CHAPTER 4731: PHYSICIANS; LIMITED PRACTITIONERS

The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a state medical board consisting of twelve members, eight of whom shall be physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Ohio. Seven members of the board shall hold the degree of doctor of medicine. Terms of office of members holding the degree of doctor of medicine shall be for five years, commencing on the nineteenth day of March and ending on the eighteenth day of March, except that upon expiration of the term ending March 18, 1976, the new term which succeeds it shall end on March 18, 1982; upon expiration of the term which ends on March 14, 1977, the new term which succeeds it shall end on March 18, 1983; upon expiration of the term ending June 16, 1978, the new term which succeeds it shall end on March 18, 1985; and upon expiration of the two terms ending on March 18, 1980, one of the terms which succeeds them shall end on March 18, 1986, and the other succeeding term shall end on March 18, 1987. One member shall hold the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine. The first term of office for the member holding the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine shall begin December 28, 1975, and shall be for seven years. Each succeeding term shall be for five years. One member of the board shall hold the degree of doctor of osteopathy. The term of office for the member holding the degree of doctor of osteopathy shall be for five years, commencing on the twenty-sixth day of April and ending on the twenty-fifth day of April.

One member of the board shall represent the interests of consumers. Two additional members shall represent the interests of consumers and shall not be a member of, or associated with, a health care provider or profession. At least one of the consumer members shall be at least sixty years of age. The terms of office for the consumer members shall be for five years, commencing on the first day of August and ending on the thirty-first day of July.

Each member shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the end of the term for which he was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

Effective Date: 07-24-1990

The state medical board shall organize by the election of a president and a supervising member, who shall be members of the board, and a secretary, who shall be a physician in good standing in his profession. Each of the officers shall serve for a term of one year, and they may administer oaths.

Effective Date: 03-17-1987

Each member of the state medical board shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day employed in the discharge of his official duties and his necessary expenses.

Effective Date: 08-26-1977

The secretary of the state medical board shall receive his necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his official duties.

Effective Date: 10-01-1953

(A) The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to carry out the purposes of this chapter. All adjudicative proceedings of the state medical board shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(B) The state medical board shall appoint an executive director who shall be in the unclassified service of the state. The board may appoint other employees of the board as are necessary and shall prescribe their titles and duties.

(C) The state medical board shall develop requirements for and provide appropriate initial and continuing training for investigators employed by the board to carry out its duties under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code. The training and continuing education may include enrollment in courses operated or approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission that the board considers appropriate under conditions set forth in section 109.79 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 12-02-1996

The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing universal blood and body fluid precautions that shall be used by each person who performs exposure prone invasive procedures and is authorized to practice by this chapter or Chapter 4730., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall define and establish requirements for universal blood and body fluid precautions that include the following:

(A) Appropriate use of hand washing;

(B) Disinfection and sterilization of equipment;

(C) Handling and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments;

(D) Wearing and disposal of gloves and other protective garments and devices.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000

(A) As used in this section:

(1) “Dangerous drug” has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) “Intractable pain” means a state of pain that is determined, after reasonable medical efforts have been made to relieve the pain or cure its cause, to have a cause for which no treatment or cure is possible or for which none has been found.

(3) “Physician” means an individual authorized under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(B) The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish standards and procedures to be followed by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable pain, including standards for managing intractable pain by prescribing, personally furnishing, or administering dangerous drugs in amounts or combinations that may not be appropriate when treating other medical conditions. In developing the rules, the board shall consult with and permit review by physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable pain.

(C) When a physician diagnoses an individual as having intractable pain, the physician may treat the pain by managing it with dangerous drugs in amounts or combinations that may not be appropriate when treating other medical conditions. The physician’s diagnosis shall be made after having the individual evaluated by one or more other physicians who specialize in the treatment of the area, system, or organ of the body perceived as the source of the pain. The physician’s diagnosis and treatment decisions shall be made according to accepted and prevailing standards for medical care. The physician shall maintain a record of all of the following:

(1) Medical history and physical examination of the individual;

(2) The diagnosis of intractable pain, including signs, symptoms, and causes;

(3) The plan of treatment proposed, the patient’s response to treatment, and any modification to the plan of treatment;

(4) The dates on which dangerous drugs were prescribed, furnished, or administered, the name and address of the individual to or for whom the dangerous drugs were prescribed, dispensed, or administered, and the amounts and dosage forms for the dangerous drugs prescribed, furnished, or administered;

(5) A copy of the report made by the physician or the physician to whom referral for evaluation was made under this division.

(D) A physician who treats intractable pain by managing it with dangerous drugs is not subject to disciplinary action by the board under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code solely because the physician treated the intractable pain with dangerous drugs. The physician is subject to disciplinary action only if the dangerous drugs are not prescribed, furnished, or administered in accordance with this section and the rules adopted under it.

Effective Date: 07-22-1998

(A) As used in this section, “physician” means an individual authorized by this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(B) The state medical board shall adopt rules that establish standards to be met and procedures to be followed by a physician with respect to the physician’s delegation of the performance of a medical task to a person who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to perform the task. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and shall include a coroner’s investigator among the individuals who are competent to recite the facts of a deceased person’s medical condition to a physician so that the physician may pronounce the person dead without personally examining the body.

(C) To the extent that delegation applies to the administration of drugs, the rules adopted under this section shall provide for all of the following:

(1) On-site supervision when the delegation occurs in an institution or other facility that is used primarily for the purpose of providing health care, unless the board establishes a specific exception to the on-site supervision requirement with respect to routine administration of a topical drug, such as the use of a medicated shampoo;

(2) Evaluation of whether delegation is appropriate according to the acuity of the patient involved;

(3) Training and competency requirements that must be met by the person administering the drugs;

(4) Other standards and procedures the board considers relevant.

(D) The board shall not adopt rules that do any of the following:

(1) Authorize a physician to transfer the physician’s responsibility for supervising a person who is performing a delegated medical task to a health professional other than another physician;

(2) Authorize an individual to whom a medical task is delegated to delegate the performance of that task to another individual;

(3) Except as provided in divisions (D)(4) to (7) of this section, authorize a physician to delegate the administration of anesthesia, controlled substances, drugs administered intravenously, or any other drug or category of drug the board considers to be inappropriate for delegation;

(4) Prevent an individual from engaging in an activity performed for a child with a disability as a service needed to meet the educational needs of the child, as identified in the individualized education program developed for the child under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code;

(5) Conflict with any provision of the Revised Code that specifically authorizes an individual to perform a particular task;

(6) Conflict with any rule adopted pursuant to the Revised Code that is in effect on April 10, 2001, as long as the rule remains in effect, specifically authorizing an individual to perform a particular task;

(7) Prohibit a perfusionist from administering drugs intravenously while practicing as a perfusionist;

(8) Authorize a physician assistant, anesthesiologist assistant, or any other professional regulated by the board to delegate tasks pursuant to this section.

Effective Date: 12-31-2003; 08-17-2006; 2007 HB119 09-29-2007

The state medical board shall meet in March, June, September, and December of each year, and at such times and places as the board may direct. Six members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The board shall have a seal and shall prescribe rules for its government.

