To amend sections 4731.051, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.221, 4731.223, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, 4731.281, and 4731.36 and to enact sections 4762.01, 4762.02, 4762.03, 4762.04, 4762.05, 4762.06, 4762.08, 4762.09, 4762.10, 4762.11, 4762.12, 4762.13, 4762.131, 4762.132, 4762.14, 4762.15, 4762.16, 4762.17, 4762.18, 4762.19, 4762.20, 4762.21, and 4762.99 of the Revised Code regarding the practice of acupuncture and the State Medical Board's authority to regulate acupuncturists and physicians.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Sec. 4731.051. The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing universal blood and body fluid precautions that shall be used by each person who performs exposure prone invasive procedures and is authorized to practice by this chapter or Chapter 4730. OR 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall define and establish requirements for universal blood and body fluid precautions that include the following:

(A) Appropriate use of hand washing;

(B) Disinfection and sterilization of equipment;

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

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

Sec. 4731.07. The state medical board shall keep a record of its proceedings. It shall also keep a register of applicants for certificates, showing OF REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER, CHAPTER 4730. of the Revised Code, AND CHAPTER 4762. of the Revised Code. THE REGISTER SHALL SHOW the name of the applicant, the name and location of the institution granting him the degree of doctor of medicine or surgery or the degree of doctor of osteopathy or surgery, and whether he THE APPLICANT was granted or refused a certificate. WITH RESPECT TO APPLICANTS TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND SURGERY OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, THE REGISTER SHALL SHOW THE NAME OF THE INSTITUTION THAT GRANTED THE APPLICANT THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MEDICINE OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE. The booksand BOOKS AND records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of matters therein contained.

Sec. 4731.22. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to a person found by the board to have committed fraud during the administration of the examination for a certificate to practice or to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing any certificate to practice or certificate of registration issued by the board.

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

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

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

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

(4) Willfully betraying a professional confidence.

For purposes of this division, "willfully betraying a professional confidence" does not include the making of a report of an employee's use of a drug of abuse, or a report of a condition of an employee other than one involving the use of a drug of abuse, to the employer of the employee as described in division (B) of section 2305.33 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this division affects the immunity from civil liability conferred by that section upon a physician who makes either type of report in accordance with division (B) of that section. As used in this division, "employee," "employer," and "physician" have the same meanings as in section 2305.33 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(30) Failure of a collaborating physician to perform the responsibilities agreed to by the physician in the protocol established between the physician and an advanced practice nurse in accordance with section 4723.56 of the Revised Code;

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

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

(33) Failure of a physician or podiatrist to maintain a standard care arrangement with a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner with whom the physician or podiatrist is in collaboration pursuant to section 4731.27 of the Revised Code and practice in accordance with the arrangement;

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

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

(36) FAILURE TO SUPERVISE AN ACUPUNCTURIST IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 4762. of the Revised Code AND THE BOARD'S RULES FOR SUPERVISION OF AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) All hearings and investigations of the board shall be considered civil actions for the purposes of section 2305.251 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The disposition of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's certificate to practice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.221. If the state medical board has reason to believe that any person who has been granted a certificate under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code THIS CHAPTER is mentally ill or mentally incompetent, it may file in the probate court of the county in which such person has a legal residence an affidavit in the form prescribed in section 5122.11 of the Revised Code and signed by the board secretary or a member of the board secretary's staff, whereupon the same proceedings shall be had as provided in Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code. The attorney general may represent the board in any proceeding commenced under this section.

