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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 3701 | Department of Health

 
 
 
Section
Section 3701.01 | Department of health definitions.
 

As used in sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code:

(A) "The federal act" means Title VI of the "Public Health Service Act," 60 Stat. 1041 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 291, as amended.

(B) "The surgeon general" means the surgeon general of the public health service of the United States or such other officer or employee of the United States responsible for administration of the federal act.

(C) "Hospital" includes public health centers and general, mental, chronic disease, and other types of hospitals, and related facilities, such as laboratories, outpatient departments, nurses' home facilities, extended care facilities, self-care units, and central service facilities operated in connection with hospitals, and also includes education and training facilities for health professions personnel operated as an integral part of a hospital, but does not include any hospital furnishing primarily domiciliary care.

(D) "Public health center" means a publicly owned facility for the housing of the public health services of a community and one which makes available equipment to aid physicians in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

(E) "Nonprofit hospital," or "nonprofit" as applied to a facility, means any hospital or facility owned and operated by one or more nonprofit corporations or associations no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

(F) "Medical facilities" means outpatient facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and facilities for long-term care, including nursing homes, as those terms are defined in the federal act, and such other facilities for which federal aid may be authorized under the federal act.

Section 3701.021 | Director of health to adopt rules.
 

(A) The director of health shall adopt, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, such rules as are necessary to carry out sections 3701.021 to 3701.0210 of the Revised Code, including, but not limited to, rules to establish the following:

(1) Subject to division (D) of this section, medical and financial eligibility requirements for the program for children and youth with special health care needs;

(2) Subject to division (C) of this section, eligibility requirements for providers who provide goods and services for the program for children and youth with special health care needs;

(3) Procedures to be followed by the department of health in disqualifying providers for violating requirements adopted under division (A)(2) of this section;

(4) Procedures to be used by the department regarding application for diagnostic services under division (B) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code and payment for those services under division (E) of that section;

(5) Standards for the provision of service coordination by the department of health and city and general health districts;

(6) Procedures for the department to use to determine the amount to be paid annually by each county for services for children and youth with special health care needs and to allow counties to retain funds under divisions (A)(2) and (3) of section 3701.024 of the Revised Code;

(7) Financial eligibility requirements for services for Ohio residents twenty-one years of age or older who have cystic fibrosis;

(8) Criteria for payment of approved providers who provide goods and services for children and youth with special health care needs;

(9) Criteria for the department to use in determining whether the payment of health insurance premiums of participants in the program for children and youth with special health care needs is cost-effective;

(10) Procedures for appeal of denials of applications under divisions (A) and (D) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code, disqualification of providers, and amounts paid for services;

(11) Terms of appointment for members of the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council created in section 3701.025 of the Revised Code;

(12) Eligibility requirements for the hemophilia program, including income and hardship requirements;

(13) If a manufacturer discount program is established under division (J)(1) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code, procedures for administering the program, including criteria and other requirements for participation in the program by manufacturers of drugs and nutritional formulas.

(B) The department of health shall develop a manual of operational procedures and guidelines for the program for children and youth with special health care needs to implement sections 3701.021 to 3701.0210 of the Revised Code.

(C) A medicaid provider, as defined in section 5164.01 of the Revised Code, is eligible to be a provider of the same goods and services for the program for children and youth with special health care needs that the provider is approved to provide for the medicaid program and the director shall approve such a provider for participation in the program for children and youth with special health care needs.

(D) In establishing medical and financial eligibility requirements for the program for children and youth with special health care needs, the director of health shall not specify an age restriction that excludes from eligibility an individual who is either of the following:

(1) Beginning on July 1, 2021, less than twenty-two years of age;

(2) Beginning on July 1, 2022, less than twenty-three years of age;

(3) Beginning on July 1, 2023, less than twenty-four years of age;

(4) Beginning on July 1, 2024, less than twenty-five years of age.

Last updated September 6, 2023 at 11:41 AM

Section 3701.022 | Program for children and youth with special health care needs definitions.
 

As used in sections 3701.021 to 3701.0210 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Child or youth with special health care needs" means an Ohio resident who meets the age requirements set forth in division (D) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code who has an organic disease, defect, or a congenital or acquired medical condition that may hinder the achievement of normal growth and development.

(B) "Provider" means a health professional, hospital, medical equipment supplier, and any individual, group, or agency that is approved by the department of health pursuant to division (C) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code and that provides or intends to provide goods or services to a child who is eligible for the program for children and youth with special health care needs.

(C) "Service coordination" means case management services provided to children and youth with special health care needs that promote effective and efficient organization and utilization of public and private resources and ensure that care rendered is family-centered, community-based, and coordinated.

(D)(1) "Third party" means any person or government entity other than the following:

(a) A child or youth with special health care needs participating in the program for children and youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian;

(b) The department or any program administered by the department, including the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant," Title V of the "Social Security Act," 95 Stat. 818 (1981), 42 U.S.C.A. 701, as amended;

(c) The "caring program for children" operated by the nonprofit community mutual insurance corporation.

(2) "Third party" includes all of the following:

(a) Any trust established to benefit a child or youth with special health care needs participating in the program or the child or youth's family or guardians, if the trust was established after the date the child or youth with special health care needs applied to participate in the program;

(b) That portion of a trust designated to pay for the medical and ancillary care of a child or youth with special health care needs, if the trust was established on or before the date the child or youth with special health care needs applied to participate in the program;

(c) The program awarding reparations to victims of crime established under sections 2743.51 to 2743.72 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Third-party benefits" means any and all benefits paid by a third party to or on behalf of a child or youth with special health care needs participating in the program or the child or youth's parent or guardian for goods or services that are authorized by the department pursuant to division (B) or (D) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Hemophilia program" means the hemophilia program the department of health is required to establish and administer under section 3701.029 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 21, 2023 at 5:58 PM

Section 3701.023 | Program for children and youth with special health care needs.
 

(A) The department of health shall review applications for eligibility for the program for children and youth with special health care needs that are submitted to the department by city and general health districts and physician providers approved in accordance with division (C) of this section. The department shall determine whether the applicants meet the medical and financial eligibility requirements established by the director of health pursuant to division (A)(1) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, and by the department in the manual of operational procedures and guidelines for the program for children and youth with special health care needs developed pursuant to division (B) of that section. Referrals of potentially eligible children and youth for the program may be submitted to the department on behalf of the child or youth by parents, guardians, public health nurses, or any other interested person. The department of health may designate other agencies to refer applicants to the department of health.

(B) In accordance with the procedures established in rules adopted under division (A)(4) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, the department of health shall authorize a provider or providers to provide to any Ohio resident under twenty-one years of age, without charge to the resident or the resident's family and without restriction as to the economic status of the resident or the resident's family, diagnostic services necessary to determine whether the resident has a medical diagnosis resulting in, or potentially resulting in, special health care needs.

(C) The department of health shall review the applications of health professionals, hospitals, medical equipment suppliers, and other individuals, groups, or agencies that apply to become providers. The department shall enter into a written agreement with each applicant who is determined, pursuant to the requirements set forth in rules adopted under division (A)(2) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, to be eligible to be a provider in accordance with the provider agreement required by the medicaid program. No provider shall charge a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian for services authorized by the department under division (B) or (D) of this section.

The department, in accordance with rules adopted under division (A)(3) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, may disqualify any provider from further participation in the program for violating any requirement set forth in rules adopted under division (A)(2) of that section. The disqualification shall not take effect until a written notice, specifying the requirement violated and describing the nature of the violation, has been delivered to the provider and the department has afforded the provider an opportunity to appeal the disqualification under division (H) of this section.

(D) The department of health shall evaluate applications from city and general health districts and approved physician providers for authorization to provide treatment services, service coordination, and related goods to children or youth determined to be eligible for the program for children and youth with special health care needs pursuant to division (A) of this section. The department shall authorize necessary treatment services, service coordination, and related goods for each eligible child or youth in accordance with an individual plan of treatment for the child or youth. As an alternative, the department may authorize payment of health insurance premiums on behalf of eligible children or youth when the department determines, in accordance with criteria set forth in rules adopted under division (A)(9) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, that payment of the premiums is cost-effective.

(E) The department of health shall pay, from appropriations to the department, any necessary expenses, including but not limited to, expenses for diagnosis, treatment, service coordination, supportive services, transportation, and accessories and their upkeep, provided to children and youth with special health care needs, provided that the provision of the goods or services is authorized by the department under division (B) or (D) of this section. Money appropriated to the department of health may also be expended for reasonable administrative costs incurred by the program. The department of health also may purchase liability insurance covering the provision of services under the program for children and youth with special health care needs by physicians and other health care professionals.

Payments made to providers by the department of health pursuant to this division for inpatient hospital care, outpatient care, and all other medical assistance furnished to eligible recipients shall be made in accordance with rules adopted by the director of health pursuant to division (A) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code.

The departments of health and medicaid shall jointly implement procedures to ensure that duplicate payments are not made under the program for children and youth with special health care needs and the medicaid program and to identify and recover duplicate payments.

(F) At the time of applying for participation in the program for children and youth with special health care needs, a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian shall disclose the identity of any third party against whom the child or youth or the child or youth's parent or guardian has or may have a right of recovery for goods and services provided under division (B) or (D) of this section. The department of health shall require a child or youth with special health care needs who receives services from the program or the child or youth's parent or guardian to apply for all third-party benefits for which the child or youth may be eligible and require the child or youth, parent, or guardian to apply all third-party benefits received to the amount determined under division (E) of this section as the amount payable for goods and services authorized under division (B) or (D) of this section. The department is the payer of last resort and shall pay for authorized goods or services, up to the amount determined under division (E) of this section for the authorized goods or services, only to the extent that payment for the authorized goods or services is not made through third-party benefits. When a third party fails to act on an application or claim for benefits by a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian, the department shall pay for the goods or services only after ninety days have elapsed since the date the child or youth, parents, or guardians made an application or claim for all third-party benefits. Third-party benefits received shall be applied to the amount determined under division (E) of this section. Third-party payments for goods and services not authorized under division (B) or (D) of this section shall not be applied to payment amounts determined under division (E) of this section. Payment made by the department shall be considered payment in full of the amount determined under division (E) of this section. Medicaid payments for persons eligible for the medicaid program shall be considered payment in full of the amount determined under division (E) of this section.

(G) The department of health shall administer a program to provide services to Ohio residents who are twenty-one or more years of age who have cystic fibrosis and who meet the eligibility requirements established in rules adopted by the director of health pursuant to division (A)(7) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, subject to all provisions of this section, but not subject to section 3701.024 of the Revised Code.

(H) The department of health shall provide for appeals, in accordance with rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, of denials of applications for the program for children and youth with special health care needs under division (A) or (D) of this section, disqualification of providers, or amounts paid under division (E) of this section. Appeals under this division are not subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

The department may designate ombudspersons to assist children and youth with special health care needs or their parents or guardians, upon the request of the children or youth, parents, or guardians, in filing appeals under this division and to serve as children or youth's, parents', or guardians' advocates in matters pertaining to the administration of the program for children and youth with special health care needs and eligibility for program services. The ombudspersons shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed by the department, in accordance with rules of the office of budget and management, for their actual and necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(I) The department of health, and city and general health districts providing service coordination pursuant to division (A)(2) of section 3701.024 of the Revised Code, shall provide service coordination in accordance with the standards set forth in the rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, without charge, and without restriction as to economic status.

(J)(1) The department of health may establish a manufacturer discount program under which a manufacturer of a drug or nutritional formula is permitted to enter into an agreement with the department to provide a discount on the price of the drug or nutritional formula distributed to children and youth with special health care needs participating in the program for children and youth with special health care needs. The program shall be administered in accordance with rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code.

(2) If a manufacturer enters into an agreement with the department as described in division (J)(1) of this section, the manufacturer and the department may negotiate the amount and terms of the discount.

(3) In lieu of establishing a discount program as described in division (J)(1) of this section, the department and a manufacturer of a drug or nutritional formula may discuss a donation of drugs, nutritional formulas, or money by the manufacturer to the department.

(K) As used in this division "209(b) option" has the same meaning as in section 5166.01 of the Revised Code.

The program for children and youth with special health care needs and the program the department of health administers pursuant to division (G) of this section shall continue to assist individuals who have cystic fibrosis and are enrolled in those programs in qualifying for medicaid under the spenddown process in the same manner it assists such individuals on September 29, 2015, regardless of whether the department of medicaid continues to implement the 209(b) option.

Last updated September 21, 2023 at 5:58 PM

Section 3701.024 | County's share for program for children and youth with special health care needs.
 

(A)(1) Under a procedure established in rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, the department of health shall determine the amount each county shall provide annually for the program for children and youth with special health care needs, based on a proportion of the county's total general property tax duplicate, not to exceed one-tenth of a mill, and charge the county for any part of expenses incurred under the program for treatment services on behalf of children and youth with special health care needs having legal settlement in the county that is not paid from federal funds or through the medicaid program. The department shall not charge the county for expenses exceeding the difference between the amount determined under division (A)(1) of this section and any amounts retained under divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section.

All amounts collected by the department under division (A)(1) of this section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the children and youth with special health care needs-county assessment fund, which is hereby created. The fund shall be used by the department to comply with sections 3701.021 to 3701.028 of the Revised Code.

(2) The department, in accordance with rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, may allow each county to retain up to ten per cent of the amount determined under division (A)(1) of this section to provide funds to city or general health districts of the county with which the districts shall provide service coordination, public health nursing, or transportation services for children and youth with special health care needs.

(3) In addition to any amount retained under division (A)(2) of this section, the department, in accordance with rules adopted under section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, may allow counties that it determines have significant numbers of potentially eligible children and youth with special health care needs to retain an amount equal to the difference between:

(a) Twenty-five per cent of the amount determined under division (A)(1) of this section;

(b) Any amount retained under division (A)(2) of this section.

Counties shall use amounts retained under division (A)(3) of this section to provide funds to city or general health districts of the county with which the districts shall conduct outreach activities to increase participation in the program for children and youth with special health care needs.

(4) Prior to any increase in the millage charged to a county, the director of health shall hold a public hearing on the proposed increase and shall give notice of the hearing to each board of county commissioners that would be affected by the increase at least thirty days prior to the date set for the hearing. Any county commissioner may appear and give testimony at the hearing. Any increase in the millage any county is required to provide for the program for children and youth with special health care needs shall be determined, and notice of the amount of the increase shall be provided to each affected board of county commissioners, no later than the first day of June of the fiscal year next preceding the fiscal year in which the increase will take effect.

(B) Each board of county commissioners shall establish a children and youth with special health care needs fund and shall appropriate thereto an amount, determined in accordance with division (A)(1) of this section, for the county's share in providing medical, surgical, and other aid to children and youth with special health care needs residing in such county and for the purposes specified in divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section. Each county shall use money retained under divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section only for the purposes specified in those divisions.

Last updated September 21, 2023 at 5:59 PM

Section 3701.025 | Advisory council.
 

There is hereby created the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council consisting of twenty-one members to be appointed by the director of health for terms set in accordance with rules adopted by the director under division (A)(11) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code. The children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council shall advise the director regarding the administration of the program for children and youth with special health care needs, the suitable quality of medical practice for providers, and the requirements for medical eligibility for the program.

All members of the council shall be licensed physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other professionals in the field of medicine, representative of the various disciplines involved in the treatment of children and youth with special health care needs, and representative of the treatment facilities involved, such as hospitals, private and public health clinics, and private physicians' offices, and shall be eligible for the program.

Members of the council shall receive no compensation, but shall receive their actual and necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties in accordance with the rules of the office of budget and management.

Last updated September 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Section 3701.026 | Right of subrogation against liable third party.
 

(A) The acceptance of assistance under the program for children and youth with special health care needs gives a right of subrogation to the department of health against the liability of a third party for the costs of goods or services paid by the department under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code. The department's subrogation claim shall not exceed the total cost of the goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code.

(B) To enforce its subrogation rights, the department may do any of the following:

(1) Intervene or join in any action or proceeding brought by a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian against any third party who may be liable for the cost of goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code;

(2) Institute and pursue legal proceedings against any third party who may be liable for the cost of goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code;

(3) Initiate legal proceedings in conjunction with a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian against any third party who may be liable for the cost of goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code.

(C) When an action or claim is brought against a third party by a child or youth with special health care needs participating in the program or the child or youth's parent or guardian, the entire amount of any settlement or compromise of the action or claim, or any court award or judgment, is subject to the subrogation right of the department. If all or part of settlement, compromise, award, or judgment is established in the form of a trust to benefit the child or youth or the child or youth's family or guardians, the department may waive its right of subrogation against all or part of the trust. Any settlement, compromise, award, or judgment that excludes the costs of goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code shall not preclude the department from enforcing its subrogation right under this section.

(D) No settlement, compromise, judgment, or award or any recovery in any action or claim by a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian when the department has a right of subrogation shall be made final without first giving the department notice and the opportunity to perfect its right of subrogation. If the department is not given notice, the child or youth, parent, or guardian is liable to reimburse the department for the cost of goods and services paid under division (E) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code out of any recovery received. The third party becomes liable to the department as soon as the third party is notified in writing of the valid claims for subrogation under this section.

(E) Subrogation does not apply to that portion of any judgment, award, settlement, or compromise of a claim, to the extent that attorney's fees, costs, or other expenses are incurred by a child or youth with special health care needs or the child or youth's parent or guardian in securing the judgment, award, settlement, or compromise, or to the extent that the cost of goods and services specified in divisions (B) and (D) of section 3701.023 of the Revised Code are paid by the child or youth, parent, or guardian. Attorney's fees and costs or other expenses in securing any recovery shall not be assessed against any subrogated claim of the department.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 11:57 AM

Section 3701.027 | Grant programs.
 

The department of health shall administer funds received from the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant," Title V of the "Social Security Act," 95 Stat. 818 (1981), 42 U.S.C.A. 701, as amended, for programs including the program for children and youth with special health care needs, and to provide technical assistance and consultation to city and general health districts and local health planning organizations in implementing local, community-based, family-centered, coordinated systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs. The department may make grants to persons and other entities for the provision of services with the funds. In addition, the department may use the funds to purchase liability insurance covering the provision of services under the programs by physicians and other health care professionals, and to pay health insurance premiums on behalf of children and youth with special health care needs participating in the program for children and youth with special health care needs when the department determines, in accordance with criteria set forth in rules adopted under division (A)(9) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code, that payment of the premiums is cost effective.

In determining eligibility for services provided with funds received from the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant," the department may use the application form established under section 5163.40 of the Revised Code. The department may require applicants to furnish their social security numbers. Funds from the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant" that are administered for the purpose of providing family planning services shall be distributed in accordance with section 3701.033 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 11:59 AM

Section 3701.028 | Confidentiality.
 

(A) The following records of the program for children and youth with special health care needs and of programs funded with funds received from the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant," Title V of the "Social Security Act," 95 Stat. 818 (1981), 42 U.S.C.A. 701, as amended, are confidential and are not public records within the meaning of section 149.43 of the Revised Code:

(1) Records that pertain to medical history, diagnosis, treatment, or medical condition;

(2) Reports of psychological diagnosis and treatment and reports of social workers;

(3) Reports of public health nurses.

(B) The department of health shall not release any records specified in division (A) of this section without consent of the subject of the record or, if the subject is a minor, the minor's parent or guardian, except as necessary to do any of the following:

(1) Administer the program for children and youth with special health care needs or other programs funded with funds received from the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant";

(2) Coordinate the provision of services under the programs with other state agencies and city and general health districts;

(3) Coordinate payment of providers.

No person or government entity to whom the director, for the purposes specified in this division, releases records described in division (A) of this section shall release those records without consent of the subject of the record or, if the subject is a minor, the minor's parent or guardian, except as necessary for any of the reasons described in this division.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Section 3701.029 | Hemophilia program to provide payment of health insurance premiums for Ohio residents.
 

Subject to available funds, the department of health shall establish and administer a hemophilia program to provide payment of health insurance premiums for Ohio residents who meet all of the following requirements:

(A) Have been diagnosed with hemophilia or a related bleeding disorder;

(B) Are at least twenty-one years of age;

(C) Meet the eligibility requirements established by rules adopted under division (A)(12) of section 3701.021 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.0210 | Hemophilia advisory subcommittee.
 

The children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council shall appoint a hemophilia advisory subcommittee to advise the director of health and council on all matters pertaining to the care and treatment of persons with hemophilia. The duties of the subcommittee include, but are not limited to, the monitoring of care and treatment of children and adults who suffer from hemophilia or from other similar blood disorders.

The subcommittee shall consist of not fewer than fifteen members, each of whom shall be appointed to terms of four years. The members of the subcommittee shall elect a chairperson from among the appointed membership to serve a term of two years. Members of the subcommittee shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for travel expenses to and from meetings of the subcommittee.

Members shall be appointed to represent all geographic areas of this state. Not fewer than five members of the subcommittee shall be persons with hemophilia or family members of persons with hemophilia. Not fewer than five members shall be providers of health care services to persons with hemophilia. Not fewer than five members shall be experts in fields of importance to treatment of persons with hemophilia, including experts in infectious diseases, insurance, and law.

Notwithstanding section 101.83 of the Revised Code, that section does not apply to the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council hemophilia advisory subcommittee, and the subcommittee shall not expire under that section.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 11:13 AM

Section 3701.0211 | Application for federal abstinence education funds.
 

For each year that federal funds are made available to states under Title V of the "Social Security Act," 124 Stat. 352 (2010), 42 U.S.C. 710, as amended, for use in providing abstinence education, the director of health shall submit to the United States secretary of health and human services an application for the allotment of those funds that is available to this state. The director shall use the funds received in accordance with any conditions under which the application was approved.

Section 3701.0212 | Center for community health worker excellence.
 

(A) There is created the center for community health worker excellence, a public-private partnership to support and foster the practice of community health workers and improve access to community health worker services across this state.

(B) The center shall be a public-private partnership governed by a board of directors comprised of the following members:

(1) The director of the department of health or the director's designee;

(2) The executive director of the commission on minority health or the director's designee;

(3) The medicaid director or the director's designee;

(4) The executive director of the board of nursing or the director's designee;

(5) The superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee;

(6) A representative of an OhioMeansJobs center operator, as defined in section 6301.01 of the Revised Code, appointed by the director of job and family services;

(7) An individual who provides services within one or more community HUBs that fully or substantially comply with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute, appointed by the director of health;

(8) A representative of the Ohio association of community health workers, appointed by that entity;

(9) A representative of the Ohio health information partnership, appointed by that entity;

(10) A representative of the center for community solutions, appointed by that entity;

(11) A representative of the Ohio association of community colleges, appointed by that entity;

(12) A representative of the Ohio association of community health centers, appointed by that entity;

(13) A representative of the Ohio alliance for population health, appointed by that entity;

(14) A member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(15) A member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

(C) Initial appointments to the committee shall be made not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. Terms shall be two years, and members may be reappointed. If an appointed member no longer satisfies the grounds upon which the member was appointed, the member is ineligible to continue to serve, and a new member shall be appointed in accordance with division (B) of this section.

Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term.

Members of the board shall serve without compensation, except to the extent that serving on the board is considered part of the member's regular duties of employment. Members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(D) The board of directors shall annually select from its members a chairperson or co-chairpersons.

(E) The board of directors shall meet at the call of the chairperson but not less than quarterly. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum. The chairperson shall provide members with at least five days written notice of all meetings.

(F) Under the direction and oversight of the board of directors, and as implemented by health impact Ohio and the Ohio alliance for population health at Ohio university, the center shall engage in all of the following activities:

(1) Establishing an electronic platform that may be accessed statewide to connect community health workers with individuals or communities in need of their services;

(2) Evaluating and reporting on the state of the community health workforce in Ohio, including the total number of community health workers employed, the settings in which they practice, the number certified by the board of nursing, the average income or hourly wage earned by a community health worker, the reimbursement rates and needs of community health workers, and any available funding sources;

(3) Creating and maintaining a web site or other electronic tools to coordinate resources for individuals practicing or seeking to practice as community health workers, including resources related to recruitment, education, training, certification, employment, and mentorships;

(4) Making continuing education hours or credits available for free to community health workers certified by the board of nursing;

(5) Providing financial assistance to employers that host or offer practicums or other training to community health workers seeking certification by board of nursing.

In performing the activities, the center, together with health impact Ohio and the Ohio alliance for population health at Ohio university, may as necessary collaborate with other organizations and institutions, in particular, clinisync, unite us, Ohio association of community health workers, board of nursing, and university of Toledo.

(G) The board shall issue a report to the governor and general assembly describing its activities and any recommendations pertaining to community health workers by the first of January of each odd numbered calendar year.

Last updated February 12, 2024 at 9:05 AM

Section 3701.03 | General duties of director of health.
 

(A) The director of health shall perform duties that are incident to the director's position as chief executive officer of the department of health. The director shall administer the laws relating to health and sanitation and the rules of the department of health. The director may designate employees of the department and, during a public health emergency, other persons to administer the laws and rules on the director's behalf.

(B) Nothing in this section authorizes any action that prevents the fulfillment of duties or impairs the exercise of authority established by law for any other person or entity.

Section 3701.031 | federal grants for monitoring, studying and preventing pregnancy losses.
 

(A) The director of health shall accept and administer grants received from the federal government or other sources, public or private, that are made available for use in monitoring, studying, and preventing pregnancy losses. To the extent that funding from grants is available, the director shall do the following:

(1) Establish a population-based pregnancy loss registry to monitor the incidence of various types of pregnancy losses that occur in this state, make appropriate epidemiological studies to determine any causal relations of the pregnancy losses with occupational, nutritional, environmental, genetic, or infectious conditions, and determine what can be done to prevent such losses;

(2) Advise, consult, cooperate with, and assist, by contract or otherwise, agencies of the state and federal government, agencies of governments of other states, agencies of political subdivisions of this state, universities, private organizations, corporations, and associations for the purpose of division (A)(1) of this section.

(B) The director may adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to specify the reporting requirements for physicians as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.

(C) As used in this section, "Pregnancy loss" means a termination of pregnancy within the first twenty weeks of pregnancy either spontaneously or by means other than the purposeful termination of a pregnancy as described in section 2919.11 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 7, 2022 at 2:23 PM

Section 3701.033 | Distribution of funds for family planning services.
 

(A) This section establishes the order of priority to be followed by the department of health when distributing funds for the purpose of providing family planning services, including funds the department receives through the "Maternal and Child Health Block Grant," Title V of the "Social Security Act," 95 Stat. 818 (1981), 42 U.S.C. 701, as amended, and funds the department receives through Title X of the "Public Health Service Act," 84 Stat. 1504 (1970), 42 U.S.C. 300a, as amended. This section does not apply to grants awarded by the department under section 3701.046 of the Revised Code.

(B) With respect to each period during which funds from a particular source are distributed for the purpose of providing family planning services, the department is subject to both of the following when distributing the funds to applicants seeking those funds:

(1) Foremost priority shall be given to public entities that are operated by state or local government entities and that provide or are able to provide family planning services.

(2) If any funds remain after the department distributes funds to public entities under division (B)(1) of this section, the department may distribute funds to nonpublic entities. If funds are distributed to nonpublic entities, the department shall distribute the funds in the following order of descending priority:

(a) Nonpublic entities that are federally qualified health centers or federally qualified health center look-alikes, both as defined in section 3701.047 of the Revised Code, or community action agencies, as defined in section 122.66 of the Revised Code;

(b) Nonpublic entities that provide comprehensive primary and preventive care services in addition to family planning services;

(c) Nonpublic entities that provide family planning services, but do not provide comprehensive primary and preventive care services.

Section 3701.034 | Restrictions regarding use of certain federal funds.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Affiliate" means an entity that has with another entity a legal relationship created or governed by at least one written instrument that demonstrates any of the following:

(a) Common ownership, management, or control;

(b) A franchise agreement;

(c) The granting or extension of a license or other agreement that authorizes an entity to use the other entity's brand name, trademark, service mark, or other registered identification mark.

(2) "Violence Against Women Act" means section 1910A of section 40151 of the "Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994," part A of Title XIX of the "Public Health and Human Services Act," 108 Stat. 1920 (1994), former 42 U.S.C. 300w, 42 U.S.C. 280b-1b, as amended.

(3) "Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act" means the "Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990," 104 Stat. 409 (1990), 42 U.S.C. 300k, as amended.

(4) "Infertility prevention project" means the infertility prevention project operated by the United States centers for disease control and prevention.

(5) "Minority HIV/AIDS initiative" means the minority HIV/AIDS initiative operated by the office of minority health in the United States department of health and human services.

(6) "Personal responsibility education program" means the program administered by the administration for children and families in the United States department of health and human services to educate adolescents on abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

(7) "Nontherapeutic abortion" has the same meaning as in section 9.04 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Promote" means to advocate for, assist with, encourage, or popularize through advertising or publicity.

(B) The department of health shall ensure that all funds it receives through the Violence Against Women Act to distribute as grants for the purpose of education and prevention of violence against women are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

(C) The department shall ensure that all funds it receives through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act for a program to provide breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic testing and all federal and state funds that it uses to operate such a program are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

(D) The department shall ensure that all materials it receives through the infertility prevention project are not distributed to entities that do any of the following and shall ensure that all funds it uses for treatment associated with the infertility prevention project are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

(E) The department shall ensure that all funds it receives through the minority HIV/AIDS initiative to distribute as grants and all other federal and state funds that are part of the grants distributed under this initiative are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

(F) The department shall ensure that all state funds it receives, including funding for infant mortality reduction or infant vitality initiatives, are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

(G) The department shall ensure that all funds it receives through an allotment to the state under the personal responsibility education program and all other funds that are part of the grants distributed under this program are not used to do any of the following:

(1) Perform nontherapeutic abortions;

(2) Promote nontherapeutic abortions;

(3) Contract with any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions;

(4) Become or continue to be an affiliate of any entity that performs or promotes nontherapeutic abortions.

Last updated April 21, 2021 at 2:03 PM

Section 3701.04 | Director of health - powers and duties.
 

(A) The director of health shall:

(1) Require reports and make inspections and investigations that the director considers necessary;

(2) Provide administration, appoint personnel, make reports, and take other action as necessary to comply with the requirements of the "Construction and Modernization of Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities Act," Title VI of the "Public Health Service Act," 60 Stat. 1041 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 291, as amended, and the regulations adopted under that act;

(3) Procure by contract the temporary or intermittent services of experts, consultants, or organizations when those services are to be performed on a part-time or fee-for-service basis and do not involve the performance of administrative duties;

(4) Enter into agreements for the utilization of the facilities and services of other departments, agencies, and institutions, public or private;

(5) On behalf of the state, solicit, accept, hold, administer, and deposit in the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created in section 3701.83 of the Revised Code, any grant, gift, devise, bequest, or contribution made to assist in meeting the cost of carrying out the director's responsibilities and expend the grant, gift, devise, bequest, or contribution for the purpose for which made. Fees collected by the director in connection with meetings and conferences shall also be credited to the fund and expended for the purposes for which paid.

(6) Make an annual report to the governor on activities and expenditures, including recommendations for such additional legislation as the director considers appropriate to furnish adequate hospital, clinic, and similar facilities to the people of this state.

(B) The director, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules jointly with the executive director of the emergency management agency to do both of the following, as required by section 5502.281 of the Revised Code:

(1) Advise, assist, consult with, and cooperate with agencies and political subdivisions of this state to establish and maintain a statewide system for recruiting, registering, training, and deploying volunteers reasonably necessary to respond to an emergency declared by the state or a political subdivision;

(2) Establish fees, procedures, standards, and requirements necessary for recruiting, registering, training, and deploying the volunteers.

(C) The director of health may enter into agreements to sell services offered by the department of health to boards of health of city and general health districts and to other departments, agencies, and institutions of this state, other states, or the United States. Fees collected by the director for the sale of services shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created in section 3701.83 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.043 | Medicare initial certification fund - fees.
 

If authorized by federal statute or regulation, the director of health may establish and collect fees for conducting the initial certification of any person or entity as a provider of health services for purposes of the medicare program established under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended. The fee established for conducting an initial medicare certification shall not exceed the actual and necessary costs incurred by the department of health in conducting the certification.

All fees collected under this section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the medicare initial certification fund, which is hereby created. Money credited to the fund shall be used solely to pay the costs of conducting initial medicare certifications.

Section 3701.044 | Contract to conduct competency examination or evaluation.
 

When required or authorized to conduct or administer an examination or evaluation of an individual for the purpose of determining competency or issuing a license, certificate, registration, or other authority to practice or perform duties, the director of health or department of health may contract with an entity to conduct or administer the examination or evaluation. The contract may authorize the entity to collect and retain, as all or part of the entity's compensation under the contract, any fee paid by an individual for the examination or evaluation. The entity is not required to deposit the fee into the state treasury.

The director or department shall post to the department's web site the dollar amounts for fees described in this section. Any changes in fee amounts shall be posted to the web site not later than thirty days before such changes are effective.

Except when considered to be necessary by the director or department, the director or department shall not disclose test materials, examinations, or evaluation tools used in any examination or evaluation the director or department conducts, administers, or provides for by contract. The test materials, examinations, and evaluation tools are not public records for the purpose of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and are not subject to inspection or copying under section 1347.08 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.045 | Child fatality review boards conducting reviews.
 

(A) The department of health, in consultation with the children's trust fund board established under section 3109.15 of the Revised Code and any bodies acting as child fatality review boards on October 5, 2000, shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish a procedure for county or regional child fatality review boards to follow in conducting a review of the death of a child. The rules shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish the format for the annual reports required by section 307.626 of the Revised Code;

(2) Establish guidelines for a county or regional child fatality review board to follow in compiling statistics for annual reports so that the reports do not contain any information that would permit any person's identity to be ascertained from a report;

(3) Establish guidelines for a county or regional child fatality review board to follow in creating and maintaining the comprehensive database of child deaths required by section 307.623 of the Revised Code, including provisions establishing uniform record-keeping procedures;

(4) Establish guidelines for reporting child fatality review data to the department of health or a national child death review database, either of which must maintain the confidentiality of information that would permit a person's identity to be ascertained;

(5) Establish guidelines, materials, and training to help educate members of county or regional child fatality review boards about the purpose of the review process and the confidentiality of the information described in section 307.629 of the Revised Code and to make them aware that such information is not a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(B) On or before the thirtieth day of September of each year, the department of health and the children's trust fund board jointly shall prepare and publish a report organizing and setting forth the data from the department of health child death review database or the national child death review database, data in all the reports provided by county or regional child fatality review boards in their annual reports for the previous calendar year, and recommendations for any changes to law and policy that might prevent future deaths. The department and the children's trust fund board jointly shall provide a copy of the report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the minority leaders of the house of representatives and the senate, each county or regional child fatality review board, and each county or regional family and children first council.

Section 3701.046 | Grants for women's health services - application.
 

The director of health is authorized to make grants for women's health services from funds appropriated for that purpose by the general assembly.

None of the funds received through grants for women's health services shall be used to provide abortion services. None of the funds received through these grants shall be used for counseling for or referrals for abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency. These funds shall be distributed by the director to programs that the department of health determines will provide services that are physically and financially separate from abortion-providing and abortion-promoting activities, and that do not include counseling for or referrals for abortion, other than in the case of medical emergency.

These women's health services include and are limited to the following: pelvic examinations and laboratory testing; breast examinations and patient education on breast cancer; screening for cervical cancer; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV screening; voluntary choice of contraception, including abstinence and natural family planning; patient education and pre-pregnancy counseling on the dangers of smoking, alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy; education on sexual coercion and violence in relationships; and prenatal care or referral for prenatal care. These health care services shall be provided in a medical clinic setting by persons authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery; authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant; licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; or licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code as a social worker, independent social worker, licensed professional clinical counselor, or licensed professional counselor.

The director shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying reasonable eligibility standards that must be met to receive the state funding and provide reasonable methods by which a grantee wishing to be eligible for federal funding may comply with these requirements for state funding without losing its eligibility for federal funding.

Each applicant for these funds shall provide sufficient assurance to the director of all of the following:

(A) The program shall not discriminate in the provision of services based on an individual's religion, race, national origin, disability, age, sex, number of pregnancies, or marital status;

(B) The program shall provide services without subjecting individuals to any coercion to accept services or to employ any particular methods of family planning;

(C) Acceptance of services shall be solely on a voluntary basis and may not be made a prerequisite to eligibility for, or receipt of, any other service, assistance from, or participation in, any other program of the service provider;

(D) Any charges for services provided by the program shall be based on the patient's ability to pay and priority in the provision of services shall be given to persons from low-income families.

In distributing these grant funds, the director shall give priority to grant requests from local departments of health for women's health services to be provided directly by personnel of the local department of health. The director shall issue a single request for proposals for all grants for women's health services. The director shall send a notification of this request for proposals to every local department of health in this state and shall place a notification on the department's web site. The director shall allow at least thirty days after issuing this notification before closing the period to receive applications.