Effective Date: 08-27-1982

The state medical board shall keep a record of its proceedings. It shall also keep a register of applicants for certificates of registration issued under this chapter and Chapters 4730., 4760., and 4762. of the Revised Code. The register shall show the name of the applicant and whether the applicant was granted or refused a certificate. With respect to applicants to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, the register shall show the name of the institution that granted the applicant the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine. The books and records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of matters therein contained.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000

Except as provided in sections 4731.29 and 4731.291 to 4731.294 of the Revised Code, and until November 15, 1998, in section 4731.295 of the Revised Code, each person who desires to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state shall file with the secretary of the state medical board a written application for admission to the examination conducted by the board under section 4731.13 of the Revised Code. The applicant shall file the application under oath on a form prescribed by the board. The applicant shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is more than eighteen years of age and of good moral character.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for a certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state medical board shall not grant to an applicant a certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4731.14 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 2007 HB104 03-24-2008

The state medical board shall appoint an entrance examiner who shall not be directly or indirectly connected with a medical school and who shall determine the sufficiency of the preliminary education, other than medical education, of an applicant for admission to the examination conducted by the board under section 4731.13 of the Revised Code. The minimum requirement shall be two years of undergraduate work in a college of arts and sciences approved by the board in addition to a high school diploma, or the equivalent of such education as determined by the board. In the absence of the foregoing qualifications, the entrance examiner may examine the applicant to overcome deficiencies. When the entrance examiner finds the preliminary education of the applicant sufficient, the entrance examiner shall issue a certificate of preliminary examination upon the payment to the treasurer of the board of a fee of thirty-five dollars. Such certificate shall be attested by the secretary.

Effective Date: 09-29-1997

(A) As used in this section and in section 4731.092 of the Revised Code:

(1) “Graduate medical education” means education received through any of the following:

(a) An internship or residency program conducted in the United States and accredited by either the accreditation council for graduate medical education of the American medical association or the American osteopathic association;

(b) A clinical fellowship program conducted in the United States at an institution with a residency program accredited by either the accreditation council for graduate medical education of the American medical association or the American osteopathic association that is in a clinical field the same as or related to the clinical field of the fellowship program;

(c) An internship program conducted in Canada and accredited by the committee on accreditation of preregistration physician training programs of the federation of provincial medical licensing authorities of Canada;

(d) A residency program conducted in Canada and accredited by either the royal college of physicians and surgeons of Canada or the college of family physicians of Canada.

(2) “Fifth pathway training” means supervised clinical training obtained in the United States as a substitute for the internship or social service requirements of a foreign medical school.

(B) To be eligible for admission to the examination conducted by the state medical board under section 4731.13 of the Revised Code, an applicant must meet the medical education and graduate medical education requirements specified in any one of the following and any additional requirements of division (C) of this section:

(1) Hold a diploma from a medical school or osteopathic medical school that, at the time the diploma was issued, was a medical school accredited by the liaison committee on medical education or an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American osteopathic association and have successfully completed not less than nine months of graduate medical education or its equivalent as determined by the board;

(2) Hold certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates and have successfully completed not less than nine months of graduate medical education through the first-year level of graduate medical education or its equivalent as determined by the board;

(3) Be a qualified graduate of a fifth pathway training program as recognized by the board under section 4731.092 of the Revised Code and have successfully completed, subsequent to completing fifth pathway training, not less than nine months of graduate medical education or its equivalent as determined by the board.

(C) If an applicant holding certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates received the core clinical instruction segment of the applicant’s medical education at an institution in the United States, the board may require that to be eligible for admission to its examination, the applicant must have received the instruction at either of the following:

(1) An institution that, at the time of the instruction, was a formal part of or had formal affiliation with a medical school accredited by the liaison committee on medical education or an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American osteopathic association.

(2) An institution with, at the time of the instruction, a graduate medical education program accredited by either the accreditation council for graduate medical education of the American medical association or the American osteopathic association that is in a field the same as or related to the core clinical instruction.

Effective Date: 05-31-2000

To be recognized by the state medical board as a qualified graduate of a fifth pathway training program, an applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he has done all of the following:

(A) Studied medicine in a foreign medical school acknowledged by the world health organization and verified by a member state of that organization as operating within the state’s jurisdiction at the time he studied medicine;

(B) Successfully completed all the formal requirements of the foreign medical school except internship or social service requirements;

(C) Prior to entrance into the fifth pathway training program, attained on a screening examination acceptable to the board a score satisfactory to a medical school accredited by the liaison committee on medical education;

(D) Successfully completed one academic year of fifth pathway training at a hospital affiliated with a medical school accredited by the liaison committee on medical education.

Effective Date: 04-30-1992

Upon the request of a person licensed to practice in this state pursuant to Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall certify an application for licensure in another state. The fee for such certification shall be fifty dollars.

Effective Date: 09-29-1997

At the time of his application for examination as provided in section 4731.08 of the Revised Code, the applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the state medical board that he meets the educational requirements established under sections 4731.09 and 4731.091 of the Revised Code, with his affidavit that he is the person named in the evidence and is the lawful possessor thereof, stating his age, residence, the schools at which he obtained his medical education, the time spent in each, the time spent in the study of medicine or osteopathic medicine, and such other facts as the state medical board requires. If the applicant has practiced medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in another state or country, the affidavit shall state the period during which and the place where he has practiced.

Effective Date: 04-30-1992

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the state medical board shall admit to the examination it conducts under section 4731.13 of the Revised Code an applicant who meets the age, moral character, and educational requirements set forth in sections 4731.08, 4731.09, and 4731.091 of the Revised Code and pays the examination fee.

The board shall establish a fee for the examination of an amount determined by the board to be sufficient to cover the costs it incurs in procuring, administering, and grading the examination. The fee shall not be returned, regardless of whether the applicant passes or fails the examination.

The board may deny admission to its examination if it determines that the school at which the applicant obtained his medical education has engaged in fraud in the awarding of diplomas, certification of graduates, or credentialing of faculty members.

If the board, pursuant to section 4731.13 of the Revised Code, uses as its examination a part of a standard medical licensing examination established for purposes of determining the competence of individuals to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the United States, the board shall not admit an applicant to its examination unless the applicant submits evidence satisfactory to the board that he has successfully completed all other parts of the standard examination or the equivalent of any of those parts. The board shall specify the other parts of the standard examination that must be successfully completed and shall determine what constitutes the equivalent of any of those parts.

Effective Date: 12-22-1992

Except as provided in sections 4731.29 and 4731.291 to 4731.294 of the Revised Code, and until November 15, 1998, in section 4731.295 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall examine each individual who desires to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state. The board shall conduct the examination of these individuals in accordance with rules the board shall adopt. Each individual shall be examined in such subjects as the board requires. The board shall examine in subjects pertinent to current medical educational standards.

The board may use as its examination all or part of a standard medical licensing examination established for purposes of determining the competence of individuals to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the United States.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

(A) As used in this section, “graduate medical education” has the same meaning as in section 4731.091 of the Revised Code.

(B) The state medical board shall issue its certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery as follows:

(1) The board shall issue its certificate to each individual who was admitted to the board’s examination by meeting the educational requirements specified in division (B)(1) or (3) of section 4731.091 of the Revised Code if the individual passes the examination, pays a certificate issuance fee of three hundred dollars, and submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual has successfully completed not less than twelve months of graduate medical education or its equivalent as determined by the board.

(2) Except as provided in section 4731.142 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue its certificate to each individual who was admitted to the board’s examination by meeting the educational requirements specified in division (B)(2) of section 4731.091 of the Revised Code if the individual passes the examination, pays a certificate issuance fee of three hundred dollars, submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual has successfully completed not less than twenty-four months of graduate medical education through the second-year level of graduate medical education or its equivalent as determined by the board, and, if the individual passed the examination prior to completing twenty-four months of graduate medical education or its equivalent, the individual continues to meet the moral character requirements for admission to the board’s examination.

(C) Each certificate issued by the board shall be signed by its president and secretary, and attested by its seal. The certificate shall be on a form prescribed by the board and shall indicate the medical degree held by the individual to whom the certificate is issued. If the individual holds the degree of doctor of medicine, the certificate shall state that the individual is authorized to practice medicine and surgery pursuant to the laws of this state. If the individual holds the degree of doctor of osteopathic medicine, the certificate shall state that the individual is authorized to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery pursuant to the laws of this state. If the individual holds a medical degree other than the degree of doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine, the certificate shall indicate the diploma, degree, or other document issued by the medical school or institution the individual attended and shall state that the individual is authorized to practice medicine and surgery pursuant to the laws of this state.

