Chapter 5122 | Hospitalization Of Mentally Ill

Section 5122.01 | Hospitalization of mentally ill definitions.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

As used in this chapter and Chapter 5119. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Mental illness" means a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.

(B) "Person with a mental illness subject to court order" means a person with a mental illness who, because of the person's illness:

(1) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self as manifested by evidence of threats of, or attempts at, suicide or serious self-inflicted bodily harm;

(2) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to others as manifested by evidence of recent homicidal or other violent behavior, evidence of recent threats that place another in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm, or other evidence of present dangerousness;

(3) Represents a substantial and immediate risk of serious physical impairment or injury to self as manifested by evidence that the person is unable to provide for and is not providing for the person's basic physical needs because of the person's mental illness and that appropriate provision for those needs cannot be made immediately available in the community;

(4) Would benefit from treatment for the person's mental illness and is in need of such treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that creates a grave and imminent risk to substantial rights of others or the person;

(5)(a) Would benefit from treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that indicates all of the following:

(i) The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision, based on a clinical determination.

(ii) The person has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for mental illness and one of the following applies:

(I) At least twice within the thirty-six months prior to the filing of an affidavit seeking court-ordered treatment of the person under section 5122.111 of the Revised Code, the lack of compliance has been a significant factor in necessitating hospitalization in a hospital or receipt of services in a forensic or other mental health unit of a correctional facility, provided that the thirty-six-month period shall be extended by the length of any hospitalization or incarceration of the person that occurred within the thirty-six-month period.

(II) Within the forty-eight months prior to the filing of an affidavit seeking court-ordered treatment of the person under section 5122.111 of the Revised Code, the lack of compliance resulted in one or more acts of serious violent behavior toward self or others or threats of, or attempts at, serious physical harm to self or others, provided that the forty-eight-month period shall be extended by the length of any hospitalization or incarceration of the person that occurred within the forty-eight-month period.

(iii) The person, as a result of the person's mental illness, is unlikely to voluntarily participate in necessary treatment.

(iv) In view of the person's treatment history and current behavior, the person is in need of treatment in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would be likely to result in substantial risk of serious harm to the person or others.

(b) An individual who meets only the criteria described in division (B)(5)(a) of this section is not subject to hospitalization.

(C)(1) "Patient" means, subject to division (C)(2) of this section, a person who is admitted either voluntarily or involuntarily to a hospital or other place under section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code subsequent to a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetence to stand trial or under this chapter, who is under observation or receiving treatment in such place.

(2) "Patient" does not include a person admitted to a hospital or other place under section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code to the extent that the reference in this chapter to patient, or the context in which the reference occurs, is in conflict with any provision of sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Licensed physician" means a person licensed under the laws of this state to practice medicine or a medical officer of the government of the United States while in this state in the performance of the person's official duties.

(E) "Psychiatrist" means a licensed physician who has satisfactorily completed a residency training program in psychiatry, as approved by the residency review committee of the American medical association, the committee on post-graduate education of the American osteopathic association, or the American osteopathic board of neurology and psychiatry, or who on July 1, 1989, has been recognized as a psychiatrist by the Ohio state medical association or the Ohio osteopathic association on the basis of formal training and five or more years of medical practice limited to psychiatry.

(F) "Hospital" means a hospital or inpatient unit licensed by the department of mental health and addiction services under section 5119.33 of the Revised Code, and any institution, hospital, or other place established, controlled, or supervised by the department under Chapter 5119. of the Revised Code.

(G) "Public hospital" means a facility that is tax-supported and under the jurisdiction of the department of mental health and addiction services.

(H) "Community mental health services provider" means an agency, association, corporation, individual, or program that provides community mental health services that are certified by the director of mental health and addiction services under section 5119.36 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Licensed clinical psychologist" means a person who holds a current, valid psychologist license issued under section 4732.12 of the Revised Code, and in addition, meets the educational requirements set forth in division (B) of section 4732.10 of the Revised Code and has a minimum of two years' full-time professional experience, or the equivalent as determined by rule of the state board of psychology, at least one year of which shall be a predoctoral internship, in clinical psychological work in a public or private hospital or clinic or in private practice, diagnosing and treating problems of mental illness or intellectual disability under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed or who holds a diploma issued by the American board of professional psychology, or whose qualifications are substantially similar to those required for licensure by the state board of psychology when the supervision has occurred prior to enactment of laws governing the practice of psychology.

(J) "Health officer" means any public health physician; public health nurse; or other person authorized or designated by a city or general health district or a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services to perform the duties of a health officer under this chapter.

(K) "Chief clinical officer" means the medical director of a hospital, community mental health services provider, or board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services, or, if there is no medical director, the licensed physician responsible for the treatment provided by a hospital or community mental health services provider. The chief clinical officer may delegate to the attending physician responsible for a patient's care the duties imposed on the chief clinical officer by this chapter. In the case of a community mental health services provider, the chief clinical officer shall be designated by the governing body of the services provider and shall be a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist who supervises diagnostic and treatment services. A licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist designated by the chief clinical officer may perform the duties and accept the responsibilities of the chief clinical officer in the chief clinical officer's absence.

(L) "Working day" or "court day" means Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, except when such day is a holiday.

(M) "Indigent" means unable without deprivation of satisfaction of basic needs to provide for the payment of an attorney and other necessary expenses of legal representation, including expert testimony.

(N) "Respondent" means the person whose detention, commitment, hospitalization, continued hospitalization or commitment, or discharge is being sought in any proceeding under this chapter.

(O) "Ohio protection and advocacy system" has the same meaning as in section 5123.60 of the Revised Code.

(P) "Independent expert evaluation" means an evaluation conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed physician who has been selected by the respondent or the respondent's counsel and who consents to conducting the evaluation.

(Q) "Court" means the probate division of the court of common pleas.

(R) "Expunge" means:

(1) The removal and destruction of court files and records, originals and copies, and the deletion of all index references;

(2) The reporting to the person of the nature and extent of any information about the person transmitted to any other person by the court;

(3) Otherwise insuring that any examination of court files and records in question shall show no record whatever with respect to the person;

(4) That all rights and privileges are restored, and that the person, the court, and any other person may properly reply that no such record exists, as to any matter expunged.

(S) "Residence" means a person's physical presence in a county with intent to remain there, except that:

(1) If a person is receiving a mental health service at a facility that includes nighttime sleeping accommodations, residence means that county in which the person maintained the person's primary place of residence at the time the person entered the facility;

(2) If a person is committed pursuant to section 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code, residence means the county where the criminal charges were filed.

When the residence of a person is disputed, the matter of residence shall be referred to the department of mental health and addiction services for investigation and determination. Residence shall not be a basis for a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services to deny services to any person present in the board's service district, and the board shall provide services for a person whose residence is in dispute while residence is being determined and for a person in an emergency situation.

(T) "Admission" to a hospital or other place means that a patient is accepted for and stays at least one night at the hospital or other place.

(U) "Prosecutor" means the prosecuting attorney, village solicitor, city director of law, or similar chief legal officer who prosecuted a criminal case in which a person was found not guilty by reason of insanity, who would have had the authority to prosecute a criminal case against a person if the person had not been found incompetent to stand trial, or who prosecuted a case in which a person was found guilty.

(V)(1) "Treatment plan" means a written statement of reasonable objectives and goals for an individual established by the treatment team, with specific criteria to evaluate progress towards achieving those objectives.

(2) The active participation of the patient in establishing the objectives and goals shall be documented. The treatment plan shall be based on patient needs and include services to be provided to the patient while the patient is hospitalized, after the patient is discharged, or in an outpatient setting. The treatment plan shall address services to be provided. In the establishment of the treatment plan, consideration should be given to the availability of services, which may include but are not limited to all of the following:

(a) Community psychiatric supportive treatment;

(b) Assertive community treatment;

(c) Medications;

(d) Individual or group therapy;

(e) Peer support services;

(f) Financial services;

(g) Housing or supervised living services;

(h) Alcohol or substance abuse treatment;

(i) Any other services prescribed to treat the patient's mental illness and to either assist the patient in living and functioning in the community or to help prevent a relapse or a deterioration of the patient's current condition.

(3) If the person subject to the treatment plan has executed an advance directive for mental health treatment, the treatment team shall consider any directions included in such advance directive in developing the treatment plan.

(W) "Community control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(X) "Post-release control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code.

(Y) "Local correctional facility" has the same meaning as in section 2903.13 of the Revised Code.

(Z) "Clinical nurse specialist" and "certified nurse practitioner" have the same meanings as in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 13, 2023 at 11:38 AM

Section 5122.011 | Application of chapter.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 285 - 121st General Assembly

The provisions of this chapter regarding hospitalization apply to a person who is found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity and is committed pursuant to section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code to the extent that the provisions are not in conflict with any provision of sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code. If a provision of this chapter is in conflict with a provision in sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code regarding a person who has been so committed, the provision in sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code shall control regarding that person.

Section 5122.02 | Application for voluntary admission.

• Effective: August 3, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, any person who is eighteen years of age or older and who is, appears to be, or believes self to be mentally ill may make written application for voluntary admission to the chief medical officer of a hospital.

(B) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, the application also may be made on behalf of a minor by a parent, a guardian of the person, or the person with custody of the minor, and on behalf of an adult incompetent person by the guardian or the person with custody of the incompetent person.

Any person whose admission is applied for under division (A) or (B) of this section may be admitted for observation, diagnosis, care, or treatment, in any hospital unless the chief clinical officer finds that hospitalization is inappropriate, and except that, in the case of a public hospital, no person shall be admitted without the authorization of the board of the person's county of residence.

(C) If a minor or person adjudicated incompetent due to mental illness whose voluntary admission is applied for under division (B) of this section is admitted, the court shall determine, upon petition by private or otherwise appointed counsel, a relative, or one acting as next friend, whether the admission or continued hospitalization is in the best interest of the minor or incompetent.

The chief clinical officer shall discharge any voluntary patient who has recovered or whose hospitalization the officer determines to be no longer advisable. In the case of a voluntary patient who refuses to accept treatment consistent with the written treatment plan required by section 5122.27 of the Revised Code, the chief clinical officer may file an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. If the chief clinical officer decides not to file such an affidavit and to, instead, discharge the patient, and a trial court or prosecutor had, within the past twelve months, filed an affidavit in probate court pursuant to division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code relating to the patient, the chief clinical officer, to the extent that the chief clinical officer has knowledge of the patient's prior status, shall immediately notify such trial court or prosecutor of the intent to discharge. Not later than three court days after being notified of the intent to discharge, the trial court or prosecutor may file or cause to be filed with the court of the county where the patient is hospitalized, or the court of the county where the patient resides, an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. If such an affidavit is filed, the patient's discharge must be postponed until a hearing under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code is held.