After the closing date for receiving grant applications, the director shall first consider grant applications from local departments of health that apply for grants for women's health services to be provided directly by personnel of the local department of health. Local departments of health that apply for grants for women's health services to be provided directly by personnel of the local department of health need not provide all the listed women's health services in order to qualify for a grant. However, in prioritizing awards among local departments of health that qualify for funding under this paragraph, the director may consider, among other reasonable factors, the comprehensiveness of the women's health services to be offered, provided that no local department of health shall be discriminated against in the process of awarding these grant funds because the applicant does not provide contraception.

If funds remain after awarding grants to all local departments of health that qualify for the priority, the director may make grants to other applicants. Awards to other applicants may be made to those applicants that will offer all eight of the listed women's health services or that will offer all of the services except contraception. No applicant shall be discriminated against in the process of awarding these grant funds because the applicant does not provide contraception.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:14 PM

Section 3701.047 | Agreement to promote federally qualified health centers.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Federally qualified health center" means a health center that receives a federal public health services grant under the "Public Health Services Act," 117 Stat. 2020, 42 U.S.C. 254b, as amended, or another health center designated by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration as a federally qualified health center.

(2) "Federally qualified health center look-alike" means a public or not-for-profit health center that meets the eligibility requirements to receive a federal public health services grant under the "Public Health Services Act," 117 Stat. 2020, 42 U.S.C. 254b, as amended, but does not receive grant funding.

(B) The department of health may enter into an agreement with the state's primary care association to promote the establishment of new federally qualified health centers and federally qualified health center look-alikes.

The department and the association may assist local communities and community health centers by providing grants and grant writing assistance to establish health centers as defined in 42 U.S.C. 254b, regardless of whether the health centers apply for a grant under that section.

Section 3701.048 | Protocols for the administration of drugs in a declared emergency.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Board of health" means the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Controlled substance" has the same meaning as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Drug," "dangerous drug," and "licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Registered volunteer" has the same meaning as in section 5502.281 of the Revised Code.

(B) In consultation with the appropriate professional regulatory boards of this state, the director of health shall develop one or more protocols that authorize the following individuals to administer, deliver, or distribute drugs, other than schedule II and III controlled substances, during a period of time described in division (E) of this section, notwithstanding any statute or rule that otherwise prohibits or restricts the administration, delivery, or distribution of drugs by those individuals:

(1) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery;

(2) A physician assistant licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code;

(3) A dentist or dental hygienist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code;

(4) A registered nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, including an advanced practice registered nurse, as defined in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code;

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

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

(7) A pharmacist or pharmacy intern licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(8) A respiratory care professional licensed under Chapter 4761. of the Revised Code;

(9) An emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, or emergency medical technician-paramedic who holds a certificate to practice issued under Chapter 4765. of the Revised Code;

(10) A veterinarian licensed under Chapter 4741. of the Revised Code.

(C) In consultation with the executive director of the emergency management agency, the director of health shall develop one or more protocols that authorize employees of boards of health and registered volunteers to deliver or distribute drugs, other than schedule II and III controlled substances, during a period of time described in division (E) of this section, notwithstanding any statute or rule that otherwise prohibits or restricts the delivery or distribution of drugs by those individuals.

(D) In consultation with the state board of pharmacy, the director of health shall develop one or more protocols that authorize pharmacists and pharmacy interns to dispense, during a period of time described in division (E) of this section, limited quantities of dangerous drugs, other than schedule II and III controlled substances, without a written, oral, or electronic prescription from a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs or without a record of a prescription, notwithstanding any statute or rule that otherwise prohibits or restricts the dispensing of drugs without a prescription or record of a prescription.

(E) On the governor's declaration of an emergency that affects the public health, the director of health may issue an order to implement one or more of the protocols developed pursuant to division (B), (C), or (D) of this section. At a minimum, the director's order shall identify the one or more protocols to be implemented and the period of time during which the one or more protocols are to be effective.

(F)(1) An individual who administers, delivers, distributes, or dispenses a drug or dangerous drug in accordance with one or more of the protocols implemented under division (E) of this section is not liable for damages in any civil action unless the individual's acts or omissions in performing those activities constitute willful or wanton misconduct.

(2) An individual who administers, delivers, distributes, or dispenses a drug or dangerous drug in accordance with one or more of the protocols implemented under division (E) of this section is not subject to criminal prosecution or professional disciplinary action under any chapter in Title XLVII of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.049 | Fetal-infant mortality review.
 

(A) As used in this section, "board of health" has the same meaning as in section 3707.70 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish a procedure for fetal-infant mortality review boards to follow in conducting a review of a fetal or infant death. The rules shall do all of the following:

(1) Specify the procedures a board of health must use to establish and operate a fetal-infant mortality review board under section 3707.71 of the Revised Code;

(2) Specify the data and other relevant information a review board must use when conducting the reviews described in section 3707.71 of the Revised Code;

(3) Establish guidelines for a review board to follow so that information presented to the review board does not include anything that would permit any person's identity to be ascertained;

(4) Specify the standards and procedures a review board must use when reporting fetal-infant mortality data to the fetal-infant mortality database maintained by the department of health or the national infant death review database.

Section 3701.0410 | Drug overdose fatality review.
 

The department of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish a procedure for county or regional drug overdose fatality review committees to follow in conducting a review of an overdose death. The rules shall do all of the following:

(A) Establish the format for the annual reports required by section 307.636 of the Revised Code;

(B) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review committee to follow in compiling statistics for annual reports so that the reports do not contain any information that would permit any person's identity to be ascertained from a report;

(C) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review committee to follow in creating and maintaining the comprehensive database of overdose deaths required by section 307.634 of the Revised Code, including provisions establishing uniform record-keeping procedures;

(D) Establish guidelines for reporting drug overdose fatality review data to the department of health, which must maintain the confidentiality of information that would permit a person's identity to be ascertained;

(E) Establish guidelines, materials, and training to help educate members of county or regional review committees about the purpose of the review process and the confidentiality of the information described in section 307.639 of the Revised Code;

(F) Establish guidelines, materials, and training, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, about the appropriate use of the drug database maintained in accordance with section 4729.75 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 19, 2021 at 5:19 PM

Section 3701.0411 | Suicide fatality review.
 

The department of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish a procedure for county or regional suicide fatality review committees to follow in conducting a review of a suicide death. The rules shall do all of the following:

(A) Establish the format for the annual reports required by section 307.646 of the Revised Code;

(B) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review committee to follow in compiling statistics for annual reports so that the reports do not contain any information that would permit any person's identity to be ascertained from a report;

(C) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review committee to follow in creating and maintaining the comprehensive database of deaths by suicide required by section 307.643 of the Revised Code, including provisions establishing uniform record-keeping procedures;

(D) Establish guidelines for reporting suicide fatality review data to the department of health, which must maintain the confidentiality of information that would permit a person's identity to be ascertained;

(E) Establish guidelines, materials, and training to help educate members of county or regional review committees about the purpose of the review process and the confidentiality of the information described in section 307.649 of the Revised Code;

(F) Establish guidelines, materials, and training, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, about the appropriate use of the drug database maintained in accordance with section 4729.75 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 19, 2021 at 5:19 PM

Section 3701.0412 | Domestic violence fatality review.
 

(A) The department of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing a procedure for county or regional domestic violence fatality review boards to follow in conducting a review of a death by domestic violence. The rules shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish the format for the annual reports required by section 307.656 of the Revised Code;

(2) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review board to follow in compiling statistics for annual reports so that the reports do not contain any information that would permit any person's identity to be ascertained from a report;

(3) Establish guidelines for a county or regional review board to follow in creating and maintaining the comprehensive database of deaths by domestic violence that is required by section 307.654 of the Revised Code, including provisions establishing uniform record-keeping procedures;

(4) Establish guidelines for reporting domestic violence fatality review data to the department of health, which must maintain the confidentiality of information that would permit a person's identity to be ascertained;

(5) Establish guidelines, materials, and training to help educate members of county or regional review boards about the purpose of the review process and the confidentiality of the information described in section 307.659 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of section 121.95 of the Revised Code to the contrary, a regulatory restriction contained in a rule adopted under this section is not subject to sections 121.95 to 121.953 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 24, 2023 at 11:26 AM

Section 3701.05 | Annual report to health officials and public.
 

The director of health shall keep health officials and the general public fully informed in a printed annual report in regard to the work of the department of health and on the progress that is being made in studying the cause and prevention of disease and such kindred subjects as may contribute to the welfare of the people of the state.

Section 3701.051 | Report on incidence of rare diseases.
 

(A) As used in this section, "rare disease" has the same meaning as in section 103.60 of the Revised Code.

(B) Not later than three years after the effective date of this section, the director of health shall publish a report detailing the incidence of rare diseases in this state, with subsequent reports published every two years thereafter. To the extent possible, the reports shall include data regarding individuals who have been diagnosed with a rare disease disaggregated by gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and type of insurance coverage.

Section 3701.06 | Right of entry to investigate violations.
 

The director of health and any person the director authorizes may, without fee or hindrance, enter, examine, and survey all grounds, vehicles, apartments, buildings, and places in furtherance of any duty laid upon the director or department of health or where the director has reason to believe there exists a violation of any health law or rule.

Section 3701.07 | Rules defining and classifying hospitals and dispensaries - reporting of information - residents' rights advocates to register with department.
 

(A) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code defining and classifying hospitals and dispensaries and providing for the reporting of information by hospitals and dispensaries. Except as otherwise provided in the Revised Code, the rules providing for the reporting of information shall not require inclusion of any confidential patient data or any information concerning the financial condition, income, expenses, or net worth of the facilities. The rules may require the reporting of information in the following categories:

(1) Information needed to identify and classify the institution;

(2) Information on facilities and type and volume of services provided by the institution;

(3) The number of beds listed by category of care provided;

(4) The number of licensed or certified professional employees by classification;

(5) The number of births that occurred at the institution the previous calendar year;

(6) Any other information that the director considers relevant to the safety of patients served by the institution.

Every hospital and dispensary, public or private, annually shall register with and report to the department of health. Reports shall be submitted in the manner prescribed in rules adopted under this division.

(B) Every governmental entity or private nonprofit corporation or association whose employees or representatives are defined as residents' rights advocates under divisions (E)(1) and (2) of section 3721.10 of the Revised Code shall register with the department of health on forms furnished by the director of health and shall provide such reasonable identifying information as the director may prescribe.

The department shall compile a list of the governmental entities, corporations, or associations registering under this division and shall update the list annually. Copies of the list shall be made available to nursing home administrators as defined in division (C) of section 3721.10 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:06 PM

Section 3701.071 | Registering and record keeping for nonprofit shelters and health care facilities.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Free clinic" means a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," as amended, or a program component of a nonprofit organization, to which both of the following apply:

(a) Its primary mission is to provide health care services for free or for a minimal administrative fee to individuals with limited resources.

(b) It facilitates the delivery of health care services through the use of volunteer health care professionals and voluntary care networks.

(2) "Indigent and uninsured person" has the same meaning as in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Nonprofit shelter or health care facility" means a charitable nonprofit corporation organized and operated pursuant to Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code, or any charitable organization not organized and not operated for profit, that provides shelter, health care services, or shelter and health care services to indigent and uninsured persons. "Nonprofit shelter or health care facility" includes any such shelter or facility that is operated as or includes a free clinic. "Nonprofit shelter or health care facility" does not include a hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, a facility licensed under Chapter 3721. of the Revised Code, or a medical facility that is operated for profit.

(B) A nonprofit shelter or health care facility operating in this state shall register on the first day of January each year with the department of health. The immunity provided by division (E) of section 2305.234 of the Revised Code is not available to a nonprofit shelter or health care facility until the shelter or facility registers with the department in accordance with this section.

(C) A nonprofit shelter or health care facility operating in this state shall keep records of all patients who receive medical, dental, or other health-related diagnosis, care, or treatment at the shelter or facility. The department of health shall monitor the quality of care provided to patients at nonprofit shelters or health care facilities. The monitoring program may be conducted by contracting with another entity or through any other method authorized by law. The department may solicit and accept funds from private sources to fund the monitoring program.

(D) A free clinic operating in this state shall compile information on medicaid eligibility and application requirements and procedures and display copies of that information in a prominent location for the benefit of persons who seek or receive services from the clinic.

Section 3701.072 | Information regarding free clinics.
 

(A) As used in this section, "free clinic" has the same meaning as in section 3701.071 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department of health, on its internet web site, shall make information available regarding free clinics. The information shall include all of the following:

(1) A description of what constitutes a free clinic;

(2) The benefits that free clinics provide to the state's health care system, including the services they make available to both patients and health care providers;

(3) A directory of free clinics, including for each clinic its address and contact information and its hours of operation;

(4) A notice each time that a new free clinic is opened.

(C) Each year, the department shall promote the designation under section 5.252 of the Revised Code of December as "Free Clinic Appreciation Month." The promotion shall include the selection of a free clinic to be named as "free clinic of the year" and the selection of a physician, nurse, and dentist to be named as "free clinic volunteer of the year" in the respective professions.

In conducting its promotion activities, the department may consult with entities that have interests in the services provided by and the benefits of free clinics, including the Ohio association of free clinics.

Section 3701.073 | Department to administer medicare rural hospital flexibility program.
 

(A) The department of health is hereby designated as the state agency responsible for administering the medicare rural hospital flexibility program, as established in 42 U.S.C. 1395i-4, as amended.

(B) The director of health shall designate as a critical access hospital a hospital registered as an acute care hospital with the department under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code if the hospital meets the following requirements:

(1) Has not more than twenty-five acute care and swing beds in use at any time for the furnishing of extended care or acute care inpatient services;

(2) Has a length of stay not more than ninety-six hours per patient, on an annual average basis;

(3) Provides inpatient, outpatient, emergency, laboratory, radiology, and twenty-fourhour emergency care services;

(4) Has network agreements in place for patient referral and transfer, a communication system for telemetry systems, electronic sharing of patient data, provision for emergency and non-emergency transportation, and assures credentialing and quality assurance;

(5) Was certified as a critical access hospital by the centers for medicare and medicaid services between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, or is located in a rural area as identified below:

(a) An area within an Ohio metropolitan area designated as a rural area by the United States department of health and human services, office of rural health policy, in accordance with 42 C.F.R. 412.103 regarding rural urban commuting area codes four through ten in effect on the effective date of this section;

(b) A non-metropolitan county as designated in United States office of management and budget bulletin no. 93-17, June 30, 1993, and its attachments;

(c) A rural zip code within a metropolitan county as designated in United States office of management and budget bulletin no. 93-17, June 30, 1993, and its attachments.

Section 3701.08 | Duties of department regarding hospitals and medical facilities.
 

The department of health constitutes the sole agency of the state for the purpose of:

(A) Making an inventory of existing hospitals and medical facilities, surveying the need for construction and modernization of hospitals and medical facilities, and developing a program of hospital and medical facilities construction and modernization as provided in sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code.

(B) Developing and administering a state plan for the construction and modernization of public and other nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities as provided in sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.09 | Program for construction and modernization of hospitals and medical facilities.
 

The director of health shall make an inventory of existing hospitals and medical facilities including public, nonprofit, and proprietary hospitals and medical facilities, survey the need for construction and modernization of hospitals and medical facilities and, on the basis of such inventory and survey, develop a program for the construction and modernization of such public and other nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities as will, in conjunction with existing facilities, afford the necessary physical facilities for furnishing adequate hospital and medical facilities services to all the people of the state.

Section 3701.10 | District health commissioner may be required to attend school of instruction.
 

The director of health may require any district health commissioner to attend, immediately after his appointment, a school of instruction to be conducted by the department of health at Columbus. The course at such school of instruction shall not exceed four weeks in duration, and the necessary expenses of the commissioner in attending such school shall be paid by the district board of health upon certification from the director that such officer has attended the school.

Section 3701.11 | Power to administer oath.
 

The director of health shall have power to administer oaths in all parts of the state so far as the exercise of such power is incidental to the performance of the duties of the director.

Section 3701.12 | Third party payment for department goods and services.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Third party" means any person or government entity other than the department of health or a program administered by the department.

(2) "Third party benefits" means any and all benefits paid by a third party to or on behalf of an individual or the individual's parent or guardian for goods or services the individual has received from the department of health or a grantee or contractor of the department.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the department of health shall not, on or after January 1, 2018, pay for goods or services that are payable through third party benefits.

(C) The prohibition in division (B) of this section does not apply when expressly contrary to another provision of the Revised Code or when, as determined by the director of health, department of health funds are required to mitigate the spread of infectious disease or are needed for exceptional circumstances.

Section 3701.13 | Department of health - powers.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Isolation" means the separation of one or more individuals who have been medically diagnosed with a communicable or contagious disease from other individuals who have not been medically diagnosed with the disease.

(2) "Quarantine" means the separation or restriction of movement of one or more individuals who have come into direct contact with someone who has been medically diagnosed with a communicable or contagious disease.

(B)(1) The department of health shall have supervision of all matters relating to the preservation of the life and health of the people and have authority in matters of quarantine and isolation, which it may declare and enforce, when neither exists, and modify, relax, or abolish, when either has been established.

(2) Under the authority described in division (B)(1) of this section, the department may require an individual traveling to this state from another country for which the centers for disease control and prevention has issued the highest level of travel health notice due to an outbreak of communicable or contagious disease in that country, and the notice is in effect at the time of arrival in this state from that country, to quarantine or isolate for a period of up to forty-eight hours from arrival, regardless of whether the individual has been medically diagnosed with or come into direct contact with an individual who has been medically diagnosed with that disease.

If the department requires an individual to quarantine or isolate under division (B)(2) of this section, the department shall provide the individual with transportation, lodging, food, and any necessary medical examination, testing, or treatment related to the communicable or contagious disease during that period.

(3) The authority of the department of health under this section is superior to the authority of a board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

(4) The department may approve methods of immunization against the diseases specified in section 3313.671 of the Revised Code for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of that section and take such actions as are necessary to encourage vaccination against those diseases.

(C) Subject to section 101.36 of the Revised Code, the department may make special or standing orders or rules for preventing the spread of contagious or infectious diseases.

(D) In addition to the authority granted by division (C) of this section, the department may make special or standing orders or rules for any of the following purposes:

(1) To prevent the use of fluoroscopes for nonmedical purposes that emit doses of radiation likely to be harmful to any person;

(2) To govern the receipt and conveyance of remains of deceased persons;

(3) To address such other sanitary matters as are best controlled by a general rule.

(E) Whenever possible, the department shall work in cooperation with the health commissioner of a general or city health district.

In any of the following circumstances, the department may make and enforce orders in local matters or reassign substantive authority for mandatory programs from a general or city health district to another general or city health district: when an emergency exists, when the board of health of a general or city health district has neglected or refused to act with sufficient promptness or efficiency, or when such board has not been established as provided by sections 3709.02, 3709.03, 3709.05, 3709.06, 3709.11, 3709.12, and 3709.14 of the Revised Code. In such cases, the necessary expense incurred shall be paid by the general health district or city for which the services are rendered.

The department of health may require general or city health districts to enter into agreements for shared services under section 9.482 of the Revised Code. The department shall prepare and offer to boards of health a model contract and memorandum of understanding that are easily adaptable for use by boards of health when entering into shared services agreements. The department also may offer financial and other technical assistance to boards of health to encourage the sharing of services.

As a condition precedent to receiving funding from the department of health, the director of health may require general or city health districts to apply for accreditation by July 1, 2018, and be accredited by July 1, 2020, by an accreditation body approved by the director. The director of health, by July 1, 2016, shall conduct an evaluation of general and city health district preparation for accreditation, including an evaluation of each district's reported public health quality indicators as provided for in section 3701.98 of the Revised Code.

(F) The department may make evaluative studies of the nutritional status of Ohio residents, and of the food and nutrition-related programs operating within the state. Every agency of the state, at the request of the department, shall provide information and otherwise assist in the execution of such studies.

Last updated July 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM

Section 3701.131 | Director of health - duties regarding sickle cell disease.
 

The director of health shall:

(A) Encourage and assist in the development of programs of education and research pertaining to the causes, detection, and treatment of sickle cell disease and provide for rehabilitation and counseling of persons possessing the trait of or afflicted with this disease;

(B) Advise, consult, cooperate with, and assist, by contract or otherwise, agencies of this state and the federal government, agencies of the governments of other states, agencies of political subdivisions of this state, and private organizations, corporations, and associations in the development and promotion of programs pertaining to the causes, detection, and treatment of sickle cell disease and rehabilitation and counseling of persons possessing the trait of or afflicted with this disease;

(C) Accept and administer grants from the federal government or other sources, public or private, for carrying out any of the functions enumerated in divisions (A) and (B) of this section;

(D) Submit a written report to the general assembly on or before the twenty-first day of August of each year outlining the receipt and disbursement of funds and the implementation and progress of various programs undertaken pursuant to this section during the preceding fiscal year.

Section 3701.132 | Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.
 

(A) As used in this section, "WIC program" means the "special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children" established under the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1786, as amended.

(B) The department of health is hereby designated as the state agency to administer the WIC program.

The director of health shall adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code as necessary for administering the WIC program. The rules may include civil money penalties for violations of the rules.

(C) In determining eligibility for services provided under the WIC program, the department may use the application form established under section 5163.40 of the Revised Code for the healthy start program. The department may require applicants to furnish their social security numbers.

(D) If the department determines that a vendor has committed an act with respect to the WIC program that federal statutes or regulations or state statutes or rules prohibit, the department shall take action against the vendor in the manner required by 7 C.F.R. part 246, including imposition of a civil money penalty in accordance with 7 C.F.R. 246.12, or rules adopted under this section.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:07 PM

Section 3701.133 | Meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B information.
 

(A) The department of health shall make available on its web site information about the risks associated with meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B, the availability of vaccines, and the effectiveness of the vaccines. The department shall provide written notice of the availability of meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B information on the web site to all of the following:

(1) Each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district, as defined in Chapter 3311. of the Revised Code;

(2) Each nonpublic school, whether chartered, nonchartered, or nontax supported, that enrolls students in ninth grade or the equivalent educational level;

(3) Each community school created under section 3314.01 of the Revised Code, that enrolls students in ninth grade or the equivalent educational level;

(4) Each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code;

(5) Each nonprofit institution of higher education, as defined in section 1713.55 of the Revised Code;

(6) Each private career school, as defined in section 3332.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to the information provided for in division (A) of this section, the department of health shall make available on its web site, in a format suitable for downloading, a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccination status statement form for a student or, if the student is younger than eighteen years of age, the student's parent, to complete to disclose whether the student has been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B. The form shall include all of the following:

(1) The information described in division (A) of this section and a means for the student or the student's parent to acknowledge having received and read the information;

(2) A space for the student or the student's parent to indicate one of the following:

(a) The student has been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, and the year the vaccination was given.

(b) The student has not been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.

(3) A space for the student or the student's parent to indicate one of the following:

(a) The student has been vaccinated against hepatitis B, and the year the vaccination was given.

(b) The student has not been vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Section 3701.134 | Director of health to provide means of immunization against chicken pox.
 

To the extent appropriations made by the general assembly make this possible, the director of health shall provide, for the purpose of section 3313.671 of the Revised Code, the means of immunization against chicken pox to boards of health, legislative authorities of municipal corporations, and boards of township trustees.

Section 3701.135 | Autism diagnosis education pilot program.
 

(A) The autism diagnosis education pilot program is hereby established in the department of health. The program shall have the following goals:

(1) To educate health care professionals, teachers and other educational personnel, child care providers, parents, early intervention and developmental disabilities providers, and other community-based services providers in this state regarding the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, including the range of symptoms that may indicate autism spectrum disorders and screening tools;

(2) To promote appropriate standards for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children, including screening tools and treatment planning for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders;

(3) To encourage physicians and other health care professionals with expertise in screening, diagnosing, and treating autism spectrum disorders to share that information with other health care professionals in this state;

(4) To encourage the regional coordination of services to facilitate the effective, timely treatment of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

(B) The director of health shall contract with a statewide association representing pediatric physicians to conduct or administer the autism diagnosis education pilot program.

Section 3701.136 | School-based fluoride mouth rinse program.
 

(A) The director of health may establish a school-based fluoride mouth rinse program. If the director establishes the program, divisions (B) to (E) of this section are applicable.

(B) The director shall conduct a program to educate employees of the department of health and dental hygienists licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code on how to train employees of, and volunteers for, public and nonpublic schools regarding the proper means of administering fluoride mouth rinse to students.

(C) Schools that participate in the school-based fluoride mouth rinse program shall require that their employees and volunteers who intend to administer fluoride mouth rinse to students receive training, by either of the following, on the proper means of administering fluoride mouth rinse to students:

(1) An employee of the department of health or a dental hygienist who has been trained through the program the director conducts pursuant to division (B) of this section;

(2) A school employee or volunteer who has been trained by an individual described in division (C)(1) of this section.

(D)(1) The director shall prescribe a form that the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of a student enrolled in a public or nonpublic school that participates in the school-based fluoride mouth rinse program may use to consent to the administration of fluoride mouth rinse to the student for the duration of the student's enrollment in that school. School employees or volunteers shall not administer fluoride mouth rinse to a student unless the consent form from the student's parent, guardian, or other person has been received.

(2) The consent form shall include all of the following:

(a) A space designated for the student's name and address;

(b) A space designated for the name of the student's school;

(c) A space designated for the student's grade level and class;

(d) A space designated for the signature of the parent, guardian, or other person who authorizes the administration of fluoride mouth rinse to the student;

(e) Information on the name, dosage, and intervals at which the fluoride mouth rinse is scheduled to be administered during each school year;

(f) The dates the administration of fluoride mouth rinse is to begin and cease, which may, respectively, be the first and last days of a school year;

(g) Any other information or spaces the director considers necessary for the proper administration of the program.

(E) The director may adopt rules as necessary to implement and administer the school-based fluoride mouth rinse program. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.137 | Promotion of complex regional pain syndrome education.
 

(A) As used in this section, "complex regional pain syndrome" or "CRPS," also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, means a debilitating and progressively chronic syndrome characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch.

(B) The department of health shall include information on its internet web site to promote complex regional pain syndrome education in a manner that enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health. The information on the web site shall include all of the following:

(1) Emerging research regarding the pathophysiology of CRPS;

(2) The risk factors that contribute to the manifestation of CRPS;

(3) Available treatment options, including the risks and benefits of those options;

(4) Information on environmental safety and injury prevention;

(5) Information on rest and the use of appropriate body mechanics;

(6) Information on the availability of diagnostic, treatment, and outreach services for CRPS;

(7) Information concerning any other factors or elements that might mitigate the effects of CRPS.

(C) The department shall notify boards of health, hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers about the availability of information concerning CRPS on the department's web site.

Section 3701.138 | Influenza information for older adults.
 

(A) As used in this section, "older adult" means an individual who is sixty years of age or older.

(B) The department of health shall prepare an influenza vaccine information sheet that pertains to older adults. The information sheet shall contain all of the following:

(1) A description of influenza, including its causes, symptoms, and methods of transmission;

(2) A discussion of the health risks that influenza poses to older adults;

(3) A discussion of the influenza vaccine, including its availability, the methods of administration, and its effectiveness in preventing influenza and lessening symptoms and complications of influenza;

(4) A recommendation that each older adult consult with a health care professional to determine whether annual vaccination against influenza is appropriate for the older adult.

(C) The information sheet may contain any other information regarding influenza and the influenza vaccine that the department considers necessary, including the following:

(1) The rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths among older adults;

(2) The benefits to older adults from annual vaccination against influenza, especially to those living in close proximity to other older adults;

(3) The entities, facilities, or health care professionals providing influenza vaccinations to older adults.

(D) The department shall periodically review and update the information sheet. The department shall make the information sheet available on its internet web site in a format suitable for printing.

Section 3701.139 | Meetings; report.
 

(A) Subject to division (B) of this section, the director of health shall convene meetings with staff of the department of health, department of medicaid, department of administrative services, and commission on minority health to do all of the following:

(1) Assess the prevalence of all types of diabetes in this state, including disparities in that prevalence among various demographic populations and local jurisdictions;

(2) Establish and reevaluate goals for each of the agencies to reduce that prevalence;

(3) Identify how to measure the progress achieved toward attaining the goals established under division (A)(2) of this section;

(4) Establish and monitor the implementation of plans for each agency to reduce the prevalence of all types of diabetes, improve diabetes care, and control complications associated with diabetes among the populations of concern to each agency;

(5) Consider any other matter associated with reducing the prevalence of all types of diabetes in this state that the director considers appropriate;

(6) Collect the information needed to prepare the reports required by division (C) of this section.

(B) The director shall convene the meetings required by division (A) of this section at the director's discretion, but not less than twice each calendar year.

(C) Not later than the thirty-first day of January of every third year beginning in 2021, the director shall submit a report to the general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code that addresses or contains all of the following for the three-year period preceding the report's submission:

(1) The results of the assessment required by division (A)(1) of this section;

(2) The progress each agency has made toward achieving the goals established under division (A)(2) of this section and implementing the plans required by division (A)(4) of this section;

(3) An assessment of the health and financial impacts that all types of diabetes have had on the state and local jurisdictions, and, subject to division (D) of this section, each agency specified in division (A) of this section;

(4) A description of the efforts the agencies specified in division (A) of this section have taken to coordinate programs intended to prevent, treat, and manage all types of diabetes and associated complications;

(5) Recommendations for legislative policies to reduce the impact that diabetes, pre-diabetes, and complications from diabetes have on the citizens of this state, including specific action steps that could be taken, the expected outcomes of the action steps, and benchmarks for measuring progress toward achieving the outcomes;

(6) A budget proposal that identifies the needs and resources required to implement the recommendations described in division (C)(5) of this section, as well as estimates of the costs to implement the recommendations;

(7) Any other information concerning diabetes prevention, treatment, or management in this state that the director considers appropriate.

(D) An agency-specific assessment required by division (C) of this section shall include all of the following:

(1) A list and description of each diabetes prevention or control program the agency administers, the number of individuals with each type of diabetes and their dependents who are impacted by each program, the expenses associated with administering each program, and the funds appropriated for each program, along with each funding source;

(2) A comparison of the expenses described in division (D)(1) of this section with the expenses the agency incurs in administering programs to reduce the prevalence of other chronic diseases and conditions;

(3) An evaluation of the benefits that have resulted from each program listed pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section.

(E) Nothing in this section requires the agencies specified in division (A) of this section to establish programs for diabetes prevention, treatment, and management that had not been initiated or funded prior to April 6, 2017.

Section 3701.1310 | Assistance at appointments during declared emergency.
 

During any declared disaster, epidemic, pandemic, public health emergency, or public safety emergency, an individual with a developmental disability or any other permanent disability who is in need of surgery or any other health care procedure, any medical or other health care test, or any clinical care visit shall be given the opportunity to have at least one parent or legal guardian present if the presence of the individual's parent or legal guardian is necessary to alleviate any negative reaction that may be experienced by the individual who is the patient.

The director of health may take any action necessary to enforce this section.

Last updated January 27, 2022 at 3:08 PM

Section 3701.14 | Special duties of director of health.
 

(A) Subject to section 101.36 of the Revised Code, the director of health shall investigate or make inquiry as to the cause of disease or illness, including contagious, infectious, epidemic, pandemic, or endemic conditions, and take prompt action to control and suppress it. The reports of births and deaths, the sanitary conditions and effects of localities and employments, the personal and business habits of the people that affect their health, and the relation of the diseases of man and beast, shall be subjects of study by the director. The director may make and execute orders necessary to protect the people against diseases of lower animals, and shall collect and preserve information in respect to such matters and kindred subjects as may be useful in the discharge of the director's duties, and for dissemination among the people. When called upon by the state or local governments, or the board of health of a general or city health district, the director shall promptly investigate and report upon the water supply, sewerage, disposal of excreta of any locality, and the heating, plumbing, and ventilation of a public building.

(B) Information obtained during an investigation or inquiry that the director currently is conducting pursuant to division (A) of this section and that is not yet complete is confidential during the course of that investigation or inquiry and shall not be released except pursuant to division (D) or (J) of this section or under one of the following conditions:

(1) The confidential information is released pursuant to a search warrant or subpoena issued by or at the request of a grand jury or prosecutor, as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) The director has entered into a written agreement to share or exchange the information with a person or government entity, and that agreement requires the person or entity to comply with the confidentiality requirements established under this section.

(3) The information is contained in a preliminary report released by the director pursuant to division (G)(1) of this section.

(C) Division (B) of this section applies during any investigation or inquiry the director makes pursuant to division (A) of this section, notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code that establishes the manner of maintaining confidentiality or the release of information, except that the confidentiality and release of protected health information under section 3701.17 of the Revised Code is governed by that section.

(D) Nothing in this section bars the release of information that is in summary, statistical, or aggregate form and that does not identify a person. Information that is in summary, statistical, or aggregate form and that does not identify a person is a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(E) Nothing in this section authorizes the director to conduct an independent criminal investigation without the consent of each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction to conduct the criminal investigation.

(F) Except for information released pursuant to division (G) or (J) of this section, any disclosure pursuant to this section shall be in writing and accompanied by a written statement that includes the following or substantially similar language: "This information has been disclosed to you from confidential records protected from disclosure by state law. If this information has been released to you in other than a summary, statistical, or aggregate form, you shall make no further disclosure of this information without the specific, written, and informed release of the person to whom it pertains, or as otherwise permitted by state law. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is not sufficient for the release of information pursuant to this section."

(G)(1) If an investigation or inquiry the director currently is conducting pursuant to division (A) of this section is not completed within six months after the date of commencement, the director shall prepare and release a report containing preliminary findings. Every six months thereafter, the director shall prepare and release a supplementary preliminary report until such time as the investigation or inquiry is completed.

(2) Upon completion of an investigation or inquiry conducted pursuant to division (A) of this section, the director shall prepare and release a final report containing the director's findings.

(H) No report prepared by the director pursuant to this section shall contain protected health information, as defined in section 3701.17 of the Revised Code.

(I) The director shall adopt, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, rules establishing the manner in which the reports prepared by the director pursuant to this section are to be released.

(J) The director shall release information obtained during an investigation or inquiry that the director currently is conducting pursuant to division (A) of this section and that is not yet complete, if the director determines the release of the information is necessary, based on an evaluation of relevant information, to avert or mitigate a clear threat to an individual or to the public health. Information released pursuant to this division shall be limited to the release of the information to those persons necessary to control, prevent, or mitigate disease or illness.

Section 3701.141 | Office of women's health initiatives.
 

(A) There is hereby created in the department of health the women's health program,.

(B) To the extent funds are available, the women's health program shall:

(1) Identify, review, and assist the director in the coordination of programs and resources the department of health is committing to women's health concerns, including the department's women's and infants' program activities;

(2) Advocate for women's health by requesting that the department conduct, sponsor, encourage, or fund research; establish additional programs regarding women's health concerns as needed; and monitor the research and program efforts;

(3) Collect, classify, and store relevant research conducted by the department or other entities, and provide, unless otherwise prohibited by law, interested persons access to research results;

(4) Apply for grant opportunities.

Section 3701.142 | Rules for community health workers.
 

The director of health, in consultation with the medicaid director, shall adopt rules specifying the urban and rural communities that have the highest infant mortality rates in this state. The communities shall be identified by zip code or portions of zip codes that are contiguous. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.143 | Analyzing blood, urine, breath or other bodily substance to determine alcohol or drug of abuse content.
 

For purposes of sections 1547.11, 4511.19, and 4511.194 of the Revised Code, the director of health shall determine, or cause to be determined, techniques or methods for chemically analyzing a person's whole blood, blood serum or plasma, urine, breath, or other bodily substance in order to ascertain the amount of alcohol, a drug of abuse, controlled substance, metabolite of a controlled substance, or combination of them in the person's whole blood, blood serum or plasma, urine, breath, or other bodily substance. The director shall approve satisfactory techniques or methods, ascertain the qualifications of individuals to conduct such analyses, and issue permits to qualified persons authorizing them to perform such analyses. Such permits shall be subject to termination or revocation at the discretion of the director.

As used in this section, "drug of abuse" has the same meaning as in section 4506.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.144 | Ohio breast and cervical cancer project.
 

(A) As used in this section, "cost sharing" has the same meaning as in section 3923.85 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department of health shall administer the state's participation in the national breast and cervical cancer early detection program (NBCCEDP), which shall be known as the Ohio breast and cervical cancer project. The project shall be administered in accordance with Title XV of the "Public Health Service Act," 42 U.S.C. 300k et seq., and the department's NBCCEDP grant agreement with the United States centers for disease control and prevention.

(C) In administering the project, the department shall set eligibility requirements for services provided through the project as follows:

(1) The woman must have countable family income not exceeding three hundred per cent of the federal poverty line.