(D) The certificate shall be prominently displayed in the certificate holder’s office or place where a major portion of the certificate holder’s practice is conducted and shall entitle the holder to practice either medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery provided the certificate holder maintains current registration as required by section 4731.281 of the Revised Code and provided further that such certificate has not been revoked, suspended, or limited by action of the state medical board pursuant to this chapter.

(E) An affirmative vote of not less than six members of the board is required for the issuance of a certificate.

Effective Date: 09-05-2001

Any person who was authorized in practice limited osteopathic medicine and surgery on January 1, 1980, may continue to practice in accordance with the statutory limitations in effect on that date. The board shall regulate such practitioners and shall require them to register on or before the first day of June, 1983, and on or before the first day of June every second year thereafter, on a form prescribed by the board and pay at such time a biennial registration fee of twenty-five dollars. At least one month in advance of the date of registration, a written notice shall be sent to such practitioners, whether a resident of the state or not, at the last known address, that the biennial registration fee is due on or before the first day of June. All such practitioners shall provide the board written notice of any change of address. A holder of a certificate to practice under this section shall have the certificate automatically suspended if the registration fee is not paid by the first day of September of the same year, and continued practice after the suspension shall be considered as practicing without a license in violation of section 4731.43 of the Revised Code. An applicant for reinstatement of a certificate to practice suspended for failure to register shall submit the applicant’s current and delinquent registration fees and a penalty in the sum of twenty-five dollars.

Any certificate to practice issued pursuant to this section may be refused, limited, revoked, or suspended, an applicant may be denied certification or reinstatement, or the holder of a certificate may be reprimanded, or placed on probation as provided in section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 08-27-1982; 05-17-2006

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an individual must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English, by passing an examination specified by the state medical board, to receive a certificate to practice issued under section 4731.14 of the Revised Code if the individual’s eligibility for the certificate is based in part on certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates and fulfillment of the undergraduate requirements established by section 4731.09 of the Revised Code at an institution outside the United States. The board shall adopt rules specifying an acceptable examination and establishing the minimum score that demonstrates proficiency in spoken English.

(B) An individual is not required to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English in accordance with division (A) of this section if the individual was required to demonstrate such proficiency as a condition of certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999; 2007 HB119 09-29-2007

(A) Each person holding a valid certificate under this chapter authorizing the certificate holder to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, who is not covered by medical malpractice insurance shall provide a patient with written notice of the certificate holder’s lack of that insurance coverage prior to providing nonemergency professional services to the patient. The notice shall be provided alone on its own page. The notice shall provide space for the patient to acknowledge receipt of the notice, and shall be in the following form:

“N O T I C E:

Dr. ............... (here state the full name of the certificate holder) is not covered by medical malpractice insurance.

The undersigned acknowledges the receipt of this notice.

............................

(Patient’s Signature)

............................

(Date)”

The certificate holder shall obtain the patient’s signature, acknowledging the patient’s receipt of the notice, prior to providing nonemergency professional services to the patient. The certificate holder shall maintain the signed notice in the patient’s file.

(B) This section does not apply to any officer or employee of the state, as those terms are defined in section 9.85 of the Revised Code, who is immune from civil liability under section 9.86 of the Revised Code or is entitled to indemnification pursuant to section 9.87 of the Revised Code, to the extent that the person is acting within the scope of the person’s employment or official responsibilities.

This section does not apply to a person who complies with division (B)(2) of section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

(C) As used in this section, “medical malpractice insurance” means insurance coverage against the legal liability of the insured and against loss, damage, or expense incident to a claim arising out of the death, disease, or injury of any person as the result of negligence or malpractice in rendering professional service by any licensed physician, podiatrist, or hospital, as those terms are defined in section 2305.113 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 04-10-2001; 12-30-2004; 06-27-2005

(A)(1) The state medical board also shall regulate the following limited branches of medicine: massage therapy and cosmetic therapy, and to the extent specified in section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, naprapathy and mechanotherapy. The board shall adopt rules governing the limited branches of medicine under its jurisdiction. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(2) As used in this chapter, “cosmetic therapy” means the permanent removal of hair from the human body through the use of electric modalities approved by the board for use in cosmetic therapy, and additionally may include the systematic friction, stroking, slapping, and kneading or tapping of the face, neck, scalp, or shoulders.

(B) All persons who hold a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine issued by the state medical board, whether residents of this state or not, shall on or before the first day of June of each odd-numbered year, register with the state medical board on a form prescribed by the board and shall pay at such time a biennial registration fee of fifty dollars. At least one month in advance of the date of registration, a written notice that the biennial registration fee is due on or before the first day of June shall be sent to each holder of a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine, at the person’s last known address. All persons who hold a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine issued by the state medical board shall provide the board written notice of any change of address.

A certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine shall be automatically suspended if the fee is not paid by the first day of September of the year it is due. Continued practice after the suspension of the certificate to practice shall be considered as practicing in violation of sections 4731.34 and 4731.41 of the Revised Code. Subject to section 4731.222 of the Revised Code, if a certificate to practice has been suspended pursuant to this division for two years or less, the board shall reinstate a certificate to practice suspended for failure to register upon an applicant’s submission of a renewal application and payment of the biennial registration fee and the applicable monetary penalty. With regard to reinstatement of a certificate to practice cosmetic therapy, the applicant also shall submit with the application a certification that the number of hours of continuing education necessary to have a suspended certificate reinstated have been completed, as specified in rules the board shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The penalty for reinstatement shall be twenty-five dollars . If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for more than two years, it may be restored upon an applicant’s submission of a restoration application, the biennial registration fee, and the applicable monetary penalty and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore to an applicant a certificate to practice unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4731.18 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration is fifty dollars.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999; 2007 HB104 03-24-2008

(A) Naprapaths who received a certificate to practice from the board prior to March 2, 1992, may continue to practice naprapathy, as defined in rules adopted by the board. Such naprapaths shall practice in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

(B)(1) As used in this division:

(a) “Mechanotherapy” means all of the following:

(i) Examining patients by verbal inquiry;

(ii) Examination of the musculoskeletal system by hand;

(iii) Visual inspection and observation;

(iv) Diagnosing a patient’s condition only as to whether the patient has a disorder of the musculoskeletal system;

(v) In the treatment of patients, employing the techniques of advised or supervised exercise; electrical neuromuscular stimulation; massage or manipulation; or air, water, heat, cold, sound, or infrared ray therapy only to those disorders of the musculoskeletal system that are amenable to treatment by such techniques and that are identifiable by examination performed in accordance with division (B)(1)(a)(i) of this section and diagnosable in accordance with division (B)(1)(a)(ii) of this section.

(b) “Educational requirements” means the completion of a course of study appropriate for certification to practice mechanotherapy on or before November 3, 1985, as determined by rules adopted under this chapter.

(2) Mechanotherapists who received a certificate to practice from the board prior to March 2, 1992, may continue to practice mechanotherapy, as defined in rules adopted by the board. Such mechanotherapists shall practice in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

A person authorized by this division to practice as a mechanotherapist may examine, diagnose, and assume responsibility for the care of patients with due regard for first aid and the hygienic and nutritional care of the patients. Roentgen rays shall be used by a mechanotherapist only for diagnostic purposes.

(3) A person who holds a certificate to practice mechanotherapy and completed educational requirements in mechanotherapy on or before November 3, 1985, is entitled to use the title “doctor of mechanotherapy” and is a “physician” who performs “medical services” for the purposes of Chapters 4121. and 4123. of the Revised Code and the program established under section 5111.01 of the Revised Code, and shall receive payment or reimbursement as provided under those chapters and that section.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

(A) Each person holding a certificate to practice cosmetic therapy within this state shall complete biennially not less than twenty-five hours of continuing cosmetic therapy education.

Cosmetic therapists shall earn continuing education credits at the rate of one-half credit hour for each twenty-five to thirty minutes of instruction and one credit hour for each fifty to sixty minutes of instruction.