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

Sec. 4731.223. (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.224. (A) Within sixty days after the imposition of any formal disciplinary action taken by any health care facility, including a hospital, health care facility operated by a health insuring corporation, ambulatory surgical center, or similar facility, against any individual holding a valid certificate to practice issued pursuant to this chapter, the chief administrator or executive officer of the facility shall report to the state medical board the name of the individual, the action taken by the facility, and a summary of the underlying facts leading to the action taken. Upon request, the board shall be provided certified copies of the patient records that were the basis for the facility's action. Prior to release to the board, the summary shall be approved by the peer review committee that reviewed the case or by the governing board of the facility. As used in this division, "formal disciplinary action" means any action resulting in the revocation, restriction, reduction, or termination of clinical privileges for violations of professional ethics, or for reasons of medical incompetence, medical malpractice, or drug or alcohol abuse. "Formal disciplinary action" includes a summary action, an action that takes effect notwithstanding any appeal rights that may exist, and an action that results in an individual surrendering clinical privileges while under investigation and during proceedings regarding the action being taken or in return for not being investigated or having proceedings held. "Formal disciplinary action" does not include any action taken for the sole reason of failure to maintain records on a timely basis or failure to attend staff or section meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The date of final disposition;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.24. Except as provided in sections 4731.281 and 4731.40 of the Revised Code, all receipts of the state medical board, from any source, shall be deposited in the state treasury. Until July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. On and after July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the state medical board operating fund, which is hereby created on July 1, 1998. All funds deposited into the state treasury under this section shall be used solely for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapter CHAPTERS 4730. AND 4762. of the Revised Code by the board.

Sec. 4731.25. The state medical board, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt and may amend and rescind rules establishing standards for approval of physicians and facilities as treatment providers for impaired practitioners who are regulated under this chapter or Chapter 4730. OR 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall include standards for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. The rules shall provide that in order to be approved, a treatment provider must have the capability of making an initial examination to determine what type of treatment an impaired practitioner requires. Subject to the rules, the board shall review and approve treatment providers on a regular basis. The board, at its discretion, may withdraw or deny approval subject to the rules.

An approved impaired practitioner treatment provider shall:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.281. (A) On or before the deadline established under division (B) of this section for applying for renewal of a certificate of registration, each person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry shall certify to the state medical board that in the preceding two years the person has completed one hundred hours of continuing medical education. The certification shall be made upon the application for biennial registration submitted pursuant to division (B) of this section. The board shall adopt rules providing for pro rata reductions by month of the number of hours of continuing education required for persons who are in their first registration period, who have a registration period of less than two years due to initial implementation of the staggered renewal schedule established under division (B) of this section, who have been disabled due to illness or accident, or who have been absent from the country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(e) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "L" through "M," on or before April 1, 2000, and the first day of April of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(f) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "N" through "R," on or before January 1, 2000, and the first day of January of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(g) Persons whose last name begins with the letter "S," on or before October 1, 1999, and the first day of October of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(h) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "T" through "Z," on or before July 1, 1999, and the first day of July of every odd-numbered year thereafter.

The board shall deposit the fee in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code, except that, until July 30, 2001, the board shall deposit twenty dollars of the fee into the state treasury to the credit of the physician loan repayment fund created by section 3702.78 of the Revised Code.

(2) The board shall mail or cause to be mailed to every person registered to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry, an application for registration addressed to the person's last known post-office address or may cause the application to be sent to the person through the secretary of any recognized medical, osteopathic, or podiatric society, according to the following schedule:

(a) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "A" through "B," on or before January 1, 2001, and the first day of January of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(b) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "C" through "D," on or before October 1, 2000, and the first day of October of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(c) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "E" through "G," on or before July 1, 2000, and the first day of July of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(d) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "H" through "K," on or before April 1, 2000, and the first day of April of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(e) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "L" through "M," on or before January 1, 2000, and the first day of January of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(f) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "N" through "R," on or before October 1, 1999, and the first day of October of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(g) To persons whose last name begins with the letter "S," on or before July 1, 1999, and the first day of July of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(h) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "T" through "Z," on or before April 1, 1999, and the first day of April of every odd-numbered year thereafter.

Failure of any person to receive an application from the board shall not excuse the person from the requirements contained in this section. The application shall contain proper spaces for the applicant's signature and the insertion of the required information, including a statement that the person has fulfilled the continuing education requirements imposed by this section.