(2) One of the following must be the case:

(a) The woman is not covered by health insurance.

(b) The woman is covered by health insurance that does not include the screening or diagnostic services the woman seeks through the project.

(c) The woman is covered by health insurance that imposes cost sharing for the screening or diagnostic services the woman seeks through the project that exceeds the limit specified by the director of health in rules adopted under division (D) of this section.

(3) In the case of a woman seeking cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through the project, the woman must be at least twenty-one and less than sixty-five years of age.

(4) In the case of a woman seeking breast cancer screening and diagnostic services through the project, either of the following must be the case:

(a) The woman is at least forty years of age.

(b) The woman is at least twenty-one and less than forty years of age and has been determined by a physician to need breast cancer screening and diagnostic services due to the results of a clinical breast examination, the woman's family history, or other factors.

(D) The director shall adopt rules for purposes of division (C)(2)(c) of this section specifying the cost sharing limit for each screening and diagnostic service that may be obtained through the project. The director may adopt other rules as necessary to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.145 | Director ensure treatment for breast or cervical cancer.
 

(A) The director of health shall ensure that, as part of the Ohio breast and cervical cancer project administered under section 3701.144 of the Revised Code, a woman who meets all of the following conditions receives treatment for breast or cervical cancer:

(1) The woman was screened for breast or cervical cancer by a provider who either does not participate in or was not paid for the screening by the Ohio breast and cervical cancer project.

(2) The woman is in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer.

(3) The woman has a countable income not exceeding three hundred per cent of the federal poverty line.

(4) The woman is not covered by health insurance.

(5) The woman is less than sixty-five years of age.

(B) The director of health may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 9, 2021 at 12:55 PM

Section 3701.146 | Duties and powers regarding tuberculosis.
 

(A) In taking actions regarding tuberculosis, the director of health has all of the following duties and powers:

(1) The director shall maintain registries of hospitals, clinics, physicians, or other care providers to whom the director shall refer persons who make inquiries to the department of health regarding possible exposure to tuberculosis.

(2) The director shall engage in tuberculosis surveillance activities, including the collection and analysis of epidemiological information relative to the frequency of tuberculosis infection, demographic and geographic distribution of tuberculosis cases, and trends pertaining to tuberculosis.

(3) The director shall maintain a tuberculosis registry to record the incidence of tuberculosis in this state.

(4) The director may appoint physicians to serve as tuberculosis consultants for geographic regions of the state specified by the director. Each tuberculosis consultant shall act in accordance with rules the director establishes and shall be responsible for advising and assisting physicians and other health care practitioners who participate in tuberculosis control activities and for reviewing medical records pertaining to the treatment provided to individuals with tuberculosis.

(B)(1) The director shall adopt rules establishing standards for the following:

(a) Performing tuberculosis screenings;

(b) Performing examinations of individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis and individuals who are suspected of having tuberculosis;

(c) Providing treatment to individuals with tuberculosis;

(d) Preventing individuals with communicable tuberculosis from infecting other individuals;

(e) Performing laboratory tests for tuberculosis and studies of the resistance of tuberculosis to one or more drugs;

(f) Selecting laboratories that provide in a timely fashion the results of a laboratory test for tuberculosis. The standards shall include a requirement that first consideration be given to laboratories located in this state.

(2) Rules adopted pursuant to this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and may be consistent with any recommendations or guidelines on tuberculosis issued by the United States centers for disease control and prevention or by the American thoracic society. The rules shall apply to county or district tuberculosis control units, physicians who examine and treat individuals for tuberculosis, and laboratories that perform tests for tuberculosis.

Section 3701.15 | Annual report.
 

Each year, the director of health shall make a report to the governor, which shall include so much of the proceedings of the department of health, information concerning vital statistics and diseases, instructions on the subject of hygiene for dissemination among the people and suggestions as to legislation as the director deems proper. The director shall include in the director's annual report a full statement of all examinations made in the department's public health laboratory authorized by section 3701.22 of the Revised Code, with a detailed account of all expenses.

Section 3701.16 | Purchase, storage, distribution of pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies for public health emergency.
 

The director of health may purchase, store, and distribute antitoxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies that the director deems advisable in the interest of preparing for or responding to a public health emergency. The discretion granted to the director by this section does not relieve the director of the duty to act under section 3701.161 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.161 | Diphtheria antitoxin.
 

The director of health shall make necessary arrangements for the production and distribution of diphtheria antitoxin. Such antitoxin shall in all respects be equal in purity and potency to the standard of requirements of the United States public health service for antitoxin for interstate commerce. Diphtheria antitoxin shall be distributed in accordance with rules the director adopts pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.162 | Antitoxin for indigent persons.
 

Any licensed physician practicing in this state, or the superintendent of any state or county institution, may receive without charge the quantities of antitoxin as the physician or superintendent requires for the treatment or prevention of diphtheria in indigent persons, provided such antitoxin shall be used only for persons residing in the state, and that a sufficient supply is available for distribution.

Section 3701.17 | Protected health information.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Protected health information" means information, in any form, including oral, written, electronic, visual, pictorial, or physical that describes an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health status or condition, receipt of treatment or care, or purchase of health products, if either of the following applies:

(a) The information reveals the identity of the individual who is the subject of the information.

(b) The information could be used to reveal the identity of the individual who is the subject of the information, either by using the information alone or with other information that is available to predictable recipients of the information.

(B) Protected health information reported to or obtained by the director of health, the department of health, or a board of health of a city or general health district is confidential and shall not be released without the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the information unless the information is released pursuant to division (C) of this section or one of the following applies:

(1) The release of the information is necessary to provide treatment to the individual and the information is released pursuant to a written agreement that requires the recipient of the information to comply with the confidentiality requirements established under this section.

(2) The release of the information is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information and the information is released pursuant to a written agreement that requires the recipient of the information to comply with the confidentiality requirements established under this section.

(3) The information is released pursuant to a search warrant or subpoena issued by or at the request of a grand jury or prosecutor in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution.

(4) The director determines the release of the information is necessary, based on an evaluation of relevant information, to avert or mitigate a clear threat to an individual or to the public health. Information may be released pursuant to this division only to those persons or entities necessary to control, prevent, or mitigate disease.

(C) Information that does not identify an individual is not protected health information and may be released in summary, statistical, or aggregate form. Information that is in a summary, statistical, or aggregate form and that does not identify an individual is a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code and, upon request, shall be released by the director.

(D) Except for information released pursuant to division (B)(4) of this section, any disclosure pursuant to this section shall be in writing and accompanied by a written statement that includes the following or substantially similar language: "This information has been disclosed to you from confidential records protected from disclosure by state law. If this information has been released to you in other than a summary, statistical, or aggregate form, you shall make no further disclosure of this information without the specific, written, and informed release of the individual to whom it pertains, or as otherwise permitted by state law. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is not sufficient for the release of information pursuant to this section."

Section 3701.18 | Testing bacteria level of water adjacent to public swimming beaches.
 

The director of health shall establish techniques and procedures as appropriate for use by the division of parks and watercraft in the department of natural resources when taking samples and conducting tests under section 1546.08 of the Revised Code of the waters of this state that are adjacent to public swimming beaches as defined in that section. The director of health, in consultation with and subject to the approval of the director of natural resources, shall specify the frequency with which and location at which the waters are to be sampled and tested.

The director of health shall interpret the results of the water tests conducted under section 1546.08 of the Revised Code. If the director's interpretation indicates that the bacteria levels in the waters tested present a possible health risk to persons using the waters for swimming and bathing and that the posting of signs advising the public of the condition is warranted, the director shall notify the chief of the division of parks and watercraft.

Section 3701.19 | Poison control network definitions.
 

As used in sections 3701.19 to 3701.201 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Poison prevention and treatment center" means an entity designated as a poison prevention and treatment center by the director of health under section 3701.20 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Harm" means injury, death, or loss to person or property.

(C) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property. "Tort action" includes a product liability claim that is subject to sections 2307.71 to 2307.80 of the Revised Code, but does not include a civil action for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

(D)(1) Subject to division (D)(2) of this section, "volunteer" means a trustee, officer, or agent of a poison prevention and treatment center, or another person associated with such a center, who satisfies both of the following:

(a) Performs services for or on behalf of, and under the authority or auspices of, the center;

(b) Does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, for performing those services.

(2) For purposes of division (D)(1) of this section, "compensation" does not include any of the following:

(a) Actual and necessary expenses that are incurred by a volunteer in connection with the services performed for a center, and that are reimbursed to the volunteer or otherwise paid;

(b) Insurance premiums paid on behalf of a volunteer, and amounts paid or reimbursed, pursuant to division (E) of section 1702.12 of the Revised Code;

(c) Modest perquisites.

Section 3701.20 | Poison control network - purposes.
 

(A) In accordance with rules adopted under division (C) of this section, the director of health shall establish, promote, and maintain the Ohio poison control network; designate regions within the network; and designate poison prevention and treatment centers within each region. The purposes of the network are to:

(1) Reduce the mortality resulting from and the expenditures incurred because of accidental, homicidal, suicidal, occupational, or environmental poisoning;

(2) Educate the public and health care professionals concerning the prevention and treatment of exposure to poison;

(3) Organize poison prevention and treatment activities on a regional basis to avoid duplication and waste.

(B) To be eligible for designation as a poison prevention and treatment center and to retain the designation, a center must maintain compliance with the standards established by the director pursuant to division (C) of this section. A poison prevention and treatment center may be operated by an individual, hospital, institution of higher education, political subdivision, association, corporation, or public or private agency.

(C) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director shall adopt rules that do the following:

(1) Establish guidelines, based on population density and other relevant factors, and procedures to be followed in designating poison control network regions and centers;

(2) Establish standards for the operation of poison prevention and treatment centers;

(3) Establish standards and procedures to be followed in making grants to poison prevention and treatment centers;

(4) Establish procedures, other than those prescribed by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for reconsideration, at the request of the entity affected, of the denial or revocation of a designation as a poison prevention and treatment center.

(D) In accordance with rules adopted under division (C) of this section, the director of health shall make grants to poison prevention and treatment centers. A center is not eligible for a grant unless, prior to receiving the grant, the entity that operates the center agrees in writing that the level of the total funds, labor, and services devoted by the entity to the center during the period of the grant will approximate, as determined by the director of health, the level of the total funds, labor, and services devoted to the center by that entity in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the grant begins.

(E) Each poison prevention and treatment center shall do all of the following:

(1) Maintain and staff a twenty-four-hour per day, toll-free, telephone line to respond to inquiries and provide information about poison prevention and treatment and available services;

(2) Provide specialized treatment, consultation, information, and educational programs to health care professionals and the public;

(3) Compile information on the types and frequency of treatment it provides.

A center may provide the services described in divisions (E)(1) and (2) of this section either directly or through contract with other facilities, as the director of health considers appropriate. Each center shall take measures to ensure the confidentiality of information about individuals to whom treatment or services are provided.

(F) The director of health may revoke the designation of a poison treatment and control center, or deny an application for designation, if the center or applicant fails to meet or maintain the standards established in rules adopted under division (C) of this section. The entity seeking the designation may have the revocation or denial reconsidered in accordance with rules adopted under division (C) of this section.

(G)(1) A poison prevention and treatment center, its officers, employees, volunteers, or other persons associated with the center, and a person, organization, or institution that advises or assists a poison prevention and treatment center are not liable in damages in a tort action for harm that allegedly arises from advice or assistance rendered to any person unless the advice or assistance is given in a manner that constitutes willful or wanton misconduct or intentionally tortious conduct.

(2) This section does not create, and shall not be construed as creating, a new cause of action or substantive legal right against a poison prevention and treatment center, its officers, employees, volunteers, or other persons associated with the center, or a person, organization, or institution that advises or assists a poison prevention and treatment center.

(3) This section does not affect, and shall not be construed as affecting, any immunities from civil liability or defenses conferred by any other section of the Revised Code or available at common law, to which a poison prevention and treatment center, its officers, employees, volunteers, or other persons associated with the center or a person, organization, or institution that advises or assists a poison prevention and treatment center may be entitled under circumstances not specified by this section.

(H) The director shall annually report to the general assembly findings and recommendations concerning the effectiveness, impact, and benefits of the poison prevention and treatment centers.

Section 3701.201 | Rules for reporting bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, infectious agents, toxins posing risk of human fatality or disability.
 

(A) As used in this section, "bioterrorism" has the same meaning as in section 3701.232 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code under which a poison prevention and treatment center or other health-related entity is required to report events that may be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or established or novel infectious agents or biological or chemical toxins posing a risk of human fatality or disability. Rules adopted under this section may require a report of any of the following:

(1) An unexpected pattern or increase in the number of telephone inquiries or requests to provide information about poison prevention and treatment and available services;

(2) An unexpected pattern or increase in the number of requests to provide specialized treatment, consultation, information, and educational programs to health care professionals and the public;

(3) An unexpected pattern or increase in the number of requests for information on established or novel infectious agents or biological or chemical toxins posing a risk of human fatality or disability that is relatively uncommon and may have been caused by bioterrorism.

(C) Each poison prevention and treatment center and other health-related entity shall comply with any reporting requirement established in rules adopted under division (B) of this section.

(D) Information reported under this section that is protected health information pursuant to section 3701.17 of the Revised Code shall be released only in accordance with that section. Information that does not identify an individual may be released in summary, statistical, or aggregate form.

Section 3701.21 | Save our sight fund.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Amblyopia" means reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood.

(2) "501(c) organization" means an organization exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C.A. 501(a) and (c).

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the save our sight fund. The fund shall consist of voluntary contributions deposited as provided in section 4503.104 of the Revised Code. All investment earnings from the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(C) The director of health shall use the money in the save our sight fund as follows:

(1) To provide support to 501(c) organizations that offer vision services in all counties of the state and have demonstrated experience in the delivery of vision services to do one or more of the following:

(a) Implement a voluntary children's vision screening training and certification program for volunteers, child care providers, nurses, teachers, health care professionals practicing in primary care settings, and others serving children;

(b) Provide materials for the program implemented under division (C)(1)(a) of this section;

(c) Develop and implement a registry and targeted voluntary case management system to determine whether children with amblyopia are receiving professional eye care and to provide their parents with information and support regarding their child's vision care;

(d) Establish a matching grant program for the purchase and distribution of protective eyewear to children;

(e) Provide vision health and safety programs and materials for classrooms.

(2) For the purpose of section 4503.104 of the Revised Code, to develop and distribute informational materials on the importance of eye care and safety to the registrar of motor vehicles and each deputy registrar;

(3) To pay costs incurred by the director in administering the fund;

(4) To reimburse the bureau of motor vehicles for the administrative costs incurred in performing its duties under section 4503.104 of the Revised Code.

(D) A 501(c) organization seeking funding from the save our sight fund for any of the projects specified in division (C) of this section shall submit a request for the funding to the director in accordance with rules adopted under division (E) of this section. The director shall determine the appropriateness of and approve or disapprove projects for funding and approve or disapprove the disbursement of money from the save our sight fund.

(E) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules shall include the parameters of the projects specified in division (C)(1) of this section that may be funded with money in the save our sight fund and procedures for 501(c) organizations to request funding from the fund.

Section 3701.22 | Public health laboratory.
 

The department of health shall maintain a public health laboratory for the following:

(A) Examination of public water supplies and the effluent of sewage purification works;

(B) Diagnosis of, screening for, or confirmation of diseases or pathogens as it deems necessary;

(C) Performance of biological, chemical, or radiological analyses or examinations as it deems necessary;

(D) Analysis of patient specimens and food samples necessary for investigation of foodborne illnesses. In foodborne illness investigations, the laboratory shall cooperate and consult with the director of agriculture acting pursuant to section 3715.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.221 | Chemical and bacteriological laboratory.
 

(A) The director of health shall have charge of the public health laboratory authorized by section 3701.22 of the Revised Code. The director may employ an assistant for the laboratory who shall be a person skilled in chemistry and bacteriology, and receive compensation as the director determines. All expenses of the laboratory shall be paid from appropriations made for the department of health.

(B) The director, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt, and may amend or rescind, rules establishing reasonable fees for services the laboratory performs. The director need not prescribe fees where the director believes that charging fees would significantly and adversely affect the public health. All fees collected for services the laboratory performs shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the laboratory handling fee fund, which is hereby created for the purpose of defraying expenses of operating the laboratory.

Section 3701.23 | Reporting contagious or infectious diseases, illnesses, health conditions, or unusual infectious agents or biological toxins.
 

(A) As used in this section, "health care provider" means any person or government entity that provides health care services to individuals. "Health care provider" includes, but is not limited to, hospitals, medical clinics and offices, special care facilities, medical laboratories, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, physician assistants, registered and licensed practical nurses, laboratory technicians, emergency medical service organization personnel, and ambulance service organization personnel.

(B) Boards of health, health authorities or officials, health care providers in localities in which there are no health authorities or officials, and coroners or medical examiners shall report promptly to the department of health the existence of any of the following:

(1) Asiatic cholera;

(2) Yellow fever;

(3) Diphtheria;

(4) Typhus or typhoid fever;

(5) As specified by the director of health, other contagious or infectious diseases, illnesses, health conditions, or unusual infectious agents or biological toxins posing a risk of human fatality or disability.

(C) No person shall fail to comply with the reporting requirements established under division (B) of this section.

(D) The reports required by this section shall be submitted on forms, as required by statute or rule, and in the manner the director of health prescribes.

(E) Information reported under this section that is protected health information pursuant to section 3701.17 of the Revised Code shall be released only in accordance with that section. Information that does not identify an individual may be released in summary, statistical, or aggregate form.

Section 3701.231 | Laboratory compliance with reporting and confidentiality requirements.
 

If a medical laboratory outside this state performs a test or other diagnostic or investigative analysis that results in information pertaining to a resident of this state that must be reported under section 3701.23 or 3707.06 of the Revised Code, the entity using the laboratory shall ensure that the laboratory complies with reporting and confidentiality requirements and shall verify to the director of health that the laboratory complies with reporting and confidentiality requirements. The director shall establish procedures by which an entity may verify the laboratory's compliance.

Section 3701.232 | Reporting significant changes in medication usage that may be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Bioterrorism" means the intentional use of any microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology, or any naturally occurring or bioengineered component of a microorganism, virus, infectious substance, or biological product, to cause death, disease, or other biological malfunction in a human, animal, plant, or other living organism as a means of influencing the conduct of government or intimidating or coercing a population.

(2) "Pharmacist" means an individual licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code to engage in the practice of pharmacy as a pharmacist.

(3) "Pharmacy" and "prescription" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code under which a pharmacy or pharmacist is required to report significant changes in medication usage that may be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or established or novel infectious agents or biological toxins posing a risk of human fatality or disability. Rules adopted under this section may require a report of any of the following:

(1) An unexpected increase in the number of prescriptions for antibiotics;

(2) An unexpected increase in the number of prescriptions for medication to treat fever or respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints;

(3) An unexpected increase in sales of, or the number of requests for information on, over-the-counter medication to treat fever or respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints;

(4) Any prescription for medication used to treat a disease that is relatively uncommon and may have been caused by bioterrorism.

(C) No person shall fail to comply with any reporting requirement established in rules adopted under division (B) of this section.

(D) Information reported under this section that is protected health information pursuant to section 3701.17 of the Revised Code shall be released only in accordance with that section. Information that does not identify an individual may be released in summary, statistical, or aggregate form.

Section 3701.24 | Report as to contagious or infectious diseases - AIDS and HIV.
 

(A) As used in this section and sections 3701.241 to 3701.249 of the Revised Code:

(1) "AIDS" means the illness designated as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

(2) "HIV" means the human immunodeficiency virus identified as the causative agent of AIDS.

(3) "AIDS-related condition" means symptoms of illness related to HIV infection, including AIDS-related complex, that are confirmed by a positive HIV test.

(4) "HIV test" means any test for the antibody or antigen to HIV that has been approved by the director of health under division (B) of section 3701.241 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Health care facility" has the same meaning as in section 1751.01 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Director" means the director of health or any employee of the department of health acting on the director's behalf.

(7) "Physician" means a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(8) "Nurse" means a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who holds a license issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code.

(9) "Anonymous test" means an HIV test administered so that the individual to be tested can give informed consent to the test and receive the results by means of a code system that does not link the identity of the individual tested to the request for the test or the test results.

(10) "Confidential test" means an HIV test administered so that the identity of the individual tested is linked to the test but is held in confidence to the extent provided by sections 3701.24 to 3701.248 of the Revised Code.

(11) "Health care provider" means an individual who provides diagnostic, evaluative, or treatment services. Pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director may adopt rules further defining the scope of the term "health care provider."

(12) "Significant exposure to body fluids" means a percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure of an individual to the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or spinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or amniotic fluid of another individual.

(13) "Emergency medical services worker" means all of the following:

(a) A peace officer;

(b) An employee of an emergency medical service organization as defined in section 4765.01 of the Revised Code;

(c) A firefighter employed by a political subdivision;

(d) A volunteer firefighter, emergency operator, or rescue operator;

(e) An employee of a private organization that renders rescue services, emergency medical services, or emergency medical transportation to accident victims and persons suffering serious illness or injury.

(14) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as in division (A) of section 109.71 of the Revised Code, except that it also includes a sheriff and the superintendent and troopers of the state highway patrol.

(B) Persons designated by rule adopted by the director under section 3701.241 of the Revised Code shall report promptly every case of AIDS, every AIDS-related condition, and every confirmed positive HIV test to the department of health on forms and in a manner prescribed by the director. In each county the director shall designate the health commissioner of a health district in the county to receive the reports.

(C) No person shall fail to comply with the reporting requirements established under division (B) of this section.

 (D) Information reported under this section that identifies an individual is confidential and may be released only with the written consent of the individual except as the director determines necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information, as necessary to provide treatment to the individual, as ordered by a court pursuant to section 3701.243 or 3701.247 of the Revised Code, or pursuant to a search warrant or a subpoena issued by or at the request of a grand jury, prosecuting attorney, city director of law or similar chief legal officer of a municipal corporation, or village solicitor, in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution. Information that does not identify an individual may be released in summary, statistical, or aggregate form.

Last updated February 10, 2022 at 5:52 PM

Section 3701.241 | Director to develop and administer AIDS and HIV related programs.
 

(A) The director of health shall develop and administer the following:

(1) A surveillance system to determine the number of cases of AIDS and the HIV infection rate in various population groups;

(2) Counseling and testing programs for groups determined by the director to be at risk of HIV infection, including procedures for both confidential and anonymous tests, counseling training programs for health care providers, and development of counseling guidelines;

(3) A confidential partner notification system to alert and counsel sexual contacts of individuals with HIV infection;

(4) Risk reduction and education programs for groups determined by the director to be at risk of HIV infection, and, in consultation with a wide range of community leaders, education programs for the public;

(5) Pilot programs for the long-term care of individuals with AIDS or AIDS-related condition, including care in nursing homes and in alternative settings;

(6) Programs to expand regional outpatient treatment of individuals with AIDS or AIDS-related condition;

(7) A program to assist communities, including communities of less than one hundred thousand population, in establishing AIDS task forces and support groups for individuals with AIDS, AIDS-related condition, and HIV infection. The program may include the award of grants if they are matched by local funds.

Information obtained or maintained under the partner notification system is not a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code and may be released only in accordance with division (C) of section 3701.243 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director shall:

(1) Approve a test or tests to be used to determine whether an individual has HIV infection, define a confirmed positive test result, and develop guidelines for interpreting test results;

(2) Establish sites for confidential and anonymous HIV tests, and prepare a list of sites where an individual may obtain an anonymous test;

(3) Prepare a list of counseling services;

(4) Make available a copy of the list of anonymous testing sites or a copy of the list of counseling services to anyone who requests it.

(C) The director of health shall require the director or administrator of each site where anonymous or confidential HIV tests are given to submit a report every three months evaluating from an epidemiologic perspective the effectiveness of the HIV testing program at that site. Not later than January 31, 1991, and each year thereafter, the director of health shall make a report evaluating the anonymous and confidential testing programs throughout the state with regard to their effectiveness as epidemiologic programs. The report shall be submitted to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and shall be made available to the public.

The director of health shall adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for the implementation of the requirements of division (B)(1) of this section and division (D) of section 3701.24 of the Revised Code.

(D) The director of health shall administer funds received under Title XXVI of the "Public Health Services Act," 104 Stat. 576 (1990), 42 U.S.C.A. 2601, as amended, for programs to improve the quality and availability of care for individuals with AIDS, AIDS-related condition, and HIV infection. In administering these funds, the director may enter into contracts with any person or entity for the purpose of administering the programs, including contracts with the department of job and family services for establishment of a program of reimbursement of drugs used for treatment and care of such individuals. The director of health may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and issue orders as necessary for administration of the funds. If the department of job and family services enters into a contract under this division, the director of job and family services may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code as necessary for carrying out the department's duties under the contract.

Section 3701.242 | Informed consent to HIV test required.
 

(A) A voluntary HIV test may be performed on an individual by or on the order of a health care provider if the individual or the individual's parent or guardian has given general consent to the provider for medical or other health care treatment and if the health care provider or an authorized representative of the health care provider has notified the individual that the HIV test is planned. The notification may be verbal or written, in person or electronic, or any combination thereof.

(B) A minor may consent to be given an HIV test. The consent is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The parents or guardian of a minor giving consent under this division are not liable for payment and shall not be charged for an HIV test given to the minor without the consent of a parent or the guardian.

(C) The health care provider ordering an HIV test shall provide post-test counseling for an individual who receives an HIV-positive test result. The director of health may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the information to be provided in post-test counseling.

(D) An individual shall have the right to an anonymous test. A health care facility or health care provider that does not provide anonymous testing shall refer an individual requesting an anonymous test to a site where it is available.

(E) Divisions (A) to (D) of this section do not apply to the performance of an HIV test in any of the following circumstances:

(1) When the test is performed in a medical emergency by a nurse or physician and the test results are medically necessary to avoid or minimize an immediate danger to the health or safety of the individual to be tested or another individual, except that post-test counseling shall be given to the individual if the individual receives an HIV-positive test result;

(2) When the test is performed for the purpose of research if the researcher does not know and cannot determine the identity of the individual tested;

(3) When the test is performed by a person who procures, processes, distributes, or uses a human body part from a deceased person donated for a purpose specified in Chapter 2108. of the Revised Code, if the test is medically necessary to ensure that the body part is acceptable for its intended purpose;

(4) When the test is performed on a person incarcerated in a correctional institution under the control of the department of rehabilitation and correction if the head of the institution has determined, based on good cause, that a test is necessary;

(5) When the test is performed in accordance with section 2907.27 of the Revised Code;

(6) When the test is performed on an individual after the infection control committee of a health care facility, or other body of a health care facility performing a similar function determines that a health care provider, emergency medical services worker, or peace officer, while rendering health or emergency care to an individual, has sustained a significant exposure to the body fluids of that individual, and the individual has refused to give consent for testing.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:01 PM

Section 3701.243 | Disclosing of HIV test results or diagnosis.
 

(A) Except as provided in this section or section 3701.248 of the Revised Code, no person or agency of state or local government that acquires the information while providing any health care service or while in the employ of a health care facility or health care provider shall disclose or compel another to disclose any of the following:

(1) The identity of any individual on whom an HIV test is performed;

(2) The results of an HIV test in a form that identifies the individual tested;

(3) The identity of any individual diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition.

(B)(1) Except as provided in divisions (B)(2), (C), (D), and (F) of this section, the results of an HIV test or the identity of an individual on whom an HIV test is performed or who is diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition may be disclosed only to the following:

(a) The individual who was tested or the individual's legal guardian, and the individual's spouse or any sexual partner;

(b) A person to whom disclosure is authorized by a written release, executed by the individual tested or by the individual's legal guardian and specifying to whom disclosure of the test results or diagnosis is authorized and the time period during which the release is to be effective;

(c) Any physician who treats the individual;

(d) The department of health or a health commissioner to which reports are made under section 3701.24 of the Revised Code;

(e) A health care facility or provider that procures, processes, distributes, or uses a human body part from a deceased individual, donated for a purpose specified in Chapter 2108. of the Revised Code, and that needs medical information about the deceased individual to ensure that the body part is medically acceptable for its intended purpose;

(f) Health care facility staff committees or accreditation or oversight review organizations conducting program monitoring, program evaluation, or service reviews;

(g) A health care provider, emergency medical services worker, or peace officer who sustained a significant exposure to the body fluids of another individual, if that individual was tested pursuant to division (E)(6) of section 3701.242 of the Revised Code, except that the identity of the individual tested shall not be revealed;

(h) To law enforcement authorities pursuant to a search warrant or a subpoena issued by or at the request of a grand jury, a prosecuting attorney, a city director of law or similar chief legal officer of a municipal corporation, or a village solicitor, in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution.

(2) The results of an HIV test or a diagnosis of AIDS or an AIDS-related condition may be disclosed to a health care provider, or an authorized agent or employee of a health care facility or a health care provider, if the provider, agent, or employee has a medical need to know the information and is participating in the diagnosis, care, or treatment of the individual on whom the test was performed or who has been diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition.

This division does not impose a standard of disclosure different from the standard for disclosure of all other specific information about a patient to health care providers and facilities. Disclosure may not be requested or made solely for the purpose of identifying an individual who has a positive HIV test result or has been diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition in order to refuse to treat the individual. Referral of an individual to another health care provider or facility based on reasonable professional judgment does not constitute refusal to treat the individual.

(3) Not later than ninety days after November 1, 1989, each health care facility in this state shall establish a protocol to be followed by employees and individuals affiliated with the facility in making disclosures authorized by division (B)(2) of this section. A person employed by or affiliated with a health care facility who determines in accordance with the protocol established by the facility that a disclosure is authorized by division (B)(2) of this section is immune from liability to any person in a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property resulting from the disclosure.

(C)(1) Any person or government agency may seek access to or authority to disclose the HIV test records of an individual in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) The person or government agency shall bring an action in a court of common pleas requesting disclosure of or authority to disclose the results of an HIV test of a specific individual, who shall be identified in the complaint by a pseudonym but whose name shall be communicated to the court confidentially, pursuant to a court order restricting the use of the name. The court shall provide the individual with notice and an opportunity to participate in the proceedings if the individual is not named as a party. Proceedings shall be conducted in chambers unless the individual agrees to a hearing in open court.

(b) The court may issue an order granting the plaintiff access to or authority to disclose the test results only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the plaintiff has demonstrated a compelling need for disclosure of the information that cannot be accommodated by other means. In assessing compelling need, the court shall weigh the need for disclosure against the privacy right of the individual tested and against any disservice to the public interest that might result from the disclosure, such as discrimination against the individual or the deterrence of others from being tested.

(c) If the court issues an order, it shall guard against unauthorized disclosure by specifying the persons who may have access to the information, the purposes for which the information shall be used, and prohibitions against future disclosure.

(2) A person or government agency that considers it necessary to disclose the results of an HIV test of a specific individual in an action in which it is a party may seek authority for the disclosure by filing an in camera motion with the court in which the action is being heard. In hearing the motion, the court shall employ procedures for confidentiality similar to those specified in division (C)(1) of this section. The court shall grant the motion only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that a compelling need for the disclosure has been demonstrated.

(3) Except for an order issued in a criminal prosecution or an order under division (C)(1) or (2) of this section granting disclosure of the result of an HIV test of a specific individual, a court shall not compel a blood bank, hospital blood center, or blood collection facility to disclose the result of HIV tests performed on the blood of voluntary donors in a way that reveals the identity of any donor.

(4) In a civil action in which the plaintiff seeks to recover damages from an individual defendant based on an allegation that the plaintiff contracted the HIV virus as a result of actions of the defendant, the prohibitions against disclosure in this section do not bar discovery of the results of any HIV test given to the defendant or any diagnosis that the defendant has AIDS or an AIDS-related condition.

(D) The results of an HIV test or the identity of an individual on whom an HIV test is performed or who is diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition may be disclosed to a federal, state, or local government agency, or the official representative of such an agency, for purposes of the medicaid program, the medicare program, or any other public assistance program.

(E) Any disclosure pursuant to this section shall be in writing and accompanied by a written statement that includes the following or substantially similar language: "This information has been disclosed to you from confidential records protected from disclosure by state law. You shall make no further disclosure of this information without the specific, written, and informed release of the individual to whom it pertains, or as otherwise permitted by state law. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is not sufficient for the purpose of the release of HIV test results or diagnoses."

(F) An individual who knows that the individual has received a positive result on an HIV test or has been diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition shall disclose this information to any other person with whom the individual intends to make common use of a hypodermic needle or engage in sexual conduct as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code. An individual's compliance with this division does not prohibit a prosecution of the individual for a violation of division (B) of section 2903.11 of the Revised Code.

(G) Nothing in this section prohibits the introduction of evidence concerning an HIV test of a specific individual in a criminal proceeding.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:15 PM

Section 3701.244 | Civil actions.
 

(A) As used in this section, "violation" means an occasion of noncompliance involving a single injured individual.

(B) A person or an agency of state or local government that knowingly violates division (A) of section 3701.242, division (A) of section 3701.243, or division (E) of section 3701.248 of the Revised Code may be found liable in a civil action; the action may be brought by any individual injured by the violation. Except as otherwise provided in division (C) or (D) of this section, the court may award compensatory damages and any equitable relief, including injunctive relief, it finds appropriate. If an award is made in favor of the plaintiff, the judge may award reasonable attorney's fees to the plaintiff after a hearing to determine the amount of the fees.

(C) No person shall be held liable for damages or attorney's fees in an action based on a violation of section 3701.243 of the Revised Code by his employee or agent unless the person knew or should have known of the violation.

(D) A person who acts in good faith in accordance with section 3701.242, 3701.243, or 3701.248 of the Revised Code is not liable for damages in a civil action brought pursuant to this section.

(E) A civil action under this section is barred unless the action is commenced within one year after the cause of action accrued. A cause of action does not survive the death of the individual injured by the violation unless a civil action based on the cause of action is commenced prior to the death of that individual.

(F) The remedies in this section are the exclusive civil remedies for an individual injured by noncompliance with section 3701.242, 3701.243, or division (E) of section 3701.248 of the Revised Code.

(G) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose civil liability on a person for the disclosure of an HIV test result, a diagnosed case of AIDS, or a diagnosed AIDS-related condition in accordance with a reporting requirement of the department of health or any federal agency.

(H) No person with knowledge that an individual other than himself has or may have AIDS, and AIDS-related condition, or a positive HIV test shall be held liable for failing to disclose that information to any person unless disclosure is expressly required by law.

Section 3701.245 | Public agencies may not require HIV results to obtain services.
 

(A) No state agency as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code, political subdivision, agency of local government, or private nonprofit corporation receiving state or local government funds shall refuse to admit as a patient, or to provide services to, any individual solely because he refuses to consent to an HIV test or to disclose HIV test results.

(B) The prohibition contained in division (A) of this section does not prevent a physician or a person licensed to practice dentistry under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code from referring an individual he has reason to believe may have AIDS or an AIDS-related condition to an appropriate health care provider or facility, if the referral is based on reasonable professional judgment and not solely on grounds of the refusal of the individual to consent to an HIV test or to disclose the result of an HIV test.

Section 3701.246 | HIV testing of donated body parts or fluids.
 

Any human body part donated for transplantation, including an organ, tissue, eye, bone, artery, or other part, and any body fluid donated for transfusion or injection into another person, including blood, plasma, a blood product, semen, or other fluid, shall be given an HIV test before being transplanted, transfused, or injected to determine that the part or fluid is not infected with the HIV virus unless, in an emergency, the recipient of the donation or his guardian, after consultation with the recipient's physician, consents to a waiver of this requirement.

Section 3701.247 | Order compelling HIV testing.
 

(A)(1) Any of the following persons may bring an action in a probate court for an order compelling another person to undergo HIV testing:

(a) A person who believes the person may have been exposed to HIV infection while rendering health or emergency care to the other person;

(b) A peace officer who believes the peace officer may have been exposed to HIV infection while dealing with the other person in the performance of official duties.

(2) The complaint in the action shall be accompanied by an affidavit in which the plaintiff attests to all of the following:

(a) While rendering health or emergency care to the defendant, or while dealing with the defendant in the performance of the plaintiff's duties, the plaintiff sustained a significant exposure to body fluids of the defendant that are known to transmit HIV;

(b) The plaintiff has reason to believe the defendant may have an HIV infection;

(c) The plaintiff made a reasonable attempt to have the defendant submit to HIV testing in accordance with section 3701.242 of the Revised Code, and notified the defendant that the plaintiff would bring an action under this section on the defendant's refusal or failure to be tested, but the defendant has not been tested;

(d) Within seven days after the exposure, the plaintiff took an HIV test.

In the complaint, the defendant shall be identified by a pseudonym and the defendant's name communicated to the court confidentially pursuant to a court order restricting the use of the name. Proceedings shall be conducted in chambers unless the defendant agrees to a hearing in open court.