(D) A person who is found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity and who is committed pursuant to section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code shall not voluntarily admit the person or be voluntarily admitted to a hospital pursuant to this section until after the final termination of the commitment, as described in division (J) of section 2945.401 of the Revised Code.

Last updated May 19, 2021 at 11:40 AM

Section 5122.03 | Release of voluntary patients.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 (GA 134), House Bill 281 (GA 134)

A patient admitted under section 5122.02 of the Revised Code who requests release in writing, or whose release is requested in writing by the patient's counsel, legal guardian, parent, spouse, or adult next of kin shall be released forthwith, except when any of the following is the case:

(A) The patient was admitted on the patient's own application and the request for release is made by a person other than the patient, release may be conditional upon the agreement of the patient.

(B) The patient was, within the past twelve months, a defendant described in division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code and the chief clinical officer of the hospital decides not to file or cause to be filed an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code as described in division (C) of this section. In that circumstance, the chief clinical officer shall immediately notify the trial court or prosecutor described in division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code of the chief clinical officer's decision and intent to release the patient. Not later than three court days after being notified of the intent to release, the trial court or prosecutor may file or cause to be filed with the court of the county where the patient is hospitalized, or the court of the county where the patient resides, an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. If such an affidavit is filed, the patient's release must be postponed until a hearing under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code is held.

(C) The chief clinical officer of the hospital, within three court days from the receipt of the request for release, files or causes to be filed with the court of the county where the patient is hospitalized or of the county where the patient is a resident, an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. Release may be postponed until the hearing held under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code. A telephone communication within three court days from the receipt of the request for release from the chief clinical officer to the court, indicating that the required affidavit has been mailed, is sufficient compliance with the time limit for filing such affidavit.

Unless the patient is released within three days from the receipt of the request by the chief clinical officer, the request shall serve as a request for an initial hearing under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code. If the court finds that the patient is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, all provisions of this chapter with respect to involuntary hospitalization apply to such person.

Judicial proceedings for hospitalization shall not be commenced with respect to a voluntary patient except pursuant to this section.

Sections 5121.30 to 5121.56 of the Revised Code apply to persons received in a hospital operated by the department of mental health and addiction services on a voluntary application.

The chief clinical officer of the hospital shall provide reasonable means and arrangements for informing patients of their rights to release as provided in this section and for assisting them in making and presenting requests for release or for a hearing under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code.

Before a patient is released from a public hospital, the chief clinical officer shall, when possible, notify the board of the patient's county of residence of the patient's pending release after the chief clinical officer has informed the patient that the board will be so notified.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated March 17, 2023 at 1:23 PM

Section 5122.04 | Outpatient services for minors without knowledge or consent of parent or guardian.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 156 - 117th General Assembly

(A) Upon the request of a minor fourteen years of age or older, a mental health professional may provide outpatient mental health services, excluding the use of medication, without the consent or knowledge of the minor's parent or guardian. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the minor's parent or guardian shall not be informed of the services without the minor's consent unless the mental health professional treating the minor determines that there is a compelling need for disclosure based on a substantial probability of harm to the minor or to other persons, and if the minor is notified of the mental health professional's intent to inform the minor's parent, or guardian.

(B) Services provided to a minor pursuant to this section shall be limited to not more than six sessions or thirty days of services whichever occurs sooner. After the sixth session or thirty days of services the mental health professional shall terminate the services or, with the consent of the minor, notify the parent, or guardian, to obtain consent to provide further outpatient services.

(C) The minor's parent or guardian shall not be liable for the costs of services which are received by a minor under division (A).

(D) Nothing in this section relieves a mental health professional from the obligations of section 2151.421 of the Revised Code.

(E) As used in this section, "mental health professional" has the same meaning as in section 340.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.05 | Involuntary admission.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The chief clinical officer of a hospital may, and the chief clinical officer of a public hospital in all cases of psychiatric medical emergencies, shall receive for observation, diagnosis, care, and treatment any person whose admission is applied for under any of the following procedures:

(1) Emergency procedure, as provided in section 5122.10 of the Revised Code;

(2) Judicial procedure as provided in sections 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, 2945.402, and 5122.11 to 5122.15 of the Revised Code.

Upon application for such admission, the chief clinical officer of a hospital immediately shall notify the board of the patient's county of residence. To assist the hospital in determining whether the patient is subject to involuntary hospitalization and whether alternative services are available, the board or an agency the board designates promptly shall assess the patient unless the board or agency already has performed such assessment, or unless the commitment is pursuant to section 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person who is being treated by spiritual means through prayer alone, in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing, may be involuntarily committed unless the court has determined that the person represents a substantial risk of impairment or injury to self or others;

(C) Any person who is involuntarily detained in a hospital or otherwise is in custody under this chapter, immediately upon being taken into custody, shall be informed and provided with a written statement that the person may do any of the following:

(1) Immediately make a reasonable number of telephone calls or use other reasonable means to contact an attorney, a licensed physician, or a licensed clinical psychologist, to contact any other person or persons to secure representation by counsel, or to obtain medical or psychological assistance, and be provided assistance in making calls if the assistance is needed and requested;

(2) Retain counsel and have independent expert evaluation of the person's mental condition and, if the person is unable to obtain an attorney or independent expert evaluation, be represented by court-appointed counsel or have independent expert evaluation of the person's mental condition, or both, at public expense if the person is indigent;

(3) Have a hearing to determine whether or not the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:55 PM

Section 5122.09 | Release before hearing.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 156 - 117th General Assembly

If a person taken into custody under section 5122.10 or 5122.11 of the Revised Code is released from custody before having an initial hearing, a court that has made a file or record relating to the person during this period shall expunge it.

Section 5122.10 | Emergency hospitalization.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A)(1) Any of the following who has reason to believe that a person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order and represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty pending examination may take the person into custody and may immediately transport the person to a hospital or, notwithstanding section 5119.33 of the Revised Code, to a general hospital not licensed by the department of mental health and addiction services where the person may be held for the period prescribed in this section:

(a) A psychiatrist;

(b) A licensed physician;

(c) A licensed clinical psychologist;

(d) A clinical nurse specialist who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health CNS by the American nurses credentialing center;

(e) A certified nurse practitioner who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health NP by the American nurses credentialing center;

(f) A health officer;

(g) A parole officer;

(h) A police officer;

(i) A sheriff.

(2) If the chief of the adult parole authority or a parole or probation officer with the approval of the chief of the authority has reason to believe that a parolee, an offender under a community control sanction or post-release control sanction, or an offender under transitional control is a person with a mental illness subject to court order and represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty pending examination, the chief or officer may take the parolee or offender into custody and may immediately transport the parolee or offender to a hospital or, notwithstanding section 5119.33 of the Revised Code, to a general hospital not licensed by the department of mental health and addiction services where the parolee or offender may be held for the period prescribed in this section.

(B) A written statement shall be given to the hospital by the individual authorized under division (A)(1) or (2) of this section to transport the person. The statement shall specify the circumstances under which such person was taken into custody and the reasons for the belief that the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order and represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty pending examination. This statement shall be made available to the respondent or the respondent's attorney upon request of either.

(C) Every reasonable and appropriate effort shall be made to take persons into custody in the least conspicuous manner possible. A person taking the respondent into custody pursuant to this section shall explain to the respondent: the name and professional designation and affiliation of the person taking the respondent into custody; that the custody-taking is not a criminal arrest; and that the person is being taken for examination by mental health professionals at a specified mental health facility identified by name.

(D) If a person taken into custody under this section is transported to a general hospital, the general hospital may admit the person, or provide care and treatment for the person, or both, notwithstanding section 5119.33 of the Revised Code, but by the end of twenty-four hours after arrival at the general hospital, the person shall be transferred to a hospital as defined in section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(E) A person transported or transferred to a hospital or community mental health services provider under this section shall be examined by the staff of the hospital or services provider within twenty-four hours after arrival at the hospital or services provider. If to conduct the examination requires that the person remain overnight, the hospital or services provider shall admit the person in an unclassified status until making a disposition under this section. After the examination, if the chief clinical officer of the hospital or services provider believes that the person is not a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the chief clinical officer shall release or discharge the person immediately unless a court has issued a temporary order of detention applicable to the person under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. After the examination, if the chief clinical officer believes that the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the chief clinical officer may detain the person for not more than three court days following the day of the examination and during such period admit the person as a voluntary patient under section 5122.02 of the Revised Code or file an affidavit under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code. If neither action is taken and a court has not otherwise issued a temporary order of detention applicable to the person under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, the chief clinical officer shall discharge the person at the end of the three-day period unless the person has been sentenced to the department of rehabilitation and correction and has not been released from the person's sentence, in which case the person shall be returned to that department.

Last updated February 13, 2023 at 11:38 AM

Section 5122.11 | Court ordered treatment of mentally ill person.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 (GA 134), House Bill 281 (GA 134)

Proceedings for a person with a mental illness subject to court order pursuant to sections 5122.11 to 5122.15 of the Revised Code shall be commenced by the filing of an affidavit in the manner prescribed by the department of mental health and addiction services and in a form prescribed in section 5122.111 of the Revised Code, by any person or persons with the probate court, either on reliable information or actual knowledge, whichever is determined to be proper by the court. This section does not apply to the hospitalization of a person pursuant to section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code.

The affidavit shall contain an allegation setting forth the specific category or categories under division (B) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code upon which the jurisdiction of the court is based and a statement of alleged facts sufficient to indicate probable cause to believe that the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order. The affidavit may be accompanied, or the court may require that the affidavit be accompanied, by a certificate of a psychiatrist, or a certificate signed by a licensed clinical psychologist and a certificate signed by a licensed physician stating that the person who issued the certificate has examined the person and is of the opinion that the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, or shall be accompanied by a written statement by the applicant, under oath, that the person has refused to submit to an examination by a psychiatrist, or by a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed physician.

With regard to a defendant described in division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code for whom criminal charges were dismissed, the affidavit shall contain a space for the trial court or prosecutor filing the affidavit to indicate that the person named in the affidavit is such a defendant.

