health worker student has been taught the skills necessary to perform delegated nursing tasks;

(b) A registered nurse or other qualified community health worker training program instructor or administrator shall provide written verification that a student has been taught skills necessary to provide the non-nursing tasks provided by a community health worker.

(5) A process for maintaining student records including:

(a) The date a student began the program;

(b) The date a student completed the program; and

(c) The competency check lists for each individual student.

(6) An accurate, timely process to provide verification to the board that a student seeking certification as a community health worker has successfully completed the approved training program;

(7) A process for program evaluation that includes feedback from students, instructors and employers of individuals who have successfully completed the community health worker training program;

(8) Designation of those persons with authority to notify the board regarding student enrollment, re-enrollment, and completion of the program;

(9) A process for addressing the unexpected vacancy of the administrator of the program; and

(10) For individuals with experience in the armed forces of the United States, or in the national guard or in a reserve component, the program shall have a process in place to:

(a) Review the individual's military education and skills training;

(b) Determine whether any of the military education or skills training is substantially equivalent to the curriculum established in Chapter 4723-26 of the Administrative Code;

(c) Award credit to the individual for any substantially equivalent military education or skills training.

(D) When the administrator of an approved community health worker training program vacates the position or is replaced, an authorized representative of the program shall provide written notice to the board within thirty days after the position is vacated and within thirty days after a new person assumes the role.

(E) An approved training program shall not initiate a new community health worker training program unless an administrator who meets the requirements of paragraph (A) of this rule is in place.

(F) When a decision is made to close a community health worker training program, the board shall be notified in writing of the decision and provided with the following information:

(1) The tentative date of closing;

(2) The location of the program's records, including but not limited to, student records; and

(3) The name and address of the custodian of the records.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: ORC 4723.88
Amplifies: ORC 4723.87
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2005

Rule 4723-26-13 | Standard curriculum for community health worker training programs.

• Effective: February 1, 2021
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) An approved curriculum for a training program for community health workers shall be the standard minimum curriculum set forth in paragraph (B) of this rule and shall satisfy all of the following:

(1) Include a program philosophy, program objectives or outcomes, course objectives or outcomes, teaching strategies, and core competencies or other evaluation methods that are:

(a) Consistent with the law regulating the practice of the community health worker;

(b) Internally consistent;

(c) Implemented as written; and

(d) Distributed to community health worker students;

(2) Include a curriculum plan showing the sequence of courses, laboratory experiences, and units of credit or number of clock hours allotted to theory and laboratory experiences; and

(3) Include a curriculum content that is a minimum of one hundred hours of didactic instruction and one hundred thirty hours of clinical experience. Relevant laboratory experiences may be integrated into the curriculum.

(B) As part of the instruction required in paragraph (A) of this rule, related clinical and laboratory experiences shall provide a community health worker with an opportunity to practice cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills in the performance of a variety of basic tasks and activities with individuals or groups across the life span. Portions of the relevant clinical experience shall be provided in a community setting similar to the settings in which a community health worker will provide services.

(C) The standard minimum curriculum for community health workers shall include courses, content, and expected outcomes, relative to the defined role of the community health worker, in the following major areas:

(1) Health care, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual impacts on health;

(b) Basic anatomy and physiology of major body systems;

(c) Substance use and affects on health;

(d) Signs indicating a change in a client's health status;

(e) Obtaining accurate vital signs;

(f) Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills;

(g) Medical terminology;

(h) Documentation methods; and

(i) Utilization of local health and referral systems.

(2) Community resources, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Referral methods to assist various target population groups;

(b) Utilization of community resources and their referral processes;

(c) Utilization of resources related to entitlement programs;

(d) Recognizing and reporting signs of family violence, abuse and neglect; and

(e) Recognizing and making appropriate referral for signs of mental health and addiction problems.

(3) Communication skills, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Interpersonal communication skills;

(b) Effective interview techniques;

(c) Effective written communications to health care and service care providers; and

(d) Utilization of appropriate telephone technique.

(4) Individual and community advocacy, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Recognition of diversity, and the role of the community health worker in an interdisciplinary team;

(b) Supporting development of self care skills in various target population groups;

(c) Utilization of skills to assure that different target population groups receive needed services; and

(d) Methods of serving as a community liaison between different target population groups and local agencies and providers.

(5) Health education, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Educating on healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management to reduce health risk factors;

(b) Educating on adverse health consequences of smoking, drinking, and drugs of abuse;

(c) Educating on the importance of oral health care across the lifespan;

(d) Explaining basic prevention and wellness topics; and

(e) Explaining age-appropriate safety and injury prevention techniques.

(6) Service skills and responsibilities, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Protocols and policies regarding:

(i) Confidentiality;

(ii) Care coordination;

(iii) Documentation;

(iv) Submission of documentation for review by a supervisor; and

(v) Release of client information.

(b) Skills necessary to carry out an effective home visit, including:

(i) Personal safety;

(ii) Emotional dynamics;

(iii) Setting appropriate boundaries with clients;

(iv) Time management; and

(v) Conflict management skills.

(c) Performance of basic clerical, computing, and office skills necessary in the role of the community health worker.

(D) The standard minimum curriculum for community health workers shall also educate students on needs throughout the span of a lifetime including the following:

(1) Content related to the family during childbearing years, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Health education related to the childbearing years; and

(b) A basic understanding of related anatomy, physiology, and appropriate health care.