(B) Only continuing education approved by the state medical board may be used to fulfill the requirements of division (A) of this section.

(C) Each certified cosmetic therapist shall submit to the board at the time of biennial registration pursuant to section 4731.15 of the Revised Code a sworn affidavit, in a form acceptable to the board, attesting that he has completed continuing education programs in compliance with this section and listing the date, location, sponsor, subject matter, and hours completed of the programs.

(D) The board shall adopt rules providing for pro rata reductions by month of hours of continuing education required by this section for persons who first receive a certificate during a registration period.

The board may excuse a cosmetic therapist from all or any part of the requirements of this section because of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship.

(E) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section constitutes a failure to renew registration pursuant to section 4731.15 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 03-02-1992

The state medical board shall conduct examinations of applicants for certification to practice the limited branches of medicine of massage therapy and cosmetic therapy. The examinations shall be conducted under rules adopted by the board and at such times and places as the board may determine. The fee for either examination is two hundred fifty dollars.

For the purpose of conducting examinations, the board may call to its aid any person of established reputation and known ability in the limited branch of medicine for which the examination is being held. A person called to assist in an examination shall be reimbursed for the person’s services. Reimbursement shall be not more than one hundred dollars per day and an amount fixed and allowed by the board for the person’s actual and necessary expenses.

Each examination shall be given in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, bacteriology, pathology, hygiene, diagnosis, and any other subjects appropriate to the limited branch of medicine for which certification is requested as the board may require, except that applicants for certificates to practice massage therapy shall not be examined in pathology.

If an applicant fails an examination more than twice, in whole or in part, the board may require that the applicant obtain additional training as a condition of being eligible for further examination.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

If an applicant passes the examination to practice massage therapy or cosmetic therapy conducted under section 4731.16 of the Revised Code and has paid the fee required under that section, the state medical board shall issue to the applicant the appropriate certificate to practice. Such certificate shall authorize the holder thereof to practice the limited branch of medicine specified therein, but shall not permit the holder to practice any other limited branch of medicine, nor shall it permit the holder to treat infectious, contagious, or venereal diseases, to prescribe or administer drugs, or to perform surgery or practice medicine in any other form.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for a certificate to practice massage therapy or cosmetic therapy shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state medical board shall not grant to an applicant a certificate to practice massage therapy or cosmetic therapy unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4731.18 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 2007 HB104 03-24-2008

The state medical board may dispense with the examination of applicants for certificates to practice the limited branches of medicine of massage therapy and cosmetic therapy in the same manner that certificates are issued under section 4731.29 of the Revised Code to individuals to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery. The board may recognize any national examining boards of the limited branches of medicine.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

The state medical board shall determine the standing of the schools, colleges, or institutions giving instruction in the limited branches of medicine of massage therapy and cosmetic therapy. If there shall at any time be such schools, colleges, or institutions giving instruction in such limited branches, the applicant for a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine shall, as a condition of admission to the examination, produce a diploma or certificate from a school, college, or institution in good standing as determined by the board, showing the completion of the required courses of instruction.

The entrance examiner of the board shall determine the sufficiency of the preliminary education of applicants for a certificate to practice massage therapy or cosmetic therapy in the same manner that sufficiency of preliminary education is determined under section 4731.09 of the Revised Code, except that the board may adopt rules defining and establishing for the limited branch of medicine preliminary educational requirements that are less exacting than those prescribed by such section, as the nature of the case may require.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

The powers and duties conferred by this chapter on the state medical board, including all of the board’s officers, for purposes of regulating the practices of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, and podiatric medicine and surgery, shall apply in the same manner, with any modifications the board considers necessary, for purposes of regulating the practices of limited branches of medicine, including the power of the board to take disciplinary actions under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 04-10-2001

Sections 4731.15 to 4731.20, inclusive, of the Revised Code do not amend sections 4731.34, 4731.36, and 4731.41 of the Revised Code or limit their application unless otherwise specifically provided.

Effective Date: 10-01-1953

(A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to a person found by the board to have committed fraud during the administration of the examination for a certificate to practice or to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing any certificate to practice or certificate of registration issued by the board.

(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall, to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend an individual’s certificate to practice, refuse to register an individual, refuse to reinstate a certificate, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a certificate for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) Permitting one’s name or one’s certificate to practice or certificate of registration to be used by a person, group, or corporation when the individual concerned is not actually directing the treatment given;

(2) Failure to maintain minimal standards applicable to the selection or administration of drugs, or failure to employ acceptable scientific methods in the selection of drugs or other modalities for treatment of disease;

(3) Selling, giving away, personally furnishing, prescribing, or administering drugs for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes or a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction of, a violation of any federal or state law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;

(4) Willfully betraying a professional confidence.

For purposes of this division, “willfully betraying a professional confidence” does not include providing any information, documents, or reports to a child fatality review board under sections 307.621 to 307.629 of the Revised Code and does not include the making of a report of an employee’s use of a drug of abuse, or a report of a condition of an employee other than one involving the use of a drug of abuse, to the employer of the employee as described in division (B) of section 2305.33 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this division affects the immunity from civil liability conferred by that section upon a physician who makes either type of report in accordance with division (B) of that section. As used in this division, “employee,” “employer,” and “physician” have the same meanings as in section 2305.33 of the Revised Code.

(5) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients; in relation to the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, or a limited branch of medicine; or in securing or attempting to secure any certificate to practice or certificate of registration issued by the board.

As used in this division, “false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement” means a statement that includes a misrepresentation of fact, is likely to mislead or deceive because of a failure to disclose material facts, is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or includes representations or implications that in reasonable probability will cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.

(6) A departure from, or the failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances, whether or not actual injury to a patient is established;

(7) Representing, with the purpose of obtaining compensation or other advantage as personal gain or for any other person, that an incurable disease or injury, or other incurable condition, can be permanently cured;

(8) The obtaining of, or attempting to obtain, money or anything of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;

(9) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony;

(10) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;

(11) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;

(12) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;

(13) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

(14) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;

(15) Violation of the conditions of limitation placed by the board upon a certificate to practice;

(16) Failure to pay license renewal fees specified in this chapter;

(17) Except as authorized in section 4731.31 of the Revised Code, engaging in the division of fees for referral of patients, or the receiving of a thing of value in return for a specific referral of a patient to utilize a particular service or business;

(18) Subject to section 4731.226 of the Revised Code, violation of any provision of a code of ethics of the American medical association, the American osteopathic association, the American podiatric medical association, or any other national professional organizations that the board specifies by rule. The state medical board shall obtain and keep on file current copies of the codes of ethics of the various national professional organizations. The individual whose certificate is being suspended or revoked shall not be found to have violated any provision of a code of ethics of an organization not appropriate to the individual’s profession.

For purposes of this division, a “provision of a code of ethics of a national professional organization” does not include any provision that would preclude the making of a report by a physician of an employee’s use of a drug of abuse, or of a condition of an employee other than one involving the use of a drug of abuse, to the employer of the employee as described in division (B) of section 2305.33 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this division affects the immunity from civil liability conferred by that section upon a physician who makes either type of report in accordance with division (B) of that section. As used in this division, “employee,” “employer,” and “physician” have the same meanings as in section 2305.33 of the Revised Code.

(19) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including, but not limited to, physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills.

In enforcing this division, the board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual authorized to practice by this chapter or who has submitted an application pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental examination, physical examination, including an HIV test, or both a mental and a physical examination. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual’s control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this division, the board shall require the individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed authority to practice. An individual affected under this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of the individual’s certificate. For the purpose of this division, any individual who applies for or receives a certificate to practice under this chapter accepts the privilege of practicing in this state and, by so doing, shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.

(20) Except when civil penalties are imposed under section 4731.225 or 4731.281 of the Revised Code, and subject to section 4731.226 of the Revised Code, violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provisions of this chapter or any rule promulgated by the board.