Upon receipt of the affidavit, if a judge of the court or a referee who is an attorney at law appointed by the court has probable cause to believe that the person named in the affidavit is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the judge or referee may issue a temporary order of detention ordering any health or police officer or sheriff to take into custody and transport the person to a hospital or other place designated in section 5122.17 of the Revised Code, or may set the matter for further hearing. If a temporary order of detention is issued and the person is transported to a hospital or other designated place, the court that issued the order shall retain jurisdiction over the case as it relates to the person's outpatient treatment, notwithstanding that the hospital or other designated place to which the person is transported is outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

The person may be observed and treated until the hearing provided for in section 5122.141 of the Revised Code. If no such hearing is held, the person may be observed and treated until the hearing provided for in section 5122.15 of the Revised Code.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated March 15, 2023 at 5:21 PM

Section 5122.111 | Affidavit of mental illness.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 (GA 134), House Bill 281 (GA 134)

To initiate proceedings for court-ordered treatment of a person under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, a person or persons shall file an affidavit with the probate court that is identical in form and content to the following:

AFFIDAVIT OF MENTAL ILLNESS

The State of Ohio

____________________ County, ss.

____________________ Court

________________________________________________________________the undersigned, residing at

________________________________________________________________says, that he/she has information to believe or has actual knowledge that

________________________________________________________________(Please specify specific category(ies) below with an X.)

[ ] Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self as manifested by evidence of threats of, or attempts at, suicide or serious self-inflicted bodily harm;

[ ] Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to others as manifested by evidence of recent homicidal or other violent behavior or evidence of recent threats that place another in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm or other evidence of present dangerousness;

[ ] Represents a substantial and immediate risk of serious physical impairment or injury to self as manifested by evidence of being unable to provide for and of not providing for basic physical needs because of mental illness and that appropriate provision for such needs cannot be made immediately available in the community;

[ ] Would benefit from treatment for mental illness and is in need of such treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that creates a grave and imminent risk to substantial rights of others or the person; or

[ ] Would benefit from treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that indicates all of the following:

(a) The person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision, based on a clinical determination.

(b) The person has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for mental illness and one of the following applies:

(i) At least twice within the thirty-six months prior to the filing of an affidavit seeking court-ordered treatment of the person under section 5122.111 of the Revised Code, the lack of compliance has been a significant factor in necessitating hospitalization in a hospital or receipt of services in a forensic or other mental health unit of a correctional facility, provided that the thirty-six-month period shall be extended by the length of any hospitalization or incarceration of the person that occurred within the thirty-six-month period.

(ii) Within the forty-eight months prior to the filing of an affidavit seeking court-ordered treatment of the person under section 5122.111 of the Revised Code, the lack of compliance resulted in one or more acts of serious violent behavior toward self or others or threats of, or attempts at, serious physical harm to self or others, provided that the forty-eight-month period shall be extended by the length of any hospitalization or incarceration of the person that occurred within the forty-eight-month period.

(c) The person, as a result of mental illness, is unlikely to voluntarily participate in necessary treatment.

(d) In view of the person's treatment history and current behavior, the person is in need of treatment in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would be likely to result in substantial risk of serious harm to the person or others.

________________________________________________________________

(Name of the party filing the affidavit) further says that the facts supporting this belief are as follows: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

These facts being sufficient to indicate probable cause that the above said person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order.

The undersigned represents a trial court or a prosecutor who, as described in division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code, is alleging that the above said person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order: [ ] Yes [ ] No (please specify answer with an X). If Yes, please specify the name and address of the trial court or prosecutor:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Patient's Last Physician or Licensed Clinical Psychologist

________________________________________________________________Address of Patient's Last Physician or Licensed Clinical Psychologist

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The name and address of respondent's legal guardian, spouse, and adult next of kin are:

Name Kinship Address __________ Legal Guardian __________ - __________

__________ Spouse __________ - __________

__________ Adult Next of Kin __________ - __________ __________ Adult Next of Kin __________ - __________

The following constitutes additional information that may be necessary for the purpose of determining residence:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dated this _____________ day of _______________, 20___

_____________________________

Signature of the party filing - the affidavit

Sworn to before me and signed in my presence on the day and year above dated.

____________________________

Signature of Probate Judge, - Deputy Clerk, or Notary - Public

WAIVER

I, the undersigned party filing the affidavit hereby waive the issuing and service of notice of the hearing on said affidavit, and voluntarily enter my appearance herein.

Dated this _____________ day of _______________, 20___

- _____________________________

- Signature of the party filing

- the affidavit

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated September 20, 2023 at 9:37 AM

Section 5122.112 | Termination of probate court jurisdiction.

• Effective: August 3, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 - 134th General Assembly

A probate court that terminates jurisdiction over a defendant described in division (B)(1)(a)(v)(I) of section 2945.38 of the Revised Code, for whom a trial court or prosecutor initiated proceedings alleging that the defendant is a mentally ill person subject to court order pursuant to sections 5122.11 to 5122.15 of the Revised Code, shall immediately do both of the following:

(A) Notify the initiating court or prosecutor of the termination;

(B) Transmit to the initiating court a copy of any records in its possession that pertain to the defendant's mental illness or treatment for mental illness.

Last updated May 21, 2021 at 12:58 PM

Section 5122.12 | Hearing notice.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

After receipt of the affidavit required by section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, the court shall cause written notice by mail or otherwise of any hearing as the court directs to be given to the following persons:

(A) The respondent;

(B) The respondent's legal guardian, if any, the respondent's spouse, if any, and the respondent's parents, if the respondent is a minor, if these persons' addresses are known to the court or can be obtained through exercise of reasonable diligence;

(C) The person who filed the affidavit;

(D) Any one person designated by the respondent; but if the respondent does not make a selection, the notice shall be sent to the adult next of kin other than the person who filed the affidavit if that person's address is known to the court or can be obtained through exercise of reasonable diligence;

(E) The respondent's counsel;

(F) The director, chief clinical officer, or the respective designee of the hospital, board, community mental health services provider, or facility to which the person has been committed;

(G) The board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services serving the respondent's county of residence or a services provider the board designates.

Any person entitled to notice under this section, with the exception of the respondent, may waive the notice.

A copy of the affidavit and temporary order of detention shall be served with the notice to the parties and to respondent's counsel, if counsel has been appointed or retained.

Section 5122.13 | Investigation.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

Within two business days after receipt of the affidavit required by section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, the probate court shall refer the affidavit to the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services or community mental health services provider the board designates to assist the court in determining whether the respondent is subject to court-ordered treatment and whether alternatives to hospitalization are available, unless the services provider or board has already performed such screening. The board or services provider shall review the allegations of the affidavit and other information relating to whether or not the person named in the affidavit or statement is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, and the availability of appropriate treatment alternatives.

The person who conducts the investigation shall promptly make a report to the court, in writing, in open court or in chambers, as directed by the court and a full record of the report shall be made by the court. The report is not admissible as evidence for the purpose of establishing whether or not the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, but shall be considered by the court in its determination of an appropriate placement for any person after that person is found to be a person with a mental illness subject to court order.

The court, prior to the hearing under section 5122.141 of the Revised Code, shall release a copy of the investigative report to the respondent's counsel.

Nothing in this section precludes a judge or referee from issuing a temporary order of detention pursuant to section 5122.11 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:56 PM

Section 5122.14 | Pre-hearing medical examination.

• Effective: October 10, 1989
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 317 - 118th General Assembly

Immediately after acceptance of an affidavit required under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, the court may appoint a psychiatrist, or a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed physician to examine the respondent, and at the first hearing held pursuant to section 5122.141 of the Revised Code, such psychiatrist, or licensed clinical psychologist and licensed physician, shall report to the court his findings as to the mental condition of respondent, and his need for custody, care, or treatment in a mental hospital. The court may accept as evidence the written report of a psychiatrist, or the written report of a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed physician, designated by the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services as the report and findings referred to in this section.

The examination, if possible, shall be held at a hospital or other medical facility, at the home of the respondent, or at any other suitable place least likely to have a harmful effect on the respondent's health.

The court shall prior to a hearing under section 5122.141 or 5122.15 of the Revised Code release a copy of the report to the respondent's counsel.

Last updated February 17, 2023 at 9:16 AM

Section 5122.141 | Initial hearing.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) A respondent who is involuntarily placed in a hospital or other place as designated in section 5122.10 or 5122.17 of the Revised Code, or with respect to whom proceedings have been instituted under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, shall be afforded a hearing to determine whether or not the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to section 5122.15 of the Revised Code, and the respondent shall have the right to counsel as provided in that section.

(B) The hearing shall be conducted within five court days from the day on which the respondent is detained or an affidavit is filed, whichever occurs first, in a physical setting not likely to have a harmful effect on the respondent, and may be conducted in a hospital in or out of the county. On the motion of the respondent, the respondent's counsel, the chief clinical officer, or on its own motion, and for good cause shown, the court may order a continuance of the hearing. The continuance may be for no more than ten days from the day on which the respondent is detained or on which an affidavit is filed, whichever occurs first. Failure to conduct the hearing within this time shall effect an immediate discharge of the respondent. If the proceedings are not reinstituted within thirty days, all records of the proceedings shall be expunged.

(C) If the court does not find that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, it shall order the respondent's immediate discharge, and shall expunge all record of the proceedings during this period.

(D) If the court finds that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the court may issue an interim order of detention ordering any health or police officer or sheriff to take into custody and transport such person to a hospital or other place designated in section 5122.17 of the Revised Code, where the respondent may be observed and treated.

(E) A respondent or a respondent's counsel, after obtaining the consent of the respondent, may waive the hearing provided for in this section. In such case, unless the person has been discharged, a mandatory full hearing shall be held by the thirtieth day after the original involuntary detention of the respondent. Failure to conduct the mandatory full hearing within this time limit shall result in the immediate discharge of the respondent.

(F) Where possible, the initial hearing shall be held before the respondent is taken into custody.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:57 PM

Section 5122.15 | Full hearing.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 (GA 134), House Bill 7 (GA 134)

(A) Full hearings shall be conducted in a manner consistent with this chapter and with due process of law. The hearings shall be conducted by a judge of the probate court or a referee designated by a judge of the probate court and may be conducted in or out of the county in which the respondent is held. Any referee designated under this division shall be an attorney.

(1) With the consent of the respondent, the following shall be made available to counsel for the respondent:

(a) All relevant documents, information, and evidence in the custody or control of the state or prosecutor;

(b) All relevant documents, information, and evidence in the custody or control of the hospital in which the respondent currently is held, or in which the respondent has been held pursuant to this chapter;

(c) All relevant documents, information, and evidence in the custody or control of any hospital, facility, or person not included in division (A)(1)(a) or (b) of this section.

(2) The respondent has the right to attend the hearing and to be represented by counsel of the respondent's choice. The right to attend the hearing may be waived only by the respondent or counsel for the respondent after consultation with the respondent.