The applicant shall write or cause to be written upon the application so furnished the applicant's full name, principal practice address and residence address, the number of the applicant's certificate to practice, and any other facts for the identification of the applicant as a person holding a certificate to practice under this chapter as the board considers necessary. The applicant shall include with the application a list of the names and addresses of any clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, or certified nurse practitioners with whom the applicant is currently collaborating, as defined in section 4723.02 of the Revised Code. The applicant shall execute and deliver the application to the board by mail or in person. Every person registered under this section shall give written notice to the board of any change of principal practice address or residence address or in the list within thirty days of the change.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds for refusal of registration under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code to which the applicant has pleaded guilty, of which the applicant has been found guilty, or for which the applicant has been found eligible for treatment INTERVENTION in lieu of conviction, since last signing an application for a certificate of registration.

(C) The board shall issue to any person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry, upon application and qualification therefor in accordance with this section, a certificate of registration under the seal of the board. A certificate of registration shall be valid for a two-year period, commencing on the first day of the third month after the registration fee is due and expiring on the last day of the month two years thereafter.

The board shall publish and cause to be mailed to each person registered under this section, upon request, a printed list of the persons so registered.

(D) Failure of any certificate holder to register and comply with this section shall operate automatically to suspend the holder's certificate to practice. Continued practice after the suspension of the certificate to practice shall be considered as practicing in violation of section 4731.41, 4731.43, or 4731.60 of the Revised Code. Subject to section 4731.222 of the Revised Code, the board shall reinstate a certificate to practice for failure to register upon an applicant's submission of the biennial registration fee, the applicable monetary penalty, and certification by signature of the applicant that the applicant has completed the requisite continuing medical education. The penalty for reinstatement shall be fifty dollars if the certificate has been suspended for two years or less and one hundred dollars if the certificate has been suspended for more than two years. The board shall deposit the penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

(E) If an individual certifies completion of the number of hours and type of continuing medical education required to receive a certificate of registration or reinstatement of a certificate to practice, and the board finds through the random samples it conducts under this section or through any other means that the individual did not complete the requisite continuing medical education, the board may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars. The board's finding shall be made pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members.

A civil penalty imposed under this division may be in addition to or in lieu of any other action the board may take under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code. The board shall deposit civil penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

(F) The state medical board may obtain information not protected by statutory or common law privilege from courts and other sources concerning malpractice claims against any person holding a certificate to practice under this chapter or practicing as provided in section 4731.36 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4731.36. (A) Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit service in case of emergency, or domestic administration of family remedies. Such sections shall not apply to a commissioned medical officer of the United States army, navy, or marine hospital service in the discharge of his THE OFFICER'S professional duties, or to a regularly qualified dentist when engaged exclusively in the practice of dentistry, or when administering anaesthetics, or to a physician or surgeon residing in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein, when in consultation with a regular practitioner of this state; nor shall such sections apply to a physician or surgeon residing on the border of a neighboring state and authorized under the laws thereof to practice medicine and surgery therein, whose practice extends within the limits of this state; provided equal rights and privileges are accorded by such neighboring state to the physicians and surgeons residing on the border of this state contiguous to such neighboring state. Such practitioner shall not open an office or appoint a place to see patients or receive calls within the limits of this state.

(B) Sections 4731.51 to 4731.61 of the Revised Code do not apply to any graduate of a podiatric school or college while performing those acts that may be prescribed by or incidental to participation in an accredited podiatric internship, residency, or fellowship program situated in this state approved by the state medical board.

(C)THIS CHAPTER DOES NOT APPLY TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST WHO COMPLIES WITH CHAPTER 4762. OF THE REVISED CODE.

Sec. 4762.01. AS USED IN THIS CHAPTER:

(A) "ACUPUNCTURE" MEANS A FORM OF HEALTH CARE PERFORMED BY THE INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF SPECIALIZED NEEDLES, WITH OR WITHOUT THE APPLICATION OF MOXIBUSTION OR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION, TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE BODY.

(B) "MOXIBUSTION" MEANS THE USE OF AN HERBAL HEAT SOURCE ON ONE OR MORE ACUPUNCTURE POINTS.

(C) "PHYSICIAN" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL AUTHORIZED UNDER CHAPTER 4731. of the Revised Code TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OR PODIATRY.