This division does not apply to a violation or attempted violation of, assisting in or abetting the violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted by the board that would preclude the making of a report by a physician of an employee’s use of a drug of abuse, or of a condition of an employee other than one involving the use of a drug of abuse, to the employer of the employee as described in division (B) of section 2305.33 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this division affects the immunity from civil liability conferred by that section upon a physician who makes either type of report in accordance with division (B) of that section. As used in this division, “employee,” “employer,” and “physician” have the same meanings as in section 2305.33 of the Revised Code.

(21) The violation of section 3701.79 of the Revised Code or of any abortion rule adopted by the public health council pursuant to section 3701.341 of the Revised Code;

(22) Any of the following actions taken by the agency responsible for regulating the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, or the limited branches of medicine in another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual’s license to practice; acceptance of an individual’s license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;

(23) The violation of section 2919.12 of the Revised Code or the performance or inducement of an abortion upon a pregnant woman with actual knowledge that the conditions specified in division (B) of section 2317.56 of the Revised Code have not been satisfied or with a heedless indifference as to whether those conditions have been satisfied, unless an affirmative defense as specified in division (H)(2) of that section would apply in a civil action authorized by division (H)(1) of that section;

(24) The revocation, suspension, restriction, reduction, or termination of clinical privileges by the United States department of defense or department of veterans affairs or the termination or suspension of a certificate of registration to prescribe drugs by the drug enforcement administration of the United States department of justice;

(25) Termination or suspension from participation in the medicare or medicaid programs by the department of health and human services or other responsible agency for any act or acts that also would constitute a violation of division (B)(2), (3), (6), (8), or (19) of this section;

(26) Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair ability to practice.

For the purposes of this division, any individual authorized to practice by this chapter accepts the privilege of practicing in this state subject to supervision by the board. By filing an application for or holding a certificate to practice under this chapter, an individual shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when ordered to do so by the board in writing, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute privileged communications.

If it has reason to believe that any individual authorized to practice by this chapter or any applicant for certification to practice suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician who is qualified to conduct the examination and who is chosen by the board.

Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual’s control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board determines that the individual’s ability to practice is impaired, the board shall suspend the individual’s certificate or deny the individual’s application and shall require the individual, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certification to practice, to submit to treatment.

Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the impaired practitioner shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care under the provisions of the practitioner’s certificate. The demonstration shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) Certification from a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code that the individual has successfully completed any required inpatient treatment;

(b) Evidence of continuing full compliance with an aftercare contract or consent agreement;

(c) Two written reports indicating that the individual’s ability to practice has been assessed and that the individual has been found capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The reports shall be made by individuals or providers approved by the board for making the assessments and shall describe the basis for their determination.

The board may reinstate a certificate suspended under this division after that demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.

When the impaired practitioner resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the individual. The monitoring shall include, but not be limited to, compliance with the written consent agreement entered into before reinstatement or with conditions imposed by board order after a hearing, and, upon termination of the consent agreement, submission to the board for at least two years of annual written progress reports made under penalty of perjury stating whether the individual has maintained sobriety.

(27) A second or subsequent violation of section 4731.66 or 4731.69 of the Revised Code;

(28) Except as provided in division (N) of this section:

(a) Waiving the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers the individual’s services, otherwise would be required to pay if the waiver is used as an enticement to a patient or group of patients to receive health care services from that individual;

(b) Advertising that the individual will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers the individual’s services, otherwise would be required to pay.

(29) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4731.051 of the Revised Code;

(30) Failure to provide notice to, and receive acknowledgment of the notice from, a patient when required by section 4731.143 of the Revised Code prior to providing nonemergency professional services, or failure to maintain that notice in the patient’s file;

(31) Failure of a physician supervising a physician assistant to maintain supervision in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that chapter;

(32) Failure of a physician or podiatrist to enter into a standard care arrangement with a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner with whom the physician or podiatrist is in collaboration pursuant to section 4731.27 of the Revised Code or failure to fulfill the responsibilities of collaboration after entering into a standard care arrangement;

(33) Failure to comply with the terms of a consult agreement entered into with a pharmacist pursuant to section 4729.39 of the Revised Code;

(34) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under division (F) of this section, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(35) Failure to supervise an acupuncturist in accordance with Chapter 4762. of the Revised Code and the board’s rules for supervision of an acupuncturist;

(36) Failure to supervise an anesthesiologist assistant in accordance with Chapter 4760. of the Revised Code and the board’s rules for supervision of an anesthesiologist assistant;

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

(C) Disciplinary actions taken by the board under divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be taken pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that in lieu of an adjudication, the board may enter into a consent agreement with an individual to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.

If the board takes disciplinary action against an individual under division (B) of this section for a second or subsequent plea of guilty to, or judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of section 2919.123 of the Revised Code, the disciplinary action shall consist of a suspension of the individual’s certificate to practice for a period of at least one year or, if determined appropriate by the board, a more serious sanction involving the individual’s certificate to practice. Any consent agreement entered into under this division with an individual that pertains to a second or subsequent plea of guilty to, or judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of that section shall provide for a suspension of the individual’s certificate to practice for a period of at least one year or, if determined appropriate by the board, a more serious sanction involving the individual’s certificate to practice.

(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(10), (12), and (14) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the individual committed the act. The board does not have jurisdiction under those divisions if the trial court renders a final judgment in the individual’s favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board has jurisdiction under those divisions if the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds.

(E) The sealing of conviction records by any court shall have no effect upon a prior board order entered under this section or upon the board’s jurisdiction to take action under this section if, based upon a plea of guilty, a judicial finding of guilt, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, the board issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing prior to the court’s order to seal the records. The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court’s sealing of conviction records.

(F)(1) The board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that a person has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. Any person may report to the board in a signed writing any information that the person may have that appears to show a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. In the absence of bad faith, any person who reports information of that nature or who testifies before the board in any adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall not be liable in damages in a civil action as a result of the report or testimony. Each complaint or allegation of a violation received by the board shall be assigned a case number and shall be recorded by the board.

(2) Investigations of alleged violations of this chapter or any rule adopted under it shall be supervised by the supervising member elected by the board in accordance with section 4731.02 of the Revised Code and by the secretary as provided in section 4731.39 of the Revised Code. The president may designate another member of the board to supervise the investigation in place of the supervising member. No member of the board who supervises the investigation of a case shall participate in further adjudication of the case.

(3) In investigating a possible violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter, the board may administer oaths, order the taking of depositions, issue subpoenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony, except that a subpoena for patient record information shall not be issued without consultation with the attorney general’s office and approval of the secretary and supervising member of the board. Before issuance of a subpoena for patient record information, the secretary and supervising member shall determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the complaint filed alleges a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it and that the records sought are relevant to the alleged violation and material to the investigation. The subpoena may apply only to records that cover a reasonable period of time surrounding the alleged violation.

On failure to comply with any subpoena issued by the board and after reasonable notice to the person being subpoenaed, the board may move for an order compelling the production of persons or records pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

A subpoena issued by the board may be served by a sheriff, the sheriff’s deputy, or a board employee designated by the board. Service of a subpoena issued by the board may be made by delivering a copy of the subpoena to the person named therein, reading it to the person, or leaving it at the person’s usual place of residence. When the person being served is a person whose practice is authorized by this chapter, service of the subpoena may be made by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, and the subpoena shall be deemed served on the date delivery is made or the date the person refuses to accept delivery.

A sheriff’s deputy who serves a subpoena shall receive the same fees as a sheriff. Each witness who appears before the board in obedience to a subpoena shall receive the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases in the courts of common pleas.

(4) All hearings and investigations of the board shall be considered civil actions for the purposes of section 2305.252 of the Revised Code.

(5) Information received by the board pursuant to an investigation is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action.