(3) If the respondent is not represented by counsel, is absent from the hearing, and has not validly waived the right to counsel, the court shall appoint counsel immediately to represent the respondent at the hearing, reserving the right to tax costs of appointed counsel to the respondent, unless it is shown that the respondent is indigent. If the court appoints counsel, or if the court determines that the evidence relevant to the respondent's absence does not justify the absence, the court shall continue the case.

(4) The respondent shall be informed that the respondent may retain counsel and have independent expert evaluation. If the respondent is unable to obtain an attorney, the respondent shall be represented by court-appointed counsel. If the respondent is indigent, court-appointed counsel and independent expert evaluation shall be provided as an expense under section 5122.43 of the Revised Code.

(5) The hearing shall be closed to the public, unless counsel for the respondent, with the permission of the respondent, requests that the hearing be open to the public.

(6) If the hearing is closed to the public, the court, for good cause shown, may admit persons who have a legitimate interest in the proceedings. If the respondent, the respondent's counsel, or the designee of the director or of the chief clinical officer objects to the admission of any person, the court shall hear the objection and any opposing argument and shall rule upon the admission of the person to the hearing.

(7) The affiant under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code shall be subject to subpoena by either party.

(8) The court shall examine the sufficiency of all documents filed and shall inform the respondent, if present, and the respondent's counsel of the nature and content of the documents and the reason for which the respondent is being detained, or for which the respondent's placement is being sought.

(9) The court shall receive only reliable, competent, and material evidence.

(10) Unless proceedings are initiated pursuant to section 5120.17 or 5139.08 of the Revised Code, an attorney that the board designates shall present the case demonstrating that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order. The attorney shall offer evidence of the diagnosis, prognosis, record of treatment, if any, and less restrictive treatment plans, if any. In proceedings pursuant to section 5120.17 or 5139.08 of the Revised Code, the attorney general shall designate an attorney who shall present the case demonstrating that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order. The attorney shall offer evidence of the diagnosis, prognosis, record of treatment, if any, and less restrictive treatment plans, if any.

(11) The respondent or the respondent's counsel has the right to subpoena witnesses and documents and to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

(12) The respondent has the right, but shall not be compelled, to testify, and shall be so advised by the court.

(13) On motion of the respondent or the respondent's counsel for good cause shown, or on the court's own motion, the court may order a continuance of the hearing.

(14) If the respondent is represented by counsel and the respondent's counsel requests a transcript and record, or if the respondent is not represented by counsel, the court shall make and maintain a full transcript and record of the proceeding. If the respondent is indigent and the transcript and record is made, a copy shall be provided to the respondent upon request and be treated as an expense under section 5122.43 of the Revised Code.

(15) To the extent not inconsistent with this chapter, the Rules of Civil Procedure are applicable.

(B) Unless, upon completion of the hearing the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, it shall order the respondent's discharge immediately.

(C) If, upon completion of the hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the court shall order the respondent for a period not to exceed ninety days to any of the following:

(1) A hospital operated by the department of mental health and addiction services if the respondent is committed pursuant to section 5139.08 of the Revised Code;

(2) A nonpublic hospital;

(3) The veterans' administration or other agency of the United States government;

(4) A board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services or services provider the board designates;

(5) Receive private psychiatric or psychological care and treatment;

(6) Any other suitable facility or person consistent with the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment needs of the respondent. A jail or other local correctional facility is not a suitable facility.

(D) Any order made pursuant to division (C)(2), (3), (5), or (6) of this section shall be conditioned upon the receipt by the court of consent by the hospital, facility, agency, or person to accept the respondent and may include a requirement that a person or entity described in division (C)(2), (3), (5), or (6) of this section inform the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services or community mental health services provider the board designates about the progress of the respondent with the treatment plan.

(E) In determining the entity or person to which the respondent is to be committed under division (C) of this section, the court shall consider all of the following:

(1) The respondent's diagnosis and prognosis made by a psychiatrist, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical nurse specialist who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist by the American nurses credentialing center, or certified nurse practitioner who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner by the American nurses credentialing center;

(2) The respondent's preferences;

(3) The respondent's projected treatment plan.

The court shall order the implementation of the least restrictive alternative available and consistent with treatment goals. If the court determines that the least restrictive alternative available that is consistent with treatment goals is inpatient hospitalization, the court's order shall so state.

(F) During the ninety-day period the entity or person shall examine and treat the respondent. If the respondent is receiving treatment in an outpatient setting, or receives treatment in an outpatient setting during a subsequent period of continued commitment under division (H) of this section, the entity or person to whom the respondent is committed shall determine the appropriate outpatient treatment for the respondent. If, at any time prior to the expiration of the ninety-day period, it is determined by the entity or person that the respondent's treatment needs could be equally well met in an available and appropriate less restrictive setting, both of the following apply:

(1) The respondent shall be released from the care of the entity or person immediately and shall be referred to the court together with a report of the findings and recommendations of the entity or person;

(2) The entity or person shall notify the respondent's counsel or the attorney designated by a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services or, if the respondent was committed to a board or a services provider designated by the board, it shall place the respondent in the least restrictive setting available consistent with treatment goals and notify the court and the respondent's counsel of the placement.

The court shall dismiss the case or order placement in the least restrictive setting.

(G)(1) Except as provided in division (G)(2) of this section, any person for whom proceedings for treatment have been commenced pursuant to section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, may apply at any time for voluntary admission or treatment to the entity or person to which the person was committed. Upon admission as a voluntary patient the chief clinical officer of the entity or the person immediately shall notify the court, the patient's counsel, and the attorney designated by the board, if the attorney has entered the proceedings, in writing of that fact, and, upon receipt of the notice, the court shall dismiss the case.

(2) A person who is found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity and who is committed pursuant to section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code shall not voluntarily commit the person pursuant to this section until after the final termination of the commitment, as described in division (J) of section 2945.401 of the Revised Code.

(H) If, at the end of the first ninety-day period or any subsequent period of continued commitment, there has been no disposition of the case, either by discharge or voluntary admission or treatment, the entity or person shall discharge the patient immediately, unless at least ten days before the expiration of the period the attorney the board designates or the prosecutor files with the court an application for continued commitment. The application of the attorney or the prosecutor shall include a written report containing the diagnosis, prognosis, past treatment, a list of alternative treatment settings and plans, and identification of the treatment setting that is the least restrictive consistent with treatment needs. The attorney the board designates or the prosecutor shall file the written report at least three days prior to the full hearing. A copy of the application and written report shall be provided to the respondent's counsel immediately.

The court shall hold a full hearing on applications for continued commitment at the expiration of the first ninety-day period and at least every two years after the expiration of the first ninety-day period.

Hearings following any application for continued commitment are mandatory and may not be waived.

For a respondent who is ordered to receive treatment in an outpatient setting, if at any time after the first ninety-day period the entity or person to whom the respondent was ordered determines that the respondent has demonstrated voluntary consent for treatment, that entity or person shall immediately notify the respondent, the respondent's counsel, the attorney designated by the board, and the court. The entity or person shall submit to the court a report of the findings and recommendations. The court may dismiss the case upon review of the facts.

Upon request of a person who is involuntarily committed under this section, or the person's counsel, that is made more than one hundred eighty days after the person's last full hearing, mandatory or requested, the court shall hold a full hearing on the person's continued commitment. Upon the application of a person involuntarily committed under this section, supported by an affidavit of a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist, alleging that the person no longer is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the court for good cause shown may hold a full hearing on the person's continued commitment prior to the expiration of one hundred eighty days after the person's last full hearing. Section 5122.12 of the Revised Code applies to all hearings on continued commitment.

If the court, after a hearing for continued commitment finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the court may order continued commitment at places or to persons specified in division (C) of this section.

(I) Unless the admission is pursuant to section 5120.17 or 5139.08 of the Revised Code, the chief clinical officer of the entity admitting a respondent pursuant to a judicial proceeding, within ten working days of the admission, shall make a report of the admission to the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services serving the respondent's county of residence.

(J) A referee appointed by the court may make all orders that a judge may make under this section and sections 5122.11 and 5122.141 of the Revised Code, except an order of contempt of court. The orders of a referee take effect immediately. Within fourteen days of the making of an order by a referee, a party may file written objections to the order with the court. The filed objections shall be considered a motion, shall be specific, and shall state their grounds with particularity. Within ten days of the filing of the objections, a judge of the court shall hold a hearing on the objections and may hear and consider any testimony or other evidence relating to the respondent's mental condition. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge may ratify, rescind, or modify the referee's order.

(K) An order of the court under division (C), (H), or (J) of this section is a final order.

(L) Before a board, or a services provider the board designates, may place an unconsenting respondent in an inpatient setting from a less restrictive placement, the board or services provider shall do all of the following:

(1) Determine that the respondent is in immediate need of treatment in an inpatient setting because the respondent represents a substantial risk of physical harm to the respondent or others if allowed to remain in a less restrictive setting;

(2) On the day of placement in the inpatient setting or on the next court day, file with the court a motion for transfer to an inpatient setting or communicate to the court by telephone that the required motion has been mailed;

(3) Ensure that every reasonable and appropriate effort is made to take the respondent to the inpatient setting in the least conspicuous manner possible;

(4) Immediately notify the board's designated attorney and the respondent's attorney.

At the respondent's request, the court shall hold a hearing on the motion and make a determination pursuant to division (E) of this section within five days of the placement.

(M) Before a board, or a services provider the board designates, may move a respondent from one residential placement to another, the board or services provider shall consult with the respondent about the placement. If the respondent objects to the placement, the proposed placement and the need for it shall be reviewed by a qualified mental health professional who otherwise is not involved in the treatment of the respondent.

(N) The entity or person to whom the respondent was ordered for treatment in an outpatient setting may submit a report to the court indicating that the respondent has either failed to comply with the treatment plan or begun to demonstrate signs of decompensation that may be grounds for hospitalization. On receipt of the report, the court shall promptly schedule a hearing to review the case. The court shall conduct the hearing in a manner consistent with this chapter and due process of law. The board shall receive notice of the hearing and the board and entity or person treating the respondent shall submit a report to the court with a plan for appropriate alternative treatment, if any, or recommend that the court discontinue the court-ordered treatment. The court shall consider available and appropriate alternative placements but shall not impose criminal sanctions that result in confinement in a jail or other local correctional facility based on the respondent's failure to comply with the treatment plan. The court may not order the respondent to a more restrictive placement unless the criteria specified in division (L) of this section are met and may not order the respondent to an inpatient setting unless the court determines by clear and convincing evidence presented by the board that the respondent meets the criteria specified in divisions (A) and (B)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated March 17, 2023 at 1:24 PM

Section 5122.16 | Hospital care or treatment by veterans' administration or other U.S. agency.

