3724.11 Report of violation - immunity.

Any person who believes that a community alternative home or a person or agency of state or local government is in violation of this chapter or any of the rules adopted by the public health council under section 3724.05 of the Revised Code may make a report to the director of health. The identity of the person shall not be released without his written consent. The director shall not reveal any reports made under this section except that he may provide information contained in a report to a government agency responsible for enforcing laws governing community alternative homes. The director shall investigate the reports and take any necessary action authorized by this chapter and rules adopted by the public health council. The director shall keep a record of the investigation and any resulting action and shall inform the operator of the home of the investigation results.

On receipt of a report to the department or on a reasonable belief that an institution, residence, or other facility is being operated as a community alternative home without a license, the director or employees of the department may enter the facility to make an investigation.

Any person who makes a report pursuant to this section or any person who participates in an administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from the report is immune from civil liability for these actions unless the person acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. No employer shall take any action detrimental to an employee or retaliate against an employee as a result of the employee’s having filed a report under this section.

Effective Date: 11-01-1989