The board shall conduct all investigations and proceedings in a manner that protects the confidentiality of patients and persons who file complaints with the board. The board shall not make public the names or any other identifying information about patients or complainants unless proper consent is given or, in the case of a patient, a waiver of the patient privilege exists under division (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code, except that consent or a waiver of that nature is not required if the board possesses reliable and substantial evidence that no bona fide physician-patient relationship exists.

The board may share any information it receives pursuant to an investigation, including patient records and patient record information, with law enforcement agencies, other licensing boards, and other governmental agencies that are prosecuting, adjudicating, or investigating alleged violations of statutes or administrative rules. An agency or board that receives the information shall comply with the same requirements regarding confidentiality as those with which the state medical board must comply, notwithstanding any conflicting provision of the Revised Code or procedure of the agency or board that applies when it is dealing with other information in its possession. In a judicial proceeding, the information may be admitted into evidence only in accordance with the Rules of Evidence, but the court shall require that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that confidentiality is maintained with respect to any part of the information that contains names or other identifying information about patients or complainants whose confidentiality was protected by the state medical board when the information was in the board’s possession. Measures to ensure confidentiality that may be taken by the court include sealing its records or deleting specific information from its records.

(6) On a quarterly basis, the board shall prepare a report that documents the disposition of all cases during the preceding three months. The report shall contain the following information for each case with which the board has completed its activities:

(a) The case number assigned to the complaint or alleged violation;

(b) The type of certificate to practice, if any, held by the individual against whom the complaint is directed;

(c) A description of the allegations contained in the complaint;

(d) The disposition of the case.

The report shall state how many cases are still pending and shall be prepared in a manner that protects the identity of each person involved in each case. The report shall be a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual has violated division (B) of this section and that the individual’s continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual’s certificate to practice without a prior hearing. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board.

The board, upon review of those allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.

The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the individual subject to the summary suspension requests an adjudicatory hearing by the board, the date set for the hearing shall be within fifteen days, but not earlier than seven days, after the individual requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the individual.

Any summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within seventy-five days after completion of its hearing. A failure to issue the order within seventy-five days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.

(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(9), (11), or (13) of this section and the judicial finding of guilt, guilty plea, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction is overturned on appeal, upon exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. Upon receipt of a petition of that nature and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the individual’s certificate to practice. The board may then hold an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual committed the act in question. Notice of an opportunity for a hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act or if no hearing is requested, the board may order any of the sanctions identified under division (B) of this section.

(I) The certificate to practice issued to an individual under this chapter and the individual’s practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date of the individual’s second or subsequent plea of guilty to, or judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of section 2919.123 of the Revised Code, or the date the individual pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.

The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is automatically suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall do whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) If the automatic suspension under this division is for a second or subsequent plea of guilty to, or judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of section 2919.123 of the Revised Code, the board shall enter an order suspending the individual’s certificate to practice for a period of at least one year or, if determined appropriate by the board, imposing a more serious sanction involving the individual’s certificate to practice.

(2) In all circumstances in which division (I)(1) of this section does not apply, enter a final order permanently revoking the individual’s certificate to practice.

(J) If the board is required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of an opportunity for a hearing and if the individual subject to the notice does not timely request a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, a final order that contains the board’s findings. In that final order, the board may order any of the sanctions identified under division (A) or (B) of this section.

(K) Any action taken by the board under division (B) of this section resulting in a suspension from practice shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the individual’s certificate to practice may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

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

(M) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:

(1) The surrender of a certificate issued under this chapter shall not be effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

(2) An application for a certificate made under the provisions of this chapter may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate of registration in accordance with this chapter shall not remove or limit the board’s jurisdiction to take any disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

(N) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (B)(28) of this section against any person who waives deductibles and copayments as follows:

(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copayments shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Documentation of the consent shall be made available to the board upon request.

(2) For professional services rendered to any other person authorized to practice pursuant to this chapter, to the extent allowed by this chapter and rules adopted by the board.

(O) Under the board’s investigative duties described in this section and subject to division (F) of this section, the board shall develop and implement a quality intervention program designed to improve through remedial education the clinical and communication skills of individuals authorized under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, and podiatric medicine and surgery. In developing and implementing the quality intervention program, the board may do all of the following:

(1) Offer in appropriate cases as determined by the board an educational and assessment program pursuant to an investigation the board conducts under this section;

(2) Select providers of educational and assessment services, including a quality intervention program panel of case reviewers;

(3) Make referrals to educational and assessment service providers and approve individual educational programs recommended by those providers. The board shall monitor the progress of each individual undertaking a recommended individual educational program.

(4) Determine what constitutes successful completion of an individual educational program and require further monitoring of the individual who completed the program or other action that the board determines to be appropriate;

(5) Adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to further implement the quality intervention program.

An individual who participates in an individual educational program pursuant to this division shall pay the financial obligations arising from that educational program.

Effective Date: 04-08-2003; 09-23-2004; 04-07-2005; 03-30-2006; 2007 HB119 09-29-2007

If the state medical board has reason to believe that any person who has been granted a certificate under this chapter is mentally ill or mentally incompetent, it may file in the probate court of the county in which such person has a legal residence an affidavit in the form prescribed in section 5122.11 of the Revised Code and signed by the board secretary or a member of the board secretary’s staff, whereupon the same proceedings shall be had as provided in Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code. The attorney general may represent the board in any proceeding commenced under this section.

If any person who has been granted a certificate is adjudged by a probate court to be mentally ill or mentally incompetent, the person’s certificate shall be automatically suspended until such person has filed with the state medical board a certified copy of an adjudication by a probate court of the person’s subsequent restoration to competency or has submitted to such board proof, satisfactory to the board, that the person has been discharged as having a restoration to competency in the manner and form provided in section 5122.38 of the Revised Code. The judge of such court shall forthwith notify the state medical board of an adjudication of mental illness or mental incompetence, and shall note any suspension of a certificate in the margin of the court’s record of such certificate.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000

Before restoring to good standing a certificate issued under this chapter that has been in a suspended or inactive state for any cause for more than two years, or before issuing a certificate pursuant to section 4731.18, 4731.29, 4731.295, 4731.57, or 4731.571 of the Revised Code to an applicant who for more than two years has not been engaged in the practice of medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, or a limited branch of medicine as an active practitioner, as a participant in a program of graduate medical education, as defined in section 4731.091 of the Revised Code, as a student in a college of podiatry determined by the board to be in good standing, or as a student in a school, college, or institution giving instruction in a limited branch of medicine determined by the board to be in good standing under section 4731.19 of the Revised Code, the state medical board may require the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine the applicant’s present fitness to resume practice.

The authority of the board to impose terms and conditions includes the following:

(A) Requiring the applicant to obtain additional training and to pass an examination upon completion of such training;

(B) Restricting or limiting the extent, scope, or type of practice of the applicant.