• Effective: August 26, 1976
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 244 - 111th General Assembly

If a person, ordered to be hospitalized pursuant to section 5122.15 of the Revised Code, is eligible for hospital care or treatment by the veterans' administration or other agency of the United States government, such hospitalization may be ordered to those facilities provided by section 5905.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.17 | Temporary detention.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

Pending removal to a hospital, a person taken into custody or ordered to be hospitalized pursuant to this chapter may be detained for not more than forty-eight hours in a licensed rest or nursing home, a licensed or unlicensed hospital, a community mental health services provider, or a county home, but the person shall not be detained in a nonmedical facility used for detention of persons charged with or convicted of penal offenses unless the court finds that a less restrictive alternative cannot be made available.

Section 5122.18 | Notice of hospitalization.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

Whenever a person has been involuntarily detained at or admitted to a hospital, community mental health services provider, or other facility at the request of anyone other than the person's legal guardian, spouse, or next of kin under this chapter, the chief clinical officer of the hospital, services provider, or other facility in which the person is temporarily detained under section 5122.17 of the Revised Code shall immediately notify the person's legal guardian, spouse or next of kin, and counsel, if these persons can be ascertained through exercise of reasonable diligence. If a person voluntarily remains at or is admitted to a hospital, services provider, or other facility, such notification shall not be given without the person's consent. The chief clinical officer of the hospital, services provider, or other facility shall inform a person voluntarily remaining at or admitted to a hospital, services provider, or other facility that the person may authorize such notification.

Section 5122.19 | Medical examination within 24 hours of arrival.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

Every person transported to a hospital or community mental health services provider pursuant to sections 5122.11 to 5122.16 of the Revised Code, shall be examined by the staff of the hospital or services provider as soon as practicable after arrival at the hospital or services provider. Such an examination shall be held within twenty-four hours after the time of arrival, and if the chief clinical officer fails after such an examination to certify that in the chief clinical officer's opinion the person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the person shall be immediately released.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:57 PM

Section 5122.20 | Transfers.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The director of mental health and addiction services or the director's designee may transfer, or authorize the transfer of, an involuntary patient, or a consenting voluntary patient hospitalized pursuant to section 5122.02 or sections 5122.11 to 5122.15 of the Revised Code, from one public hospital to another, or to a hospital, community mental health services provider, or other facility offering treatment or other services for mental illness, if the medical director of the department of mental health and addiction services determines that it would be consistent with the medical needs of the patient to do so. If such a transfer is made to a private facility, the transfer shall be conditioned upon the consent of the facility.

Before an involuntary patient may be transferred to a more restrictive setting, the chief clinical officer shall file a motion with the court requesting the court to amend its order of placement issued under section 5122.15 of the Revised Code. At the patient's request, the court shall hold a hearing on the motion at which the patient has the same rights as at a full hearing under section 5122.15 of the Revised Code. The hearing shall be held within ten days after the date on which the respondent was transferred to the more restrictive setting or on which the motion was filed, whichever is earlier. On the motion of the respondent, the respondent's counsel, or the chief clinical officer, or on its own motion, and for good cause shown, the court may order a continuance of the hearing for up to ten days.

Whenever an involuntary patient is transferred, written notice of the transfer shall be given to the patient's legal guardian, parents, spouse, and counsel, or, if none is known, to the patient's nearest known relative or friend. If the patient is a minor, the department, before making such a transfer, shall make a minute of the order for the transfer and the reason for it upon its record and shall send a certified copy at least seven days prior to the transfer to the person shown by its record to have had the care or custody of the minor immediately prior to the minor's commitment. Whenever a consenting voluntary patient is transferred, the notification shall be given only at the patient's request. The chief clinical officer shall advise a voluntary patient who is being transferred that the patient may decide if the notification shall be given. In all such transfers, due consideration shall be given to the wishes of the patient, and the relationship of the patient to the patient's family, legal guardian, or friends, so as to maintain the relationship and encourage visits beneficial to the patient.

When a voluntary patient whose medical or psychological needs are found by the chief clinical officer to warrant a transfer refuses to be transferred to an alternate facility, the chief clinical officer may file an affidavit for a hearing under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.21 | Discharging involuntary patients.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The chief clinical officer shall as frequently as practicable, and at least once every thirty days, examine or cause to be examined every patient, and, whenever the chief clinical officer determines that the conditions justifying involuntary hospitalization or commitment no longer obtain, shall discharge the patient not under indictment or conviction for crime and immediately make a report of the discharge to the department of mental health and addiction services. The chief clinical officer may discharge a patient who is under an indictment, a sentence of imprisonment, a community control sanction, or a post-release control sanction or on parole ten days after written notice of intent to discharge the patient has been given by personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the court having criminal jurisdiction over the patient. Except when the patient was found not guilty by reason of insanity and the defendant's commitment is pursuant to section 2945.40 of the Revised Code, the chief clinical officer has final authority to discharge a patient who is under an indictment, a sentence of imprisonment, a community control sanction, or a post-release control sanction or on parole.

(B) After a finding pursuant to section 5122.15 of the Revised Code that a person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order, the chief clinical officer of the hospital or community mental health services provider to which the person is ordered or to which the person is transferred under section 5122.20 of the Revised Code, may grant a discharge without the consent or authorization of any court.

Upon discharge, the chief clinical officer shall notify the court that caused the judicial hospitalization of the discharge from the hospital.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:58 PM

Section 5122.22 | Trial visits.

• Effective: July 1, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 285 - 121st General Assembly

When the chief clinical officer of a hospital considers it in the best interest of a patient, the officer may permit the patient to leave the hospital on a trial visit. The trial visit shall be for the period of time the chief clinical officer determines, but shall not exceed ninety days, unless extended for subsequent periods not to exceed ninety days after evaluation of the patient's condition.

The chief clinical officer, upon releasing a patient on trial visit, may impose requirements and conditions in relation to the patient while the patient is absent from the hospital that are consistent with the treatment plan.

The chief clinical officer of the hospital from which the patient is released on trial visit may at any time revoke the trial visit if there is reason to believe that it is in the best interests of the patient to be returned to the hospital.

If the revocation of the trial visit is not voluntarily complied with, the chief clinical officer, within five days, shall authorize any health or police officer or sheriff to take the patient into custody and transport the patient to the hospital.

At the completion of the trial visit, the chief clinical officer shall take whatever measures are necessary to enable the patient to return to the hospital.

If an involuntarily committed patient has successfully completed one year of continuous trial visit, the chief clinical officer shall discharge the patient subject to any applicable notice requirements of section 5122.21 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.23 | Reporting death or change in custody status of patient.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The chief clinical officer of a public hospital shall immediately report to the department of mental health and addiction services and the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services serving the patient's county of residence the removal, death, escape, discharge, or trial visit of any patient hospitalized under section 5122.15 of the Revised Code, or the return of such an escaped or visiting patient to the department, the probate judge of the county from which such patient was hospitalized, and the probate judge of the county of residence of such patient. In case of death, the chief clinical officer also shall notify one or more of the nearest relatives of the deceased patient, if known to the chief clinical officer, by letter, telegram, or telephone. If the place of residence of such relative is unknown to the chief clinical officer, immediately upon receiving notification the probate judge shall in the speediest manner possible notify such relatives, if known to the probate judge.

The chief clinical officer of a public hospital, upon the request of the probate judge of the county from which a patient was hospitalized or the probate judge of the county of residence of such a patient, shall make a report to the judge of the condition of any patient under the care, treatment, custody, or control of the chief clinical officer.

Section 5122.231 | Applying for county services.

• Effective: October 10, 1989
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 317 - 118th General Assembly

Any person who has been hospitalized or committed under this chapter may, at any time, apply to the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services serving his county of residence for services listed in section 340.09 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.25 | Rehearing.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

Upon the request of a hospital, person, board, community mental health services provider, or facility who has custody of a patient hospitalized pursuant to section 5122.15 of the Revised Code, or on the order of the court, such patient may be called for a rehearing at such place within the county of the patient's residence or the county where such patient is hospitalized as the court designates. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to section 5122.15 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.26 | Patient absent without leave.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) If a patient is absent without leave, on a verbal or written order issued within five days of the time of the unauthorized absence by the department of mental health and addiction services, the chief clinical officer of the hospital from which the patient is absent without leave, or the court of either the county from which the patient was committed or in which the patient is found, any health or police officer or sheriff may take the patient into custody and transport the patient to the hospital in which the patient was hospitalized or to a place that is designated in the order. The officer immediately shall report such fact to the entity that issued the order.

The chief clinical officer of a hospital may discharge a patient who is under an indictment, a sentence of imprisonment, a community control sanction, or a post-release control sanction or on parole and who has been absent without leave for more than thirty days but shall give written notice of the discharge to the court with criminal jurisdiction over the patient. The chief clinical officer of a hospital may discharge any other patient who has been absent without leave for more than fourteen days.

The chief clinical officer shall take all proper measures for the apprehension of an escaped patient. The expense of the return of an escaped patient shall be borne by the hospital where the patient is hospitalized.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, no patient hospitalized under Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code whose absence without leave was caused or contributed to by the patient's mental illness shall be subject to a charge of escape.

(2) Division (B)(1) of this section does not apply to any person who was hospitalized, institutionalized, or confined in a facility under an order made pursuant to or under authority of section 2945.37, 2945.371, 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code and who escapes from the facility, from confinement in a vehicle for transportation to or from the facility, or from supervision by an employee of the facility that is incidental to hospitalization, institutionalization, or confinement in the facility and that occurs outside the facility, in violation of section 2921.34 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.27 | Chief clinical officer duties.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

The chief clinical officer of the hospital or the chief clinical officer's designee shall assure that all patients hospitalized or committed pursuant to this chapter shall:

(A) Receive, within twenty days of their admission sufficient professional care to assure that an evaluation of current status, differential diagnosis, probable prognosis, and description of the current treatment plan is stated on the official chart;

(B) Have a written treatment plan consistent with the evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and goals which shall be provided, upon request of the patient or patient's counsel, to the patient's counsel and to any private physician or licensed clinical psychologist designated by the patient or the patient's counsel or to the Ohio protection and advocacy system;

(C) Receive treatment consistent with the treatment plan. The department of mental health and addiction services shall set standards for treatment provided to such patients, consistent wherever possible with standards set by the joint commission.