(2) Content related to the family during pregnancy, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Basic anatomy, physiology, and normal signs related to pregnancy;

(b) Recognition of warning signs during pregnancy requiring immediate reporting to the registered nurse supervisor; and

(c) Health education related to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care.

(3) Content related to the newborn, infant, and young child, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Routine infant feeding and newborn care;

(b) Recognizing and reporting problems that can occur in early infancy;

(c) Immunization schedules and information regarding referral to appropriate health care facilities and practitioners;

(d) Basic methods to enhance typical child development; and

(e) Identification of potential developmental delays.

(4) Content related to adolescents including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) Age appropriate health education;

(b) Acute and chronic illnesses including, but not limited to asthma, obesity, and eating disorders; and

(c) High risk behaviors.

(5) Content related to adults and seniors, including expected competencies in the areas of:

(a) The aging process;

(b) Prevention strategies;

(c) Recommended screenings;

(d) Top causes of morbidity and mortality by age group; and

(e) Acute and chronic illnesses of adulthood including but not limited to heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and lung disease.

(6) Content related to special health care and social needs of target population groups including:

(a) Grandparents raising grandchildren;

(b) Adults caring for aging parents; and

(c) Children and adults with disabilities.

(E) For purposes of paragraph (B) of this rule, students participating in a clinical practicum in a community setting shall be supervised by qualified instructional personnel employed by, or under contract with, the community health worker training program.

(F) It is the intent of the board that this curriculum is structured in such a way as to assure that participants who successfully complete a program that provides the curriculum may be able to utilize a portion of the credit hours earned toward additional career-related education.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.88
Amplifies: 4723.87
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024

Rule 4723-26-14 | Procedures for obtaining approval or reapproval of community health worker training programs.

• Effective: February 1, 2020
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

[Comment: Information regarding the availability and effective date of the materials incorporated by reference in this rule can be found in paragraph (G) of rule 4723-1-03 of the Administrative Code.]

The board shall approve and reapprove community health worker training programs as follows:

(A) A community health worker training program that seeks to be approved by the board shall submit to the board all of the following:

(1) A completed "Community Health Worker Training Program Approval Application";

(2) Payment of a program approval fee of three hundred dollars; and

(3) Any other information requested by the board.

(B) A community health worker training program seeking reapproval by the board shall submit the following to the board within ninety days prior to the expiration of its current approval:

(1) A completed "Community Health Worker Training Program Re-Approval Application";

(2) Payment of a program reapproval fee of three hundred dollars; and

(3) Any other information requested by the board.

(C) If the board determines that additional information is necessary to make a determination regarding an application for program approval or reapproval, the board shall provide written notice to the applicant requesting the information. An application will expire, and a new application must be submitted, if the requested information is not received by the board within one year of the date of the board's request.

(D) The board may conduct a site visit of a community health worker training program or applicant either prior to approving or reapproving a program application, or at any time during the two year period for which a program is approved.

(E) At a regularly scheduled board meeting the board shall review the completed application for approval or reapproval and all other relevant documentation to determine whether a program complies with standards set forth in this chapter. If the board finds that the program meets all the requirements of this chapter it shall issue its approval or reapproval, in writing, to the applicant program.

(F) Program approval shall extend for two years provided the program continues to meet the program standards set forth in this chapter.

(G) If the board determines that an application for program approval or reapproval does not demonstrate that the applicant program meets or maintains the minimum standards set forth in this chapter, the board shall send to the administrator of the program a written report that identifies the specific deficiencies. The deficiency report must notify the applicant or program of a board meeting date, not less than ninety days in the future, at which the board will make a decision regarding the application.

(H) Within thirty days after receipt of the deficiency report, the administrator of the program may submit to the board either:

(1) A written plan of correction that sets forth the steps taken by the program to meet or maintain each minimum standard identified in the report as not being met or maintained; or

(2) A written response to the report setting forth evidence that the program is meeting and maintaining each minimum standard identified in the report as not being met or maintained.

In order for the board to consider the program's response to the deficiency report, the program must submit the response not less than thirty days prior to the board meeting at which the board will consider the program's approval status.

(I) Based on the deficiency report and the program's response to the report, if any, the board may grant approval, grant provisional approval, continue approval, or propose to deny or withdraw approval of the program. The board shall deny or withdraw approval of a program according to the procedures set forth in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. In the alternative, the board an applicant or program may enter into a consent agreement specifying terms and conditions the applicant or program must satisfy in order to achieve or maintain an approval status.

(J) If at any time a program with full approval fails to meet and maintain the minimum standards set forth in this chapter, the board shall place the program on provisional approval. When a program is placed on provisional approval, the board shall specify the minimum standard or standards the program is not meeting or maintaining and shall establish the time period during which the program will be on provisional approval. When the time period for provisional approval has expired, the board shall reconsider the program's approval status.

(K) If a program on provisional approval continues to fail to meet or maintain minimum standards at the end of the time period established for provisional approval, the board may propose to continue provisional approval for a period of time specified by the board or may propose to withdraw approval, according to the procedures set forth in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. In the alternative, the board and applicant or program may enter into a consent agreement specifying terms and conditions the applicant or program must satisfy in order to achieve or maintain an approval status.

(L) When a complete application for reapproval is submitted to the board in accordance with paragraph (B) of this rule, and the board fails to make a determination before the current program approval expires, the board shall issue a notice to the administrator of the program extending approval of the program until board action is taken on the reapproval application.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: ORC 4723.88
Amplifies: ORC 4723.87
Five Year Review Date: 10/11/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2015