Sec. 4762.02. (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION, NO PERSON SHALL ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE UNLESS THE PERSON HOLDS A VALID CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ISSUED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD UNDER THIS CHAPTER.

(B) DIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A PHYSICIAN OR TO A PERSON WHO PERFORMS ACUPUNCTURE AS PART OF A TRAINING PROGRAM IN ACUPUNCTURE OPERATED BY AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION THAT HOLDS AN EFFECTIVE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE OHIO BOARD OF REGENTS UNDER SECTION 1713.02 OF THE REVISED CODE OR A SCHOOL THAT HOLDS AN EFFECTIVE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED BY THE STATE BOARD OF PROPRIETARY SCHOOL REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 3332.05 OF THE REVISED CODE.

Sec. 4762.03. (A) AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL FILE WITH THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD A WRITTEN APPLICATION ON A FORM PRESCRIBED AND SUPPLIED BY THE BOARD. THE APPLICATION SHALL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD THAT THE APPLICANT IS AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER;

(2) EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD THAT THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A DIPLOMATE IN ACUPUNCTURE BY THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE AND THAT THE DESIGNATION IS CURRENT AND ACTIVE;

(3) ANY OTHER INFORMATION THE BOARD REQUIRES.

(B) THE BOARD SHALL REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED UNDER THIS SECTION. THE BOARD SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER AN APPLICANT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION NOT LATER THAN SIXTY DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A COMPLETE APPLICATION. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THAT AN APPLICANT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE.

(C) AT THE TIME OF MAKING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, THE APPLICANT SHALL PAY THE BOARD A FEE OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, NO PART OF WHICH SHALL BE RETURNED.

Sec. 4762.04. IF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD DETERMINES UNDER SECTION 4762.03 of the Revised Code THAT AN APPLICANT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST, THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD SHALL REGISTER THE APPLICANT AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST AND ISSUE TO THE APPLICANT A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST. THE CERTIFICATE SHALL EXPIRE BIENNIALLY AND MAY BE RENEWED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4762.06 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.05. UPON APPLICATION BY THE HOLDER OF A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST, THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL ISSUE A DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE TO REPLACE ONE THAT IS MISSING OR DAMAGED, TO REFLECT A NAME CHANGE, OR FOR ANY OTHER REASONABLE CAUSE. THE FEE FOR A DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE IS THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS.

Sec. 4762.06. (A) A PERSON SEEKING TO RENEW A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL, ON OR BEFORE THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF JANUARY OF EACH EVEN-NUMBERED YEAR, APPLY FOR RENEWAL OF THE CERTIFICATE. THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL SEND RENEWAL NOTICES AT LEAST ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

APPLICATIONS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD ON FORMS THE BOARD SHALL PRESCRIBE AND SUPPLY. EACH APPLICATION SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BIENNIAL RENEWAL FEE OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

THE APPLICANT SHALL REPORT ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE THAT CONSTITUTES GROUNDS FOR REFUSING TO ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 4762.13 of the Revised Code TO WHICH THE APPLICANT HAS PLEADED GUILTY, OF WHICH THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY, OR FOR WHICH THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN FOUND ELIGIBLE FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION, SINCE LAST SIGNING AN APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

(B) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR RENEWAL, AN ACUPUNCTURIST MUST CERTIFY TO THE BOARD THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST HAS MAINTAINED THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S DESIGNATION AS A DIPLOMATE IN ACUPUNCTURE BY THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE.

(C) IF AN APPLICANT SUBMITS A COMPLETE RENEWAL APPLICATION AND QUALIFIES FOR RENEWAL PURSUANT TO DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE BOARD SHALL ISSUE TO THE APPLICANT A RENEWED CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

(D) A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION THAT IS NOT RENEWED ON OR BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE IS AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED ON ITS EXPIRATION DATE. THE BOARD SHALL REINSTATE A CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED FOR FAILURE TO RENEW UPON AN APPLICANT'S SUBMISSION OF THE BIENNIAL RENEWAL FEE AND THE APPLICABLE MONETARY PENALTY. THE PENALTY FOR REINSTATEMENT IS TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS IF THE CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR TWO YEARS OR LESS AND FIFTY DOLLARS IF THE CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS.