The board shall consider the moral background and the activities of the applicant during the period of suspension or inactivity, in accordance with section 4731.08 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a certificate under this section unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 04-10-2001; 2007 HB104 03-24-2008

(A) As used in this section, “prosecutor” has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate issued pursuant to this chapter pleads guilty to, is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a violation of Chapter 2907., 2925., or 3719. of the Revised Code or of any substantively comparable ordinance of a municipal corporation in connection with the person’s practice, or for a second or subsequent time pleads guilty to, or is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of section 2919.123 of the Revised Code, the prosecutor in the case, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall promptly notify the board of the conviction or guilty plea. Within thirty days of receipt of that information, the board shall initiate action in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether to suspend or revoke the certificate under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(C) The prosecutor in any case against any person holding a valid certificate issued pursuant to this chapter, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall notify the board of any of the following:

(1) A plea of guilty to, a finding of guilt by a jury or court of, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a felony, or a case in which the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds of a felony charge;

(2) A plea of guilty to, a finding of guilt by a jury or court of, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, or a case in which the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds of a charge of a misdemeanor, if the alleged act was committed in the course of practice;

(3) A plea of guilty to, a finding of guilt by a jury or court of, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a case in which the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds of a charge of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

The report shall include the name and address of the certificate holder, the nature of the offense for which the action was taken, and the certified court documents recording the action.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000; 09-23-2004

(A) Within sixty days after the imposition of any formal disciplinary action taken by any health care facility, including a hospital, health care facility operated by a health insuring corporation, ambulatory surgical center, or similar facility, against any individual holding a valid certificate to practice issued pursuant to this chapter, the chief administrator or executive officer of the facility shall report to the state medical board the name of the individual, the action taken by the facility, and a summary of the underlying facts leading to the action taken. Upon request, the board shall be provided certified copies of the patient records that were the basis for the facility’s action. Prior to release to the board, the summary shall be approved by the peer review committee that reviewed the case or by the governing board of the facility. As used in this division, “formal disciplinary action” means any action resulting in the revocation, restriction, reduction, or termination of clinical privileges for violations of professional ethics, or for reasons of medical incompetence, medical malpractice, or drug or alcohol abuse. “Formal disciplinary action” includes a summary action, an action that takes effect notwithstanding any appeal rights that may exist, and an action that results in an individual surrendering clinical privileges while under investigation and during proceedings regarding the action being taken or in return for not being investigated or having proceedings held. “Formal disciplinary action” does not include any action taken for the sole reason of failure to maintain records on a timely basis or failure to attend staff or section meetings.

The filing or nonfiling of a report with the board, investigation by the board, or any disciplinary action taken by the board, shall not preclude any action by a health care facility to suspend, restrict, or revoke the individual’s clinical privileges.

In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no individual or entity that provides patient records to the board shall be liable in damages to any person as a result of providing the records.

(B) If any individual authorized to practice under this chapter or any professional association or society of such individuals believes that a violation of any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4730., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code, or any rule of the board has occurred, the individual, association, or society shall report to the board the information upon which the belief is based. This division does not require any treatment provider approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code or any employee, agent, or representative of such a provider to make reports with respect to an impaired practitioner participating in treatment or aftercare for substance abuse as long as the practitioner maintains participation in accordance with the requirements of section 4731.25 of the Revised Code, and as long as the treatment provider or employee, agent, or representative of the provider has no reason to believe that the practitioner has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it, other than the provisions of division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code. This division does not require reporting by any member of an impaired practitioner committee established by a health care facility or by any representative or agent of a committee or program sponsored by a professional association or society of individuals authorized to practice under this chapter to provide peer assistance to practitioners with substance abuse problems with respect to a practitioner who has been referred for examination to a treatment program approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code if the practitioner cooperates with the referral for examination and with any determination that the practitioner should enter treatment and as long as the committee member, representative, or agent has no reason to believe that the practitioner has ceased to participate in the treatment program in accordance with section 4731.25 of the Revised Code or has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it, other than the provisions of division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(C) Any professional association or society composed primarily of doctors of medicine and surgery, doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery, doctors of podiatric medicine and surgery, or practitioners of limited branches of medicine that suspends or revokes an individual’s membership for violations of professional ethics, or for reasons of professional incompetence or professional malpractice, within sixty days after a final decision shall report to the board, on forms prescribed and provided by the board, the name of the individual, the action taken by the professional organization, and a summary of the underlying facts leading to the action taken.

The filing of a report with the board or decision not to file a report, investigation by the board, or any disciplinary action taken by the board, does not preclude a professional organization from taking disciplinary action against an individual.

(D) Any insurer providing professional liability insurance to an individual authorized to practice under this chapter, or any other entity that seeks to indemnify the professional liability of such an individual, shall notify the board within thirty days after the final disposition of any written claim for damages where such disposition results in a payment exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars. The notice shall contain the following information:

(1) The name and address of the person submitting the notification;

(2) The name and address of the insured who is the subject of the claim;

(3) The name of the person filing the written claim;

(4) The date of final disposition;

(5) If applicable, the identity of the court in which the final disposition of the claim took place.

(E) The board may investigate possible violations of this chapter or the rules adopted under it that are brought to its attention as a result of the reporting requirements of this section, except that the board shall conduct an investigation if a possible violation involves repeated malpractice. As used in this division, “repeated malpractice” means three or more claims for medical malpractice within the previous five-year period, each resulting in a judgment or settlement in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars in favor of the claimant, and each involving negligent conduct by the practicing individual.

(F) All summaries, reports, and records received and maintained by the board pursuant to this section shall be held in confidence and shall not be subject to discovery or introduction in evidence in any federal or state civil action involving a health care professional or facility arising out of matters that are the subject of the reporting required by this section. The board may use the information obtained only as the basis for an investigation, as evidence in a disciplinary hearing against an individual whose practice is regulated under this chapter, or in any subsequent trial or appeal of a board action or order.

The board may disclose the summaries and reports it receives under this section only to health care facility committees within or outside this state that are involved in credentialing or recredentialing the individual or in reviewing the individual’s clinical privileges. The board shall indicate whether or not the information has been verified. Information transmitted by the board shall be subject to the same confidentiality provisions as when maintained by the board.

(G) Except for reports filed by an individual pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall send a copy of any reports or summaries it receives pursuant to this section to the individual who is the subject of the reports or summaries. The individual shall have the right to file a statement with the board concerning the correctness or relevance of the information. The statement shall at all times accompany that part of the record in contention.

(H) An individual or entity that, pursuant to this section, reports to the board or refers an impaired practitioner to a treatment provider approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code shall not be subject to suit for civil damages as a result of the report, referral, or provision of the information.

(I) In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no professional association or society of individuals authorized to practice under this chapter that sponsors a committee or program to provide peer assistance to practitioners with substance abuse problems, no representative or agent of such a committee or program, and no member of the state medical board shall be held liable in damages to any person by reason of actions taken to refer a practitioner to a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code for examination or treatment.

Effective Date: 04-10-2001

If the holder of a certificate issued under this chapter violates division (A), (B), or (C) of section 4731.66 or section 4731.69 of the Revised Code, or if any other person violates division (B) or (C) of section 4731.66 or section 4731.69 of the Revised Code, the state medical board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, shall:

(A) For a first violation, impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars;

(B) For each subsequent violation, impose a civil penalty of not more than twenty thousand dollars and, if the violator is a certificate holder, proceed under division (B)(27) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 03-09-1999

(A)(1) An individual whom the state medical board licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery may render the professional services of a doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. Division (A)(1) of this section does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state medical board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(2) An individual whom the state medical board authorizes to engage in the practice of mechanotherapy may render the professional services of a mechanotherapist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. Division (A)(2) of this section does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a mechanotherapist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state medical board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under this chapter.

(C) Division (B) of this section shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics described in division (B)(18) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code that prohibits either of the following:

(1) A doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery from engaging in the doctor’s authorized practice in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mechanotherapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(2) A mechanotherapist from engaging in the practice of mechanotherapy in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of mechanotherapy.

Effective Date: 03-22-1999; 04-06-2007; 2007 HB119 08-22-2007

An individual authorized to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery may use alternative medical treatments if the individual has provided the information necessary to obtain informed consent from the patient and the treatment meets the standards enforced by the state medical board pursuant to section 4731.22 of the Revised Code and any rules adopted by the board.

As used in this section, “alternative medical treatment” means care that is complementary to or different from conventional medical care but is reasonable when the benefits and risks of the alternative medical treatment and the conventional medical care are compared.

Effective Date: 10-10-2000

(A)(1)(a) The state medical board shall designate one or more attorneys at law who have been admitted to the practice of law, and who are classified as either administrative law attorney examiners or as administrative law attorney examiner administrators under the state job classification plan adopted under section 124.14 of the Revised Code, as hearing examiners, subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, to conduct any hearing which the medical board is empowered to hold or undertake pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirement of division (A)(1)(a) of this section that the board designate as a hearing examiner an attorney who is classified as either an administrative law attorney examiner or an administrative law attorney examiner administrator, the board may, subject to controlling board approval, enter into a personal service contract with an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state to serve on a temporary basis as a hearing examiner.