(D) Receive periodic reevaluations of the treatment plan by the professional staff at intervals not to exceed ninety days;

(E) Be provided with adequate medical treatment for physical disease or injury;

(F) Receive humane care and treatment, including without limitation, the following:

(1) The least restrictive environment consistent with the treatment plan;

(2) The necessary facilities and personnel required by the treatment plan;

(3) A humane psychological and physical environment;

(4) The right to obtain current information concerning the patient's treatment program and expectations in terms that the patient can reasonably understand;

(5) Participation in programs designed to afford the patient substantial opportunity to acquire skills to facilitate return to the community or to terminate an involuntary commitment;

(6) The right to be free from unnecessary or excessive medication;

(7) Freedom from restraints or isolation unless it is stated in a written order by the chief clinical officer or the chief clinical officer's designee, or the patient's individual physician or psychologist in a private or general hospital.

If the chief clinical officer of the hospital is unable to provide the treatment required by divisions (C), (E), and (F) of this section for any patient hospitalized pursuant to Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code, the chief clinical officer shall immediately notify the patient, the court, the Ohio protection and advocacy system, the director of mental health and addiction services, and the patient's counsel and legal guardian, if known. If within ten days after receipt of such notification by the director, the director is unable to effect a transfer of the patient, pursuant to section 5122.20 of the Revised Code, to a hospital, community mental health services provider, or other medical facility where treatment is available, or has not received an order of the court to the contrary, the involuntary commitment of any patient hospitalized pursuant to Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code and defined as a person with a mental illness subject to court order under division (B)(4) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code shall automatically be terminated.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:59 PM

Section 5122.271 | Consent to treatment.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in divisions (C), (D), and (E) of this section, the chief clinical officer or, in a nonpublic hospital, the attending physician responsible for a patient's care shall provide all information, including expected physical and medical consequences, necessary to enable any patient of a hospital for persons with mental illnesses to give a fully informed, intelligent, and knowing consent, the opportunity to consult with independent specialists and counsel, and the right to refuse consent for any of the following:

(1) Surgery;

(2) Convulsive therapy;

(3) Major aversive interventions;

(4) Sterilizations;

(5) Any unusually hazardous treatment procedures;

(6) Psycho-surgery.

(B) No patient shall be subjected to any of the procedures listed in divisions (A)(4) to (6) of this section until both the patient's informed, intelligent, and knowing consent and the approval of the court have been obtained, except that court approval is not required for a legally competent and voluntary patient in a nonpublic hospital.

(C) If, after providing the information required under division (A) of this section to the patient, the chief clinical officer or attending physician concludes that a patient is physically or mentally unable to receive the information required for surgery under division (A)(1) of this section, or has been adjudicated incompetent, the information may be provided to the patient's natural or court-appointed guardian, who may give an informed, intelligent, and knowing written consent.

If a patient is physically or mentally unable to receive the information required for surgery under division (A)(1) of this section and has no guardian, the information, the recommendation of the chief clinical officer, and the concurring judgment of a licensed physician who is not a full-time employee of the state may be provided to the court in the county in which the hospital is located, which may approve the surgery. Before approving the surgery, the court shall notify the Ohio protection and advocacy system created by section 5123.60 of the Revised Code, and shall notify the patient of the rights to consult with counsel, to have counsel appointed by the court if the patient is indigent, and to contest the recommendation of the chief clinical officer.

(D) If, in a medical emergency, and after providing the information required under division (A) of this section to the patient, it is the judgment of one licensed physician that delay in obtaining surgery would create a grave danger to the health of the patient, it may be administered without the consent of the patient or the patient's guardian if the necessary information is provided to the patient's spouse or next of kin to enable that person to give informed, intelligent, and knowing written consent. If no spouse or next of kin can reasonably be contacted, or if the spouse or next of kin is contacted, but refuses to consent, the surgery may be performed upon the written authorization of the chief clinical officer or, in a nonpublic hospital, upon the written authorization of the attending physician responsible for the patient's care, and after the approval of the court has been obtained. However, if delay in obtaining court approval would create a grave danger to the life of the patient, the chief clinical officer or, in a nonpublic hospital, the attending physician responsible for the patient's care may authorize surgery, in writing, without court approval. If the surgery is authorized without court approval, the chief clinical officer or the attending physician who made the authorization and the physician who performed the surgery shall each execute an affidavit describing the circumstances constituting the emergency and warranting the surgery and the circumstances warranting their not obtaining prior court approval. The affidavit shall be filed with the court with which the request for prior approval would have been filed within five court days after the surgery, and a copy of the affidavit shall be placed in the patient's file and be given to the guardian, spouse, or next of kin of the patient, to the hospital at which the surgery was performed, and to the Ohio protection and advocacy system as defined in section 5123.60 of the Revised Code.

(E) Major aversive interventions shall not be used unless a patient continues to engage in behavior destructive to self or others after other forms of therapy have been attempted. Major aversive interventions may be applied if approved by the director of mental health and addiction services. Major aversive interventions shall not be applied to a voluntary patient without the informed, intelligent, and knowing written consent of the patient or the patient's guardian.

(F) Unless there is substantial risk of physical harm to self or others, or other than under division (D) of this section, this chapter does not authorize any form of compulsory medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment of any patient who is being treated by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing without specific court authorization.

(G) For purposes of this section, "convulsive therapy" does not include defibrillation.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 12:59 PM

Section 5122.28 | Labor and tasks performed by patients.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

No patient of a hospital for persons with mental illnesses shall be compelled to perform labor which involves the operation, support, or maintenance of the hospital or for which the hospital is under contract with an outside organization. Privileges or release from the hospital shall not be conditional upon the performance of such labor. Patients who volunteer to perform such labor shall be compensated at a rate derived from the value of work performed, having reference to the prevailing wage rate for comparable work or wage rates established under section 4111.06 of the Revised Code.

A patient may be required to perform therapeutic tasks which do not involve the operation, support, or maintenance of the hospital if those tasks are an integrated part of the patient's treatment plan and supervised by a person qualified to oversee the therapeutic aspects of the activity.

A patient may be required to perform tasks of a personal housekeeping nature.

Last updated January 25, 2023 at 11:39 AM

Section 5122.29 | Patients' rights.

• Effective: October 1, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

All patients hospitalized or committed pursuant to this chapter have the following rights:

(A) The right to a written list of all rights enumerated in this chapter, to that person, that person's legal guardian, and that person's counsel. If the person is unable to read, the list shall be read and explained to the person.

(B) The right at all times to be treated with consideration and respect for the patient's privacy and dignity, including without limitation, the following:

(1) At the time a person is taken into custody for diagnosis, detention, or treatment under Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code, the person taking that person into custody shall take reasonable precautions to preserve and safeguard the personal property in the possession of or on the premises occupied by that person;

(2) A person who is committed, voluntarily or involuntarily, shall be given reasonable protection from assault or battery by any other person.

(C) The right to communicate freely with and be visited at reasonable times by the patient's private counsel or personnel of the Ohio protection and advocacy system and, unless prior court restriction has been obtained, to communicate freely with and be visited at reasonable times by the patient's personal physician or psychologist.

(D) The right to communicate freely with others, unless specifically restricted in the patient's treatment plan for clear treatment reasons, including without limitation the following:

(1) To receive visitors at reasonable times;

(2) To have reasonable access to telephones to make and receive confidential calls, including a reasonable number of free calls if unable to pay for them and assistance in calling if requested and needed.

(E) The right to have ready access to letter writing materials, including a reasonable number of stamps without cost if unable to pay for them, and to mail and receive unopened correspondence and assistance in writing if requested and needed.

(F) The right to the following personal privileges consistent with health and safety:

(1) To wear the patient's own clothes and maintain the patient's own personal effects;

(2) To be provided an adequate allowance for or allotment of neat, clean, and seasonable clothing if unable to provide the patient's own;

(3) To maintain the patient's personal appearance according to the patient's own personal taste, including head and body hair;

(4) To keep and use personal possessions, including toilet articles;

(5) To have access to individual storage space for the patient's private use;

(6) To keep and spend a reasonable sum of the patient's own money for expenses and small purchases;

(7) To receive and possess reading materials without censorship, except when the materials create a clear and present danger to the safety of persons in the facility.

(G) The right to reasonable privacy, including both periods of privacy and places of privacy.

(H) The right to free exercise of religious worship within the facility, including a right to services and sacred texts that are within the reasonable capacity of the facility to supply, provided that no patient shall be coerced into engaging in any religious activities.

(I) The right to social interaction with members of either sex, subject to adequate supervision, unless such social interaction is specifically withheld under a patient's written treatment plan for clear treatment reasons.

As used in this section, "clear treatment reasons" means that permitting the patient to communicate freely with others will present a substantial risk of physical harm to the patient or others or will substantially preclude effective treatment of the patient. If a right provided under this section is restricted or withheld for clear treatment reasons, the patient's written treatment plan shall specify the treatment designed to eliminate the restriction or withholding of the right at the earliest possible time.

Section 5122.30 | Writ of habeas corpus.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

Any person detained pursuant to this chapter or section 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code shall be entitled to the writ of habeas corpus upon proper petition by self or by a friend to any court generally empowered to issue the writ of habeas corpus in the county in which the person is detained.

No person may bring a petition for a writ of habeas corpus that alleges that a person involuntarily detained pursuant to this chapter no longer is a person with a mental illness subject to court order unless the person shows that the release procedures of division (H) of section 5122.15 of the Revised Code are inadequate or unavailable.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM

Section 5122.301 | Civil rights of patients.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 381 - 118th General Assembly

No person shall be deprived of any public or private employment solely because of having been admitted to a hospital or otherwise receiving services, voluntarily or involuntarily, for a mental illness or other mental disability.

Any person admitted to a hospital or otherwise taken into custody, voluntarily or involuntarily, under this chapter retains all civil rights not specifically denied in the Revised Code or removed by an adjudication of incompetence following a judicial proceeding other than a proceeding under sections 5122.11 to 5122.15 of the Revised Code.

As used in this section, "civil rights" includes, without limitation, the rights to contract, hold a professional, occupational, or motor vehicle driver's or commercial driver's license, marry or obtain a divorce, annulment, or dissolution of marriage, make a will, vote, and sue and be sued.

Section 5122.31 | Confidentiality.