Sec. 4762.08. A PERSON WHO HOLDS A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER MAY USE THE FOLLOWING TITLES, INITIALS, OR ABBREVIATIONS, OR THE EQUIVALENT OF SUCH TITLES, INITIALS, OR ABBREVIATIONS, TO IDENTIFY THE PERSON AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST: "ACUPUNCTURIST," "REGISTERED ACUPUNCTURIST," "R. AC.," "REG. AC.," "CERTIFIED ACUPUNCTURIST," "C.A.," "C. AC.," "DIPLOMATE OF ACUPUNCTURE (NCCAOM)," "DIPL. AC. (NCCAOM)," OR "NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED IN ACUPUNCTURE (NCCAOM)." THE PERSON SHALL NOT USE OTHER TITLES, INITIALS, OR ABBREVIATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PERSON'S PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE, INCLUDING THE TITLE "DOCTOR."

Sec. 4762.09. AN ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY DISPLAY AT THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S PRIMARY PLACE OF BUSINESS BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:

(A) A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD UNDER THIS CHAPTER AS EVIDENCE THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST IS AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE ACUPUNCTURE IN THIS STATE;

(B) A NOTICE SPECIFYING THAT THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE IS REGULATED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD AND THE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE BOARD'S OFFICE.

Sec. 4762.10. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO THE PRACTICE OF A PERSON WHO HOLDS A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER:

(A) THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE FOR A PATIENT ONLY IF THE PATIENT HAS RECEIVED A PHYSICIAN'S WRITTEN REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION FOR ACUPUNCTURE. AS SPECIFIED IN THE REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL PROVIDE REPORTS TO THE PHYSICIAN ON THE PATIENT'S CONDITION OR PROGRESS IN TREATMENT AND COMPLY WITH ANY CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S COURSE OF TREATMENT.

(B) THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE FOR A PATIENT UNDER THE GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE REFERRING OR PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN. GENERAL SUPERVISION DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST AND PHYSICIAN PRACTICE IN THE SAME OFFICE.

(C) PRIOR TO TREATING A PATIENT, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL ADVISE THE PATIENT THAT ACUPUNCTURE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

(D) ON INITIALLY MEETING A PATIENT IN PERSON, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL PROVIDE IN WRITING THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, AND BUSINESS TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND INFORMATION ON ACUPUNCTURE, INCLUDING THE TECHNIQUES THAT ARE USED.

(E) WHILE TREATING A PATIENT, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL NOT MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. IF A PATIENT'S CONDITION IS NOT IMPROVING OR A PATIENT REQUIRES EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL CONSULT PROMPTLY WITH THE SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN.

(F) AN ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL MAINTAIN RECORDS FOR EACH PATIENT TREATED. IN EACH PATIENT'S RECORDS, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL INCLUDE THE WRITTEN REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION PURSUANT TO WHICH THE ACUPUNCTURIST IS TREATING THE PATIENT. THE RECORDS SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL AND SHALL BE RETAINED FOR NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF TREATMENT.

Sec. 4762.11. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST'S SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN FOR A PATIENT:

(A) BEFORE MAKING THE REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION FOR ACUPUNCTURE, THE PHYSICIAN SHALL PERFORM A MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT OR REVIEW THE RESULTS OF A MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION RECENTLY PERFORMED BY ANOTHER PHYSICIAN.

(B) THE PHYSICIAN SHALL MAKE THE REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION IN WRITING AND SPECIFY IN THE REFERRAL OR PRESCRIPTION ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) THE PHYSICIAN'S DIAGNOSIS OF THE AILMENT OR CONDITION THAT IS TO BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE;

(2) A TIME BY WHICH OR THE INTERVALS AT WHICH THE ACUPUNCTURIST MUST PROVIDE REPORTS TO THE PHYSICIAN REGARDING THE PATIENT'S CONDITION OR PROGRESS IN TREATMENT;

(3) THE CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS PLACED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIVISION (C) OF THIS SECTION ON THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S COURSE OF TREATMENT.