(B) The court shall hold a hearing on the complaint at the earliest possible time but not later than the third business day after the day the defendant is served with the complaint and notice of the hearing. The court shall enter judgment on the complaint on the day the hearing is concluded.

(C) Notwithstanding division (A) of section 3701.242 of the Revised Code, the court may order the defendant to undergo HIV testing if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the plaintiff has proved the matters attested to in the plaintiff's affidavit and has demonstrated that the plaintiff has a compelling need for the results of the test and no other means exist to accommodate the need. If granted, the order shall guard against unauthorized disclosure of the test results by specifying the persons and governmental entities that may have access to the results and by limiting further disclosure. The court shall require that the defendant be given test results and, if the defendant's test results are HIV-positive, that post-test counseling be provided the defendant in accordance with division (C) of section 3701.242 of the Revised Code. The court may order the plaintiff to pay the cost of the defendant's testing and counseling.

Section 3701.248 | Emergency medical or funeral services worker exposed to contagious or infectious disease may request notice of test results.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Contagious or infectious disease" means a disease specified in rules adopted by the director of health pursuant to division (F) of this section.

(2) "Patient" means either of the following:

(a) A person, whether alive or dead, who has been treated, or handled, or transported for medical care by an emergency medical services worker;

(b) A deceased person whose body is handled by a funeral services worker.

(3) "Significant exposure" means:

(a) A percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure of an individual to the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or spinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or amniotic fluid of another person;

(b) Exposure to a contagious or infectious disease.

(4) "Funeral services worker" means a person licensed as a funeral director or embalmer under Chapter 4717. of the Revised Code or an individual responsible for the direct final disposition of a deceased person.

(B)(1) An emergency medical services worker or funeral services worker who believes that significant exposure has occurred through the worker's contact with a patient may submit to the health care facility or coroner that received the patient a written request to be notified of the results of any test performed on the patient to determine the presence of a contagious or infectious disease. The request shall include:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the individual submitting the request;

(b) The name of the individual's employer, or, in the case of a volunteer emergency medical services worker, the entity for which the worker volunteers, and the individual's supervisor;

(c) The date, time, location, and manner of the exposure.

(2) The request for notification that is submitted by an emergency medical services worker pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section is valid for ten days after it is made. If at the end of that ten-day period no test has been performed to determine the presence of a contagious or infectious disease, no diagnosis has been made, or the result of the test is negative, the health care facility or coroner shall notify the emergency medical services worker. The notification shall not include the name of the patient. If necessary, the request may be renewed in accordance with the same procedures and requirements as the original request.

(3) A health care facility or coroner shall respond immediately to a request for notification submitted pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section by a funeral services worker. If no test has been performed to determine the presence of a contagious or infectious disease, no diagnosis has been made, or the result of a test that was performed is negative, the health care facility or coroner shall immediately notify the funeral services worker. The notification shall not include the name of the patient.

On receipt of notification that no test has been performed to determine the presence of a contagious or infectious disease in a patient, the funeral services worker may have a test performed on the patient. The test shall be performed in accordance with rules adopted by the department of health pursuant to division (G) of this section.

The consent of the patient's family is not required for performance of a test pursuant to division (B)(3) of this section.

(C) The health care facility or coroner that receives a written request for notification shall give an oral notification of the presence of a contagious or infectious disease, or of a confirmed positive test result, if known, to the person who made the request and the person's supervisor and to the infection control committee or other body described in division (E)(6) of section 3701.242 of the Revised Code within two days after determining the presence of a contagious or infectious disease or after a confirmed positive test result. A written notification shall follow oral notification within three days. If a contagious or infectious disease is present, or the test results are confirmed positive, both the oral and written notification shall include the name of the disease, its signs and symptoms, the date of exposure, the incubation period, the mode of transmission of the disease, the medical precautions necessary to prevent transmission to other persons, and the appropriate prophylaxis, treatment, and counseling for the disease. The notification shall not include the name of the patient.

If the request is made by an emergency medical services worker and the information is not available from the health care facility to which the request is made because the patient has been transferred from that health care facility, the facility shall assist the emergency medical services worker in locating the patient and securing the requested information from the health care facility that treated or is treating the patient. If the patient has died, the health care facility shall give the emergency medical services worker the name and address of the coroner who received the patient.

(D) Each health care facility and coroner shall develop written procedures to implement the notification procedures required by this section. A health care facility or coroner may take measures in addition to those required in this section to notify emergency medical services workers and funeral services workers of possible exposure to a contagious or infectious disease as long as the confidentiality of the information is maintained.

(E) No person shall knowingly fail to comply with division (C) of this section.

(F) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that specify the diseases that are reasonably likely to be transmitted by air or blood during the normal course of duties performed by an emergency medical services worker or funeral services worker. In adopting such rules, the director shall consider the types of contact that typically occur between patients and emergency medical services workers and funeral services workers.

(G) The department of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the procedures a funeral services worker must follow when having a test performed on a patient pursuant to division (B)(3) of this section. The rules shall specify how and by whom the test is to be performed. The rules shall require the funeral services worker or the funeral services worker's employer to pay the cost of the test. No health care facility shall be required to perform the test.

Section 3701.249 | Immunity of employer.
 

(A) As used in this section, "employer" and "employee" have the same meanings as in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The employer of a person with HIV infection is immune from liability to any person in a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property on a claim arising out of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus from the infected employee to another employee or to any other person, unless the transmission occurs as a result of the reckless conduct of the employer.

(C) An employer is immune from liability to an employee on a claim asserted under any provision of the Revised Code or in a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property if the claim arises from an illness or injury to the employee that is stress-related and results from the employee being required to work with an individual who has received a positive result on an HIV test or has been diagnosed as having AIDS or an AIDS-related condition.

Section 3701.25 | Parkinson's disease registry.
 

(A) As used in sections 3701.25 to 3701.255 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Certified nurse practitioner" and "clinical nurse specialist" have the same meanings as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in section 3722.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Parkinson's disease" means a chronic and progressive neurological disorder resulting from a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine as the consequence of specific degenerative changes in the area of the brain called the basal ganglia. It is characterized by tremor at rest, slow movements, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, and unsteady or shuffling gait.

(4) "Parkinsonisms" means conditions related to Parkinson's disease that cause a combination of the movement abnormalities seen in Parkinson's disease, such as tremor at rest, slow movement, muscle rigidity, impaired speech, or muscle stiffness, which often overlap with and can evolve from what appears to be Parkinson's disease. Examples of Parkinsonisms include:

(a) Multiple system atrophy;

(b) Dementia with Lewy bodies;

(c) Corticobasal degeneration;

(d) Progressive supranuclear palsy.

(5) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(6) "Physician assistant" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant.

(B) Within twenty-four months of the effective date of this section, the director of health shall establish and maintain a Parkinson's disease registry for the collection and monitoring of the incidence of Parkinson's disease in Ohio.

(C) The director shall supervise the registry and the collection and dissemination of data included in the registry. The director may enter into contracts, grants, or other agreements as necessary to maintain the registry, including data sharing contracts with data reporting entities and their associated electronic medical record systems vendors.

(D) Beginning on a date and at intervals determined by the director, each individual case of Parkinson's disease or a Parkinsonism diagnosed on or after the date determined by the director shall be reported to the registry in a format specified by the director by one of the following:

(1) The certified nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, physician, or physician assistant who diagnosed or treated the individual's Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism;

(2) The group practice, hospital, or other health care facility that employs or contracts with the medical professional described in division (D)(1) of this section.

(E) Each medical professional or health care facility specified in division (D) of this section shall inform patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or a Parkinsonism at the time of diagnosis or treatment of the Parkinson's disease registry.

(F) The director or a representative of a director may inspect upon reasonable notice a representative sample of the medical records of patients with Parkinson's disease diagnosed, treated, or admitted at a group practice, hospital, or other health care facility.

(G) Each medical professional or health care facility specified in division (D) of this section who in good faith submits a Parkinson's disease report to the registry is not liable in any cause of action arising from the submission of the report.

(H) Nothing in sections 3701.25 to 3701.255 of the Revised Code shall be deemed to compel any individual to submit to any medical examination or supervision by the department of health, any of its authorized representatives, or an approved researcher.

(I) Facilities or individuals providing diagnostic or treatment services to patients with Parkinson's disease may maintain separate facility-based Parkinson's disease registries.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 5:47 PM

Section 3701.251 | Confidentiality.
 

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all data collected by the Parkinson's disease registry is confidential pursuant to section 3701.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health may enter into agreements to furnish data collected in the Parkinson's disease registry to other states' Parkinson's disease registries, federal Parkinson's disease control agencies, local health officers, and local health researchers. Before confidential data is disclosed to an out-of-state registry, federal agency, health officer, or researcher, the requesting entity shall agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of that information. Researchers also shall do the following:

(1) Obtain approval of the department of health's institutional review board;

(2) Provide documentation to the director that demonstrates to the director's satisfaction that the researcher has established the procedures and ability to maintain the confidentiality of the information.

(C) The director shall maintain an accurate record of researchers who are given access to confidential data. The record shall include the following:

(1) Name, title, address, and organizational affiliation of the individual given access;

(2) Dates of access;

(3) Specific purpose for which the data will be used.

(D) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, confidential data shall not be disclosed, discoverable, or compelled to be produced in any civil, criminal, administrative, or other proceeding. Confidential data shall not be deemed admissible as evidence in any civil, criminal, administrative, or other tribunal or court for any reason.

(E) This section does not prohibit the publication of reports and aggregate statistical data by the director that do not identify individual cases or individual sources of data.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 5:48 PM

Section 3701.252 | Advisory committee.
 

(A) There is hereby created the Parkinson's disease registry advisory committee. The committee shall consist of the director of health or the director's designee and the following members appointed by the director:

(1) A neurologist;

(2) A movement disorder specialist;

(3) A primary care provider;

(4) A physician informaticist;

(5) A public health professional;

(6) A population health researcher familiar with disease registries;

(7) A Parkinson's disease researcher;

(8) A patient living with Parkinson's disease;

(9) Any other members the director deems necessary.

(B) The committee shall do both of the following:

(1) Assist the director of health in the development and implementation of the Parkinson's disease registry;

(2) Advise the director on maintaining and improving the registry.

(C) The director or the director's designee shall serve as the chairperson of the committee.

(D) Each member shall serve without compensation except to the extent that serving on the committee is considered part of the member's regular duties of employment.

(E) The committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson but not less than twice annually. The committee's first meeting shall occur within ninety days of the effective date of this section. Meetings may take place in-person or virtually at the discretion of the chairperson.

(F) The department of health shall provide meeting space and other administrative support for the committee.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 5:49 PM

Section 3701.253 | Annual report.
 

Within twenty-four months of the establishment of the Parkinson's disease registry, and annually thereafter, the director of health shall submit a report to the general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code summarizing the following:

(A) The incidence of Parkinson's disease in Ohio by county;

(B) The number of new cases reported to the Parkinson's disease registry in the previous year;

(C) Demographic information including age, gender, and race.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 5:49 PM

Section 3701.254 | Registry information online.
 

The director of health shall describe the registry and provide any information regarding the registry the director deems relevant on the department of health's internet web site.

Last updated September 26, 2023 at 10:55 AM

Section 3701.255 | Rulemaking.
 

The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to specify the data to be collected and the format in which it is to be submitted to the registry.

Last updated September 26, 2023 at 10:55 AM

Section 3701.261 | Ohio cancer incidence surveillance system.
 

(A) As used in this section, "state university" has the same meaning as in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall:

(1) Establish a population-based cancer registry, which shall be known as the Ohio cancer incidence surveillance system, to monitor the incidence of various types of malignant diseases in Ohio, make appropriate epidemiologic studies to determine any causal relations of such diseases with occupational, nutritional, environmental, or infectious conditions, and alleviate or eliminate any such conditions;

(2) Advise, consult, cooperate with, and assist, by contract or otherwise, agencies of the state and federal government, agencies of the governments of other states, agencies of political subdivisions of this state, universities, private organizations, corporations, and associations for the purposes of division (B)(1) of this section;

(3) Accept and administer grants from the federal government or other sources, public or private, for carrying out any of the functions enumerated in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section.

(C) The Ohio cancer incidence surveillance system shall follow a model of cancer data collection as set forth by the survey epidemiology and end results system (SEERS).

(D) The department may, by contract, designate a state university as an agent to implement some or all of this section and section 3701.262 of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under those sections.

Section 3701.262 | Cancer incidence surveillance system rules.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Physician" means a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(2) "Dentist" means a person who is licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code to practice dentistry.

(3) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Cancer" includes those diseases specified by rule of the director of health under division (B)(2) of this section.

(B) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to do all of the following:

(1) Establish the Ohio cancer incidence surveillance system required by section 3701.261 of the Revised Code;

(2) Specify the types of cancer and other tumorous and precancerous diseases to be reported to the department of health under division (D) of this section;

(3) Establish reporting requirements for information concerning diagnosed cancer cases as the director considers necessary to conduct epidemiologic surveys of cancer in this state;

(4) Establish standards that must be met by research projects to be eligible to receive information concerning individual cancer patients from the department of health.

(C) The department of health shall record in the registry all reports of cancer received by it. In the development and administration of the cancer registry the department may use information compiled by public or private cancer registries and may contract for the collection and analysis of, and research related to, the information recorded under this section.

(D)(1) Each physician, dentist, hospital, or person providing diagnostic or treatment services to patients with cancer shall report each case of cancer to the department. Any person required to report pursuant to this section may elect to report to the department through an existing cancer registry if the registry meets the reporting standards established by the director and reports to the department.

(2) No person shall fail to make the cancer reports required by division (D)(1) of this section.

(E) All physicians, dentists, hospitals, or persons providing diagnostic or treatment services to patients with cancer shall grant to the department or its authorized representative access to all records that identify cases of cancer or establish characteristics of cancer, the treatment of cancer, or the medical status of any identified cancer patient.

(F) The Arthur G. James cancer hospital and Richard J. Solove research institute of the Ohio state university, shall analyze and evaluate the cancer reports collected pursuant to this section. The department shall publish and make available to the public reports summarizing the information collected. Reports shall be made on a calendar year basis and published not later than ninety days after the end of each calendar year.

(G) Furnishing information, including records, reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other information, to the department of health, either voluntarily or as required by this section, or to a person or governmental entity designated as a medical research project by the department, does not subject a physician, dentist, hospital, or person providing diagnostic or treatment services to patients with cancer to liability in an action for damages or other relief for furnishing the information.

(H) This section does not affect the authority of any person or facility providing diagnostic or treatment services to patients with cancer to maintain facility-based tumor registries, in addition to complying with the reporting requirements of this section.

Section 3701.28 | Powers of department when local authorities fail to act.
 

When a contagious or infectious disease becomes or threatens to become epidemic in a municipal corporation or township, and the local authorities neglect or refuse to enforce efficient measures for its prevention, the director of health may appoint a medical or sanitary officer and such assistants as he may require, and authorize him to enforce such orders or regulations as the director deems necessary.

Section 3701.29 | Annual conference - expenses.
 

The department of health shall make provision for annual conferences of district health commissioners for the consideration of the cause and prevention of dangerous communicable diseases and other measures to protect and improve the public health. Each board of health or other body or person appointed or acting in place of a board of health shall appoint its health commissioner or health officer a delegate to such conferences. The district board of health shall pay the necessary expenses of such delegate upon presentation of a certificate from the director of health that the delegate attended the sessions of such conferences.

Section 3701.30 | Blood bank for civilian use.
 

The department of health may devise a suitable program for establishing a blood bank for civilian use, embracing if necessary, methods for the registration of blood donors, for the collection of blood from donors, for the processing or procurement of blood plasma or other substitutes for whole blood, and for the distribution of pool blood, blood plasma, or other blood substitutes to meet civilian needs, to communities of the state where such are not readily available.

Section 3701.31 | Administration of blood bank.
 

In formulating and administering the blood bank program, the department of health may establish necessary standards, promulgate necessary rules and regulations, utilize the facilities and services of other official agencies and of voluntary organizations which may be made available to the department, and co-operate, if requested, with agencies and organizations engaged in a similar program on a local or state basis.

Section 3701.32 | Rooms provided.
 

Suitable rooms for conducting the business of the department of health shall be provided and maintained by the state.

Section 3701.33 | Ohio public health advisory board.
 

(A) There is hereby created the Ohio public health advisory board. The board shall consist of the following members:

(1) The following members appointed by the director of health from among individuals who are not employed by the state and are recommended by statewide trade or professional organizations that represent interests in public health:

(a) One individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(b) One individual authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code to practice nursing as a registered nurse;

(c) Three members of the public, two of whom are representatives of entities licensed by the department of health or boards of health.

(2) One representative of the association of Ohio health commissioners, appointed by the association;

(3) One representative of the Ohio public health association, appointed by the association;

(4) One representative of the Ohio environmental health association, appointed by the association, who is registered as an environmental health specialist under Chapter 3776. of the Revised Code;

(5) One representative of the Ohio association of boards of health, appointed by the association;

(6) One representative of the Ohio society for public health education, appointed by the society;

(7) One representative of the Ohio hospital association, appointed by the association.

The director of health or the director's designee shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board.

(B) Not later than thirty days after September 10, 2012, initial appointments shall be made to the board. Of the initial appointments, the members specified in divisions (A)(5), (6), and (7) and division (A)(1)(c) of this section representing entities licensed by the department of health or boards of health shall serve terms ending June 30, 2014, and the members specified in divisions (A)(1)(a) and (b), divisions (A)(2), (3), and (4), and division (A)(1)(c) of this section not representing entities licensed by the department or boards of health shall serve terms ending June 30, 2015. Thereafter, terms of office for all members shall be three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as the term it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Members may be reappointed, except that no member who has served two consecutive terms may be reappointed until three years have elapsed since the member's last term ended.

Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of ninety days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(C) The board shall annually select from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The director shall designate an officer or employee of the department to act as the board's secretary. The secretary shall be a nonvoting board member.

The board may adopt by laws governing its operation. The chairperson may appoint subcommittees as the chairperson considers necessary.

(D) The board shall meet at the call of the chairperson, but not less than four times per year. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson and shall be called by the chairperson at the request of the director. In a request for a special meeting, the director shall specify the purpose of the meeting and the date and place the meeting is to be held. No other business shall be considered at a special meeting except by a unanimous vote of members present at the meeting.

In conducting any meeting, the board and its subcommittees may use an interactive video teleconferencing system. If provisions are made that allow public attendance at a designated location with respect to a meeting using such a system, the board members who attend the meeting by video teleconference shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and shall be permitted to vote.

Members shall be expected to attend a majority of meetings of the board. Unexcused absence from three consecutive meetings shall be considered notice of a member's intent to resign from the board.

(E)(1) The department shall provide meeting space and staff and other administrative support for the board to carry out its duties.

(2) To facilitate the board's review of proposed rules under division (A)(1) of section 3701.34 of the Revised Code, the department shall establish and maintain an electronic web-based database of board meeting agendas, board meeting minutes, proposed rules, public comments, and other documents relevant to the work of the board.

(F) Notice of meetings shall be provided to members through the board's mailing list, the department's web site, or any other means available to the board.

The minutes of previous meetings, the next meeting's agenda, and information on any matters to be presented to the board at any regular or special meeting shall be provided to the board in an electronic format.

(G) Members shall attend annual ethics training provided by the Ohio ethics commission.

(H) Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(I) Sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code do not apply to the Ohio public health advisory board.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 3:41 PM

Section 3701.34 | Ohio public health advisory board; powers and duties.
 

(A) The Ohio public health advisory board shall review and make recommendations to the director of health on all of the following:

(1) Developing and adopting proposed rules under Chapters 3701 and 3717 of the Administrative Code;

(2) Prescribing proposed fees for services provided by the office of vital statistics and the bureau of environmental health;

(3) Any proposed policy changes that pertain to entities serving or seeking to serve as vendors under the WIC program, as defined in section 3701.132 of the Revised Code, that are not addressed pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section.

(4) Issues to improve public health and increase awareness of public health issues at the state level, local level, or both;

(5) Any other public health issues that the director requests the board to consider.

(B) For purposes of division (A)(1) of this section, all of the following apply:

(1) Prior to filing a proposed rule with the joint committee on agency rule review, the department of health shall provide each board member with a copy of the proposed rule, copies of public comments received by the department during the public comment period, and written evidence of stakeholder involvement.

(2) Prior to board meetings, copies of proposed rules shall be provided to members. On request of a member, the department shall ensure that appropriate department employees attend board meetings to answer questions concerning proposed rules.

(3)(a) Not later than sixty days after receiving a copy of a proposed rule, the board shall recommend approval or disapproval of the rule and submit its recommendation by board action to the director. In making its recommendation, the board may consider public comments provided to the department or the board.

(b) If the board fails to make a recommendation within sixty days of receiving a copy of the proposed rule, the director may file the proposed rule.

(4) Except as provided in division (B)(3)(b) of this section, the director shall consider the board's recommendation before filing a proposed rule. On request of the board, the director shall meet with the board to discuss the board's recommendation.

(5) If the director disagrees with the board's recommendation, the director shall inform the board in writing of the director's decision and the reason for the decision prior to the next quarterly meeting. The director or the director's designee may meet with the board at the next quarterly meeting to answer questions regarding why the director disagreed with the board's recommendation.

(6) To the extent the board believes that a proposed rule does not comply with requirements established by the joint committee on agency rule review or the common sense initiative office, nothing in this section prohibits the board, in carrying out its duties under division (A)(1) of this section, from contacting the joint committee on agency rule review or the common sense initiative office.

(C) For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, the board and the department shall develop a cost methodology, subject to approval by the director, regarding proposed fees for services provided by the department's bureau of environmental health.

(D) For purposes of division (A)(3) of this section, a proposed WIC program policy change shall be treated as if it were a proposed rule subject to division (A)(1) of this section and the board and other entities involved in reviewing and making recommendations regarding the change may follow all or part of the procedures described in division (B) of this section.

(E) This section does not apply to the following:

(1) A proposed rule that is to be refiled with the joint committee on agency rule review solely because of technical or other nonsubstantive revisions;

(2) The emergency adoption, amendment, or rescission of a rule under division (G) of section 119.03 of the Revised Code.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 3701.341 | Rules relating to abortions.
 

(A) The director of health, pursuant to Chapter 119. and consistent with Chapter 3726. and section 2317.56 of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules relating to abortions and the following subjects:

(1) Post-abortion procedures to protect the health of the pregnant woman;

(2) Pathological reports;

(3) Humane disposition of the product of human conception;

(4) Counseling.

(B) The director of health shall implement the rules and shall apply to the court of common pleas for temporary or permanent injunctions restraining a violation or threatened violation of the rules. This action is an additional remedy not dependent on the adequacy of the remedy at law.

Section 3701.342 | Minimum standards and optimum achievable standards for boards of health and local health departments.
 

The director of health shall adopt rules establishing minimum standards and optimum achievable standards for boards of health and local health departments. The minimum standards shall assure that boards of health and local health departments provide for:

(A) Analysis and prevention of communicable disease;

(B) Analysis of the causes of, and appropriate treatment for, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality;

(C) The administration and management of the local health department;

(D) Access to primary health care by medically underserved individuals;

(E) Environmental health management programs;

(F) Health promotion services designed to encourage individual and community wellness;

(G) Annual completion of two hours of continuing education by each member of a board of health. The minimum standards shall provide that continuing education credits shall pertain to ethics, public health principles, and a member's responsibilities. Credits may be earned in these topics at pertinent presentations that may occur during regularly scheduled board meetings throughout the calendar year or at other programs available for continuing education credit. The director of health may assist local boards of health of general and city health districts in coordinating approved continuing education programs sponsored by health care licensing boards, commissions, or associations. The minimum standards also shall provide that continuing education credits earned for the purpose of license renewal or certification by licensed health professionals serving on boards of health may be counted to fulfill the two-hour continuing education requirement.

The director shall adopt rules establishing a formula for distribution of state health district subsidy funds to boards of health and local health departments. The formula shall provide no subsidy funds to a board or department unless it meets minimum standards and shall provide higher funding levels for boards and districts that meet optimum achievable standards.

Notwithstanding section 119.03 of the Revised Code, rules adopted under this section shall not take effect unless approved by concurrent resolution of the general assembly.

Section 3701.344 | Rules for private water systems.
 

(A) As used in this section and sections 3701.345 and 3701.347 of the Revised Code, "private water system" means any water system for the provision of water for human consumption, if the system has fewer than fifteen service connections and does not regularly serve an average of at least twenty-five individuals daily at least sixty days out of the year. "Private water system" includes any well, spring, cistern, pond, hauled water, or recycled water and any equipment for the collection, transportation, filtration, disinfection, treatment, or storage of such water extending from and including the source of the water to the point of discharge from any pressure tank or other storage vessel; to the point of discharge from the water pump where no pressure tank or other storage vessel is present; or, in the case of multiple service connections serving more than one dwelling, to the point of discharge from each service connection. "Private water system" does not include the water service line extending from the point of discharge to a structure.

(B) Notwithstanding section 3701.347 of the Revised Code and subject to division (C) of this section, rules adopted by the director of health regarding private water systems shall provide for the following:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, boards of health of city or general health districts shall be given the exclusive power to establish fees in accordance with section 3709.09 of the Revised Code for administering and enforcing the rules. The fees shall establish a different rate for administering and enforcing the rules relative to private water systems serving single-family dwelling houses and nonsingle-family dwelling houses. Except for an amount established by the director, pursuant to division (B)(5) of this section, for each new private water system installation, no portion of any fee for administering and enforcing the rules shall be returned to the department of health. If the director of health determines that a board of health of a city or general health district is unable to administer and enforce a private water system program in the district, the director shall administer and enforce such a program in the district and establish fees for such administration and enforcement.

(2) Boards of health of city or general health districts shall be given the exclusive power to determine the number of inspections necessary for determining the safe drinking characteristics of a private water system.

(3) Private water systems contractors, as a condition of doing business in this state, shall annually register with, and comply with surety bonding requirements of, the department of health. No such contractor shall be permitted to register if the contractor fails to comply with all applicable rules adopted by the director and the board of health of the city or general health district. The annual registration fee for private water systems contractors shall be sixty-five dollars. The director, by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may increase the annual registration fee.

(4) Subject to rules adopted by the director, boards of health of city or general health districts shall have the option of determining whether bacteriological examinations shall be performed at approved laboratories of the state or at approved private laboratories.

(5) The director may establish fees for each new private water system installation, which shall be collected by the appropriate board of health and transmitted to the director pursuant to section 3709.092 of the Revised Code.

(6) All fees received by the director of health under divisions (B)(1), (3), and (5) of this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created in section 3701.83 of the Revised Code for use in the administration and enforcement of sections 3701.344 to 3701.347 of the Revised Code and the rules pertaining to private water systems adopted under those sections.

(7) The director shall define "well," "spring," "cistern," "pond," "hauled water," and "recycled water" for purposes of this section and the rules adopted under it.

(C) To the extent that rules adopted under division (B) of this section require health districts to follow specific procedures or use prescribed forms, no such procedure or form shall be implemented until it is approved by majority vote of an approval board of health commissioners, hereby created. Members of the board shall be the officers of the association of Ohio health commissioners, or any successor organization, and membership on the board shall be coterminous with holding an office of the association. No health district is required to follow a procedure or use a form required by a rule adopted under division (B) of this section without the approval of the board.

(D) A board of health shall collect well log filing fees on behalf of the division of water resources in the department of natural resources in accordance with section 1521.05 of the Revised Code and rules adopted under it. The fees shall be submitted to the division quarterly as provided in those rules.

(E) A water system that will be used in agriculture and that does not provide water for human consumption shall not be required to obtain a permit or license issued under, pay any fees assessed or levied under, or comply with any rule adopted under sections 3701.34 to 3701.347 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.345 | Applying for variance from rules.
 

Any applicant for a permit to construct, develop, install, or modify a private water system required by rules adopted by the director of health under section 3701.347 of the Revised Code may apply to the board of health of the city or general health district administering and enforcing the private water supply program in the health district in which the private water system is or is to be located or, if the health district is not administering and enforcing the program, may apply to the department of health for a variance from such rules governing the design, construction, development, installation, or modification of private water systems. The application for a variance shall be made in writing and shall include a statement of the particular rule or rules from which a variance is sought, a description of the proposed system or modification, and the necessity for the variance. The board of health or the department of health shall not grant a variance unless the applicant demonstrates that:

(A) There will be an unusual and unnecessary hardship in complying with the rules from which the variance is sought;

(B) Contamination of the private water system will not occur as a result of construction and operation of the system as proposed by the variance application;

(C) The health of persons using water from the private water system will not be endangered as a result of construction and operation of the system as proposed by the variance application; and

(D) No other technically feasible and economically reasonable means exist for obtaining water from the proposed type of water source.

Section 3701.347 | Rules to remain in effect until repealed or superseded.
 

Notwithstanding division (E) of section 6111.42 of the Revised Code, rules adopted under such division and in effect on December 14, 1978, shall continue in effect until repealed by the environmental protection agency or superseded by rules adopted by the director of health as hereinafter provided, as fully as if such section had not been amended by Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 445 of the 112th general assembly on such date. Insofar as these rules affect wells for the provision of water for human consumption not used or for use by a public water system, they shall remain in effect notwithstanding repeal by the environmental protection agency until the director adopts rules superseding them which prescribe uniform standards and procedures for the design, construction, inspection, installation, development, maintenance, and abandonment of private water systems, to protect the health of the persons served by such water systems and to establish fees at a level calculated to pay the cost of administering and enforcing such rules by the director or by boards of health of city and general health districts approved by the director of health. For purposes of this section "public water system" has the meaning ascribed to it in section 6109.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.351 | Standards, procedures for hospital staff membership.
 

(A) The governing body of every hospital shall set standards and procedures to be applied by the hospital and its medical staff in considering and acting upon applications for staff membership or professional privileges. These standards and procedures shall be available for public inspection.

(B) The governing body of any hospital, in considering and acting upon applications for staff membership or professional privileges within the scope of the applicants' respective licensures, shall not discriminate against a qualified person solely on the basis of whether that person is licensed to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, or podiatry, is licensed to practice dentistry or psychology, or is licensed to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse. Staff membership or professional privileges shall be considered and acted on in accordance with standards and procedures established under division (A) of this section. This section does not permit a psychologist to admit a patient to a hospital in violation of section 3727.06 of the Revised Code.

(C) The governing body of any hospital that is licensed to provide maternity services, in considering and acting upon applications for clinical privileges, shall not discriminate against a qualified person solely on the basis that the person is authorized to practice nurse-midwifery. An application from a certified nurse-midwife who is not employed by the hospital shall contain the name of a physician member of the hospital's medical staff who holds clinical privileges in obstetrics at that hospital and who has agreed to be the collaborating physician for the applicant in accordance with section 4723.43 of the Revised Code.

(D) Any person may apply to the court of common pleas for temporary or permanent injunctions restraining a violation of division (A), (B), or (C) of this section. This action is an additional remedy not dependent on the adequacy of the remedy at law.

(E)(1) If a hospital does not provide or permit the provision of any diagnostic or treatment service for mental or emotional disorders or any other service that may be legally performed by a psychologist licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, this section does not require the hospital to provide or permit the provision of any such service and the hospital shall be exempt from requirements of this section pertaining to psychologists.

(2) This section does not impair the right of a hospital to enter into an employment, personal service, or any other kind of contract with a licensed psychologist, upon any such terms as the parties may mutually agree, for the provision of any service that may be legally performed by a licensed psychologist.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:07 PM

Section 3701.352 | Violations prohibited.
 

No person shall violate any rule the director of health or department of health adopts or any order the director or department of health issues under this chapter to prevent a threat to the public caused by a pandemic, epidemic, or bioterrorism event.

Section 3701.353 | Business Fairness Act - operations during pandemic, epidemic, or bioterrorism event.
 

Notwithstanding section 3701.352 of the Revised Code, a business does not violate that section and may continue or resume operations if both of the following are true:

(A) The business has been required to cease or limit operations by order or rule of the director or department of health that was issued under this chapter to prevent a threat to the public caused by a pandemic, epidemic, or bioterrorism event ;

(B) The business complies with all safety precautions that the order or rule requires of businesses that are permitted to continue operations under the order or rule.

This section does not apply to an order or rule of the director or department of health that is issued under this chapter and applicable only to a particular business or business location due to circumstances uniquely present at that particular business or business location.

Last updated December 14, 2021 at 4:57 PM

Section 3701.36 | Palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary council.
 

(A) As used in this section and in sections 3701.361 and 3701.362 of the Revised Code, "palliative care" has the same meaning as in section 3712.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created the palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary council. Subject to division (C) of this section, members of the council shall be appointed by the director of health and include individuals with expertise in palliative care who represent the following professions or constituencies:

(1) Physicians authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, including those who are board-certified in pediatrics and those who are board-certified in psychiatry, as those designations are issued by a medical specialty certifying board recognized by the American board of medical specialties or American osteopathic association;

(2) Physician assistants licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code;

(3) Advanced practice registered nurses licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code who are designated as clinical nurse specialists or certified nurse practitioners;

(4) Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Psychologists licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(7) Licensed professional clinical counselors or licensed professional counselors licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code;

(8) Independent social workers or social workers licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code;

(9) Marriage and family therapists licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code;

(10) Child life specialists;

(11) Clergy or spiritual advisers;

(12) Exercise physiologists;

(13) Health insurers;

(14) Patients;

(15) Family caregivers.

The council's membership also may include employees of agencies of this state that administer programs pertaining to palliative care or are otherwise concerned with the delivery of palliative care in this state.

(C) The council's membership shall include individuals who have worked with various age groups, including children and the elderly. The council's membership also shall include individuals who have experience or expertise in various palliative care delivery models, including acute care, long-term care, hospice care, home health agency services, home-based care, and spiritual care. At least two members shall be physicians who are board-certified in hospice and palliative care by a medical specialty certifying board recognized by the American board of medical specialties or American osteopathic association. At least one member shall be employed as an administrator of a hospital or system of hospitals in this state or be a professional specified in divisions (B)(1) to (10) or division (B)(12) of this section who treats patients as an employee or contractor of such a hospital or system of hospitals.

Not more than twenty individuals shall serve as members of the council at any one time. Not more than two members shall be employed by the same health care facility or provider or practice at or for the same health care facility or provider.

In making appointments to the council, the director shall seek to include as members individuals who represent underserved areas of the state and to have all geographic areas of the state represented.

(D) The director shall make initial appointments to the council not later than ninety days after March 20, 2019. Terms of office shall be three years. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. In the event of death, removal, resignation, or incapacity of a council member, the director shall appoint a successor who shall hold office for the remainder of the term for which the successor's predecessor was appointed. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The council shall meet at the call of the director, but not less than twice annually. The council shall select annually from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson, whose duties shall be established by the council.

Each member shall serve without compensation, except to the extent that serving on the council is considered part of the member's regular employment duties.

(E) The council shall do all of the following:

(1) Consult with and advise the director on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and evaluation of palliative care initiatives in this state;

(2) Consult with the department of health for purposes of its implementation of section 3701.361 of the Revised Code;

(3) Identify national organizations that have established standards of practice and best practice models for palliative care;

(4) Identify initiatives established at the national and state levels aimed at integrating palliative care into the health care system and enhancing the use and development of palliative care;

(5) Establish guidelines for health care facilities and providers to use under section 3701.362 of the Revised Code in identifying patients and residents who could benefit from palliative care;

(6) On or before December 31 of each year, prepare and submit to the governor, general assembly, director of health, director of aging, superintendent of insurance, and medicaid director a report of recommendations for improving the provision of palliative care in this state.

The council shall submit the report to the general assembly in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code.

(F) The department of health shall provide to the council the administrative support necessary to execute its duties. At the request of the council, the department shall examine potential sources of funding to assist with any duties described in this section or sections 3701.361 and 3701.362 of the Revised Code.

(G) The council is not subject to sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.361 | Palliative care consumer and professional information and education program.
 

The palliative care consumer and professional information and education program is hereby established in the department of health. The purpose of the program is to maximize the effectiveness of palliative care initiatives in this state by ensuring that comprehensive and accurate information and education on palliative care is available to health care facilities, other health care providers, and the public.

The department shall publish on its internet web site information on palliative care, including information on continuing education opportunities for health care professionals; information about palliative care delivery in a patient's home and in primary, secondary, and tertiary environments; best practices for palliative care delivery; and consumer educational materials and referral information on palliative care, including hospice. The department may develop and implement other initiatives regarding palliative care and education as the department considers appropriate.

In implementing this section, the department shall consult with the palliative care and quality of life interdisciplinary council created under section 3701.36 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.362 | Identifying and informing persons who may benefit from palliative care.
 