• Effective: July 1, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 319 - 131st General Assembly

(A) All certificates, applications, records, and reports made for the purpose of this chapter and sections 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, and 2945.402 of the Revised Code, other than court journal entries or court docket entries, and directly or indirectly identifying a patient or former patient or person whose hospitalization or commitment has been sought under this chapter, shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed by any person except:

(1) If the person identified, or the person's legal guardian, if any, or if the person is a minor, the person's parent or legal guardian, consents, and if the disclosure is in the best interests of the person, as may be determined by the court for judicial records and by the chief clinical officer for medical records;

(2) When disclosure is provided for in this chapter or Chapters 340. or 5119. of the Revised Code or in accordance with other provisions of state or federal law authorizing such disclosure;

(3) That hospitals, boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services, and community mental health services providers may release necessary medical information to insurers and other third-party payers, including government entities responsible for processing and authorizing payment, to obtain payment for goods and services furnished to the patient;

(4) Pursuant to a court order signed by a judge;

(5) That a patient shall be granted access to the patient's own psychiatric and medical records, unless access specifically is restricted in a patient's treatment plan for clear treatment reasons;

(6) That hospitals and other institutions and facilities within the department of mental health and addiction services may exchange psychiatric records and other pertinent information with other hospitals, institutions, and facilities of the department, and with community mental health services providers and boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services with which the department has a current agreement for patient care or services. Records and information that may be released pursuant to this division shall be limited to medication history, physical health status and history, financial status, summary of course of treatment in the hospital, summary of treatment needs, and a discharge summary, if any.

(7) That hospitals within the department and other institutions and facilities within the department may exchange psychiatric records and other pertinent information with payers and other providers of treatment, health services, and recovery supports if the purpose of the exchange is to facilitate continuity of care for a patient or for the emergency treatment of an individual;

(8) That a patient's family member who is involved in the provision, planning, and monitoring of services to the patient may receive medication information, a summary of the patient's diagnosis and prognosis, and a list of the services and personnel available to assist the patient and the patient's family, if the patient's treating physician determines that the disclosure would be in the best interests of the patient. No such disclosure shall be made unless the patient is notified first and receives the information and does not object to the disclosure.

(9) That community mental health services providers may exchange psychiatric records and certain other information with the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services and other services providers in order to provide services to a person involuntarily committed to a board. Release of records under this division shall be limited to medication history, physical health status and history, financial status, summary of course of treatment, summary of treatment needs, and discharge summary, if any.

(10) That information may be disclosed to the executor or the administrator of an estate of a deceased patient when the information is necessary to administer the estate;

(11) That records in the possession of the Ohio history connection may be released to the closest living relative of a deceased patient upon request of that relative;

(12) That records pertaining to the patient's diagnosis, course of treatment, treatment needs, and prognosis shall be disclosed and released to the appropriate prosecuting attorney if the patient was committed pursuant to section 2945.38, 2945.39, 2945.40, 2945.401, or 2945.402 of the Revised Code, or to the attorney designated by the board for proceedings pursuant to involuntary commitment under this chapter.

(13) That the department of mental health and addiction services may exchange psychiatric hospitalization records, other mental health treatment records, and other pertinent information with the department of rehabilitation and correction and with the department of youth services to ensure continuity of care for inmates or offenders who are receiving mental health services in an institution of the department of rehabilitation and correction or the department of youth services and may exchange psychiatric hospitalization records, other mental health treatment records, and other pertinent information with boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services and community mental health services providers to ensure continuity of care for inmates or offenders who are receiving mental health services in an institution and are scheduled for release within six months. The release of records under this division is limited to records regarding an inmate's or offender's medication history, physical health status and history, summary of course of treatment, summary of treatment needs, and a discharge summary, if any;

(14) That records and reports relating to a person who has been deceased for fifty years or more are no longer considered confidential.

(B) Before records are disclosed pursuant to divisions (A)(3), (6), and (9) of this section, the custodian of the records shall attempt to obtain the patient's consent for the disclosure. No person shall reveal the contents of a medical record of a patient except as authorized by law.

(C) The managing officer of a hospital who releases necessary medical information under division (A)(3) of this section to allow an insurance carrier or other third party payor to comply with section 5121.43 of the Revised Code shall neither be subject to criminal nor civil liability.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 5122.311 | Notification of bureau of criminal identification and investigation of adjudication of mental illness.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, if, on or after April 8, 2004, an individual is found by a court to be a person with a mental illness subject to court order or becomes an involuntary patient other than one who is a patient only for purposes of observation, the probate judge who made the adjudication or the chief clinical officer of the hospital, community mental health services provider, or facility in which the person is an involuntary patient shall notify the office of the attorney general, on the form described in division (C) of this section, of the identity of the individual. The notification shall be transmitted by the judge or the chief clinical officer not later than seven days after the adjudication or commitment.

(B) The office of the attorney general shall compile and maintain the notices it receives under division (A) of this section and the notices shall be used for the purpose of conducting incompetency records checks pursuant to section 311.41 of the Revised Code. The notices and the information they contain are confidential, except as provided in this division, and are not public records.

(C) The attorney general, by rule adopted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall prescribe and make available to all probate judges and all chief clinical officers a form to be used by them for the purpose of making the notifications required by division (A) of this section.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:01 PM

Section 5122.32 | Confidentiality of quality assurance records.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Quality assurance committee" means a committee that is appointed in the central office of the department of mental health and addiction services by the director of mental health and addiction services, a committee of a hospital or community setting program, or a duly authorized subcommittee of a committee of that nature and that is designated to carry out quality assurance program activities.

(2) "Quality assurance program" means a comprehensive program within the department of mental health and addiction services to systematically review and improve the quality of medical and mental health services within the department and its hospitals and community setting programs, the safety and security of persons receiving or administering medical and mental health services within the department and its hospitals and community setting programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the utilization of staff and resources in the delivery of medical and mental health services within the department and its hospitals and community setting programs. "Quality assurance program" includes the central office quality assurance committees, morbidity and mortality review committees, quality assurance programs of community setting programs, quality assurance committees of hospitals operated by the department of mental health and addiction services, and the office of licensure and certification of the department.

(3) "Quality assurance program activities" include collecting or compiling information and reports required by a quality assurance committee, receiving, reviewing, or implementing the recommendations made by a quality assurance committee, and credentialing, privileging, infection control, tissue review, peer review, utilization review including access to patient care records, patient care assessment records, and medical and mental health records, medical and mental health resource management, mortality and morbidity review, and identification and prevention of medical or mental health incidents and risks, whether performed by a quality assurance committee or by persons who are directed by a quality assurance committee.

(4) "Quality assurance records" means the proceedings, discussion, records, findings, recommendations, evaluations, opinions, minutes, reports, and other documents or actions that emanate from quality assurance committees, quality assurance programs, or quality assurance program activities. "Quality assurance records" does not include aggregate statistical information that does not disclose the identity of persons receiving or providing medical or mental health services in department of mental health and addiction services hospitals or community setting programs.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, quality assurance records are confidential and are not public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code, and shall be used only in the course of the proper functions of a quality assurance program.

(2) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no person who possesses or has access to quality assurance records and who knows that the records are quality assurance records shall willfully disclose the contents of the records to any person or entity.

(C)(1) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no quality assurance record shall be subject to discovery, and is not admissible in evidence, in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

(2) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no member of a quality assurance committee or a person who is performing a function that is part of a quality assurance program shall be permitted or required to testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to quality assurance records or with respect to any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or other action taken by the committee, member, or person.

(3) Information, documents, or records otherwise available from original sources are not to be construed as being unavailable for discovery or admission in evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding merely because they were presented to a quality assurance committee. No person testifying before a quality assurance committee or person who is a member of a quality assurance committee shall be prevented from testifying as to matters within the person's knowledge, but the witness cannot be asked about the witness' testimony before the quality assurance committee or about an opinion formed by the person as a result of the quality assurance committee proceedings.

(D)(1) A person who, without malice and in the reasonable belief that the information is warranted by the facts known to the person, provides information to a person engaged in quality assurance program activities is not liable for damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property to any person as a result of providing the information.

(2) A member of a quality assurance committee, a person engaged in quality assurance program activities, and an employee of the department of mental health and addiction services shall not be liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property to any person for any acts, omissions, decisions, or other conduct within the scope of the functions of the quality assurance program.

(3) Nothing in this section shall relieve any institution or individual from liability arising from the treatment of a patient.

(E) Quality assurance records may be disclosed, and testimony may be provided concerning quality assurance records, only to the following persons or entities:

(1) Persons who are employed or retained by the department of mental health and addiction services and who have authority to evaluate or implement the recommendations of a state-operated hospital, community setting program, or central office quality assurance committee;

(2) Public or private agencies or organizations if needed to perform a licensing or accreditation function related to department of mental health and addiction services hospitals or community setting programs, or to perform monitoring of a hospital or program of that nature as required by law.

(F) A disclosure of quality assurance records pursuant to division (E) of this section does not otherwise waive the confidential and privileged status of the disclosed quality assurance records.

(G) Nothing in this section shall limit the access of the Ohio protection and advocacy system to records or personnel as required under section 5123.601 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this section shall limit the admissibility of documentary or testimonial evidence in an action brought by the Ohio protection and advocacy system in its own name or on behalf of a client.

Section 5122.33 | Department of mental health and addiction services; additional powers.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The department of mental health and addiction services may prescribe the form of applications, reports, records, and medical certificates provided for under this chapter, and the information required to be contained therein; require reports from the chief clinical officer of any public hospital relating to the admission, examination, diagnosis, release, or discharge of any patient; visit each such hospital regularly to review the admission procedures of all new patients admitted between visits; investigate by personal visit complaints made by any patient or by any person on behalf of a patient; and adopt such rules as are reasonably necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter.

Section 5122.34 | Immunity.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 43 - 130th General Assembly

(A) Persons, including, but not limited to, boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services and community mental health services providers, acting in good faith, either upon actual knowledge or information thought by them to be reliable, who procedurally or physically assist in the hospitalization or discharge, determination of appropriate placement, court-ordered treatment, or in judicial proceedings of a person under this chapter, do not come within any criminal provisions, and are free from any liability to the person hospitalized or receiving court-ordered treatment or to any other person.

(B) Regardless of whether any affirmative action has been taken under this chapter with respect to a mental health client or patient and except as otherwise provided in section 2305.51 of the Revised Code, no person shall be liable for any harm that results to any other person as a result of failing to disclose any confidential information about the mental health client or patient, or failing to otherwise attempt to protect such other person from harm by such client or patient.

(C) This section applies to expert witnesses who testify at hearings under this chapter.

(D) The immunity from liability conferred by this section is in addition to and not in limitation of any immunity conferred by any other section of the Revised Code or by judicial precedent.

Section 5122.341 | Immunity from liability.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Facility or provider" means, in the context of a person committed to the department of mental health and addiction services under sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code, any entity in which the department of mental health and addiction services places such a person.