(C) THE PHYSICIAN SHALL PLACE CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S COURSE OF TREATMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH ACCEPTED OR PREVAILING STANDARDS OF MEDICAL CARE.

(D) THE PHYSICIAN SHALL BE PERSONALLY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION WITH THE ACUPUNCTURIST. IF THE PHYSICIAN IS NOT ON THE PREMISES AT WHICH ACUPUNCTURE IS PERFORMED, THE PHYSICIAN SHALL BE READILY AVAILABLE TO THE ACUPUNCTURIST THROUGH SOME MEANS OF TELECOMMUNICATION AND BE IN A LOCATION THAT UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES IS NOT MORE THAN SIXTY MINUTES TRAVEL TIME AWAY FROM THE LOCATION WHERE THE ACUPUNCTURIST IS PRACTICING.

Sec. 4762.12. IN THE CASE OF A PATIENT WITH A CLAIM UNDER CHAPTER 4121. OR 4123. of the Revised Code, AN ACUPUNCTURIST'S SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN IS ELIGIBLE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REFERRING THE PATIENT TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST OR PRESCRIBING ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PATIENT ONLY IF THE PHYSICIAN HAS ATTAINED KNOWLEDGE IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUPUNCTURE, DEMONSTRATED BY SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A COURSE OF STUDY IN ACUPUNCTURE ADMINISTERED BY A COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE, OR PODIATRIC MEDICINE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BUREAU OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION OR ADMINISTERED BY ANOTHER ENTITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE BUREAU.

Sec. 4762.13. (A) THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS, MAY REVOKE OR MAY REFUSE TO GRANT A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST TO A PERSON FOUND BY THE BOARD TO HAVE COMMITTED FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION, OR DECEPTION IN APPLYING FOR OR SECURING THE CERTIFICATE.

(B) THE BOARD, BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS, SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LIMIT, REVOKE, OR SUSPEND AN INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST, REFUSE TO ISSUE A CERTIFICATE TO AN APPLICANT, REFUSE TO REINSTATE A CERTIFICATE, OR REPRIMAND OR PLACE ON PROBATION THE HOLDER OF A CERTIFICATE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

(1) PERMITTING THE HOLDER'S NAME OR CERTIFICATE TO BE USED BY ANOTHER PERSON;

(2) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CHAPTER, CHAPTER 4731. OF THE REVISED CODE, OR ANY RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD;

(3) VIOLATING OR ATTEMPTING TO VIOLATE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ASSISTING IN OR ABETTING THE VIOLATION OF, OR CONSPIRING TO VIOLATE, ANY PROVISION OF THIS CHAPTER, CHAPTER 4731. OF THE REVISED CODE, OR THE RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD;

(4) A DEPARTURE FROM, OR FAILURE TO CONFORM TO, MINIMAL STANDARDS OF CARE OF SIMILAR PRACTITIONERS UNDER THE SAME OR SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES WHETHER OR NOT ACTUAL INJURY TO THE PATIENT IS ESTABLISHED;

(5) INABILITY TO PRACTICE ACCORDING TO ACCEPTABLE AND PREVAILING STANDARDS OF CARE BY REASON OF MENTAL ILLNESS OR PHYSICAL ILLNESS, INCLUDING PHYSICAL DETERIORATION THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTS COGNITIVE, MOTOR, OR PERCEPTIVE SKILLS;

(6) IMPAIRMENT OF ABILITY TO PRACTICE ACCORDING TO ACCEPTABLE AND PREVAILING STANDARDS OF CARE BECAUSE OF HABITUAL OR EXCESSIVE USE OR ABUSE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR OTHER SUBSTANCES THAT IMPAIR ABILITY TO PRACTICE;