(A) Each of the health care facilities and providers identified in division (B) of this section shall do both of the following:

(1) Establish a system for identifying patients or residents who could benefit from palliative care;

(2) Provide information on palliative care to patients and residents who could benefit from palliative care.

(B) Division (A) of this section applies to all of the following:

(1) A hospital registered under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code;

(2) An ambulatory surgical facility, as defined in section 3702.30 of the Revised Code;

(3) A nursing home, residential care facility, county home, or district home, as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code;

(4) A veterans' home operated under Chapter 5907. of the Revised Code;

(5) A hospice care program or pediatric respite care program, as defined in section 3712.01 of the Revised Code;

(6) A home health agency, as defined in section 3740.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:08 PM

Section 3701.37 | Construction and modernization program to provide adequate hospital and medical facilities for people in state.
 

The state construction and modernization program shall provide, in accordance with regulations prescribed under the federal act, for adequate hospital and medical facilities for the people residing in this state and in so far as possible shall provide for their distribution throughout the state in such manner as to make all types of hospital and medical facilities service reasonably accessible to all persons.

Section 3701.38 | Application to surgeon general for federal funds.
 

The director of health may make application to the surgeon general for federal funds to assist in carrying out the survey and planning activities provided in sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code. Such funds shall be deposited in the state treasury and shall be available to the director for expenditure for carrying out such sections. Any such funds received and not expended for such purposes shall be repaid to the treasury of the United States.

Section 3701.39 | Submission of state plan to surgeon general - publicity and public hearing of plan.
 

The director of health shall prepare and submit to the surgeon general a state plan which shall include the hospital and medical facilities construction and modernization program developed under sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code, and which shall provide for the establishment, administration, and operation of hospital and medical facilities construction and modernization activities in accordance with the requirements of the federal act and regulations thereunder. The director shall, prior to the submission of such plan to the surgeon general, give adequate publicity to a general description of all the provisions proposed to be included therein and hold a public hearing at which all persons or organizations with a legitimate interest in such a plan may be given an opportunity to express their views. After approval of the plan by the surgeon general, the director shall make public a general description of the provisions thereof and shall make the plan or a copy thereof available upon request to all interested persons or organizations. The director shall review the hospital and medical facilities construction and modernization program and submit to the surgeon general any modifications thereof which the director finds necessary and may submit to the surgeon general such modifications of the state plan not inconsistent with the requirements of the federal act as are advisable.

Section 3701.40 | Minimum standards for hospitals receiving federal aid.
 

The director of health shall by rule prescribe minimum standards for the maintenance and operation of hospitals and medical facilities which shall receive federal aid for construction under the state plan provided for by section 3701.39 of the Revised Code.

Boards of trustees or directors of institutions required to comply with sections 3701.01, 3701.04, 3701.08, 3701.09, and 3701.37 to 3701.45 of the Revised Code shall have the right to select the professional staff members of such institutions and to select and employ interns, nurses, and other personnel, and no rules, regulations, or standards of the director of health adopted or promulgated severally or jointly shall be valid which, if enforced, would interfere in such selection or employment.

The director of health may petition the common pleas court of the county in which any hospital or medical facility is located for an order enjoining any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity, private or public, from operating a hospital or medical facility in violation of any rules adopted under this section. Irrespective of any other remedy the director may have in law or equity the court has jurisdiction to grant such injunctive relief upon a showing that the respondent named in the petition is operating in violation of such rules.

Section 3701.41 | Priority of construction and modernization.
 

The state plan provided for by section 3701.39 of the Revised Code shall set forth the relative need for the several projects included in the construction and modernization program determined in accordance with regulations prescribed pursuant to the federal act and provide for the construction or modernization, in so far as financial resources are available therefor and maintenance and operations make possible, in the order of such relative need.

Section 3701.42 | Application for construction or modernization projects.
 

Applications for grants, loans, or loan guarantees under the federal act for hospital and medical facilities construction or modernization projects shall be submitted to the director of health and may be submitted by the state or any political subdivision thereof or by any other public or nonprofit agency eligible under the federal act. Each application for a construction or modernization project shall conform to federal and state requirements.

Section 3701.43 | Hearing to be given applicant.
 

The director of health shall afford to every applicant for a construction project an opportunity for a fair hearing. If the director, after affording reasonable opportunity for development and presentation of applications in the order of relative need, finds that a project application complies with section 3701.42 of the Revised Code and is otherwise in conformity with the state plan provided for in section 3701.39 of the Revised Code, he shall approve such application and shall recommend and forward it to the surgeon general.

Section 3701.44 | Inspection of construction projects - certification to surgeon general.
 

The director of health shall inspect each construction project approved by the surgeon general and, if the inspection so warrants, the director shall certify to the surgeon general that work has been performed upon the project or purchases have been made in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that payment of an installment of federal funds is due to the applicant.

Section 3701.45 | Hospital and medical facilities construction fund - federal grant funds.
 

The director of health may receive federal grant funds in behalf of, and transmit them to, applicants for hospital and medical facilities construction and modernization projects. There is hereby established, separate and apart from all public moneys and funds of this state, a hospital and medical facilities construction fund. Grant moneys received from the federal government for a project approved by the surgeon general shall be deposited to the credit of this fund and shall be used solely for payments due applicants for work performed or purchases made in carrying out approved projects. Vouchers for all payments from the hospital and medical facilities construction fund shall bear the signature of the director or his authorized agent for such purpose.

Section 3701.46 | Statement on certificate.
 

In reporting every birth and fetal death, physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and others required to make the reports shall state on the birth or fetal death certificate, as the case may be, whether approved tests for syphilis and gonorrhea have been made in an approved laboratory upon specimens taken from the woman who bore the child for which the certificate is filed, and the approximate date when the specimens were taken. If the tests were not made, the physician, certified nurse-midwife, or other person shall state the reasons why the tests were not made. In no event shall the results of the tests be stated on the birth or fetal death certificate.

Section 3701.47 | Standard tests for syphilis and gonorrhea.
 

As used in sections 3701.46 to 3701.50 of the Revised Code, the standard tests for syphilis and gonorrhea are tests approved by the department of health, and shall be made at a laboratory approved to make such tests by the department. Such tests as are required shall, on request of the physician submitting the specimens, be made without charge by the department.

Section 3701.48 | Laboratory report.
 

The approved laboratory making the standard tests for syphilis and gonorrhea shall make a report to the physician or health commissioner submitting the specimens. Such laboratory shall forthwith report any reactive syphilis test or positive gonorrhea test to the department of health on forms prescribed and furnished by the director of health.

Section 3701.49 | Duty in case physician is not in attendance.
 

If any pregnant woman is attended during the period of gestation by any person authorized to attend pregnant women, other than a licensed physician, but who is not permitted to take test specimens, then such authorized person shall notify immediately the health commissioner of the city or general health district of the residence of such pregnant woman. The health commissioner shall cause the test specimens to be taken of such pregnant woman for the purpose of the standard syphilis and gonorrhea tests. Such taking of specimens is subject to section 3701.50 of the Revised Code relating to the condition of the pregnant woman.

Section 3701.50 | Duty of physician to submit specimens for tests - health commissioner may waive requirements.
 

Every physician who attends any pregnant woman for conditions relating to pregnancy during the period of gestation shall take specimens of such woman at the time of first examination or within ten days thereof, and shall submit such specimens to an approved laboratory for standard syphilis and gonorrhea tests. If, in the opinion of the physician attending such woman, her condition does not permit the taking of specimens for submission to an approved laboratory, then no specimens shall be taken prior to delivery. If no specimens are taken prior to delivery because of the woman's condition, then such specimens shall be taken as soon after delivery as the physician deems it advisable.

The health commissioner of the city or general health district, wherein any person required to be tested for syphilis and gonorrhea under this section or section 3701.49 of the Revised Code resides, may waive the requirements of such sections if the commissioner is satisfied by written affidavit or other written proof that the tests required are contrary to the tenets or practices of the religious creed of which the person is an adherent, and that the public health and welfare would not be injuriously affected by such waiver.

Section 3701.501 | Newborns screened for genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders.
 

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, all newborn children shall be screened for the presence of the genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders specified in rules adopted pursuant to this section.

(2) Division (A)(1) of this section does not apply in any of the following circumstances:

(a) If the parents of the child object to the screening on the grounds that it conflicts with their religious tenets and practices;

(b) With respect to the screening for Krabbe disease described in division (C)(1)(b) of this section, if the parents of the child communicate their decision to forgo the screening;

(c) If appropriate laboratory equipment is not available.

(B) There is hereby created the newborn screening advisory council to advise the director of health regarding the screening of newborn children for genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. The council shall engage in an ongoing review of the newborn screening requirements established under this section and shall provide recommendations and reports to the director as the director requests and as the council considers necessary. The director may assign other duties to the council, as the director considers appropriate.

The council shall consist of fourteen members appointed by the director. In making appointments, the director shall select individuals and representatives of entities with interest and expertise in newborn screening, including such individuals and entities as health care professionals, hospitals, children's hospitals, regional genetic centers, regional sickle cell centers, newborn screening coordinators, and members of the public.

The department of health shall provide meeting space, staff services, and other technical assistance required by the council in carrying out its duties. Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the council or performing assignments for the council.

The council is not subject to sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1)(a) Subject to division (C)(1)(b) of this section, the director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the disorders for which each newborn child must be screened.

(b) In adopting the rules, all of the following apply:

(i) The director shall specify Krabbe disease as a disorder for which a newborn child who is born on or after July 1, 2016, must be screened.

(ii) The director shall specify spinal muscular atrophy and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy as disorders for which a newborn child who is born on or after May 28, 2022, must be screened.

(iii) The director shall specify Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a disorder for which a newborn child who is born on or after the date that is two hundred forty days after the effective date of this amendment must be screened.

(iv) Not later than six months after receiving a recommendation as described in division (C)(3)(b) of this section, the director shall specify for screening a disorder recommended as described in division (C)(3)(b) of this section, with such screening to begin not later than one year after the date that the rule specifying the disorder for screening becomes effective.

(2) The newborn screening advisory council shall evaluate genetic, metabolic, and endocrine disorders to assist the director in determining which disorders should be included in the screenings required under this section. In determining whether a disorder should be included, the council shall consider all of the following:

(a) The disorder's incidence, mortality, and morbidity;

(b) Whether the disorder causes disability if diagnosis, treatment, and early intervention are delayed;

(c) The potential for successful treatment of the disorder;

(d) The expected benefits to children and society in relation to the risks and costs associated with screening for the disorder;

(e) Whether a screening for the disorder can be conducted without taking an additional blood sample or specimen;

(f) Whether the secretary of the United States department of health and human services has included the disorder in the federal recommended uniform screening panel.

(3)(a) Based on the considerations specified in division (C)(2) of this section, the council shall make recommendations to the director of health for the adoption of rules under division (C)(1) of this section.

(b) In the case of a disorder included within the federal recommended uniform screening panel, the council shall determine not later than six months after the date of the disorder's inclusion on the federal panel whether or not to recommend to the director that each newborn child be screened for the disorder. If the council recommends screening for the disorder, the council shall submit to the director as soon as practicable a recommendation for such screening.

(c) The director shall promptly and thoroughly review each recommendation the council submits.

(D) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing standards and procedures for the screenings required by this section. The rules shall include standards and procedures for all of the following:

(1) Causing rescreenings to be performed when initial screenings have abnormal results;

(2) Designating the person or persons who will be responsible for causing screenings and rescreenings to be performed;

(3) Giving to the parents of a child notice of the required initial screening and the possibility that rescreenings may be necessary;

(4) Communicating to the parents of a child the results of the child's screening and any rescreenings that are performed;

(5) Giving notice of the results of an initial screening and any rescreenings to the person who caused the child to be screened or rescreened, or to another person or government entity when the person who caused the child to be screened or rescreened cannot be contacted;

(6) Referring children who receive abnormal screening or rescreening results to providers of follow-up services, including the services made available through funds disbursed under division (F) of this section.

(E)(1) Except as provided in divisions (E)(2) and (3) of this section, all newborn screenings required by this section shall be performed by the public health laboratory authorized under section 3701.22 of the Revised Code.

(2) If the director determines that the public health laboratory is unable to perform screenings for all of the disorders specified in the rules adopted under division (C) of this section, the director shall select another laboratory to perform the screenings. The director shall select the laboratory by issuing a request for proposals. The director may accept proposals submitted by laboratories located outside this state. At the conclusion of the selection process, the director shall enter into a written contract with the selected laboratory. If the director determines that the laboratory is not complying with the terms of the contract, the director shall immediately terminate the contract and another laboratory shall be selected and contracted with in the same manner.

(3) Any rescreening caused to be performed pursuant to this section may be performed by the public health laboratory or one or more other laboratories designated by the director. Any laboratory the director considers qualified to perform rescreenings may be designated, including a laboratory located outside this state. If more than one laboratory is designated, the person responsible for causing a rescreening to be performed is also responsible for selecting the laboratory to be used.

(F)(1) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing a fee that shall be charged and collected in addition to or in conjunction with any laboratory fee that is charged and collected for performing the screenings required by this section. The fee, which shall be not less than fourteen dollars, shall be disbursed as follows:

(a) Not less than ten dollars and twenty-five cents shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the genetics services fund, which is hereby created. Not less than seven dollars and twenty-five cents of each fee credited to the genetics services fund shall be used to defray the costs of the programs authorized by section 3701.502 of the Revised Code. Not less than three dollars from each fee credited to the genetics services fund shall be used to defray costs of phenylketonuria programs.

(b) Not less than three dollars and seventy-five cents shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the sickle cell fund, which is hereby created. Money credited to the sickle cell fund shall be used to defray costs of programs authorized by section 3701.131 of the Revised Code.

(2) In adopting rules under division (F)(1) of this section, the director shall not establish a fee that differs according to whether a screening is performed by the public health laboratory or by another laboratory selected by the director pursuant to division (E)(2) of this section.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:07 PM

Section 3701.502 | Programs of education, detection, and treatment of genetic diseases.
 

The director of health shall do all of the following:

(A) Encourage and assist in the development of programs of education, detection, and treatment of genetic diseases and provide for habilitation, rehabilitation, and counseling of persons possessing a genetic trait of, or afflicted with, genetic disease;

(B) Advise, consult, cooperate with, and assist, by contract or otherwise, agencies of this state and the federal government, agencies of the governments of other states, agencies of political subdivisions of this state, and private organizations, corporations, and associations in the development and promotion of programs pertaining to the causes, detection, and treatment of genetic diseases, habilitation, rehabilitation, and counseling of persons possessing the trait of or afflicted with genetic disease;

(C) Accept and administer grants from the federal government or other sources, public or private, for carrying out any of the functions enumerated in divisions (A) and (B) of this section. All such moneys so received shall be deposited by the director in the state treasury and shall be kept in a separate fund by the treasurer of state. Except as otherwise provided in section 3701.45 of the Revised Code, payments from the fund shall be made pursuant to vouchers approved by the director.

Section 3701.503 | Testing newborns definitions.
 

As used in sections 3701.504 to 3701.509 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Parent" means either parent, unless the parents are separated or divorced or their marriage has been dissolved or annulled, in which case "parent" means the parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian.

(B) "Guardian" has the same meaning as in section 2111.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Custodian" means, except as used in division (A) of this section, a government agency or an individual, other than the parent or guardian, with legal or permanent custody of a child as defined in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Hearing screening" means the identification of newborns and infants who may have a hearing impairment, through the use of a physiologic test.

(E) "Hearing evaluation" means evaluation through the use of audiological procedures by an audiologist or physician.

(F) "Hearing impairment" means a loss of hearing in one or both ears in the frequency region important for speech recognition and comprehension.

(G) "Newborn" means a child who is less than thirty days old.

(H) "Infant" means a child who is at least thirty days but less than twenty-four months old.

(I) "Freestanding birthing center" has the same meaning as in section 3702.141 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(K) "Audiologist" means an individual authorized under section 4753.07 of the Revised Code to practice audiology.

(L) "Hospital" means a hospital that has a maternity unit or newborn nursery.

(M) "Maternity unit" means any unit or place in a hospital where women are regularly received and provided care during all or part of the maternity cycle, except that "maternity unit" does not include an emergency department or similar place dedicated to providing emergency health care.

(N) "Board of health" means the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 16, 2021 at 3:03 PM

Section 3701.504 | Program to identify newborn and infant hearing impairment.
 

(A) The department of health shall establish and maintain a statewide hearing screening, tracking, and early intervention program to identify newborn and infant hearing impairment. The department shall also establish appropriate protocols for the treatment and follow-up care of newborns and infants with hearing impairment.

(B) In the case of a child born in a hospital or freestanding birthing center, both of the following apply:

(1) The program shall provide for a hearing screening of the newborn or infant before discharge, unless the newborn or infant is being transferred to another hospital.

(2) If the newborn or infant is transferred to another hospital, the program shall provide for a hearing screening of the newborn or infant when determined to be medically appropriate.

(C) The department of health shall ensure that the program established under this section is incorporated into early intervention activities of the department in compliance with the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," 20 U.S.C.A. 1400 et seq.

(D) The department of health may assist hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in acquiring hearing screening equipment by providing information on grant opportunities or loans, and, if funds are available, by mass purchasing equipment or establishing a grant system with department funds.

(E) The department of health shall administer the program established under this section pursuant to rules adopted under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.505 | Hospitals and freestanding birthing centers duties concerning hearing screening.
 

(A)(1) Each hospital and each freestanding birthing center shall do all of the following:

(a) Conduct a hearing screening on each newborn or infant born in the hospital or center unless the newborn or infant is transferred to another hospital;

(b) Promptly notify the newborn's or infant's attending physician of the screening results;

(c) Notify the department of health of the screening results for each newborn or infant screened.

(2) A hearing screening conducted under this section shall be conducted under the direction of an audiologist or physician or in collaboration with a physician. Notwithstanding the licensure requirements of Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code, a screening may be conducted by a person who is not licensed under that chapter.

(3) Each hospital and freestanding birthing center shall take the actions required by divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section in accordance with the rules adopted under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code. A hospital or freestanding birthing center may commence taking these actions at any time after the effective date of the rules but not later than June 30, 2004, unless an extension is granted. The director may grant an extension to delay for up to one year after June 30, 2004, the requirement of compliance with the rules if the hospital or freestanding birthing center requesting the extension demonstrates justifiable cause for the extension. Justifiable cause may include having ordered but not yet received hearing screening equipment, ongoing efforts to obtain financing for the equipment, or any other cause accepted by the director.

(B) Any hospital or freestanding birthing center providing a hearing screening in accordance with division (A) of this section shall be reimbursed by the department of health at a rate determined by the director of health, if both of the following are the case:

(1) The screening is performed before the newborn or infant is discharged from the hospital or freestanding birthing center.

(2) The parent, guardian, or custodian is financially unable to pay for the hearing screening and the hospital or freestanding birthing center is not reimbursed by a third-party payer as determined pursuant to rules adopted under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code.

(C) A hospital, clinic, or other health care facility at which a hearing evaluation is performed on a newborn or infant shall report the results of the evaluation to the attending physician of the newborn or infant.

Section 3701.506 | Preparing and distributing of information concerning hearing loss.
 

The department of health shall prepare and distribute to all hospitals and freestanding birthing centers required to provide hearing screenings under the program established under section 3701.504 of the Revised Code and each board of health, information describing factors or conditions of hearing loss and the effect of such a loss on an infant or child's language development, and information on the importance of hearing screening, hearing evaluation, early intervention, and follow-up care for newborns and infants. This information shall be updated as the department determines necessary.

Each hospital or freestanding birthing center shall provide the parent, guardian, or custodian of each newborn or infant born in the hospital or freestanding birthing center with the information prepared by the department pursuant to this section.

Each board of health shall provide the parent, guardian, or custodian of each newborn or infant born in the area served by the board who is not born in a hospital or freestanding birthing center with the information prepared by the department pursuant to this section.

Section 3701.507 | Infant hearing screening subcommittee.
 

(A) To assist in implementing sections 3701.503 to 3701.509 of the Revised Code, the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council created in section 3701.025 of the Revised Code shall appoint a permanent infant hearing screening subcommittee. The subcommittee shall consist of the following members:

(1) One otolaryngologist;

(2) One neonatologist;

(3) One pediatrician;

(4) One neurologist;

(5) One hospital administrator;

(6) Two or more audiologists who are experienced in infant hearing screening and evaluation;

(7) One speech-language pathologist licensed under section 4753.07 of the Revised Code;

(8) Two persons who are each a parent of a hearing-impaired child;

(9) One geneticist;

(10) One epidemiologist;

(11) One adult who is deaf or hearing impaired;

(12) One representative from an organization for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired;

(13) One family advocate;

(14) One nurse from a well-baby neonatal nursery;

(15) One nurse from a special care neonatal nursery;

(16) One teacher of persons who are deaf who works with infants and toddlers;

(17) One representative of the health insurance industry;

(18) One representative of the program for children and youth with special health care needs;

(19) One representative of the department of education and workforce;

(20) One representative of the department of medicaid;

(21) Any other person the advisory council appoints.

(B) The infant hearing subcommittee shall:

(1) Consult with the director of health regarding the administration of sections 3701.503 to 3701.509 of the Revised Code;

(2) Advise and make recommendations regarding proposed rules prior to their adoption by the director under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code;

(3) Consult with the director of health and advise and make recommendations regarding program development and implementation under sections 3701.503 to 3701.509 of the Revised Code, including all of the following:

(a) Establishment under section 3701.504 of the Revised Code of the statewide hearing screening, tracking, and early intervention program to identify newborn and infant hearing impairment;

(b) Identification of locations where hearing evaluations may be conducted;

(c) Recommendations for methods and techniques of hearing screening and hearing evaluation;

(d) Referral, data recording and compilation, and procedures to encourage follow-up hearing care;

(e) Maintenance of a register of newborns and infants who do not pass the hearing screening;

(f) Preparation of the information required by section 3701.506 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 5, 2023 at 10:36 AM

Section 3701.508 | Statewide hearing screening, tracking, and early intervention program rules.
 

(A) The director of health shall adopt rules governing the statewide hearing screening, tracking, and early intervention program established under section 3701.504 of the Revised Code, including rules that do all of the following:

(1) Specify how hospitals and freestanding birthing centers are to comply with the requirements of section 3701.505 of the Revised Code, including methods to be used for hearing screening, except that with regard to the physiologic equipment to be used for hearing screening, the rules may require only that the equipment be capable of giving reliable results and may not specify particular equipment or a particular type of equipment;

(2) Provide that no newborn or infant shall be required to undergo a hearing screening if the parent, guardian, or custodian of the newborn or infant objects on the grounds that the screening conflicts with the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's religious tenets and practices;

(3) Provide for situations in which the parent, guardian, or custodian of a newborn or infant objects to a hearing screening for reasons other than religious tenets and practices;

(4) Specify how the department of health will determine whether a person is financially unable to pay for a hearing screening and define "third-party payer" for the purpose of reimbursement of hearing screening by the department under section 3701.505 of the Revised Code;

(5) Specify an inexpensive and efficient format and procedures for the submission of hearing screening information from hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to the department of health;

(6) Specify a procedure whereby the department may conduct timely reviews of hearing screening information submissions for purposes of quality assurance, training, and disease prevention and control;

(7) Specify any additional information that hospitals and freestanding birthing centers are to provide to the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council's infant hearing screening subcommittee under section 3701.509 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to the rules adopted under division (A) of this section, the director shall adopt rules that specify the training that must be completed by persons who will conduct hearing screenings. In adopting these rules, the director shall consider incorporating cost-saving training methods, including computer-assisted learning and on-site training. Neither the rules nor the director of health may establish a minimum educational level for persons conducting hearing screenings.

(C) All rules adopted under this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and shall be adopted so as to take effect not later than six months after August 1, 2002.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:08 PM

Section 3701.509 | Analyzing and interpreting hearing screening information.
 

(A) The department of health shall develop a mechanism to analyze and interpret the hearing screening information to be reported under division (B) of this section. The department shall notify all hospitals and freestanding birthing centers subject to the reporting requirements of the date the department anticipates that the mechanism will be complete. After the mechanism is complete, the department shall notify each hospital and freestanding birthing center subject to the reporting requirement of the date by which the hospital or center must submit its first report.

(B) Subject to division (A) of this section and in accordance with rules adopted by the director of health under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code, each hospital and freestanding birthing center that has conducted a hearing screening required by section 3701.505 of the Revised Code shall provide to the department of health for use by the children and youth with special health care needs medical advisory council's infant hearing screening subcommittee information specifying all of the following:

(1) The number of newborns born in the hospital or freestanding birthing center and the number of newborns and infants not screened because they were transferred to another hospital;

(2) The number of newborns and infants referred to the hospital or freestanding birthing center for a hearing screening and the number of those newborns and infants who received a hearing screening;

(3) The number of newborns and infants who did not pass the hearing screenings conducted by the hospital or freestanding birthing center;

(4) Any other information concerning the program established under section 3701.504 of the Revised Code.

(C) The department of health shall conduct a timely review of the information submitted by hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in accordance with rules adopted by the director under section 3701.508 of the Revised Code.

(D) The infant hearing screening subcommittee, with the support of the department of health, shall compile and summarize the information submitted to the department by hospitals and freestanding birthing centers under division (B) of this section. Beginning with the first year after the mechanism developed under division (A) of this section is complete, the subcommittee shall annually prepare and transmit a report to the director of health, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate. The council shall make the report available to the public.

(E) The department and all members of the subcommittee shall maintain the confidentiality of patient-identifying information submitted under division (B) of this section and section 3701.505 of the Revised Code. The information is not a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code, except to the extent that the information is used in preparing reports under this section.

Nothing in this division prohibits the department from providing patient-identifying information to other entities as it considers necessary to implement the statewide tracking and early intervention components of the program established under section 3701.504 of the Revised Code. Any entity that receives patient-identifying information from the department shall maintain the confidentiality of the information.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:09 PM

Section 3701.5010 | Critical congenital heart defects screening.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Critical congenital heart defects screening" means the identification of a newborn that may have a critical congenital heart defect, through the use of a physiologic test.

(2) "Freestanding birthing center" has the same meaning as in section 3702.141 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Hospital," "maternity unit," "newborn," and "physician" have the same meanings as in section 3701.503 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Pulse oximetry" means a noninvasive test that estimates the percentage of hemoglobin in blood that is saturated with oxygen.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, each hospital and each freestanding birthing center shall conduct a critical congenital heart defects screening on each newborn born in the hospital or center, unless the newborn is being transferred to another hospital. The screening shall be performed before discharge. If the newborn is transferred to another hospital, that hospital shall conduct the screening when determined to be medically appropriate. The hospital or center shall promptly notify the newborn's parent, guardian, or custodian and attending physician of the screening results.

(C) A hospital or freestanding birthing center shall not conduct a critical congenital heart defects screening if the newborn's parent objects on the grounds that the screening conflicts with the parent's religious tenets and practices.

(D)(1) The director of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing standards and procedures for the screening required by this section, including all of the following:

(a) Designating the person or persons responsible for causing the screening to be performed;

(b) Specifying screening equipment and methods;

(c) Identifying when the screening should be performed;

(d) Providing notice of the required screening to the newborn's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(e) Communicating screening results to the newborn's parent, guardian, or custodian and attending physician;

(f) Reporting screening results to the department of health;

(g) Referring newborns that receive abnormal screening results to providers of follow-up services.

(2) In adopting rules under division (D)(1)(b) of this section, the director shall specify screening equipment and methods that include the use of pulse oximetry or other screening equipment and methods that detect critical congenital heart defects at least as accurately as pulse oximetry. The screening equipment and methods specified shall be consistent with recommendations issued by nationally recognized organizations that advocate on behalf of medical professionals or individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Last updated August 16, 2021 at 2:56 PM

Section 3701.51 | Inflammation of the eyes of the newborn and gonorrheal ophthalmia.
 

Any inflammation, swelling, or redness in either one or both eyes of any infant, either apart from or together with any unnatural discharge from the eyes of such infant, independent of the nature of the infection, if any, occurring any time within two weeks after the birth of such infant, shall be known as "inflammation of the eyes of the newborn." Any inflammation of the conjunctiva or cornea, either apart from or together with any unnatural discharge from the eyes, occurring at any time after two weeks after birth, if caused by the gonococcus, shall be known as "gonorrheal ophthalmia."

Section 3701.511 | Use of program funds to counsel or refer for abortion.
 

None of the funds appropriated to administer the programs authorized by sections 3701.501 and 3701.502 of the Revised Code shall be used to counsel or refer for abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency.

Section 3701.52 | Condition to be reported.
 

Every physician, surgeon, obstetrician, certified nurse-midwife, nurse, maternity home or hospital of any nature, parent, relative, or any others attendant on any person with inflammation of the eyes, knowing either condition, defined in section 3701.51 of the Revised Code, to exist, within six hours thereafter, shall report such facts, as the department of health shall direct, to the health commissioner of the city or general health district within which such person may reside.

Section 3701.53 | Duties of health commissioner.
 

The health commissioner of a city or general health district shall:

(A) Investigate each case of inflammation of eyes of the newborn or gonorrheal ophthalmia as filed with the health commissioner and any other such case that comes to the health commissioner's attention;

(B) Report all cases of inflammation of the eyes of the newborn or gonorrheal ophthalmia, and the result of all such investigations, as the department of health directs;

(C) Conform to such other rules and regulations as the department promulgates for the health commissioner's further guidance;

(D) Determine the nature of the inflammation of the eyes in any case reported to the health commissioner, and refer immediately to the bureau of services for the visually impaired, any inflammation of the eyes, for such treatment as the bureau deems necessary.

Last updated February 7, 2023 at 9:21 AM

Section 3701.54 | Duties of department of health.
 

The department of health shall:

(A) Enforce sections 3701.51 to 3701.55 of the Revised Code;

(B) Promulgate rules as necessary for the purpose of those sections and as the director of health deems necessary for the further and proper guidance of health commissioners;

(C) Provide for the gratuitous distribution of a scientific prophylactic for inflammation of the eyes of the newborn, together with directions for its proper use and administration, to all physicians and certified nurse-midwives engaged in the practice of obstetrics or assisting at childbirth;

(D) Publish and promulgate such further advice and information concerning the dangers of inflammation of the eyes of the newborn and of gonorrheal ophthalmia, and the necessity for prompt and effective treatment;

(E) Furnish copies of sections 3701.51 to 3701.55 of the Revised Code to all physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and persons engaged in services relating to the public health;

(F) Keep a proper record of all cases of inflammation of the eyes of the newborn and gonorrheal ophthalmia filed with the department pursuant to sections 3701.51 to 3701.55 of the Revised Code and as may come to its attention in any way;

(G) Report all violations of sections 3701.51 to 3701.55 of the Revised Code that come to its attention to the state medical board and also to the prosecuting attorney of the county wherein the violation was committed, and assist those officials in every way possible.

Section 3701.55 | Use of prophylactic against inflammation - record.
 

Every physician, certified nurse-midwife, or other person in attendance at childbirth shall, immediately after the birth, use in the eyes of the newborn child some prophylactic against inflammation of the eyes of such child, and shall make a record on the birth certificate of the prophylactic used.

Section 3701.56 | Enforcement of rules and regulations.
 

Boards of health of a general or city health district, health authorities and officials, officers of state institutions, police officers, sheriffs, constables, and other officers and employees of the state or any county, city, or township, shall enforce quarantine and isolation orders, and the rules the department of health adopts.

Section 3701.57 | Prosecutions and proceedings - injunctive or other relief.
 

All prosecutions and proceedings by the department of health for the violation of sections 3701.01 to 3701.56, 3705.01 to 3705.29, 3707.06, 3709.01 to 3709.04, 3709.07 to 3709.11, 3709.13, 3709.17, 3709.18, and 3709.21 to 3709.36 of the Revised Code, or for the violation of any of the orders or rules of the department, shall be instituted by the director of health. Except as provided in division (C) of section 3701.571 of the Revised Code, all fines or judgments the department collects shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund.

The director of health, the board of health of a general or city health district, or any person charged with enforcing the rules of the department of health as provided in section 3701.56 of the Revised Code may petition the court of common pleas for injunctive or other appropriate relief requiring any person violating a rule adopted by or any order issued by the director of health under this chapter to comply with such rule or order. The court of common pleas of the county in which the offense is alleged to be occurring may grant such injunctive or other appropriate relief as the equities of the case require.

Section 3701.571 | Establishing graduated system of fines.
 

(A) The director of health shall adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish a graduated system of fines based on the scope and severity of violations and the history of compliance, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars per incident, and in an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may impose a fine against any person who violates division (C) of section 3701.23, division (C) of section 3701.232, division (C) of section 3701.24, or division (B) of section 3707.06 of the Revised Code or against any poison prevention and treatment center or other health-related entity that fails to comply with division (C) of section 3701.201 of the Revised Code.

(B) On request of the director, the attorney general shall bring and prosecute to judgment a civil action to collect any fine imposed under division (A) of this section that remains unpaid.

(C) All fines collected under this section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the general operations fund created under section 3701.83 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.58 | Prosecuting attorney to prosecute violations.
 

The prosecuting attorney shall prosecute all violations of sections 3701.51 to 3701.55 and 3705.01 to 3705.29 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.59 | Encouragement to seek treatment for drug addiction.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Addiction services" and "alcohol and drug addiction services" have the same meanings as in section 5119.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Controlled substance" has the same meaning as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any of the following health care professionals who attends a pregnant woman for conditions relating to pregnancy before the end of the twentieth week of pregnancy and who has reason to believe that the woman is using or has used a controlled substance in a manner that may place the woman's fetus in jeopardy shall encourage the woman to enroll in a drug treatment program offered by a provider of addiction services or alcohol and drug addiction services:

(1) Physicians authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(2) Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(3) Physician assistants licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code.

(C) A health care professional is immune from civil l iability and is not subject to criminal prosecution with regard to both of the following:

(1) Failure to recognize that a pregnant woman has used or is using a controlled substance in a manner that may place the woman's fetus in jeopardy;

(2) Any action taken in good faith compliance with this section.

Section 3701.60 | Offer of uterine cytologic examination for cancer to every female in-patient.
 

Every hospital agency, as defined in section 140.01 of the Revised Code, may offer a uterine cytologic examination for cancer to every female in-patient twenty-one years of age or over unless contrary orders are given by the attending physician or unless the examination has been performed within the preceding year. Any female in-patient may refuse the examination. If the examination is offered, the hospital agency shall maintain records to show the examination results or that the examination was refused.

Section 3701.601 | Breast and cervical cancer project income tax contribution fund.
 

There is hereby created in the state treasury the breast and cervical cancer project income tax contribution fund, which shall consist of money contributed to it under section 5747.113 of the Revised Code and of contributions made directly to it. Any person may contribute directly to the fund in addition to or independently of the income tax refund contribution system established in section 5747.113 of the Revised Code.

The director of health shall distribute the contributed funds to the Ohio breast and cervical cancer project administered under section 3701.144 of the Revised Code. The contributed funds shall be used specifically for the provision of breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and outreach services to uninsured and under-insured women who meet the eligibility requirements specified in that section. The breast and cervical cancer project, through its regional agencies, shall use the contributed funds to pay for services provided directly by personnel of health facilities operated by boards of health, free clinics as defined in section 3701.071 of the Revised Code, mammography services providers, radiology services providers, federally qualified health centers as defined by section 3701.047 of the Revised Code, rural health centers, or other community health centers.

Section 3701.602 | Wishes for sick children income tax contribution fund.
 

(A) As used in this section, "eligible nonprofit corporation" means a nonprofit corporation that meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The nonprofit corporation is exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) For at least ten years before September 29, 2015, the primary purpose of the nonprofit corporation, or the nonprofit corporation's predecessor in interest, has been granting the wishes of individuals under the age of eighteen who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.

(3) The nonprofit corporation has spent at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year for each of the last three years in furtherance of the purpose described in division (A)(2) of this section.

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the wishes for sick children income tax contribution fund, which shall consist of money contributed to it under section 5747.113 of the Revised Code and of contributions made directly to it. Any person may contribute directly to the fund in addition to or independently of the income tax refund contribution system established in section 5747.113 of the Revised Code.

The department of health shall distribute all funds contributed under this section to an eligible nonprofit corporation that will use the contributions to grant the wishes of individuals who are under the age of eighteen, are residents of this state, and have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. Not later than six months after September 29, 2015, the department shall develop guidelines under which an eligible nonprofit corporation may apply to receive funding under this section.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:10 PM

Section 3701.61 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.21 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Help me grow program.
 

(A) The department of health shall establish the help me grow program as the state's evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as provides parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. The program shall provide home visiting services to families with a pregnant woman or child under five years of age that meet the eligibility requirements established in rules adopted under this section. Home visiting services shall be provided through evidence-based home visiting models or innovative, promising home visiting models recommended by the Ohio home visiting consortium created under section 3701.612 of the Revised Code.