(2) The hearing examiner shall hear and consider the oral and documented evidence introduced by the parties and issue in writing proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the board for their consideration within thirty days following the close of the hearing.

(B) The board shall be given copies of the transcript of the record hearing and all exhibits and documents presented by the parties at the hearing.

(C) The board shall, upon the favorable vote of three members, allow the parties or their counsel the opportunity to present oral arguments on the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law of the hearing examiner prior to the board’s final action.

(D) The board shall render a decision and take action within sixty days following the receipt of the hearing examiner’s proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law or within any longer period mutually agreed upon by the board and the certificate holder.

(E) The final decision of the board in any hearing which the board is empowered to undertake shall be in writing and contain findings of fact and conclusions of law. Copies of the decision shall be delivered to the parties personally or by certified mail. The decision shall be final upon delivery or mailing, except that the certificate holder may appeal in the manner provided by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 03-17-1987; 2007 HB119 08-22-2007

Except as provided in sections 4731.281 and 4731.40 of the Revised Code, all receipts of the state medical board, from any source, shall be deposited in the state treasury. Until July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. On and after July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the state medical board operating fund, which is hereby created on July 1, 1998. All funds deposited into the state treasury under this section shall be used solely for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapters 4730., 4760., and 4762. of the Revised Code by the board.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000

The state medical board, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt and may amend and rescind rules establishing standards for approval of physicians and facilities as treatment providers for impaired practitioners who are regulated under this chapter or Chapter 4730., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall include standards for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. The rules shall provide that in order to be approved, a treatment provider must have the capability of making an initial examination to determine what type of treatment an impaired practitioner requires. Subject to the rules, the board shall review and approve treatment providers on a regular basis. The board, at its discretion, may withdraw or deny approval subject to the rules.

An approved impaired practitioner treatment provider shall:

(A) Report to the board the name of any practitioner suffering or showing evidence of suffering impairment as described in division (B)(5) of section 4730.25 of the Revised Code, division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, division (B)(6) of section 4760.13 of the Revised Code, or division (B)(6) of section 4762.13 of the Revised Code who fails to comply within one week with a referral for examination;

(B) Report to the board the name of any impaired practitioner who fails to enter treatment within forty-eight hours following the provider’s determination that the practitioner needs treatment;

(C) Require every practitioner who enters treatment to agree to a treatment contract establishing the terms of treatment and aftercare, including any required supervision or restrictions of practice during treatment or aftercare;

(D) Require a practitioner to suspend practice upon entry into any required inpatient treatment;

(E) Report to the board any failure by an impaired practitioner to comply with the terms of the treatment contract during inpatient or outpatient treatment or aftercare;

(F) Report to the board the resumption of practice of any impaired practitioner before the treatment provider has made a clear determination that the practitioner is capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care;

(G) Require a practitioner who resumes practice after completion of treatment to comply with an aftercare contract that meets the requirements of rules adopted by the board for approval of treatment providers;

(H) Report the identity of any practitioner practicing under the terms of an aftercare contract to hospital administrators, medical chiefs of staff, and chairpersons of impaired practitioner committees of all health care institutions at which the practitioner holds clinical privileges or otherwise practices. If the practitioner does not hold clinical privileges at any health care institution, the treatment provider shall report the practitioner’s identity to the impaired practitioner committee of the county medical society, osteopathic academy, or podiatric medical association in every county in which the practitioner practices. If there are no impaired practitioner committees in the county, the treatment provider shall report the practitioner’s identity to the president or other designated member of the county medical society, osteopathic academy, or podiatric medical association.

(I) Report to the board the identity of any practitioner who suffers a relapse at any time during or following aftercare.

Any individual authorized to practice under this chapter who enters into treatment by an approved treatment provider shall be deemed to have waived any confidentiality requirements that would otherwise prevent the treatment provider from making reports required under this section.

In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no person or organization that conducts an approved impaired practitioner treatment program, no member of such an organization, and no employee, representative, or agent of the treatment provider shall be held liable in damages to any person by reason of actions taken or recommendations made by the treatment provider or its employees, representatives, or agents.

Effective Date: 08-10-2000

Upon application the state medical board shall issue a duplicate certificate to replace one missing or damaged, reflect a name change, or for any other reasonable cause. The fee for such duplicate certificate shall be thirty-five dollars.

Effective Date: 09-29-1997

(A) As used in this section, “collaboration,” “physician,” “standard care arrangement,” and “supervision” have the same meanings as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as provided in division (D)(1) of section 4723.431 of the Revised Code, a physician or podiatrist shall enter into a standard care arrangement with each clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner with whom the physician or podiatrist is in collaboration. The collaborating physician or podiatrist shall fulfill the responsibilities of collaboration, as specified in the arrangement and in accordance with division (A) of section 4723.431 of the Revised Code. A copy of the standard care arrangement shall be retained on file at each site where the nurse practices. Prior approval of the standard care arrangement by the state medical board is not required, but the board may periodically review it.

Nothing in this division prohibits a hospital from hiring a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner as an employee and negotiating standard care arrangements on behalf of the employee as necessary to meet the requirements of this section. A standard care arrangement between the hospital’s employee and the employee’s collaborating physician is subject to approval by the medical staff and governing body of the hospital prior to implementation of the arrangement at the hospital.

(C) With respect to a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner participating in an externship pursuant to an initial certificate to prescribe issued under section 4723.48 of the Revised Code, the physician responsible for evaluating the externship shall provide the state medical board with the name of the nurse. If the externship is terminated for any reason, the physician shall notify the board.

(D) A physician or podiatrist shall cooperate with the board of nursing in any investigation the board conducts with respect to a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who collaborates with the physician or podiatrist or with respect to a certified registered nurse anesthetist who practices with the supervision of the physician or podiatrist.

Effective Date: 09-26-2003

Effective Date: 08-27-1982

(A) On or before the deadline established under division (B) of this section for applying for renewal of a certificate of registration, each person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery shall certify to the state medical board that in the preceding two years the person has completed one hundred hours of continuing medical education. The certification shall be made upon the application for biennial registration submitted pursuant to division (B) of this section. The board shall adopt rules providing for pro rata reductions by month of the number of hours of continuing education required for persons who are in their first registration period, who have a registration period of less than two years due to initial implementation of the staggered renewal schedule established under division (B) of this section, who have been disabled due to illness or accident, or who have been absent from the country.

In determining whether a course, program, or activity qualifies for credit as continuing medical education, the board shall approve all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice medicine and surgery that is certified by the Ohio state medical association, all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery that is certified by the Ohio osteopathic association, and all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice podiatry that is certified by the Ohio podiatric medical association. Each person holding a certificate to practice under this chapter shall be given sufficient choice of continuing education programs to ensure that the person has had a reasonable opportunity to participate in continuing education programs that are relevant to the person’s medical practice in terms of subject matter and level.

The board may require a random sample of persons holding a certificate to practice under this chapter to submit materials documenting completion of the continuing medical education requirement during the preceding registration period, but this provision shall not limit the board’s authority to investigate pursuant to section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Every person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery wishing to renew that certificate shall apply to the board for a certificate of registration upon an application furnished by the board, and pay to the board at the time of application a fee of three hundred five dollars, according to the following schedule:

(a) Persons whose last name begins with the letters “A” through “B,” on or before April 1, 2001, and the first day of April of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(b) Persons whose last name begins with the letters “C” through “D,” on or before January 1, 2001, and the first day of January of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(c) Persons whose last name begins with the letters “E” through “G,” on or before October 1, 2000, and the first day of October of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(d) Persons whose last name begins with the letters “H” through “K,” on or before July 1, 2000, and the first day of July of every even-numbered year therea