(7) WILLFULLY BETRAYING A PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENCE;

(8) MAKING A FALSE, FRAUDULENT, DECEPTIVE, OR MISLEADING STATEMENT IN SOLICITING OR ADVERTISING FOR PATIENTS OR IN SECURING OR ATTEMPTING TO SECURE A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION TO PRACTICE AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

AS USED IN THIS DIVISION, "FALSE, FRAUDULENT, DECEPTIVE, OR MISLEADING STATEMENT" MEANS A STATEMENT THAT INCLUDES A MISREPRESENTATION OF FACT, IS LIKELY TO MISLEAD OR DECEIVE BECAUSE OF A FAILURE TO DISCLOSE MATERIAL FACTS, IS INTENDED OR IS LIKELY TO CREATE FALSE OR UNJUSTIFIED EXPECTATIONS OF FAVORABLE RESULTS, OR INCLUDES REPRESENTATIONS OR IMPLICATIONS THAT IN REASONABLE PROBABILITY WILL CAUSE AN ORDINARILY PRUDENT PERSON TO MISUNDERSTAND OR BE DECEIVED.

(9) REPRESENTING, WITH THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING COMPENSATION OR OTHER ADVANTAGE PERSONALLY OR FOR ANY OTHER PERSON, THAT AN INCURABLE DISEASE OR INJURY, OR OTHER INCURABLE CONDITION, CAN BE PERMANENTLY CURED;

(10) THE OBTAINING OF, OR ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN, MONEY OR A THING OF VALUE BY FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATIONS IN THE COURSE OF PRACTICE;

(11) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT OF, OR A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR, A FELONY;

(12) COMMISSION OF AN ACT THAT CONSTITUTES A FELONY IN THIS STATE, REGARDLESS OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE ACT WAS COMMITTED;

(13) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT OF, OR A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR, A MISDEMEANOR COMMITTED IN THE COURSE OF PRACTICE;

(14) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT OF, OR A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR, A MISDEMEANOR INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE;

(15) COMMISSION OF AN ACT IN THE COURSE OF PRACTICE THAT CONSTITUTES A MISDEMEANOR IN THIS STATE, REGARDLESS OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE ACT WAS COMMITTED;

(16) COMMISSION OF AN ACT INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE THAT CONSTITUTES A MISDEMEANOR IN THIS STATE, REGARDLESS OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE ACT WAS COMMITTED;

(17) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT OF, OR A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR VIOLATING ANY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW REGULATING THE POSSESSION, DISTRIBUTION, OR USE OF ANY DRUG, INCLUDING TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS;

(18) ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION, FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN THE NONPAYMENT OF FEES: THE LIMITATION, REVOCATION, OR SUSPENSION OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S LICENSE TO PRACTICE; ACCEPTANCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S LICENSE SURRENDER; DENIAL OF A LICENSE; REFUSAL TO RENEW OR REINSTATE A LICENSE; IMPOSITION OF PROBATION; OR ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER OF CENSURE OR OTHER REPRIMAND;

(19) VIOLATION OF THE CONDITIONS PLACED BY THE BOARD ON A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION;

(20) FAILURE TO USE UNIVERSAL BLOOD AND BODY FLUID PRECAUTIONS ESTABLISHED BY RULES ADOPTED UNDER SECTION 4731.051 OF THE REVISED CODE;

(21) FAILURE TO COOPERATE IN AN INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD UNDER SECTION 4762.14 OF THE REVISED CODE, INCLUDING FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A SUBPOENA OR ORDER ISSUED BY THE BOARD OR FAILURE TO ANSWER TRUTHFULLY A QUESTION PRESENTED BY THE BOARD AT A DEPOSITION OR IN WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES, EXCEPT THAT FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH AN INVESTIGATION SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE UNDER THIS SECTION IF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION HAS ISSUED AN ORDER THAT EITHER QUASHES A SUBPOENA OR PERMITS THE INDIVIDUAL TO WITHHOLD THE TESTIMONY OR EVIDENCE IN ISSUE;

(22) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS OF THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE REGARDING PROFESSIONAL ETHICS, COMMITMENT TO PATIENTS, COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSION, AND COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC.