(B) Families shall be referred to the appropriate home visiting services through the central intake and referral system created under section 3701.611 of the Revised Code.

(C) To the extent possible, the goals of the help me grow program shall be consistent with the goals of the federal home visiting program, as specified by the maternal and child health bureau of the health resources and services administration in the United States department of health and human services or its successor.

(D) The director of health may enter into an interagency agreement with one or more state agencies to implement the help me grow program and ensure coordination of early childhood programs.

(E) The director may distribute help me grow program funds through contracts, grants, or subsidies to entities providing services under the program.

(F) As a condition of receiving payments for home visiting services, providers shall report to the director data on the program performance indicators, specified in rules adopted under division (G) of this section, that are used to assess progress toward achieving all of the following:

(1) The benchmark domains established for the federal home visiting program, including improvement in maternal and newborn health; reduction in child injuries, abuse, and neglect; improved school readiness and achievement; reduction in crime and domestic violence; and improved family economic self-sufficiency;

(2) Improvement in birth outcomes and reduction in stillbirths, as that term is defined in section 3701.97 of the Revised Code;

(3) Reduction in tobacco use by pregnant women, new parents, and others living in households with children.

The providers shall report the data in the format and within the time frames specified in the rules.

The director shall prepare an annual report on the data received from the providers. The director shall make the report available on the internet web site maintained by the department of health.

(G) Pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director shall adopt rules that are necessary and proper to implement this section. The rules shall specify all of the following:

(1) Subject to division (H) of this section, eligibility requirements for home visiting services;

(2) Eligibility requirements for providers of home visiting services;

(3) Standards and procedures for the provision of program services, including data collection, program monitoring, and program evaluation;

(4) Procedures for appealing the denial of an application for program services or the termination of services;

(5) Procedures for appealing the denial of an application to become a provider of program services or the termination of the department's approval of a provider;

(6) Procedures for addressing complaints;

(7) The program performance indicators on which data must be reported by providers of home visiting services under division (F) of this section, which, to the extent possible, shall be consistent with federal reporting requirements for federally funded home visiting services;

(8) The format in which reports must be submitted under division (F) of this section and the time frames within which the reports must be submitted;

(9) Criteria for payment of approved providers of program services;

(10) Any other rules necessary to implement the program.

(H) When adopting rules required by division (G)(1) of this section, the department shall specify that families residing in the urban and rural communities specified in rules adopted under section 3701.142 of the Revised Code are to receive priority over other families for home visiting services.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:51 PM

Section 3701.611 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.22 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Central intake and referral system for home visiting programs.
 

(A) The department of health shall create a central intake and referral system for all home visiting programs operating in this state. Through a competitive bidding process, the department of health may select one or more persons or government entities to operate the system.

(B) If the department of health chooses to select one or more system operators as described in division (A) of this section, a contract with any system operator shall require that the system do both of the following:

(1) Serve as a single point of entry for access, assessment, and referral of families to appropriate home visiting services based on each family's location of residence;

(2) Use a standardized form or other mechanism to assess for each family member's risk factors and social determinants of health, as well as ensure that the family is referred to the appropriate home visiting program, which may include a program that uses home visiting contractors who provide services within a community HUB that fully or substantially complies with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute.

(C) The standardized form or other mechanism described in division (B)(2) of this section shall be agreed to by the home visiting consortium created under section 3701.612 of the Revised Code.

(D) A contract entered into under division (B) of this section shall require a system operator to issue an annual report to the department of health that includes data regarding referrals made by the central intake and referral system, costs associated with the referrals, and the quality of services received by families who were referred to services through the system. The report shall be distributed to the home visiting consortium created under section 3701.612 of the Revised Code.

(E) Nothing in this section is intended to do any of the following:

(1) Prohibit the department of health from using alternative promotional materials or names for the central intake and referral system;

(2) Require the use of help me grow program promotional materials or names;

(3) Prohibit providers, central coordinators, the department of health, or stakeholders from using the help me grow name for promotional materials for home visiting.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 5:48 PM

Section 3701.612 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.23 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Ohio home visiting consortium.
 

(A) The Ohio home visiting consortium is hereby created. The purpose of the consortium is to ensure that home visiting services provided by home visiting programs operating in this state, as well as home visiting services provided or arranged for by medicaid managed care organizations, are high-quality and delivered through evidence-based or innovative, promising home visiting models, including models used by home visiting contractors who provide services within one or more community HUBs that fully or substantially comply with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute. It is the intent of the general assembly that all home visiting services provided in this state do both of the following:

(1) Improve health, educational, and social outcomes for expectant and new parents and young children;

(2) Promote safe, connected families and communities in which children are able to grow up healthy and ready to learn.

(B)(1) In furtherance of the consortium's purpose, the consortium shall do both of the following:

(a) Make recommendations to the department of health, department of medicaid, department of mental health and addiction services, and department of developmental disabilities regarding how to leverage all funding sources available for home visiting services, including medicaid, to accomplish both of the following in this state:

(i) Expand the use of evidence-based home visiting program models, including models used by home visiting contractors who provide services within one or more community HUBs that fully or substantially comply with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute;

(ii) Initiate, as pilot projects, innovative, promising home visiting models.

(b) Make recommendations to the department of medicaid on the terms to be included in contracts the department enters into with medicaid managed care organizations under section 5167.10 of the Revised Code to ensure that the organizations are providing or arranging for the medicaid recipients enrolled in their medicaid MCO plans, as defined in section 5167.01 of the Revised Code, to receive home visiting services that are delivered as part of the home visiting program models described in divisions (B)(1)(a)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(2) The consortium may recommend a standardized form or other mechanism to assess family risk factors and social determinants of health for purposes of the central intake and referral system described in section 3701.611 of the Revised Code.

(C) The consortium shall consist of the following members:

(1) The director of health or the director's designee;

(2) The medicaid director or the director's designee;

(3) The director of mental health and addiction services or the director's designee;

(4) The director of developmental disabilities or the director's designee;

(5) The executive director of the commission on minority health or the executive director's designee;

(6) A member of the commission on infant mortality who is not a legislator or an individual specified under this division;

(7) One individual who represents medicaid managed care organizations, recommended by the board of trustees of the Ohio association of health plans;

(8) One individual who represents county boards of developmental disabilities, recommended by the Ohio association of county boards of developmental disabilities;

(9) A home visiting contractor who provides services within the help me grow program through a contract, grant, or other agreement with the department of health;

(10) A home visiting contractor who provides services within one or more community HUBs that fully or substantially comply with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute through a contract, grant, or other agreement with the commission on minority health;

(11) An individual who receives home visiting services from the help me grow program;

(12) An individual who receives home visiting services from a home visiting contractor who provides services within one or more community HUBs that fully or substantially comply with the pathways community HUB certification standards developed by the pathways community HUB institute;

(13) Two members of the senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, each appointed by the senate president;

(14) Two members of the house of representatives, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, each appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(D) The consortium members described in divisions (C)(10) and (12) of this section shall be appointed not later than thirty days after the effective date of this amendment. An appointed member shall hold office until a successor is appointed. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

The director of health shall serve as the chairperson of the consortium.

A member shall serve without compensation except to the extent that serving on the consortium is considered part of the member's regular duties of employment.

(E) The consortium shall meet at the call of the director of health but not less than once each calendar quarter. The consortium's first meeting shall occur not later than sixty days after April 6, 2017.

(F) The department of health shall provide meeting space and staff and other administrative support for the consortium.

(G) The consortium is not subject to sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 9:15 AM

Section 3701.613 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.24 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Biennial summit on home visiting programs.
 

Beginning in fiscal year 2018, the department of health shall facilitate and allocate funds for a biennial summit on home visiting programs. The purpose of each summit is to convene persons and government entities involved with the delivery of home visiting services in this state, as well as other interested persons, to do all of the following:

(A) Share the latest research on evidence-based and innovative, promising home visiting models;

(B) Discuss strategies to ensure that home visiting programs in this state use evidence-based or innovative, promising home visiting models;

(C) Discuss strategies to reduce tobacco use by families participating in home visiting programs;

(D) Present successes and challenges encountered by home visiting programs.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 9:18 AM

Section 3701.614 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.25 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Educational materials regarding health risks of lead-based paint.
 

(A) The department of health shall develop educational materials describing the health risks of lead-based paint and measures that may be taken to reduce those risks.

(B) As part of the home visiting services described in section 3701.61 of the Revised Code, each eligible family residing in a house, apartment, or other residence built before January 1, 1979, shall receive a copy of the educational materials described in this section. If the date on which the residence was built is unknown to the family or home visiting services provider, the family shall receive a copy of the educational materials.

(C) The educational materials developed and distributed under this section shall be culturally and linguistically appropriate for the families described in division (B) of this section.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Section 3701.615 | Grant program to address the provision of prenatal health care services to pregnant women on a group basis.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Certified nurse-midwife," "certified nurse practitioner," and "clinical nurse specialist" have the same meanings as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(3) "Physician assistant" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant.

(B) The department of health shall establish a grant program to address the provision of prenatal health care services to pregnant women on a group basis. The aim of the program is to increase the number of pregnant women who begin prenatal care early in their pregnancies and to reduce the number of infants born preterm.

(C)(1) An entity seeking to participate in the grant program shall apply to the department of health in a manner prescribed by the department. Participating entities may include the following:

(a) Medical practices, including those operated by or employing one or more physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives, certified nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists;

(b) Health care facilities.

(2) To be eligible to participate in the grant program, an entity must demonstrate to the department that it can meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Has space to host groups of at least twelve pregnant women;

(b) Has adequate in-kind resources, including existing medical staff, to provide necessary prenatal health care services on both an individual and group basis;

(c) Provides prenatal care based on either of the following:

(i) The centering pregnancy model of care developed by the centering healthcare institute;

(ii) Another model of care acceptable to the department.

(d) Integrates health assessments, education, and support into a unified program in which pregnant women at similar stages of pregnancy meet, learn care skills, and participate in group discussions;

(e) Meets any other requirements established by the department.

(D) When distributing funds under the program, the department shall give priority to entities that are both of the following:

(1) Operating in areas of the state with high preterm birth rates, including rural areas and Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit counties;

(2) Providing care to medicaid recipients who are members of the group described in division (B) of section 5163.06 of the Revised Code.

(E) A participating entity may employ or contract with licensed dental hygienists to educate pregnant women about the importance of prenatal and postnatal dental care.

(F) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.63 | Shaken baby syndrome education program.
 

(A) As used in this section and sections 3701.64, 3701.66, and 3701.67 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Child care center," "type A family child care home," and "licensed type B family child care home" have the same meanings as in section 5104.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Child care facility" means a child care center, a type A family child care home, or a licensed type B family child care home.

(3) "Foster caregiver" has the same meaning as in section 5103.02 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Freestanding birthing center" has the same meaning as in section 3702.141 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Hospital" means a hospital classified pursuant to rules adopted under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code as a general hospital or children's hospital and to which either of the following applies:

(a) The hospital has a maternity unit.

(b) The hospital receives for care infants who have been transferred to it from other facilities and who have never been discharged to their residences following birth.

(6) "Infant" means a child who is less than one year of age.

(7) "Maternity unit" means the distinct portion of a hospital licensed as a maternity unit under Chapter 3711. of the Revised Code.

(8) "Other person responsible for the infant" includes a foster caregiver.

(9) "Parent" means either parent, unless the parents are separated or divorced or their marriage has been dissolved or annulled, in which case "parent" means the parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian of the child. "Parent" also means a prospective adoptive parent with whom a child is placed.

(10) "Shaken baby syndrome" means signs and symptoms, including, but not limited to, retinal hemorrhages in one or both eyes, subdural hematoma, or brain swelling, resulting from the violent shaking or the shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child.

(B) The director of health shall establish the shaken baby syndrome education program by doing all of the following:

(1) Developing educational materials that present readily comprehendible information on shaken baby syndrome;

(2) Making available on the department of health web site in an easily accessible format the educational materials developed under division (B)(1) of this section;

(3) Annually assessing the effectiveness of the shaken baby syndrome education program by doing all of the following:

(a) Evaluating the reports received pursuant to section 5101.135 of the Revised Code;

(b) Reviewing the content of the educational materials to determine if updates or improvements should be made;

(c) Reviewing the manner in which the educational materials are distributed, as described in section 3701.64 of the Revised Code, to determine if modifications to that manner should be made.

(C) In meeting the requirements under division (B) of this section, the director shall develop educational materials that, to the extent possible, minimize administrative or financial burdens on any of the entities or persons listed in section 3701.64 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 5:06 PM

Section 3701.64 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.15 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Distribution of shaken baby syndrome educational materials.
 

(A) A copy of the shaken baby syndrome educational materials developed under section 3701.63 of the Revised Code shall be distributed in the following manner:

(1) By child birth educators and the staff of obstetricians' offices, to an expectant parent who uses their services;

(2) By the staff of pediatric physicians' offices, to any of the following who use their services: an infant's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant;

(3) By the staff of a hospital or freestanding birthing center, to an infant's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant, before the child is discharged from the facility to the infant's residence following birth;

(4) By the staff of the help me grow program established pursuant to section 3701.61 of the Revised Code, to an infant's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant, during home-visiting services conducted in accordance with that section;

(5) By each child care facility operating in this state, to each of its employees;

(6) By a public children services agency, when the agency has initial contact with an infant's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant.

(B) An entity or person required to distribute educational materials pursuant to division (A) of this section is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with the dissemination of those educational materials unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

An entity or person required to distribute educational materials in accordance with division (A) of this section is not subject to criminal prosecution or, to the extent that a person is regulated under Title XLVII of the Revised Code, professional disciplinary action under that title, for an act or omission associated with the dissemination of those educational materials.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that an entity or person may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, or any other provision of the Revised Code, or the common law of this state.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 9:21 AM

Section 3701.65 | Choose life fund.
 

(A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the "choose life" fund. The fund shall consist of the contributions that are paid to the registrar of motor vehicles by applicants who voluntarily elect to obtain "choose life" license plates pursuant to section 4503.91 of the Revised Code and any money returned to the fund under division (E)(1)(d) of this section. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

(B)(1) At least annually, the director of health shall distribute the money in the fund to any private, nonprofit organization that is eligible to receive funds under this section and that applies for funding under division (C) of this section.

(2) The director shall allocate the funds to each county in proportion to the number of "choose life" license plates issued during the preceding year to vehicles registered in each county. The director shall distribute funds allocated for a county as follows:

(a) To one or more eligible organizations located within the county;

(b) If no eligible organization located within the county applies for funding, to one or more eligible organizations located in contiguous counties;

(c) If no eligible organization located within the county or a contiguous county applies for funding, to one or more eligible organizations within any other county.

(3) The director shall ensure that any funds allocated for a county are distributed equally among eligible organizations that apply for funding within the county.

(C) Any organization seeking funds under this section annually shall apply for distribution of the funds based on the county in which the organization is located. An organization also may apply for funding in a county in which it is not located if it demonstrates that it provides services for pregnant women residing in that county. The director shall develop an application form and may determine the schedule and procedures that an organization shall follow when annually applying for funds. The application shall inform the applicant of the conditions for receiving and using funds under division (E) of this section. The application shall require evidence that the organization meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Is a private, nonprofit organization;

(2) Is committed to counseling pregnant women about the option of adoption;

(3) Provides services within the state to pregnant women who are planning to place their children for adoption, including counseling and meeting the material needs of the women;

(4) Does not charge women for any services received;

(5) Is not involved or associated with any abortion activities, including counseling for or referrals to abortion clinics, providing medical abortion-related procedures, or pro-abortion advertising;

(6) Does not discriminate in its provision of any services on the basis of race, religion, color, age, marital status, national origin, disability, gender, or age;

(7) If the organization is applying for funding in a county in which it is not located, provides services for pregnant women residing in that county.

(D) The director shall not distribute funds to an organization that does not provide verifiable evidence of the requirements specified in the application under division (C) of this section and shall not provide additional funds to any organization that fails to comply with division (E) of this section in regard to its previous receipt of funds under this section.

(E)(1) An organization receiving funds under this section shall do all of the following:

(a) Use not more than sixty per cent of the funds distributed to it for the material needs of pregnant women who are planning to place their children for adoption or for infants awaiting placement with adoptive parents, including clothing, housing, medical care, food, utilities, and transportation;

(b) Use not more than forty per cent of the funds distributed to it for counseling, training, or advertising;

(c) Not use any of the funds distributed to it for administrative expenses, legal expenses, or capital expenditures;

(d) Annually return to the fund created under division (A) of this section any unused money that exceeds ten per cent of the money distributed to the organization.

(2) The organization annually shall submit to the director an audited financial statement verifying its compliance with division (E)(1) of this section.

(F) The director, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt rules to implement this section.

It is not the intent of the general assembly that the department create a new position within the department to implement and administer this section. It is the intent of the general assembly that the implementation and administration of this section be accomplished by existing department personnel.

(G) If funds that have been allocated to a county for any previous year have not been distributed to one or more eligible organizations, the director may distribute those funds in accordance with this section.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM

Section 3701.66 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.16 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Safe sleep education program.
 

(A) As used in this section, "sudden unexpected infant death" means the death of an infant that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, the cause of which is not immediately obvious prior to investigation.

(B) The department of health shall establish the safe sleep education program by doing all of the following:

(1) By not later than sixty days after March 19, 2015, developing educational materials that present readily comprehendible information on safe sleeping practices for infants and possible causes of sudden unexpected infant death;

(2) Making available on the department's internet web site in an easily accessible format the educational materials developed under division (B)(1) of this section;

(3) Providing annual training classes at no cost to individuals who provide safe sleep education to parents and infant caregivers who reside in the urban and rural communities specified under section 3701.142 of the Revised Code, including child care providers as defined in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code, hospital staff and volunteers, local health department staff, social workers, individuals who provide home visiting services, and community health workers ;

( 4) Beginning in 2015, annually assessing the effectiveness of the safe sleep education program by evaluating the reports submitted by child fatality review boards to the department pursuant to section 307.626 of the Revised Code.

(C) In meeting the requirements under division (B) of this section, the department shall develop educational materials that, to the extent possible, minimize administrative or financial burdens on any of the entities or persons required by division (D) of this section to distribute the materials.

(D) A copy of the safe sleep educational materials developed under this section shall be distributed by entities and persons with and in the same manner as the shaken baby syndrome educational materials are distributed pursuant to section 3701.64 of the Revised Code.

An entity or person required to distribute the educational materials is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with the dissemination of those educational materials unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

An entity or person required to distribute the educational materials is not subject to criminal prosecution or, to the extent that a person is regulated under Title XLVII of the Revised Code, professional disciplinary action under that title, for an act or omission associated with the dissemination of those educational materials.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that an entity or person may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, or any other provision of the Revised Code, or the common law of this state.

(E) Each entity or person that is required to distribute the educational materials and has infants regularly sleeping at a facility or location under the entity's or person's control shall adopt an internal infant safe sleep policy. The policy shall specify when and to whom educational materials on infant safe sleep practices are to be delivered to individuals working or volunteering at the facility or location and be consistent with the model internal infant safe sleep policy adopted under division (F) of this section.

(F) The director of health shall adopt a model internal infant safe sleep policy for use by entities and persons that must comply with division (E) of this section. The policy shall specify safe infant sleep practices, include images depicting safe infant sleep practices, and specify sample content for an infant safe sleep education program that entities and persons may use when conducting new staff orientation programs.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 9:22 AM

Section 3701.67 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.17 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Infant safe sleep screening procedure.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Contractor" means a person who provides personal services pursuant to a contract.

(2) "Critical access hospital" means a facility designated as a critical access hospital by the director of health under section 3701.073 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Crib" includes a portable play yard or other suitable sleeping place.

(B) Each hospital and freestanding birthing center shall implement an infant safe sleep screening procedure. The purpose of the procedure is to determine whether there will be a safe crib for an infant to sleep in once the infant is discharged from the facility to the infant's residence following birth. The procedure shall consist of questions that facility staff or volunteers must ask the infant's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant regarding the infant's intended sleeping place and environment.

The director of health shall develop questions that facilities may use when implementing the infant safe sleep screening procedure required by this division. The director may consult with persons and government entities that have expertise in infant safe sleep practices when developing the questions.

(C) If, prior to an infant's discharge from a facility to the infant's residence following birth, a facility other than a critical access hospital or a facility identified under division (D) of this section determines through the procedure implemented under division (B) of this section that the infant is unlikely to have a safe crib at the infant's residence, the facility shall make a good faith effort to arrange for the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant to obtain a safe crib at no charge to that individual. In meeting this requirement, the facility may do any of the following:

(1) Obtain a safe crib with its own resources;

(2) Collaborate with or obtain assistance from persons or government entities that are able to procure a safe crib or provide money to purchase a safe crib;

(3) Refer the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant to a person or government entity described in division (C)(2) of this section to obtain a safe crib free of charge from that source;

(4) If funds are available for the cribs for kids program or a successor program administered by the department of health, refer the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant to a site, designated by the department for purposes of the program, at which a safe crib may be obtained at no charge.

If a safe crib is procured as described in division (C) (1), (2), or (3) of this section, the facility shall ensure that the crib recipient receives safe sleep education and crib assembly instructions from the facility or another source. If a safe crib is procured as described in division (C)(4) of this section, the department of health shall ensure that the cribs for kids program or a successor program administered by the department provides safe sleep education and crib assembly instructions to the recipient.

(D) The director of health shall identify the facilities in this state that are not critical access hospitals and are not served by a site described in division (C)(4) of this section. The director shall identify not less than annually the facilities that meet both criteria and notify those that do so.

(E) When a facility that is a hospital registers with the department of health under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code or a facility that is a freestanding birthing center renews its license in accordance with rules adopted under section 3702.30 of the Revised Code, the facility shall report the following information to the department in a manner the department prescribes:

(1) The number of safe cribs that the facility obtained and distributed by using its own resources as described in division (C)(1) of this section since the last time the facility reported this information to the department;

(2) The number of safe cribs that the facility obtained and distributed by collaborating with or obtaining assistance from another person or government entity as described in division (C)(2) of this section since the last time the facility reported this information to the department;

(3) The number of referrals that the facility made to a person or government entity as described in division (C)(3) of this section since the last time the facility reported this information to the department;

(4) The number of referrals that the facility made to a site designated by the department as described in division (C)(4) of this section since the last time the facility reported this information to the department;

(5) Demographic information specified by the director of health regarding the individuals to whom safe cribs were distributed as described in division (E)(1) or (2) of this section or for whom a referral described in division (E)(3) or (4) of this section was made;

(6) In the case of a critical access hospital or a facility identified under division (D) of this section, demographic information specified by the director of health regarding each parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant determined to be unlikely to have a safe crib at the infant's residence pursuant to the procedure implemented under division (B) of this section;

(7) Any other information collected by the facility regarding infant sleep environments and intended infant sleep environments that the director determines to be appropriate.

(F) T he director of health shall prepare a written report that summarizes the information collected under division (E) of this section for the preceding twelve months, assesses whether at- risk families are sufficiently being served by the crib distribution and referral system established by this section, makes suggestions for system improvements, and provides any other information the director considers appropriate for inclusion in the report. On completion, the report shall be submitted to the general assembly with, and in the same manner as, the report that the department of medicaid submits to the general assembly and joint medicaid oversight committee pursuant to section 5162.13 of the Revised Code. A copy of the report also shall be submitted to the governor.

(G) A facility, and any employee, contractor, or volunteer of a facility, that implements an infant safe sleep procedure in accordance with division (B) of this section is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with implementation of the procedure, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

A facility, and any employee, contractor, or volunteer of a facility, that implements an infant safe sleep screening procedure in accordance with division (B) of this section is not subject to criminal prosecution or, to the extent that a person is regulated under Title XLVII of the Revised Code, professional disciplinary action under that title, for an act or omission associated with implementation of the procedure.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a facility, or an employee, contractor, or volunteer of a facility, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, or any other provision of the Revised Code, or the common law of this state.

(H) A facility, and any employee, contractor, or volunteer of a facility, is neither liable for damages in a civil action, nor subject to criminal prosecution, for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from a crib obtained by a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the infant as a result of any action the facility, employee, contractor, or volunteer takes to comply with division (C) of this section.

The immunity provided by this division does not require compliance with division (D) of section 2305.37 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 5:44 PM

Section 3701.671 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.18 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025].
 

The director of health shall require each recipient of a grant the department of health administers that pertains to safe crib procurement to report annually to the department both of the following:

(A) Demographic information specified by the director of health regarding the individuals to whom safe cribs were distributed;

(B) If known, the extent to which distributed cribs are being used.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 5:45 PM

Section 3701.68 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.10 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Commission on infant mortality.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Academic medical center" means a medical school and its affiliated teaching hospitals.

(2) "State registrar" has the same meaning as in section 3705.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) There is hereby created the commission on infant mortality. The commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Conduct a complete inventory of services provided or administered by the state that are available to address the infant mortality rate in this state;

(2) For each service identified under division (B)(1) of this section, determine both of the following:

(a) The sources of the funds that are used to pay for the service;

(b) Whether the service and its funding sources have a connection with programs provided or administered by local or community-based public or private entities and, to the extent they do not, whether they should.

(3) With assistance from academic medical centers, track and analyze infant mortality rates by county for the purpose of determining the impact of state and local initiatives to reduce those rates.

(C) The commission shall consist of the following members:

(1) Two members of the senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, each appointed by the senate president;

(2) Two members of the house of representatives, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, each appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(3) The governor or the governor's designee;

(4) The medicaid director or the director's designee;

(5) The director of health or the director's designee;

(6) The director of developmental disabilities or the director's designee;

(7) The executive director of the commission on minority health or the executive director's designee;

(8) The attorney general or the attorney general's designee;

(9) A health commissioner of a city or general health district, appointed by the governor;

(10) A coroner, deputy coroner, or other person who conducts death scene investigations, appointed by the governor;

(11) An individual who represents the Ohio hospital association, appointed by the association's president;

(12) An individual who represents the Ohio children's hospital association, appointed by the association's president;

(13) Two individuals who represent community-based programs that serve pregnant women or new mothers whose infants tend to be at a higher risk for infant mortality, appointed by the governor;

(14) Two individuals who represent children's interests, one to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one to be appointed by the senate president.

(D) An appointed commission member shall hold office until a successor is appointed. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

From among the members, the president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint two to serve as co-chairpersons of the commission.

A member shall serve without compensation except to the extent that serving on the commission is considered part of the member's regular duties of employment.

(E) The commission may request assistance from the staff of the legislative service commission.

(F) For purposes of division (B)(3) of this section, the state registrar shall ensure that the commission and academic medical centers located in this state have access to any electronic system of vital records the state registrar or department of health maintains, including the Ohio public health information warehouse. Not later than six months after March 19, 2015, the commission on infant mortality shall prepare a written report of its findings and recommendations concerning the matters described in division (B) of this section. On completion, the commission shall submit the report to the governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, the general assembly.

(G) The president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives shall determine the responsibilities of the commission following submission of the report under division (F) of this section.

(H) The commission is not subject to sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code.

(I) The commission shall provide information to the Ohio housing finance agency for the purposes of division (A) of section 175.14 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 5:37 PM

Section 3701.69 | Down syndrome information sheet.
 

(A)(1) The department of health shall create a Down syndrome information sheet that includes all of the following:

(a) A description of Down syndrome, including its causes, effects on development, and potential complications;

(b) Diagnostic tests;

(c) Options for treatment and therapy;

(d) Contact information for local, state, and national organizations that provide Down syndrome educational and support services and programs.

(2) With respect to the medical information included in the information sheet, the department shall include only information that is current and based on medical evidence.

(3) The department shall periodically review and update the information sheet and shall make it available on the department's internet web site.

(B) If a patient under the care of any of the following health care professionals or facilities receives either a test result indicating Down syndrome or a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, the health care professional or facility shall provide to the patient or the patient's representative a copy of the information sheet created under division (A) of this section:

(1) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(2) A certified nurse-midwife who holds a certificate of authority issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(3) A genetic counselor licensed under Chapter 4778. of the Revised Code;

(4) A hospital registered under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code;

(5) A maternity unit, newborn care nursery, or maternity home licensed under Chapter 3711. of the Revised Code;

(6) A freestanding birthing center licensed under section 3702.30 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 16, 2021 at 3:04 PM

Section 3701.70 | Guidelines for a state-level review of deaths of resident children under eighteen years of age.
 

(A) The director of health shall establish guidelines for a state-level review of deaths of children under eighteen years of age who, at the time of death, were residents of this state.

(B) The purpose of a review conducted pursuant to guidelines adopted under this section is to decrease the incidence of preventable child deaths by doing all of the following:

(1) Promoting cooperation, collaboration, and communication between all groups, professions, agencies, or entities that serve families and children;

(2) Maintaining a comprehensive database of child deaths that occur in this state in order to develop an understanding of the causes and incidence of those deaths;

(3) Recommending and developing plans for implementing state and local service and program changes and changes to the groups, professions, agencies, or entities that serve families and children that might prevent child deaths.

(C) The guidelines shall provide that the director may not conduct a review while an investigation of the child's death or prosecution of a person for causing the death is pending, unless the prosecuting attorney agrees to allow the review. At the director's request, the law enforcement agency conducting the criminal investigation, on the conclusion of the investigation, and the prosecuting attorney, on the conclusion of the prosecution, shall notify the director of the conclusion.

Section 3701.701 | Summary sheet.
 

(A)(1) Notwithstanding section 3701.243 and any other section of the Revised Code pertaining to confidentiality, any individual, public children services agency, private child placing agency, or agency that provides services specifically to individuals or families, law enforcement agency, or other public or private entity that provided services to a child whose death is being reviewed by the director of health pursuant to guidelines established under section 3701.70 of the Revised Code, on the request of the director, shall submit to the director a summary sheet of information.

(a) With respect to a request made to a health care entity, the summary sheet shall contain only information available and reasonably drawn from the child's medical record created by the health care entity.

(b) With respect to a request made to any other individual or entity, the summary sheet shall contain only information available and reasonably drawn from any record involving the child that the individual or entity develops in the normal course of business.

(c) On the request of the director, an individual or entity may, at the individual's or entity's discretion, make any additional information, documents, or reports available to the director.

(2) Notwithstanding section 3701.243 and any other section of the Revised Code pertaining to confidentiality, in the case of a child one year of age or younger whose death is being reviewed by the director, on the request of the director, a health care entity that provided services to the child's mother shall submit to the director a summary sheet of information available and reasonably drawn from the mother's medical record created by the health care entity. Before submitting the summary sheet, the health care entity shall attempt to obtain the mother's consent to do so, but lack of consent shall not preclude the entity from submitting the summary sheet.

(3) For purposes of the review, the director shall have access to confidential information provided to the director under this section or division (I)(4) of section 2151.421 of the Revised Code, and the director shall preserve the confidentiality of that information.

(B) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, no person, entity, law enforcement agency, or prosecuting attorney shall provide any information regarding the death of a child to the director pursuant to guidelines established under section 3701.70 of the Revised Code while an investigation of the death or prosecution of a person for causing the death is pending, unless the prosecuting attorney agrees to allow the review.

Section 3701.702 | Immunity.
 

(A) An individual or public or private entity providing information, documents, or reports to the director of health pursuant to guidelines established under section 3701.70 of the Revised Code is immune from civil liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property that otherwise might be incurred or imposed as a result of providing the information, document, or reports to the director.

(B) Each person participating in a review conducted pursuant to guidelines established under section 3701.70 of the Revised Code is immune from civil liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the person's participation in the review.

Section 3701.703 | Confidentiality.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section and sections 5153.171 to 5153.173 of the Revised Code, any information, document, or report presented to the director of health pursuant to guidelines established under section 3701.70 of the Revised Code, all statements made by persons participating in a review conducted pursuant to those guidelines, and all work products of the director are confidential and shall be used by the director only in the exercise of the proper functions of the department of health.

(B) The director may disclose the confidential information described in division (A) of this section to a fetal and infant mortality review team.

(C) No person shall knowingly permit or encourage the unauthorized dissemination of the confidential information described in division (A) of this section.

(D) Whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Section 3701.71 | Minimum standards for voluntary and governmental hospitals.
 

To comply with the Social Security Act Amendments of 1950, known as Public Law 734-81st Congress, the Ohio department of health is hereby designated as the state authority responsible for establishing and maintaining minimum standards for voluntary and governmental hospitals and in units providing medical and nursing care in city and county institutions.

Section 3701.72 | Department to adopt rules and regulations to establish and maintain minimum standards.
 

Subject to the provisions of sections 119.01 to 119.13 inclusive, of the Revised Code, the Ohio department of health shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations to establish and maintain such minimum standards.

Section 3701.73 | Exceptions to act.
 

Sections 3701.71 and 3701.72 of the Revised Code shall not be applicable to institutions licensed or approved under other existing statutes.

Section 3701.74 | Patient or patient's representative to submit request to examine or obtain copy of medical record.
 

(A) As used in this section and section 3701.741 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Ambulatory care facility" means a facility that provides medical, diagnostic, or surgical treatment to patients who do not require hospitalization, including a dialysis center, ambulatory surgical facility, cardiac catheterization facility, diagnostic imaging center, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy center, home health agency, inpatient hospice, birthing center, radiation therapy center, emergency facility, and an urgent care center. "Ambulatory care facility" does not include the private office of a physician or dentist, whether the office is for an individual or group practice.

(2) "Chiropractor" means an individual licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic.

(3) "Emergency facility" means a hospital emergency department or any other facility that provides emergency medical services.

(4) "Health care practitioner" means all of the following:

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

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

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

(d) A dispensing optician, spectacle dispensing optician, or spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

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

(f) A physician;

(g) A physician assistant authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant;

(h) A practitioner of a limited branch of medicine issued a certificate under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

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

(j) A chiropractor;

(k) A hearing aid dealer or fitter licensed under Chapter 4747. of the Revised Code;

(l) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code;

(m) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

(n) A physical therapist or physical therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

(o) A licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, social worker, independent social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, or marriage and family therapist licensed, or a social work assistant registered, under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code;

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

(q) A respiratory care professional licensed under Chapter 4761. of the Revised Code;

(r) An emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, or emergency medical technician-paramedic certified under Chapter 4765. of the Revised Code.

(5) "Health care provider" means a hospital, ambulatory care facility, long-term care facility, pharmacy, emergency facility, or health care practitioner.

(6) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code.

(7) "Long-term care facility" means a nursing home, residential care facility, or home for the aging, as those terms are defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code; a residential facility licensed under section 5119.34 of the Revised Code that provides accommodations, supervision, and personal care services for three to sixteen unrelated adults; a nursing facility, as defined in section 5165.01 of the Revised Code; a skilled nursing facility, as defined in section 5165.01 of the Revised Code; and an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as defined in section 5124.01 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Medical record" means data in any form that pertains to a patient's medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, or medical condition and that is generated and maintained by a health care provider in the process of the patient's health care treatment.

(9) "Medical records company" means a person who stores, locates, or copies medical records for a health care provider, or is compensated for doing so by a health care provider, and charges a fee for providing medical records to a patient or patient's representative.

(10) "Patient" means either of the following:

(a) An individual who received health care treatment from a health care provider;

(b) A guardian, as defined in section 1337.11 of the Revised Code, of an individual described in division (A)(10)(a) of this section.

(11) "Patient's personal representative" means a minor patient's parent or other person acting in loco parentis, a court-appointed guardian, or a person with durable power of attorney for health care for a patient, the executor or administrator of the patient's estate, or the person responsible for the patient's estate if it is not to be probated. "Patient's personal representative" does not include an insurer authorized under Title XXXIX of the Revised Code to do the business of sickness and accident insurance in this state, a health insuring corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code, or any other person not named in this division.

(12) "Pharmacy" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(13) "Physician" means a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(14) "Authorized person" means a person to whom a patient has given written authorization to act on the patient's behalf regarding the patient's medical record.

(B) A patient, a patient's personal representative, or an authorized person who wishes to examine or obtain a copy of part or all of a medical record shall submit to the health care provider a written request signed by the patient, personal representative, or authorized person dated not more than one year before the date on which it is submitted. The request shall indicate whether the copy is to be sent to the requestor, physician or chiropractor, or held for the requestor at the office of the health care provider. Within a reasonable time after receiving a request that meets the requirements of this division and includes sufficient information to identify the record requested, a health care provider that has the patient's medical records shall permit the patient to examine the record during regular business hours without charge or, on request, shall provide a copy of the record in accordance with section 3701.741 of the Revised Code, except that if a physician, psychologist, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or chiropractor who has treated the patient determines for clearly stated treatment reasons that disclosure of the requested record is likely to have an adverse effect on the patient, the health care provider shall provide the record to a physician, psychologist, licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or chiropractor designated by the patient. The health care provider shall take reasonable steps to establish the identity of the person making the request to examine or obtain a copy of the patient's record.