(2) "Person committed to the department" means a person committed to the department of mental health and addiction services under sections 2945.37 to 2945.402 of the Revised Code.

(B) No member of a board of directors, or employee, of a facility or provider in which the department of mental health and addiction services places a person committed to the department is liable for injury or damages caused by any action or inaction taken within the scope of the board member's official duties or employee's employment relating to the commitment of, and services provided to, the person committed to the department, unless the action or inaction constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. A board member's or employee's action or inaction does not constitute willful or wanton misconduct if the board member or employee acted in good faith and reasonably under the circumstances and with the knowledge reasonably attributable to the board member or employee.

The immunity from liability conferred by this section is in addition to and not in limitation of any immunity conferred by any other section of the Revised Code or by judicial precedent.

Section 5122.35 | Venue.

• Effective: July 1, 1980
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 900 - 113th General Assembly

(A) In a case in which the jurisdiction of a court has not been specifically given or the procedure provided for, the court in the county in which a person alleged to be mentally ill is found shall have full, complete, and general jurisdiction to make disposition of such person in accordance with the procedure prescribed by Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code.

(B) When an affidavit is filed in the court as provided in section 5122.11 of the Revised Code, and the person alleged to be mentally ill is detained in a hospital located in another county, the court of the county in which such hospital is located shall, upon the request of the court receiving the affidavit, hold a hearing and make disposition of such person in accordance with Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.36 | Expenses of return to county of residence.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

If the legal residence of a person with a mental illness is in another county of the state, the necessary expense of the person's return is a proper charge against the county of legal residence. If an adjudication and order of hospitalization by the probate court of the county of temporary residence are required, the regular probate court fees and expenses incident to the order of hospitalization under this chapter and any other expense incurred on the person's behalf shall be charged to and paid by the county of the person's legal residence upon the approval and certification of the probate judge of the county of the person's legal residence. The ordering court shall send to the probate court of the person's county of legal residence a certified copy of the commitment order from the ordering court. The receiving court shall enter and record the commitment order. The certified commitment order is prima facie evidence of the residence of the person. When the residence of the person cannot be established as represented by the ordering court, the matter of residence shall be referred to the department of mental health and addiction services for investigation and determination.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:01 PM

Section 5122.38 | Competency adjudications.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 156 - 117th General Assembly

Each individual now or formerly hospitalized pursuant to this chapter or former Chapter 5123. of the Revised Code, is entitled to an adjudication of competency or incompetency or termination of guardianship upon written request by any such individual, his guardian, or the chief clinical officer to the probate court. The court, on its own motion, may initiate such a hearing.

Upon filing of such application, or on the court's own motion, notice of the purpose, time, and place of the hearing shall be given to the person upon whose affidavit such adjudication was made, to the guardian of the applicant, and to his spouse at his residence, if such address is known.

Upon hearing, if it is proven that such applicant is competent, the court shall so find and enter the finding on its journal. The adjudicating court shall send a transcript of the adjudication to the county of the patient's residence.

Section 5122.39 | Guardianship of mentally ill persons.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Minors with mental illnesses shall remain under the natural guardianship of their parents, notwithstanding hospitalization pursuant to this chapter, unless parental rights have been terminated pursuant to a court finding that the minor is neglected or dependent. Where a minor with a mental illness is found to be dependent or neglected, the public children's services agency in the county of residence has final guardianship authority and responsibility.

(B) In no case shall the guardianship of a person with a mental illness be assigned to the chief medical officer or any staff member of a hospital, board, or provider from which the person is receiving mental health services.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:02 PM

Section 5122.41 | Transmission of court papers.

• Effective: July 1, 1989
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 156 - 117th General Assembly

The court, upon making an order hospitalizing a person under this chapter, shall immediately transmit to the chief clinical officer of the hospital, copies, under his official seal, of court papers in the case, including the certificate of the medical witnesses and of his findings in the case.

Upon hospitalization, the chief clinical officer of the hospital to which the patient is admitted shall take possession of all money and other valuables that may be upon the person of the patient, and shall within ten days file a list thereof with the probate judge of the county of which the patient is a resident. If the amount of money is fifty dollars or less it shall be retained and expended by the chief clinical officer of the hospital for the benefit of the patient. Unless a guardian of the estate of the patient has already been appointed, the probate judge may, upon his own motion and without notice, appoint a special guardian of the estate of the patient. Any special guardian, before being appointed, shall file a bond approved by the probate judge in the same amount as is required by section 2109.04 of the Revised Code. A special guardian as provided for in this section, and while acting as such, shall be governed by all laws applicable to guardians of the estates of either minors or incompetents. The special guardian shall be allowed such compensation for his services as the court thinks reasonable, provided he forthwith performs all the duties incumbent upon him.

Section 5122.42 | Preservation of rights and privileges.

• Effective: March 16, 1978
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 725 - 112th General Assembly

Nothing in this chapter limits any rights, privileges, or immunities under the constitution, and laws of the United States or this state.

Section 5122.43 | Payment of costs, fees, and expenses of proceedings - reimbursement.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Costs, fees, and expenses of all proceedings held under this chapter shall be paid as follows:

(1) To police and health officers, other than sheriffs or their deputies, the same fees allowed to constables, to be paid upon the approval of the probate judge;

(2) To sheriffs or their deputies, the same fees allowed for similar services in the court of common pleas;

(3) To physicians or licensed clinical psychologists acting as expert witnesses and to other expert witnesses designated by the court, an amount determined by the court;

(4) To other witnesses, the same fees and mileage as for attendance at the court of common pleas, to be paid upon the approval of the probate judge;

(5) To a person, other than the sheriff or the sheriff's deputies, for taking a person with a mental illness to a hospital or removing a person with a mental illness from a hospital, the actual necessary expenses incurred, specifically itemized, and approved by the probate judge;

(6) To assistants who convey persons with a mental illness to the hospital when authorized by the probate judge, a fee set by the probate court, provided the assistants are not drawing a salary from the state or any political subdivision of the state, and their actual necessary expenses incurred, provided that the expenses are specifically itemized and approved by the probate judge;

(7) To an attorney appointed by the probate division for an indigent who allegedly is a person with a mental illness pursuant to any section of this chapter or a person experiencing alcohol and other drug abuse and who may be ordered under sections 5119.91 to 5119.98 of the Revised Code to undergo treatment, the fees that are determined by the probate division. When those indigent persons are before the court, all filing and recording fees shall be waived.

(8) To a referee who is appointed to conduct proceedings under this chapter that involve a respondent whose domicile is or, before the respondent's hospitalization, was not the county in which the proceedings are held, compensation as fixed by the probate division, but not more than the compensation paid for similar proceedings for respondents whose domicile is in the county in which the proceedings are held;

(9) To a court reporter appointed to make a transcript of proceedings under this chapter, the compensation and fees allowed in other cases under section 2101.08 of the Revised Code.

(B) A county shall pay for the costs, fees, and expenses described in division (A) of this section with money appropriated pursuant to section 2101.11 of the Revised Code. A county may seek reimbursement from the department of mental health and addiction services by submitting a request and certification by the county auditor of the costs, fees, and expenses to the department within two months of the date the costs, fees, and expenses are incurred by the county.

Each fiscal year, based on past allocations, historical utilization, and other factors the department considers appropriate, the department shall allocate for each county an amount for reimbursements under this section. A county's allocation may be zero. The department shall set aside an amount in addition to the allocations to cover court costs associated with proceedings held under this chapter for counties that received an allocation of zero but that incurred expenditures authorized by the department. The total of all the allocations plus the additional amount set aside shall equal the amount appropriated for the fiscal year to the department specifically for the purposes of this section.

On receipt, the department shall review each request for reimbursement and prepare a voucher for the amount of the costs, fees, and expenses incurred by the county, provided that the total amount of money paid to all counties in each fiscal year shall not exceed the total amount of moneys specifically appropriated to the department for these purposes.

The department's total reimbursement to each county shall be the lesser of the full amount requested or either the amount allocated for the county under this division, or, for counties that received an allocation of zero, the amount approved by the department. In addition, the department shall distribute any surplus remaining from the money appropriated for the fiscal year to the department for the purposes of this section as follows to counties whose full requests exceed their allocations:

(1) If the surplus is sufficient to reimburse such counties the full amount of their requests, each such county shall receive the full amount of its request;

(2) If the surplus is insufficient, each such county shall receive a percentage of the surplus determined by dividing the difference between the county's full request and its allocation by the difference between the total of the full requests of all such counties and the total of the amounts allocated for all such counties.

The department may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement the payment of costs, fees, and expenses under this section.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:03 PM

Section 5122.44 | Patients buried on department hospital grounds - definitions.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

As used in sections 5122.44 to 5122.47 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Compilation" means a written list of the following information, as the department of mental health and addiction services is able to reasonably ascertain, for every patient who was buried, entombed, or inurned prior to March 31, 2005, in a cemetery located on the grounds of or adjacent to the grounds of a public hospital:

(1) Name;

(2) Date of birth;

(3) Date of death or burial;

(4) Specific physical location of the burial, entombment, or inurnment, including the plot or grave site number if available.

(B) "Patient" means an individual who died while admitted to a public hospital that was under the control of the department of mental health and addiction services.

(C) "Record" has the same meaning as in section 149.011 of the Revised Code.

(D) "State agency" means every organized body, office, or agency established by the laws of the state for the exercise of any function of state government.

Section 5122.45 | Compilation of patient information for each cemetery.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The department of mental health and addiction services shall create a separate compilation for each cemetery located on the grounds of or adjacent to the grounds of a public hospital that is under the control of the department on March 31, 2005. The compilation shall be created within a reasonable time not exceeding three years after March 31, 2005. The department shall use its best efforts to create the most complete compilations possible using records in the department's possession and records obtained in accordance with section 5122.46 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.46 | History connection and state agencies to provide access to information.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 141 - 131st General Assembly

The Ohio history connection and each state agency shall, at the request of the department of mental health and addiction services, provide the department access to records and information in the possession of the Ohio history connection or state agency for purposes of creating compilations.

Section 5122.47 | Deposit of compilations with history connection and state library.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 141 - 131st General Assembly

The department of mental health and addiction services shall deposit a copy of each compilation with the Ohio history connection and the state library as soon as a compilation is completed. The department shall not disclose any record or information used to create a compilation except as provided in sections 149.43 and 5122.31 of the Revised Code.

Section 5122.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: March 17, 1998
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 111 - 122nd General Assembly

A person who violates division (B)(2) of section 5122.32 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars on a first offense and not more than twenty thousand dollars on a subsequent offense.