(C) If a health care provider fails to furnish a medical record as required by division (B) of this section, the patient, personal representative, or authorized person who requested the record may bring a civil action to enforce the patient's right of access to the record.

(D)(1) This section does not apply to medical records whose release is covered by section 173.20 or 3721.13 of the Revised Code, by Chapter 1347., 5119., or 5122. of the Revised Code, by 42 C.F.R. part 2, "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records," or by 42 C.F.R. 483.10.

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to supersede the confidentiality provisions of sections 2305.24, 2305.25, 2305.251, and 2305.252 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 8, 2023 at 2:44 PM

Section 3701.741 | Fees for providing copies of medical records.
 

(A) Each health care provider and medical records company shall provide copies of medical records in accordance with this section.

(B) Except as provided in divisions (C) and (E) of this section, a health care provider or medical records company that receives a request for a copy of a patient's medical record shall charge not more than the amounts set forth in this section.

(1)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if the request is made by the patient, the patient's personal representative, or an individual authorized to access the patient's medical record through a valid power of attorney, total costs for copies and all services related to those copies shall be reasonable, cost-based amounts permitted to be charged to the patient under federal laws and regulations. Any per page charges shall not exceed the sum of the per page charges authorized in division (B)(2)(b) and (c) of this section.

(b) If the request is made by a person identified in division (B)(1)(a) of this section and the request is for access to digital records or electronically transmitted records, the total cost for that access or for the electronic transmission, and all related services, shall not exceed fifty dollars.

(2) If the request is made by anyone other than a person identified in division (B)(1)(a) of this section, total costs for copies and all services related to those copies shall not exceed the sum of the following:

(a) An initial fee of sixteen dollars and eighty-four cents adjusted in accordance with section 3701.742 of the Revised Code, which shall compensate for the records search;

(b) Except as provided in division (B)(2)(c) of this section, with respect to data recorded on paper or electronically, the following amounts adjusted in accordance with section 3701.742 of the Revised Code:

(i) One dollar and eleven cents per page for the first ten pages;

(ii) Fifty-seven cents per page for pages eleven through fifty;

(iii) Twenty-three cents per page for pages fifty-one and higher.

(c) With respect to data resulting from an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed axial tomography (CAT) scan and recorded on paper or film, one dollar and eighty-seven cents per page;

(d) The actual cost of any related postage incurred by the health care provider or medical records company.

(C)(1) On request, a health care provider or medical records company shall provide one copy of the patient's medical record and one copy of any records regarding treatment performed subsequent to the original request, not including copies of records already provided, without charge to the following:

(a) The bureau of workers' compensation, in accordance with Chapters 4121. and 4123. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under those chapters;

(b) The industrial commission, in accordance with Chapters 4121. and 4123. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under those chapters;

(c) The department of medicaid or a county department of job and family services, in accordance with Chapters 5160., 5161., 5162., 5163., 5164., 5165., 5166., and 5167. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under those chapters;

(d) The attorney general, in accordance with sections 2743.51 to 2743.72 of the Revised Code and any rules that may be adopted under those sections;

(e) A patient, patient's personal representative, or authorized person if the medical record is necessary to support a claim under Title II or Title XVI of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 401 and 1381, as amended, and the request is accompanied by documentation that a claim has been filed.

(2) Nothing in division (C)(1) of this section requires a health care provider or medical records company to provide a copy without charge to any person or entity not listed in division (C)(1) of this section.

(D) Division (C) of this section shall not be construed to supersede any rule of the bureau of workers' compensation, the industrial commission, or the department of medicaid.

(E) A health care provider or medical records company may enter into a contract with either of the following for the copying of medical records at a fee other than as provided in division (B) of this section:

(1) A patient, a patient's personal representative, or an authorized person;

(2) An insurer authorized under Title XXXIX of the Revised Code to do the business of sickness and accident insurance in this state or health insuring corporations holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code.

(F) This section does not apply to medical records the copying of which is covered by section 173.20 of the Revised Code or by 42 C.F.R. 483.10.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 12:10 PM

Section 3701.742 | Consumer price index adjustment to fees for providing medical records.
 

The amounts specified in division (B) of section 3701.741 of the Revised Code shall be adjusted annually in accordance with this section. These amounts plus any amounts previously computed by annual adjustments made under this section shall be increased or decreased by the average percentage of increase or decrease in the consumer price index for all urban consumers (United States city average, all items), prepared by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, for the immediately preceding calendar year over the calendar year immediately preceding that year, as reported by the bureau. The director of health shall make this determination and adjust the amounts accordingly. The director shall make a list of the adjusted amounts available to the public on the internet web site maintained by the department of health.

Section 3701.75 | Authenticating health care records.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Electronic record" means a record communicated, received, or stored by electronic, magnetic, optical, or similar means for storage in an information system or transmission from one information system to another. "Electronic record" includes a record that is communicated, received, or stored by electronic data interchange, electronic mail, facsimile, telex, or similar methods of communication.

(2) "Electronic signature" means any of the following attached to or associated with an electronic record by an individual to authenticate the record:

(a) A code consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, characters, or symbols that is adopted or executed by an individual as that individual's electronic signature;

(b) A computer-generated signature code created for an individual;

(c) An electronic image of an individual's handwritten signature created by using a pen computer.

(3) "Health care record" means any document or combination of documents pertaining to a patient's medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, or medical condition that is generated and maintained in the process of the patient's treatment.

(B) All notes, orders, and observations entered into a health care record, including any interpretive reports of diagnostic tests or specific treatments, such as radiologic or electrocardiographic reports, operative reports, reports of pathologic examination of tissue, and similar reports, shall be authenticated by the individual who made or authorized the entry. An entry into a health care record may be authenticated by executing handwritten signatures or handwritten initials directly on the entry. An entry that is an electronic record may be authenticated by an electronic signature if all of the following apply:

(1) The entity responsible for creating and maintaining the health care record adopts a policy that permits the use of electronic signatures on electronic records.

(2) The entity's electronic signature system utilizes either a two-level access control mechanism that assigns a unique identifier to each user or a biometric access control device.

(3) The entity takes steps to safeguard against unauthorized access to the system and forgery of electronic signatures.

(4) The system includes a process to verify that the individual affixing the electronic signature has reviewed the contents of the entry and determined that the entry contains what that individual intended.

(5) The policy adopted by the entity pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section prescribes all of the following:

(a) A procedure by which each user of the system must certify in writing that the user will follow the confidentiality and security policies maintained by the entity for the system;

(b) Penalties for misusing the system;

(c) Training for all users of the system that includes an explanation of the appropriate use of the system and the consequences for not complying with the entity's confidentiality and security policies.

Section 3701.76 | Programs to raise awareness of hazards of nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens - annual report of director.
 

(A) The director of health shall establish and maintain a statewide public information campaign on the effects of diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens for the purpose of educating the public concerning the potential hazards related to exposure to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens and encouraging persons exposed to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens, including those exposed before birth, to seek medical attention for the identification and treatment of any conditions resulting from this exposure.

(B) The director shall maintain a registry of hospitals, clinics, physicians, or other health care providers to whom the director shall refer persons who make inquiries to the department of health regarding possible exposure to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens. In order to be eligible for listing in the registry, a health care provider shall make an application to the director, and shall have the necessary experience, facilities, and equipment to make examinations for possible effects of diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens.

(C) The director shall maintain a registry of persons who have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens, including persons exposed before birth, for the purpose of studying and monitoring conditions caused by exposure to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogen. No person shall be listed in the registry without the director's consent.

(D) The director shall make an annual report to the general assembly on the effectiveness of the programs established under this section, and shall make recommendations concerning the programs and possible legislation relating to them.

(E) No insurance company doing business under Title XXXIX and no health insuring corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code shall cancel or refuse to renew a policy, contract, certificate, or agreement or limit benefits provided under a policy, contract, certificate, or agreement solely because a policyholder, subscriber, or applicant for a policy, contract, certificate, or agreement has been exposed to diethylstilbestrol or other nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens.

Section 3701.77 | Lupus education and awareness program.
 

(A) The department of health may establish, promote, and maintain a lupus education and awareness program with an emphasis on at-risk communities to raise public awareness, educate consumers, and educate and train health professionals, human services providers, and other audiences.

(B) The department, in creating and implementing the program, may do all of the following:

(1) Provide sufficient staff and appropriate training to implement the program;

(2) Establish a grant program to support nonprofit voluntary health organizations with expertise in lupus to increase public awareness and enhance health professional education and understanding of the symptoms and consequences of lupus and the populations most at risk;

(3) Identify the appropriate entities to carry out the program;

(4) Base the program on the most current scientific information and findings;

(5) Work with government entities, community and business leaders, community organizations, health and human services providers, and national, state, and local lupus organizations, such as the lupus foundation of America, inc., to coordinate efforts to maximize state resources in the areas of lupus education and awareness;

(6) Identify and use other successful lupus education and awareness programs and procure related materials and services from organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of lupus.

(C) The department may accept gifts, grants, and donations from the federal government, foundations, organizations, medical schools, and other entities for fulfilling the obligations of the program.

(D) The department may seek any federal waiver that may be necessary to maximize funds from the federal government to implement the program.

Section 3701.771 | Needs assessment regarding lupus.
 

(A)(1) The department of health may conduct a needs assessment to identify all of the following:

(a) The level of statewide health professional and public awareness about lupus;

(b) The existence of lupus education, awareness, and treatment programs and related technical assistance available in the state and nationwide;

(c) The lupus-related educational and support service needs of health care providers in the state, including physicians, nurses, health plans, and other health professionals and health care entities;

(d) The needs of people with lupus, their families, and caregivers, including health care providers, physicians, nurses, health plans, and other health professionals and health care entities;

(e) The services available to individuals with lupus, including the existence and availability of lupus treatment and specialty care, lupus support groups, and other related care and management services.

(2) Based on the needs assessment, the department may develop and maintain a directory of lupus-related services and health care providers with specialization in services to diagnose and treat lupus. The department may disseminate the directory to all stakeholders, including individuals with lupus, families, representatives from voluntary organizations, health professionals, health plans, and state and local health agencies.

(B) The department may undertake activities to raise public awareness about the symptoms of lupus, personal risk factors, and options for diagnosing and treating the disease with a particular focus on populations at elevated risk for lupus. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Implementing a statewide campaign to educate the general public about lupus by utilizing print, radio, and television public service announcements, advertisements, posters, and other materials;

(2) Disseminating health information and conducting individual risk assessments at public events, such as health fairs and community forums sponsored by the department;

(3) Distributing information through local health departments; schools; area agencies on aging; employer wellness programs; physicians and other health professionals; hospitals and health plans; health, nonprofit, and community-based organizations; and regional offices of the department.

Section 3701.772 | Program to award grants for lupus diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic decision-making.
 

(A) The department of health may establish a program to award grants to educate and train physicians, health professionals, and other service providers on the most current, accurate scientific and medical information on lupus diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic decision-making, including medical best practices for detecting and treating the disease in special populations, risks and benefits of medications, and research advances. If a program to award grants is established, the department shall allocate the total amount available for the grants in amounts that are proportionate to the populations of the areas served by the Ohio chapters of the lupus foundation of America, inc.

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be affiliated with the foundation.

(B) Each grant recipient shall do all of the following:

(1) Develop health professional educational materials that identify the latest scientific and medical information and clinical applications;

(2) Work to increase knowledge among physicians, nurses, and other health and human services professionals about the importance of lupus diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation;

(3) Use available curricula for training of health and human services providers and community leaders on lupus detection and treatment;

(4) Support continuing medical education programs in all geographical areas of the state presented by the leading state academic institutions by providing the most current information;

(5) Provide workshops and seminars for in-depth professional development in the field of care and management of lupus patients to bring the latest information on clinical advances to health care providers;

(6) Conduct statewide conferences on lupus at appropriate intervals;

(7) Prepare an annual report that describes the recipient's use of the grant and submit a copy of the report to the department.

Section 3701.775 | Lupus education and awareness program fund.
 

There is hereby created in the state treasury the lupus education and awareness program fund. If the department of health establishes the lupus education and awareness program, as authorized under section 3701.77 of the Revised Code, all moneys accepted under division (C) of that section shall be credited to the fund. Money in the fund shall be used solely to administer the lupus education and awareness program.

Section 3701.78 | Commission on minority health.
 

(A) There is hereby created the commission on minority health, consisting of twenty-two members. The governor shall appoint to the commission nine members from among health researchers, health planners, and health professionals. The governor also shall appoint two members who are representatives of the lupus awareness and education program. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint to the commission two members of the house of representatives, not more than one of whom is a member of the same political party, and the president of the senate shall appoint to the commission two members of the senate, not more than one of whom is a member of the same political party. The following shall be members of the commission: the directors of health, mental health and addiction services, developmental disabilities, aging, and job and family services, or their designees; the medicaid director, or the director's designee; and the director of education and workforce, or the director's designee.

The commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members.

Of the members appointed by the governor, five shall be appointed to initial terms of one year, and four shall be appointed to initial terms of two years. Thereafter, all members appointed by the governor shall be appointed to terms of two years. All members of the commission appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives or the president of the senate shall be nonvoting members of the commission and be appointed within forty-five days after the commencement of the first regular session of each general assembly, and shall serve until the expiration of the session of the general assembly during which they were appointed.

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for the actual and necessary expenses they incur in the performance of their official duties.

(B) The commission shall promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups. Each year the commission shall distribute grants from available funds to community-based health groups to be used to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups. As used in this division, "minority group" means any of the following economically disadvantaged groups: Blacks, American Indians, Hispanics, and Orientals. The commission shall adopt and maintain rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to provide for the distribution of these grants. No group shall qualify to receive a grant from the commission unless it receives at least twenty per cent of its funds from sources other than grants distributed under this section.

(C) The commission may appoint such employees as it considers necessary to carry out its duties under this section. The department of health shall provide office space for the commission.

(D) The commission shall meet at the call of its chairperson to conduct its official business. A majority of the voting members of the commission constitute a quorum. The votes of at least eight voting members of the commission are necessary for the commission to take any official action or to approve the distribution of grants under this section.

Last updated September 5, 2023 at 10:43 AM

Section 3701.79 | Physician, hospital, and department abortion reports.
 

(A) As used in this section and in sections 3701.791 and 3701.792 of the Revised Code :

(1) "Abortion" has the same meaning as in section 2919.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Abortion report" means a form completed pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(3) "Ambulatory surgical facility" has the same meaning as in section 3702.30 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Department" means the department of health.

(5) "Hospital" means any building, structure, institution, or place devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for the diagnosis, treatment, and medical or surgical care for three or more unrelated individuals having illness, disease, injury, or deformity, and regularly making available at least clinical laboratory services, diagnostic x-ray services, treatment facilities for surgery or obstetrical care, or other definitive medical treatment. "Hospital" does not include a "home" as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Physician's office" means an office or portion of an office that is used to provide medical or surgical services to the physician's patients. "Physician's office" does not mean an ambulatory surgical facility, a hospital, or a hospital emergency department.

(7) "Postabortion care" means care given after the uterus has been evacuated by abortion.

(B) The department shall be responsible for collecting and collating abortion data reported to the department as required by this section.

(C) The attending physician shall complete an individual abortion report for the abortion of each zygote, blastocyte, embryo, or fetus the physician performs. The report shall be confidential and shall not contain the woman's name. The report shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following, insofar as the patient makes the data available that is not within the physician's knowledge:

(1) Patient number;

(2) The name and address of the facility in which the abortion was performed, and whether the facility is a hospital, ambulatory surgical facility, physician's office, or other facility;

(3) The date of the abortion;

(4) If a surgical abortion, the method of final disposition of the fetal remains under Chapter 3726. of the Revised Code;

(5) All of the following regarding the woman on whom the abortion was performed:

(a) Zip code of residence;

(b) Age;

(c) Race;

(d) Marital status;

(e) Number of previous pregnancies;

(f) Years of education;

(g) Number of living children;

(h) Number of zygotes, blastocytes, embryos, or fetuses previously aborted;

(i) Date of last induced abortion;

(j) Date of last live birth;

(k) Method of contraception at the time of conception;

(l) Date of the first day of the last menstrual period;

(m) Medical condition at the time of the abortion;

(n) Rh-type;

(o) The number of weeks of gestation at the time of the abortion.

(6) The type of abortion procedure performed;

(7) Complications by type;

(8) Written acknowledgment by the attending physician that the pregnant woman is not seeking the abortion, in whole or in part, because of any of the following:

(a) A test result indicating Down syndrome in an unborn child;

(b) A prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome in an unborn child;

(c) Any other reason to believe that an unborn child has Down syndrome.

(9) Type of procedure performed after the abortion;

(10) Type of family planning recommended;

(11) Type of additional counseling given;

(12) Signature of attending physician.

(D) The physician who completed the abortion report under division (C) of this section shall submit the abortion report to the department within fifteen days after the woman is discharged.

(E) The appropriate vital records report or certificate shall be made out after the twentieth week of gestation.

(F) A copy of the abortion report shall be made part of the medical record of the patient of the facility in which the abortion was performed.

(G) Each hospital shall file monthly and annual reports listing the total number of women who have undergone a post-twelve-week-gestation abortion and received postabortion care. The annual report shall be filed following the conclusion of the state's fiscal year. Each report shall be filed within thirty days after the end of the applicable reporting period.

(H) Each case in which a physician treats a post abortion complication shall be reported on a postabortion complication form. The report shall be made upon a form prescribed by the department, shall be signed by the attending physician, and shall be confidential.

(I)(1) Not later than the first day of October of each year, the department shall issue an annual report of the abortion data reported to the department for the previous calendar year as required by this section. The annual report shall include at least the following information:

(a) The total number of zygotes, blastocytes, embryos, or fetuses that were aborted;

(b) The number of abortions performed on Ohio and out-of-state residents;

(c) The number of abortions performed, sorted by each of the following:

(i) The age of the woman on whom the abortion was performed, using the following categories: under fifteen years of age, fifteen to nineteen years of age, twenty to twenty-four years of age, twenty-five to twenty-nine years of age, thirty to thirty-four years of age, thirty-five to thirty-nine years of age, forty to forty-four years of age, forty-five years of age or older;

(ii) The race and Hispanic ethnicity of the woman on whom the abortion was performed;

(iii) The education level of the woman on whom the abortion was performed, using the following categories or their equivalents: less than ninth grade, ninth through twelfth grade, one or more years of college;

(iv) The marital status of the woman on whom the abortion was performed;

(v) The number of living children of the woman on whom the abortion was performed, using the following categories: none, one, or two or more;

(vi) The number of weeks of gestation of the woman at the time the abortion was performed, using the following categories: less than nine weeks, nine to twelve weeks, thirteen to nineteen weeks, or twenty weeks or more;

(vii) The county in which the abortion was performed;

(viii) The type of abortion procedure performed;

(ix) The number of zygotes, blastocytes, embryos, or fetuses previously aborted by the woman on whom the abortion was performed;

(x) The type of facility in which the abortion was performed;

(xi) For Ohio residents, the county of residence of the woman on whom the abortion was performed.

(2) The report also shall indicate the number and type of the abortion complications reported to the department either on the abortion report required under division (C) of this section or the postabortion complication report required under division (H) of this section.

(3) In addition to the annual report required under division (I)(1) of this section, the department shall make available, on request, the number of abortions performed by zip code of residence.

(J) The director of health shall implement this section and shall apply to the court of common pleas for temporary or permanent injunctions restraining a violation or threatened violation of its requirements. This action is an additional remedy not dependent on the adequacy of the remedy at law.

Last updated March 17, 2023 at 1:15 PM

Section 3701.791 | Notice to be posted where abortions performed.
 

(A) As used in this section, "medical emergency" means a condition of a pregnant woman that, in the reasonable judgment of the physician who is attending the woman, creates an immediate threat of serious risk to the life or physical health of the woman from the continuation of the pregnancy necessitating the immediate performance or inducement of an abortion.

(B) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, an office or facility at which abortions are performed or induced shall post the notice described in division (C) of this section in a conspicuous location in an area of the office or facility that is accessible to all patients, employees, and visitors.

The notice shall be displayed on a poster with dimensions of at least seventeen inches by eleven inches. The first two sentences of the notice shall be printed in at least a forty-four-point typeface and the remaining lines shall be in at least a thirty-point typeface.

(C) The department of health shall publish the following notice on its internet web site in a manner that can be copied and produced in poster form:

"NO ONE CAN FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION.

NO ONE - NOT A PARENT, NOT A HUSBAND, NOT A BOYFRIEND - NO ONE.

Under Ohio law, an abortion cannot be legally performed on anyone, regardless of her age, unless she VOLUNTARILY CONSENTS to having the abortion.

Ohio law requires that, before an abortion can legally be performed, the pregnant female must sign a form indicating that she consents to having the abortion "voluntarily" and "WITHOUT COERCION BY ANY PERSON."

IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION AGAINST YOUR WILL:

DO NOT SIGN THE CONSENT FORM

IF YOU ARE AT AN ABORTION FACILITY, TELL AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FACILITY THAT SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION."

(D) Division (B) of this section does not apply to an office or facility at which abortions are performed or induced due only to a medical emergency.

Section 3701.792 | Child survival form.
 

(A) The director of health shall develop a child survival form to be submitted to the department of health in accordance with division (B) of this section each time a child is born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion. In developing the form, the director may consult with obstetricians, maternal-fetal specialists, or any other professionals the director considers appropriate. The form shall include areas for all of the following to be provided:

(1) The patient number for the woman on whom the abortion was performed or attempted;

(2) The name, primary business address, and signature of the attending physician described in section 3701.79 of the Revised Code who performed or attempted to perform the abortion;

(3) The name and address of the facility in which the abortion was performed or attempted, and whether the facility is a hospital, ambulatory surgical facility, physician's office, or other facility;

(4) The date the abortion was performed or attempted;

(5) The type of abortion procedure that was performed or attempted;

(6) The gestational age of the child who was born;

(7) Complications, by type, for both the woman and child;

(8) Any other information the director considers appropriate.

(B) The attending physician who performed or attempted an abortion in which a child was born alive after that event shall complete a child survival form developed under division (A) of this section. The physician shall submit the completed form to the department of health not later than fifteen days after the woman is discharged from the facility.

A completed child survival form is confidential and not a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(C) A copy of the child survival form completed under this section shall be made part of the medical record maintained for the woman by the facility in which the abortion was performed or attempted.

(D) Each facility in which an abortion was performed or attempted and in which a child was born alive after that event shall submit monthly and annual reports to the department of health listing the total number of women on whom an abortion was performed or attempted at the facility and in which a child was born alive after that event, delineated by the type of abortion procedure that was performed or attempted. The annual report shall be submitted following the conclusion of the state's fiscal year. Each monthly or annual report shall be submitted not later than thirty days after the end of the applicable reporting period.

(E) Not later than the first day of October of each year, the department shall issue an annual report of the data submitted to the department for the previous calendar year as required by this section. At a minimum, the annual report shall specify the number of women on whom an abortion was performed or attempted and in which a child was born alive after that event, delineated by the type of abortion procedure that was performed or attempted and the facility in which the abortion was performed or attempted. The report shall not contain any information that would permit the identity of a woman on whom an abortion was performed or attempted or any child to be ascertained.

(F) No person shall purposely fail to comply with the child survival form submission requirement described in division (B) of this section or the copy maintenance requirement described in division (C) of this section.

(G) No person shall purposely fail to comply with the monthly or annual report submission requirements described in division (D) of this section.

(H) A woman on whom an abortion is performed or attempted may file a civil action against a person who violates division (F) or (G) or this section. A woman who prevails in an action filed under this division shall receive both of the following from the person who committed the violation:

(1) Damages in the amount of ten thousand dollars;

(2) Court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 5:22 PM

Section 3701.80 | Cooperation for health and sanitary practices of meal preparation and service for type A family day-care homes.
 

The department of health shall cooperate with the director of job and family services when the director promulgates rules pursuant to Chapter 5104. of the Revised Code governing the health and sanitary practices of meal preparation and service for type A family child care homes, as defined in section 5104.01 of the Revised Code, recommend procedures for inspecting type A family child care homes to determine whether they are in compliance with those rules, and provide training and technical assistance to the director on the procedures for determining compliance with those rules.

Last updated August 16, 2023 at 3:49 PM

Section 3701.81 | Exposing others to contagion.
 

(A) No person, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the person has a dangerous, contagious disease, shall knowingly fail to take reasonable measures to prevent exposing self to other persons, except when seeking medical aid.

(B) No person, having charge or care of a person whom the person having charge or care knows or has reasonable cause to believe has a dangerous, contagious disease, shall recklessly fail to take reasonable measures to protect others from exposure to the contagion, and to inform health authorities of the existence of the contagion.

(C) No person, having charge of a public conveyance or place of public accommodation, amusement, resort, or trade, and knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that persons using such conveyance or place have been or are being exposed to a dangerous, contagious disease, shall negligently fail to take reasonable measures to protect the public from exposure to the contagion, and to inform health authorities of the existence of the contagion.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM

Section 3701.82 | Rules and prohibitions for use of burners or heaters.
 

(A) A brazier, salamander, space heater, room heater, furnace, water heater, or other burner or heater using wood, coal, coke, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, or similar fuel, and tending to give off carbon monoxide or other harmful gases:

(1) When used in living quarters, or in any enclosed building or space in which persons are usually present, shall be used with a flue or vent so designed, installed, and maintained as to vent the products of combustion outdoors; except in storage, factory, or industrial buildings which are provided with sufficient ventilation to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning;

(2) When used as a portable or temporary burner or heater at a construction site, or in a warehouse, shed, or structure in which persons are temporarily present, shall be vented as provided in division (A)(1) of this section, or used with sufficient ventilation to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

(B) This section does not apply to domestic ranges, laundry stoves, gas logs installed in a fireplace with an adequate flue, or hot plates, unless the same are used as space or room heaters.

(C) No person shall negligently use, or, being the owner, person in charge, or occupant of premises, negligently permit the use of a burner or heater in violation of the standards for venting and ventilation provided in this section.

(D) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any kerosene-fired space or room heater that is equipped with an automatic extinguishing tip-over device, or to any natural gas-fired or liquid petroleum gas-fired space or room heater that is equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system, and that has its fuel piped from a source outside of the building in which it is located, that are approved by an authoritative source recognized by the state fire marshal in the state fire code adopted by him under section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.

(E) The state fire marshal may make rules to ensure the safe use of unvented kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas heaters exempted from division (A) of this section when used in assembly buildings, business buildings, high hazard buildings, institutional buildings, mercantile buildings, and type R-1 and R-2 residential buildings, as these groups of buildings are defined in rules adopted by the board of building standards under section 3781.10 of the Revised Code. No person shall negligently use, or, being the owner, person in charge, or occupant of premises, negligently permit the use of a heater in violation of any rules adopted under this division.

(F) The state fire marshal may make rules prescribing standards for written instructions containing ventilation requirements and warning of any potential fire hazards that may occur in using a kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas heater. No person shall sell or offer for sale any kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas heater unless the manufacturer provides with the heater written instructions that comply with any rules adopted under this division.

(G) No product labeled as a fuel additive for kerosene heaters and having a flash point below one hundred degrees fahrenheit or thirty-seven and eight-tenths degrees centigrade shall be sold, offered for sale, or used in any kerosene space heater.

(H) No device that prohibits any safety feature on a kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas space heater from operating shall be sold, offered for sale, or used in connection with any kerosene, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas space heater.

(I) No person shall sell or offer for sale any kerosene-fired, natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas-fired heater that is not exempt from division (A) of this section unless it is marked conspicuously by the manufacturer on the container with the phrase "Not Approved For Home Use."

(J) No person shall use a cabinet-type, liquid petroleum gas-fired heater having a fuel source within the heater, inside any building, except as permitted by the state fire marshal in the state fire code adopted by him under section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.83 | General operations fund.
 

There is hereby created in the state treasury the general operations fund. Moneys in the fund shall be used for the purposes specified in sections 3701.04, 3701.344, 3702.20, 3711.16, 3717.45, 3718.06, 3721.02, 3721.022, 3729.07, 3733.43, 3748.04, 3748.05, 3748.07, 3748.12, 3748.13, 3749.04, 3749.07, 3776.08, and 4769.09 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 3:46 PM

Section 3701.831 | Director to assess operating funds to pay share of department's administrative costs.
 

The director of health may assess the operating funds of the department to pay a share of the department's administrative costs. The assessments shall be based on a plan that the director develops. Assessments shall be paid from the funds designated in the plan and credited by means of intrastate transfer voucher to the central support indirect fund which is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall be administered by the director of health and used to pay administrative costs of the department of health.

Last updated August 17, 2021 at 3:13 PM

Section 3701.832 | Department of health medicaid fund.
 

There is created in the state treasury the department of health medicaid fund. All funds the department of health receives for the purpose of paying the expenses the department incurs under the medicaid program shall be deposited into the fund. The department shall use the money in the fund to pay the expenses the department incurs under the medicaid program.

Section 3701.834 | Public health emergency preparedness fund.
 

There is hereby created in the state treasury the public health emergency preparedness fund. All federal funds the department of health receives to conduct public health emergency preparedness and response activities shall be credited to the fund. The department shall use money in the fund to pay expenses related to public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

Section 3701.84 | Plan for reduction of tobacco use.
 

(A) The department of health shall prepare a plan to reduce tobacco use by Ohioans, with emphasis on reducing the use of tobacco by youth, minority and regional populations, pregnant women, medicaid recipients, and others who may be disproportionately affected by the use of tobacco. The department shall make copies of the plan available to the public.

(B) The plan shall do both of the following:

(1) Take into account the increasing use of electronic health records by health care providers and expanded health insurance coverage for tobacco cessation products and services;

(2) Require the department to collaborate with community organizations in the urban and rural communities specified in rules adopted under section 3701.142 of the Revised Code for the purpose of helping them succeed in securing grants from the moms quit for two grant program created under Section 289.33 of Am. Sub. H.B. 64 of the 131st general assembly and other tobacco cessation grant programs.

(C) The plan may provide for periodic surveys to measure tobacco use and behavior toward tobacco use by Ohioans.

(D) The plan may describe youth tobacco consumption prevention programs to be eligible for consideration for grants from the department and may set forth the criteria by which applications for grants for such programs will be considered by the department. Programs eligible for consideration may include:

( 1) Media campaigns directed to youth to prevent underage tobacco consumption;

( 2) School-based education programs to prevent youth tobacco consumption;

( 3) Community-based youth programs involving youth tobacco consumption prevention through general youth development;

( 4) Retailer education and compliance efforts to prevent youth tobacco consumption;

( 5) Mentoring programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use by students.

(E) Pursuant to the plan, the department may carry out, or provide funding for private or public agencies to carry out, research and programs related to tobacco use prevention and cessation. If the department provides such funding, the department shall establish an objective process to determine which research and program proposals to fund. When appropriate, proposals for research shall be peer-reviewed. No program shall be carried out or funded by the department unless there is research that indicates that the program is likely to achieve the results desired. All research and programs funded by the department shall be goal-oriented and independently and objectively evaluated annually on whether it is meeting its goals. The department shall contract for such evaluations and shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code regarding conflicts of interest in the research and programs it funds.

The department shall endeavor to coordinate its research and programs with the efforts of other agencies of this state to reduce tobacco use by Ohioans. Any state agency that conducts a survey that measures tobacco use or behavior toward tobacco use by Ohioans shall share the results of the survey with the department.

(F) The department may adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code as necessary to implement this section.

Section 3701.841 | Tobacco use prevention fund.
 

The tobacco use prevention fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of money deposited by the treasurer of state into the fund from the liquidation, pursuant to Sub. H.B. 544 of the 127th general assembly, of the former tobacco use prevention and control endowment fund and any gifts, grants, or donations received by the director of health for the purposes of the tobacco use prevention fund. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund. The treasurer, in consultation with the director, may invest moneys in the fund in accordance with section 135.143 of the Revised Code. Moneys in the fund shall be used to pay outstanding expenses of the former tobacco use prevention and control foundation at the discretion of the director of health pursuant to Sub. H.B. 544 of the 127th general assembly and shall be used in accordance with section 3701.84 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.85 | Automated external defibrillator - requirements for use.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Automated external defibrillation" has the same meaning as in section 2305.235 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Emergency medical services organization" has the same meaning as in section 4765.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) A person who possesses an automated external defibrillator shall do both of the following:

(1) Encourage expected users to complete successfully a course in automated external defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is offered or approved by a nationally recognized organization and includes instruction on psychomotor skills and national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular guidelines that are current;

(2) Maintain and test the defibrillator according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

(C) It is recommended, but not required, that a person who possesses an automated external defibrillator notify an emergency medical services organization of the location of the defibrillator.

(D) Any person may perform automated external defibrillation. Training in automated external defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation is recommended but not required.

A person who performs automated external defibrillation shall make a good faith effort to activate or have another person activate an emergency medical services system as soon as possible unless the person is performing automated external defibrillation as part of an emergency medical services system or at a hospital as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.86 | Anatomical pathology services billing definitions.
 

As used in this section and in section 3701.861 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Anatomic pathology services" means all of the following:

(1) Histopathology or surgical pathology;

(2) Cytopathology;

(3) Hematology;

(4) Subcellular or molecular pathology;

(5) Blood banking services performed by pathologists.

(B) "Assignment of benefits" means the transfer of health care coverage reimbursement benefits or other rights under an insurance policy, subscription contract, or health care plan by an insured, subscriber, or plan enrollee to a health care provider, hospital, or other health care facility.

(C) "Clinical laboratory" means a facility for the biological, microbiological, serological, chemical, immunohematological, hematological, biophysical, cytological, pathological, or other examination of substances derived from the human body for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease, or in the assessment or impairment of the health of human beings.

(D) "Cytopathology" means the microscopic examination of cells from fluids, aspirates, washings, brushings, or smears, including a Papanicolaou smear (PAP smear or test).

(E) "Hematology" means the microscopic evaluation of bone marrow aspirates and biopsies performed by a physician or under the supervision of a physician and peripheral blood smears when the attending or treating physician or technologist requests that a blood smear be reviewed by a pathologist.

(F) "Histologic processing" means fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and other special staining, including histochemical or immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization of clinical human tissues or cells, for pathological examination.

(G) "Histopathology" or "surgical pathology" means the gross and microscopic examination and histologic processing of organ tissue performed by a physician or under the supervision of a physician.

(H) "Insurer" means a person authorized under Title XXXIX of the Revised Code to engage in the business of insurance in this state, a health insuring corporation, or an entity that is self-insured and provides benefits to its employees or members.

(I) "Physician" means an individual authorized by Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(J) "Referring clinical laboratory" means a clinical laboratory that refers a patient specimen to another clinical laboratory for an anatomic pathology service, but excludes a laboratory in the office of one or more physicians that refers a specimen and does not perform the professional component of the anatomic pathology service, as that component is defined in section 4731.72 of the Revised Code.

(K) "Subcellular or molecular pathology" means the assessment of a patient specimen for the detection, localization, measurement, or analysis of one or more protein or nucleic acid targets performed or interpreted by or under supervision of a pathologist.

Section 3701.861 | Laboratory bill for anatomical pathology services.
 

(A) No clinical laboratory shall present or cause to be presented a claim, bill, or demand for payment for anatomic pathology services to any person or entity other than the following:

(1) The patient who receives the services or another individual, such as a parent, spouse, or guardian, who is responsible for the patient's bills;

(2) A responsible insurer or other third-party payor of a patient who receives the services;

(3) A hospital, public health clinic, or not-for-profit health clinic ordering the services;

(4) A referring clinical laboratory;

(5) A governmental agency or any person acting on behalf of a governmental agency;

(6) A physician who is permitted to bill for the services under division (D) of section 4731.72 of the Revised Code.

(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do either of the following:

(1) Mandate the assignment of benefits for anatomic pathology services;

(2) Prohibit a clinical laboratory that provides anatomic pathology services from billing a referring clinical laboratory for anatomic pathology services in instances in which the referring clinical laboratory sends one or more samples to the clinical laboratory for purposes of having a specialist perform analysis, consultation, or histologic processing.

Section 3701.87 | Agreement to review proposed capital expenditures by health care facilities.
 

The governor may authorize the department of health to enter into an agreement on behalf of the state with the United States secretary of health and human services whereby the department may serve as the agency for review of proposed capital expenditures by health care facilities pursuant to section 1122 of the "Social Security Act" as amended by Public Law 92-603, 42 U.S.C. 1320a-1, and the regulations adopted thereunder. Such agreement shall be subject to and include the following terms and conditions:

(A) All applications, notices, requests for information, and other official communications shall be on written forms prescribed by and approved by the director of health.

(B) The director, subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall propose, modify, amend, and adopt rules, standards, guidelines, and official policies which are consistent with federal law, as it deems necessary to implement the capital expenditures review program.

(C) The director shall make all findings and recommendations required by federal law and shall give due consideration to the findings, reviews, and comments of areawide health planning agencies performing reviews pursuant to section 314 (b)(2) of the "Public Health Service Act," 42 U.S.C. 246, or the appropriate health systems agency.

(D) The findings and recommendations of the director shall be in writing and shall clearly specify the provisions of the state health facilities plan with which any application is found to be inconsistent. Any applicant adversely affected by the findings and recommendations of the director may request a hearing before the director pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The findings and recommendations of the director are an adjudication as defined in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and may be appealed as provided in that chapter.

Section 3701.89 | Ohio medical quality foundation.
 

(A) There is hereby re-created a foundation as described in section 170 of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C. 1, as amended, which shall be known as the Ohio medical quality foundation. The foundation shall be administered by thirteen trustees, one of whom shall be the director of health and the remaining twelve of whom shall be appointed by the governor within ninety days of July 21, 1994.

(B) Five of the appointed trustees shall hold the degree of doctor of medicine; of those, two shall be appointed to an initial term of three years, one shall be appointed for an initial term of four years, and two shall be appointed for an initial term of five years. Four of the appointed trustees shall be representatives of hospitals; of those, one shall be appointed for an initial term of three years, one shall be appointed for an initial term of five years, and two shall be appointed to an initial term of four years. Two of the appointed trustees shall hold the degree of doctor of osteopathic medicine; of those, one shall be appointed for an initial term of four years and one shall be appointed to an initial term of five years. One of the appointed trustees shall hold the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine and shall be appointed for a term of three years. Thereafter, all trustees appointed by the governor shall be appointed to terms of three years.

(C) The trustees shall act by majority vote with seven trustees constituting a quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the foundation.

(D) All money received by the foundation shall be held in trust by a corporate trustee selected by the foundation trustees, which selection may be changed from time to time. The corporate trustee shall invest, manage, and account for the money held in trust, subject to the approval of the foundation trustees. All investment income shall be credited to the foundation trust funds. All expenses of administration of the foundation shall be charged to the foundation trust funds.

(E) The trustees may:

(1) Adopt rules and bylaws consistent with subsection 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;

(2) Employ a staff and retain or contract with attorneys, financial consultants, and accounting experts as are necessary in its judgment to carry out this section;

(3) Seek and accept funding from any private or public source for the conduct of its business.

(F) In a manner consistent with federal income tax exemption status under subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the foundation shall fund activities to improve the quality of medical care rendered to the public. The trustees of the money in the foundation trust may fund the following:

(1) Programs approved under criteria established under section 4731.251 of the Revised Code;

(2) Programs designed to improve the quality of graduate medical education;

(3) Programs designed to improve risk management and quality assurance in hospitals, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, and in outpatient settings including physician offices;

(4) Other programs, meetings, and educational seminars that are designed to improve the quality of medical care in Ohio and are determined by the trustees to be consistent with this section.

(G) The foundation may be organized as a nonprofit corporation formed under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 28, 2023 at 10:17 AM

Section 3701.90 | Development of curricula on efficacy-based contraceptives.
 

The director of health, with participation from the state medical board and board of nursing, shall collaborate with medical, nursing, and physician assistant schools or programs in this state, as well as medical residency and fellowship programs in this state, to develop and implement appropriate curricula in those schools and programs designed to prepare primary care and women's health care physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants to provide patient counseling on efficacy-based contraceptives, including long-acting reversible contraceptives.

Section 3701.91 | Toll-free patient safety telephone line.
 

The department of health shall make available to the public a toll-free patient safety telephone line. The department may make the toll-free patient safety telephone line available by maintaining a toll-free telephone line specifically for accepting calls regarding patient safety or by using a toll-free telephone line that the department maintains for accepting calls regarding other matters.

The department shall accept calls placed through the toll-free patient safety telephone line by any person seeking to report an action or failure to act in the provision of health care that the person in good faith believes has resulted in or is likely to result in harm to a patient. This section shall not be used by the department to accept calls pertaining to a home, as defined in section 3721.10 of the Revised Code.

A person who makes a report under this section is not required to provide any information to the department that could reveal the person's identity. Information provided by a person under this section is not a public record as defined in section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.916 | Direct care provided by home health agency classified as targeted sector for survey of in-demand jobs.
 

(A) As used in this section, "direct care" and "home health agency" have the same meanings as in section 3740.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) For the purpose of identifying jobs that are in demand in this state under section 6301.11 of the Revised Code, direct care provided by a home health agency shall be considered a targeted industry sector as identified by the governor's office of workforce transformation.

(C) The director of job and family services shall review the criteria for any program that provides occupational training, adult education, or career pathway assistance through a grant or other source of funding to determine whether an employee of a home health agency may participate in the program, and, to the extent possible, make any necessary changes to the criteria to allow a home health agency employee to participate in the program.

Last updated August 13, 2021 at 4:34 PM

Section 3701.92 | Definitions relating to patient centered medical home education.
 

As used in sections 3701.921 to 3701.929 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Advanced practice registered nurse" has the same meaning as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Patient centered medical home education advisory group" means the entity established under section 3701.924 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Patient centered medical home education program" means the program established under section 3701.921 of the Revised Code and any pilot projects operated pursuant to that section.

(D) "Patient centered medical home education pilot project" means the pilot project established under section 3701.923 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Physician assistant" means a person who is licensed as a physician assistant under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.921 | Patient centered medical home education program.
 

There is hereby established the patient centered medical home education program in the department of health. For the purpose of advancing education in the patient centered medical home model of care, the director of health may implement and administer the program pursuant to sections 3701.922 to 3701.929 of the Revised Code. The patient centered medical home model of care is an enhanced model of primary care in which care teams attend to the multifaceted needs of patients, providing whole person comprehensive and coordinate patient centered care.

To the extent that funds are available, the program shall include the patient centered medical home education pilot project and may include any other projects the director establishes pursuant to division (A)(3) of section 3701.922 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.922 | Implementation by director.
 

(A) The director of health may do any of the following to implement and administer the patient centered medical home education program:

(1) Develop and implement programs of education or training on the patient centered medical home model of care or other similar enhanced models of coordinated patient centered care that are intended to address the multifaceted needs of patients and provide whole person comprehensive and coordinated patient centered care;

(2) Advise, consult, cooperate with, and assist, by contract or other arrangement, government agencies or institutions or private organizations, corporations, or associations in the development and promotion of programs pertaining to the evaluation and implementation of the patient centered medical home model of care or other similar enhanced models of coordinated patient centered care;

(3) Establish projects that provide education or training on the patient centered medical home model of care or other similar enhanced models of coordinated patient centered care.

(4) Seek and administer state funds or grants from other sources to carry out any functions of the patient centered medical home education program.

Any funds or grants received by the director for purposes of the program shall be used for the program.

(B) The director may adopt rules as necessary to implement and administer the patient centered medical home education program, including rules that define what constitutes a "patient centered medical home" for purposes of an entity authorized to provide care coordination services. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.923 | Patient centered medical home education pilot project.
 

(A) To the extent that funds are available, the director of health shall establish the patient centered medical home education pilot project. If the director establishes the project, all of the following apply:

(1) The director shall select practices led by physicians and primary care practices led by advanced practice registered nurses to participate in the project. The director may consider the recommendations of the advisory group made in accordance with section 3701.925 of the Revised Code, but may not select a practice unless the practice complies with any applicable requirements under section 3701.926 of the Revised Code.

(2) The director shall conduct the project in a manner that advances education in the patient centered medical home model of care.

(3) The director shall evaluate all of the following:

(a) Learning opportunities generated by the project;

(b) Training of physicians and advanced practice registered nurses under the project;

(c) Costs of the project;

(d) The extent to which the project met the expected outcomes developed under division (A) of section 3701.924 of the Revised Code.

(4) The director shall assess and review results of the project.

(5) The director shall recommend best practices and opportunities for improving technology, education, comprehensive training, consultation, and technical assistance for health care service providers in the patient centered medical home model of care.

(B) The director may contract with an entity that has significant experience in assisting practices led by physicians and primary care practices led by advanced practice registered nurses in transitioning to the patient centered medical home model of care. The contract shall require the entity to do both of the following:

(1) Provide, to each practice that enters into a contract with the director pursuant to section 3701.927 of the Revised Code, comprehensive training, consultation, and technical assistance in the operation of a patient centered medical home, including assistance with leadership training, scheduling changes, staff support, and care management for chronic health conditions;

(2) Assist the director in identifying necessary financial and operational requirements and any barriers or challenges associated with transitioning to a patient centered medical home model of care.

(C) The project established under this section shall begin not later than the date the first practice enters into a contract with the director pursuant to section 3701.927 of the Revised Code and shall cease not later than the date the final report is submitted pursuant to division (B)(3) of section 3701.929 of the Revised Code.

(D) The project shall not be operated in a manner that requires a patient, unless otherwise required by the Revised Code, to receive a referral from a physician in a practice selected for inclusion in the pilot project under division (A)(1) of this section as a condition of being authorized to receive specialized health care services from an individual licensed or certified under Title XLVII of the Revised Code to provide those services.

Section 3701.924 | Patient centered medical home education advisory group.
 

(A) The patient centered medical home education advisory group is hereby created for the purpose of advising the director of health on the implementation and administration of the patient centered medical home education program. The advisory group shall develop and provide to the director a set of expected outcomes for the pilot project. The advisory group shall consider and provide other recommendations to the director and complete other duties as the director considers appropriate.

(B) The advisory group shall consist of the following members:

(1) The following members appointed by the director of health:

(a) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians recommended by the dean of the university of Toledo college of medicine;

(b) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians recommended by the dean of the Boonshoft school of medicine at Wright state university;

(c) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians recommended by the president and dean of the northeast Ohio medical university;

(d) One individual with expertise in the training and education of primary care physicians recommended by the dean of the Ohio university college of osteopathic medicine;

(e) Two individuals recommended by the governing board of the Ohio academy of family physicians;

(f) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio chapter of the American college of physicians;

(g) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio chapter of the American academy of pediatrics;

(h) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio osteopathic association;

(i) One individual with expertise in the training and education of advanced practice registered nurses, recommended by the governing board of the Ohio council of deans and directors of baccalaureate and higher degree programs in nursing;

(j) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio nurses association;

(k) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio association of advanced practice nurses;

(l) One individual recommended by the governing board of the Ohio council for home care and hospice;

(m) One individual recommended by the superintendent of insurance;

(n) An employee of the department of health;

(o) Not more than five additional members who have relevant expertise that the director considers appropriate.

(2) The following members:

(a) The executive director of the state medical board or the director's designee;

(b) The executive director of the board of nursing or the director's designee;

(c) The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents or the chancellor's designee;

(d) The medical assistance director, or the director's designee.

(C)(1) In making the original appointments of the members specified in divisions (B)(1)(a) to (m) of this section, the director shall appoint the member who served in that capacity in the patient centered medical home advisory group, as it existed immediately prior to September 10, 2012. If for any reason the member who served immediately prior to September 10, 2012, is unable to serve on the advisory group, the director shall request from the specified recommending authority a list of not less than two persons qualified to serve as members of the advisory group. The director shall appoint as a member one person from the list submitted by the recommending authority.

(2) The advisory group members specified in divisions (B)(1)(a) to (m) of this section shall serve at the pleasure of the director, in consultation with their respective recommending authorities.

(3) Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments.

(D) Members shall serve without compensation, except to the extent that serving on the advisory group is considered part of their regular employment duties.

(E) The director may appoint from the members of the advisory group a chairperson and vice-chairperson.

A majority of the members of the advisory group constitutes a quorum. A majority of a quorum is necessary for the advisory group to make any recommendations to the director.

The advisory group shall meet at the call of the director. The director shall call the advisory group to meet not less than annually to discuss or consider recommendations to the director on the administration of the patient centered medical home education program.

(F) Sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code do not apply to the advisory group.

Section 3701.925 | Applications from primary care practices with educational affiliations.
 

(A) The patient centered medical home education advisory group shall accept applications for inclusion in the patient centered medical home education pilot project from primary care practices with educational affiliations, as determined by the advisory group, with one or more of the following:

(1) The Boonshoft school of medicine at Wright state university;

(2) The university of Toledo college of medicine;

(3) The northeast Ohio medical university;

(4) The Ohio university college of osteopathic medicine;

(5) The college of nursing at the university of Toledo;

(6) The Wright state university college of nursing and health;

(7) The college of nursing at Kent state university;

(8) The university of Akron college of nursing;

(9) The school of nursing at Ohio university.

(B)(1) Subject to division (C)(1) of this section, the advisory group shall recommend to the director of health for inclusion in the pilot project not less than the following number of primary care practices led by physicians:

(a) Ten practices affiliated with the Boonshoft school of medicine at Wright state university;

(b) Ten practices affiliated with the university of Toledo college of medicine;

(c) Ten practices affiliated with the northeast Ohio medical university;

(d) Ten practices affiliated with the centers for osteopathic research and education of the Ohio university college of osteopathic medicine.

(2) Subject to division (C)(2) of this section, the advisory group shall recommend to the director of health for inclusion in the pilot project not less than the following number of primary care practices led by advanced practice registered nurses:

(a) One practice affiliated with the college of nursing at the university of Toledo;

(b) One practice affiliated with the Wright state university college of nursing and health;

(c) One practice affiliated with the college of nursing at Kent state university or the university of Akron college of nursing;

(d) One practice affiliated with the school of nursing at Ohio university.

(C)(1) All of the following apply with respect to the recommendation under division (B)(1) of this section of practices led by physicians:

(a) The advisory group shall strive to recommend practices in such a manner that the pilot project includes a diverse range of primary care specialties, including practices specializing in pediatrics, geriatrics, general internal medicine, or family medicine.

(b) When evaluating an application, the advisory group shall consider the percentage of patients in the practice who are part of a medically underserved population, including medicaid recipients and individuals without health insurance.

(c) The advisory group shall recommend not fewer than six practices that serve rural areas of this state, as those areas are determined by the advisory group.

(d) A member of the advisory group shall abstain from participating in any vote taken regarding the recommendation of a practice if the member would receive any financial benefit from having the practice included in the pilot project.

(2) All of the following apply with respect to the recommendation under division (B)(2) of this section of practices led by advanced practice registered nurses:

(a) When evaluating an application, the advisory group shall consider the percentage of patients in the practice who are part of a medically underserved population, including medicaid recipients and individuals without health insurance.

(b) If the advisory group determines that it has not received an application from a sufficiently qualified practice affiliated with a particular institution specified in division (B)(2) of this section, the advisory group shall make the recommendations required under that division in such a manner that the greatest possible number of those institutions are recommended to be included in the pilot project. To be recommended in this manner, a practice remains subject to the eligibility requirements specified in division (B) of section 3701.926 of the Revised Code. As specified in division (B)(2) of this section, the number of practices recommended for inclusion in the pilot project shall be at least four.

(c) A member of the advisory group shall abstain from participating in any vote taken regarding the recommendation of a practice if the member would receive any financial benefit from having the practice included in the pilot project.

(D) The advisory group shall provide to the director of health copies of all applications received under this section.

Section 3701.926 | Eligibility requirements.
 

(A) To be eligible for inclusion in the patient centered medical home education pilot project, a primary care practice led by physicians shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Consist of physicians who are board-certified in family medicine, general pediatrics, or internal medicine, as those designations are issued by a medical specialty certifying board recognized by the American board of medical specialties or American osteopathic association;

(2) Be capable of adapting the practice during the period in which the practice participates in the patient centered medical home education pilot project in such a manner that the practice is fully compliant with the minimum standards for operation of a patient centered medical home, as those standards are established by the director of health;

(3) Have submitted an application to participate in the project established under former section 185.05 of the Revised Code not later than April 15, 2011.

(4) Meet any other criteria established by the director as part of the selection process.

(B) To be eligible for inclusion in the pilot project, a primary care practice led by advanced practice registered nurses shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Consist of advanced practice registered nurses, each of whom meets both of the following requirements:

(a) Is authorized to prescribe drugs and therapeutic devices under section 4723.43 of the Revised Code;

(b) Is board-certified by a national certifying organization approved by the board of nursing pursuant to section 4723.46 of the Revised Code as a family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, women's health nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner;

(c) Collaborates under a standard care arrangement with a physician with board certification as specified in division (A)(1) of this section and who is an active participant on the health care team.

(2) Be capable of adapting the practice during the period in which the practice participates in the project in such a manner that the practice is fully compliant with the minimum standards for operation of a patient centered medical home, as those standards are established by the director;

(3) Have submitted an application to participate in the project established under former section 185.05 of the Revised Code not later than April 15, 2011.

(4) Meet any other criteria established by the director as part of the selection process.

Section 3701.927 | Contracts with selected practices; terms and conditions.
 

The director of health shall enter into a contract with each primary care practice selected by the director for inclusion in the patient centered medical home education pilot project. The contract shall specify the terms and conditions for inclusion in the pilot project, including a requirement that the practice provide comprehensive, coordinated primary care services to patients and serve as the patients' medical home. The contract shall also require the practice to participate in the training of medical students, advanced practice registered nursing students, physician assistant students, and primary care medical residents.

The director may include as part of the contract any other requirements necessary for a practice to be included in the project, including requirements regarding the number of patients served who are medicaid recipients and individuals without health insurance.

Section 3701.928 | Development of curricula.
 

(A) The director of health shall collaborate with medical, nursing, and physician assistant schools or programs in this state to develop appropriate curricula designed to prepare primary care physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants to practice within the patient centered medical home model of care. In developing the curricula, the director and the schools or programs shall include all of the following:

(1) Components for use at the medical student, advanced practice registered nursing student, physician assistant student, and primary care resident training levels;

(2) Components that reflect, as appropriate, the special needs of patients who are part of a medically underserved population, including medicaid recipients, individuals without health insurance, individuals with disabilities, individuals with chronic health conditions, and individuals within racial or ethnic minority groups;

(3) Components that include training in interdisciplinary cooperation between physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants in the patient centered medical home model of care, including curricula ensuring that a common conception of a patient centered medical home model of care is provided to medical students, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and primary care residents ;

(4) Components that include training in preconception care and family planning.

(B) The director may work in association with the medical, nursing, and physician assistant schools or programs to identify funding sources to ensure that the curricula developed under division (A) of this section are accessible to medical students, advanced practice registered nursing students, physician assistant students, and primary care residents. The director shall consider scholarship options or incentives provided to students in addition to those provided under the choose Ohio first scholarship program operated under section 3333.61 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.929 | Reports.
 

(A) If the director of health establishes the patient centered medical home education pilot project, the director shall prepare reports of its findings and recommendations from the pilot project. Each report shall include an evaluation of the learning opportunities generated by the pilot project, the physicians and advanced practice registered nurses trained in the pilot project, the costs of the pilot project, and the extent to which the pilot project has met the set of expected outcomes developed under division (A) of section 3701.924 of the Revised Code.

(B) The reports shall be completed in accordance with the following schedule:

(1) An interim report not later than six months after the date on which the last primary care practice selected to participate in the project enters into a contract with the department of health pursuant to section 3701.927 of the Revised Code;

(2) An update of the interim report not later than one year after the date specified under division (B)(1) of this section;

(3) A final report not later than two years after the date specified under division (B)(1) of this section.

(C) The director shall submit each of the reports to the governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, to the general assembly.

Section 3701.93 | Ohio violent death reporting system.
 

Subject to available funds, the director of health shall establish the Ohio violent death reporting system to collect and maintain information, data, and records regarding violent deaths in Ohio.

Section 3701.931 | Purpose of system.
 

The Ohio violent death reporting system shall do all of the following regarding violent death information, data, and records maintained in the system:

(A) Monitor the incidence and causes of the various types of violent deaths;

(B) Make appropriate epidemiologic studies of the violent deaths;

(C) Analyze trends and patterns in, and circumstances related to, the violent deaths;

(D) With the assistance of the advisory group established pursuant to section 3701.932 of the Revised Code, recommend actions to relevant entities to prevent violent deaths and make any other such recommendations the director of health determines necessary.

Section 3701.932 | Violent death advisory group.
 

The director of health shall establish an advisory group of interested parties and stakeholders to recommend actions to relevant entities to prevent violent deaths, and make other recommendations the director determines necessary, in accordance with division (D) of section 3701.931 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.933 | Data collection model.
 

The data collection model used by the Ohio violent death reporting system shall follow the data collection model used by the United States centers for disease control and prevention national violent death reporting system and any other data collection model set forth by the director of health pursuant to section 3701.934 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.934 | Specification of type, sources, and methods of collecting data.
 

The director of health, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall do all of the following:

(A) Specify the types of violent deaths that shall be included in the Ohio violent death reporting system;

(B) Specify the information, data, and records to be collected for use by the Ohio violent death reporting system;

(C) Specify the sources from which the information, data, and records are to be collected for use by the Ohio violent death reporting system;

(D) If determined appropriate by the director, set forth any other data collection model to be used by the Ohio violent death reporting system.

Section 3701.935 | Collection from existing sources.
 

The director of health shall collect information about violent deaths in Ohio only from existing sources related to violent crimes and shall not conduct independent criminal investigations in order to obtain information, data, or records for use by the Ohio violent death reporting system.

Section 3701.936 | Provision of data by state agencies.
 

At the request of the director of health, every department, agency, and political subdivision of the state shall provide information, data, records, and otherwise assist in the execution of sections 3701.93 to 3701.9314 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.937 | Provision of data by other entities and individuals.
 

At the request of the director of health, any individual or entity not specified in section 3701.936 of the Revised Code, at the individual's or entity's discretion, may provide information, data, records, and otherwise assist in the execution of sections 3701.93 to 3701.9314 of the Revised Code. Any information, data, and records provided to the director by any other individual or entity shall contain only information, data, or records that are available or reasonably drawn from any information, data, and record developed and kept in the normal course of business.

Section 3701.938 | Duty to provide information.
 

Notwithstanding any section of the Revised Code pertaining to confidentiality, any individual, public social service agency, or public agency that provides services to individuals or families, law enforcement agency, coroner, or public entity that provided services to an individual whose death is the type of death specified by the director of health under section 3701.934 of the Revised Code shall provide information, data, records, and otherwise assist in the execution of sections 3701.93 to 3701.9314 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.9310 | Confidential information.
 

Except as otherwise provided in section 3701.9212 of the Revised Code, all of the following are not public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code, shall be confidential, and shall be published only in statistical form:

(A) Information, data, and records collected for use and maintained by the Ohio violent death reporting system including, but not limited to, medical records, law enforcement investigative records, coroner investigative records, laboratory reports, and other records concerning a decedent;

(B) Work products created in carrying out the purposes of the Ohio violent death reporting system.

Section 3701.9311 | Information not subject to subpoena or discovery.
 

Information, data, and records collected for use and maintained by, and all work products created in carrying out the purposes of, the Ohio violent death reporting system shall not be subject to subpoena or discovery while in the possession of the system or admissible in any criminal or civil proceeding if obtained through, or from, the system.

Section 3701.9312 | Standards and procedures for accessing information.
 

The director of health, pursuant to rules adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall establish standards and procedures to make available to researchers confidential information collected by the Ohio violent death reporting system. Researchers complying with those standards and procedures also shall comply with the confidentiality requirements of section 3701.9310 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.9314 | Adoption of rules.
 

The director of health may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code necessary to establish, maintain, and carry out the purposes of the Ohio violent death reporting system under sections 3701.93 to 3701.9314 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.94 | Patient centered medical home program.
 

There is hereby established the patient centered medical home program in the department of health. The patient centered medical home model of care is an advanced model of primary care in which care teams attend to the multifaceted needs of patients, providing whole person comprehensive and coordinated patient centered care.

Section 3701.941 | Voluntary patient centered medical home certification program.
 

(A) As part of the patient centered medical home program established under section 3701.94 of the Revised Code, the department of health shall establish a voluntary patient centered medical home certification program.

(B) Each primary care practice, that seeks a patient centered medical home certificate shall submit an application on a form prepared by the department. The department may require an application fee and annual renewal fee as determined by the department. If the department establishes a fee under this section, the fee shall be in an amount that is sufficient to cover the cost of any on-site evaluations conducted by the department or an entity under contract with the department pursuant to section 3701.942 of the Revised Code.

(C) A practice certified under this section shall do all of the following:

(1) Meet any standards developed by national independent accrediting and medical home organizations, as determined by the department;

(2) Develop a systematic follow-up procedure for patients, including the use of health information technology and patient registries;

(3) Implement and maintain health information technology that meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 300jj;

(4) Comply with the reporting requirements of section 3701.942 of the Revised Code;

(5) Meet any process, outcome, and quality standards specified by the department of health;

(6) Meet any other requirements established by the department.

(D) The department shall seek to do all of the following through the certification of patient centered medical homes:

(1) Expand, enhance, and encourage the use of primary care providers, including primary care physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants, as personal clinicians;

(2) Develop a focus on delivering high-quality, efficient, and effective health care services;

(3) Encourage patient centered care and the provision of care that is appropriate for a patient's race, ethnicity, and language;

(4) Encourage the education and active participation of patients and patients' families or legal guardians, as appropriate, in decision making and care plan development;

(5) Provide patients with consistent, ongoing contact with a personal clinician or team of clinical professionals to ensure continuous and appropriate care;

(6) Ensure that patient centered medical homes develop and maintain appropriate comprehensive care plans for patients with complex or chronic conditions, including an assessment of health risks and chronic conditions;

(7) Ensure that patient centered medical homes plan for transition of care from youth to adult to senior;

(8) Enable and encourage use of a range of qualified health care professionals, including dedicated care coordinators, in a manner that enables those professionals to practice to the fullest extent of their professional licenses.

Section 3701.942 | Reporting requirements for certified patient centered medical homes.
 

(A) Each certified patient centered medical home shall report health care quality and performance information to the department of health, including any data necessary for monitoring compliance with certification standards and for evaluating the impact of patient centered medical homes on health care quality, cost, and outcomes.

(B) The department may contract with a private entity to evaluate the effectiveness of certified patient centered medical homes. The department may provide the entity with data collected under division (A) of this section.

(C) The department may contract with national independent accrediting and medical home organizations to provide on-site evaluation of primary care practices and verification of data collected under division (A) of this section.

(D) Data collected under this section is not a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.943 | Report to governor and general assembly.
 

(A) The department of health shall submit a report to the governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, the general assembly, evaluating the patient centered medical home program not later than three years after rules adopted pursuant to section 3701.944 of the Revised Code first become effective. The department shall submit a second report not later than five years after those rules first become effective.

(B) The reports submitted under division (A) of this section shall include all of the following:

(1) The number of patients receiving primary care services from certified patient centered medical homes and the number and characteristics of those patients with complex or chronic conditions. To the extent available, information regarding the income, race, ethnicity, and language of patients shall be included in the reports;

(2) The number and geographic distribution of certified patient centered medical homes;

(3) Performance of and quality of care measures implemented by certified patient centered medical homes;

(4) Preventive care measures implemented by certified patient centered medical homes;

(5) Payment arrangements of certified patient centered medical homes;

(6) Costs related to implementation of the patient centered medical home program and payment of care coordination fees;

(7) The estimated effect of certified patient centered medical homes on health disparities;

(8) The estimated savings from establishing the patient centered medical home program, as those savings apply to the fee for service, managed care, and state-based purchasing sectors.

Section 3701.944 | Rules.
 

The department of health shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to do all of the following:

(A) Considering the goals set forth in section 3701.941 of the Revised Code, establish standards and procedures for certifying a primary care practice as a patient centered medical home;

(B) Specify the types of medical practices that constitute primary care practices for the purpose of certifying patient centered medical homes;

(C) Specify the health care quality and performance information that certified patient centered medical homes must report to the department pursuant to section 3701.942 of the Revised Code.

Section 3701.95 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.20 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Programs to reduce negative birth outcomes and disparities.
 

(A) As used in this section, "government program providing public benefits" has the same meaning as in section 191.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of health shall identify each government program providing benefits, other than the help me grow program established by the department of health pursuant to section 3701.61 of the Revised Code, that has the goal of reducing infant mortality and negative birth outcomes or the goal of reducing disparities among women who are pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant and who belong to a racial or ethnic minority. A program shall be identified only if it provides education, training, and support services related to those goals to program participants in their homes. The director may consult with the Ohio partnership to build stronger families for assistance with identifying the programs.

(C) An administrator of a program identified under division (B) of this section shall report to the director data on program performance indicators that are used to assess progress toward achieving program goals. The administrator shall report the data in the format and within the time frames specified in rules adopted under division (D) of this section. Using the data reported under this division, the director shall prepare an annual report assessing the performance of each government program identified pursuant to division (B) of this section during the immediately preceding twelve-month period. In addition, the report shall summarize and provide an analysis of the information contained in the "information for medical and health use only" section of the birth records for individuals born during the prior twelve-month period.

The director shall provide a copy of the report to the general assembly and the joint medicaid oversight committee. The copy to the general assembly shall be provided in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code.

(D) The director shall adopt rules specifying program performance indicators on which data must be reported by the administrators described in division (C) of this section as well as the format and time frames in which the data must be reported. To the extent possible, the program performance indicators specified in the rules shall be consistent with federal reporting requirements for federally funded home visiting services. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 10:43 AM

Section 3701.951 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.11 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Infant mortality, preterm birth, and stillbirth rates.
 

(A) As used in this section :

(1) "Preliminary infant mortality and preterm birth rates" means infant mortality and preterm birth rates that are derived from vital records as defined in section 3705.01 of the Revised Code, are not considered finalized by the department of health, and are subject to modification as additional birth and death data are received by the department and added to vital records.

(2) "Stillbirth" has the same meaning as in section 3701.97 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each calendar quarter, the department of health shall determine the state's preliminary infant mortality and preterm birth rates, as well as the stillbirth rate, delineated by race and ethnic group. The rates shall be determined using a simple rolling average. The department shall publish the rates in a quarterly report, which shall also include a description of the data sources and methodology used to determine the rates. The department shall make each report available on its internet web site not later than five business days after the rates are determined.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 10:44 AM

Section 3701.952 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.19 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Maternal behavior questionnaire.
 

(A) The department of health shall create a population-based questionnaire designed to examine maternal behaviors and experiences before, during, and after a woman's pregnancy, as well as during the early infancy of the woman's child. The questionnaire shall collect information that is similar to the information collected by the pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system (PRAMS) questionnaire that the department most recently used prior to the effective date of this section, as well as any additional information suggested by the United States centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) for PRAMS questionnaires.

(B) The department shall implement and use the questionnaires created under division (A) of this section in a manner that is consistent with the standardized data collection methodology for PRAMS questionnaires prescribed by the CDC model surveillance protocol. In addition, for the purpose of having statistically valid data for local analyses, the department shall oversample women in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties on an annual basis, and shall oversample women in the remaining counties that constitute the Ohio equity institute cohort (Butler, Stark, Mahoning, Montgomery, Summit, and Lucas counties) on a biennial basis.

(C) The department shall report results from the questionnaires not less than annually in a manner consistent with guidelines established by the CDC for the reporting of PRAMS questionnaire results.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 10:46 AM

Section 3701.953 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.13 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Infant mortality scorecard.
 

(A) The department of health shall create an infant mortality scorecard. The scorecard shall report all of the following:

(1) The state's performance on population health measures, including the infant mortality rate, preterm birth rate, and low birth weight rate, delineated by race, ethnic group, region of the state, and the state as a whole;

(2) Preliminary data the department possesses on the state's unexpected infant death rate;

(3) To the extent such information is available, the state's performance on outcome measures identified by the department that are related to preconception health, reproductive health, prenatal care, labor and delivery, smoking, infant safe sleep practices, breastfeeding, and behavioral health, delineated by race, ethnic group, region of the state, and the state as a whole;

(4) A comparison of the state's performance on the population health measures specified in division (A)(1) of this section and, to the extent such information is available, the state's performance on outcome measures specified in division (A)(3) of this section with the targets for the measures, or the targets for the objectives similar to the measures, established by the United States department of health and human services through the healthy people 2020 initiative or a subsequent initiative;

(5) Any other information on maternal and child health that the department considers appropriate.

(B) The scorecard shall be built and automated to refresh data in real time on a data dashboard to be made publicly available.

(C) The scorecard shall include a description of the data sources and methodology used to complete the scorecard.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 9:25 AM

Section 3701.96 | Fees for zoonotic disease programs.
 

As used in this section, "board of health" means a board of health of a city or general health district or an authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

If a zoonotic disease program is administered by the department of health, the director of health may charge a board of health a fee for each service the program provides to the board. The fee amount shall be determined by the director and be commensurate with the department's cost to provide the service. The board shall pay the fee associated with a service at the time the service is provided.

Section 3701.97 | [Amended and renumbered as R.C. 5180.12 by H.B. 33, 135th General Assembly, effective 1/1/2025] Stillbirth data.
 

(A) As used in this section, "stillbirth" means death prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of human conception of at least twenty weeks of gestation, which after such expulsion or extraction does not breathe or show any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles.

(B) The director of health shall do all of the following:

(1) Publish stillbirth data compiled from the department of health's fetal death statistical file and make it available on the department's internet web site;

(2) Review the stillbirth data described in division (B)(1) of this section and identify potential trends in the incidence of stillbirth and the possible causes of, and conditions that could lead to or indicate the possible occurrence of, stillbirth;

(3) Develop educational materials in conjunction with statewide medical associations that may be used to apprise health care providers of trends, if any, that were identified through a review described in division (B)(2) of this section;

(4) Electronically disseminate the educational materials developed under division (B)(3) of this section to the state medical board and statewide medical associations and make them available on the department of health's web site in an easily accessible format.

Last updated October 6, 2023 at 10:46 AM

Section 3701.98 | Standards, policies and procedures.
 

Not later than July 1, 2014, the director of health shall establish both of the following by rule adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code:

(A) A standardized process by which all general and city health districts shall collect and report to the director information regarding public health quality indicators.

(B) A policy and procedures for the sharing of health data reported under this section with payers, providers, general and city health districts, and public health professionals.

The rules shall identify the public health quality indicators that are to be a priority for general and city health districts and the information to be collected and reported regarding those indicators. The director of health shall work in conjunction with the association of county health commissioners in identifying the public health quality indicators.

Section 3701.981 | Completion and submission of assessments and plans.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Assessment" means either of the following:

(a) A hospital community health needs assessment that meets the requirements set forth in 26 C.F.R. 1.501(r)-3(b);

(b) An assessment of community health conducted by a board of health.

(2) "Board of health" means the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Plan" means either of the following:

(a) A hospital implementation strategy that meets the requirements set forth in 26 C.F.R. 1.501(r)-3(c);

(b) A plan regarding improving community health created by a board of health.

(4) "Tax-exempt hospital" means a nonprofit hospital or government-owned hospital that is exempt from income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 1, as amended, and that under federal law is a hospital organization required to meet community health needs assessment requirements set forth in 26 C.F.R. 1.501(r)-3.

(B)(1) Not later than July 1, 2017, each board of health and tax-exempt hospital shall submit to the department of health any existing plans and assessments for the most recent assessment and planning period.

(2) Beginning January 1, 2020, each board of health and tax-exempt hospital shall complete assessments and plans in alignment on a three-year interval established by the department. Not later than October 1, 2020, each board of health and tax-exempt hospital shall submit to the department plans and related assessments covering years 2020 through 2022. Beginning October 1, 2023, and every three years thereafter, each board of health and tax-exempt hospital shall submit subsequent plans and related assessments to the department. The department shall provide guidance regarding submitting plans and assessments and shall provide an online repository for the plans and assessments.

(C)(1) Not later than July 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, each tax-exempt hospital shall submit information to the department as follows:

(a) If the hospital is not a government-owned hospital, the hospital shall submit a copy of the hospital's schedule H (form 990) submitted to the internal revenue service for the preceding fiscal year, including corresponding attachments and reporting on financial assistance and means-tested government programs and community building activities in parts I and II of schedule H. Subsequent annual schedule H filings shall be submitted to the department not later than thirty days after filing with the internal revenue service.

(b) If the hospital is a government-owned hospital, the hospital shall submit information that is equivalent to the information that is submitted by a hospital under division (C)(1)(a) of this section.

(2) The department shall provide an online repository for schedule H and equivalent information submitted by tax-exempt hospitals.

Section 3701.99 | Penalty.
 

(A) Whoever violates division (C) of section 3701.23, division (C) of section 3701.232, division (C) of section 3701.24, division (D)(2) of section 3701.262, or sections 3701.46 to 3701.55 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on each subsequent offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(B) Whoever violates section 3701.82 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(C) Whoever violates section 3701.352 or 3701.81 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(D) Whoever violates division (F) or (G) of section 3701.792 of the Revised Code is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

Last updated January 13, 2022 at 3:33 PM