(C) DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE BOARD UNDER DIVISIONS (A) AND (B) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE TAKEN PURSUANT TO AN ADJUDICATION UNDER CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE, EXCEPT THAT IN LIEU OF AN ADJUDICATION, THE BOARD MAY ENTER INTO A CONSENT AGREEMENT WITH AN ACUPUNCTURIST OR APPLICANT TO RESOLVE AN ALLEGATION OF A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER OR ANY RULE ADOPTED UNDER IT. A CONSENT AGREEMENT, WHEN RATIFIED BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE FINDINGS AND ORDER OF THE BOARD WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTER ADDRESSED IN THE AGREEMENT. IF THE BOARD REFUSES TO RATIFY A CONSENT AGREEMENT, THE ADMISSIONS AND FINDINGS CONTAINED IN THE CONSENT AGREEMENT SHALL BE OF NO FORCE OR EFFECT.

(D) FOR PURPOSES OF DIVISIONS (B)(12), (15), AND (16) OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION OF THE ACT MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY A FINDING BY THE BOARD, PURSUANT TO AN ADJUDICATION UNDER CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code, THAT THE APPLICANT OR CERTIFICATE HOLDER COMMITTED THE ACT IN QUESTION. THE BOARD SHALL HAVE NO JURISDICTION UNDER THESE DIVISIONS IN CASES WHERE THE TRIAL COURT RENDERS A FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER'S FAVOR AND THAT JUDGMENT IS BASED UPON AN ADJUDICATION ON THE MERITS. THE BOARD SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION UNDER THESE DIVISIONS IN CASES WHERE THE TRIAL COURT ISSUES AN ORDER OF DISMISSAL UPON TECHNICAL OR PROCEDURAL GROUNDS.

(E) THE SEALING OF CONVICTION RECORDS BY ANY COURT SHALL HAVE NO EFFECT UPON A PRIOR BOARD ORDER ENTERED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION OR UPON THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION TO TAKE ACTION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION IF, BASED UPON A PLEA OF GUILTY, A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT, OR A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION, THE BOARD ISSUED A NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING PRIOR TO THE COURT'S ORDER TO SEAL THE RECORDS. THE BOARD SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SEAL, DESTROY, REDACT, OR OTHERWISE MODIFY ITS RECORDS TO REFLECT THE COURT'S SEALING OF CONVICTION RECORDS.

(F) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS DIVISION, ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HOLDS A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER, OR APPLIES FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN CONSENT TO SUBMIT TO A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION WHEN DIRECTED TO DO SO IN WRITING BY THE BOARD AND TO HAVE WAIVED ALL OBJECTIONS TO THE ADMISSIBILITY OF TESTIMONY OR EXAMINATION REPORTS THAT CONSTITUTE A PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION.

(1) IN ENFORCING DIVISION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION, THE BOARD, UPON A SHOWING OF A POSSIBLE VIOLATION, MAY COMPEL ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HOLDS A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER OR WHO HAS APPLIED FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER TO SUBMIT TO A MENTAL EXAMINATION, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, INCLUDING AN HIV TEST, OR BOTH A MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. THE EXPENSE OF THE EXAMINATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPELLED TO BE EXAMINED. FAILURE TO SUBMIT TO A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OR CONSENT TO AN HIV TEST ORDERED BY THE BOARD CONSTITUTES AN ADMISSION OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL UNLESS THE FAILURE IS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONTROL, AND A DEFAULT AND FINAL ORDER MAY BE ENTERED WITHOUT THE TAKING OF TESTIMONY OR PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE. IF THE BOARD FINDS AN ACUPUNCTURIST UNABLE TO PRACTICE BECAUSE OF THE REASONS SET FORTH IN DIVISION (B)(5) OF THIS SECTION, THE BOARD SHALL REQUIRE THE ACUPUNCTURIST TO SUBMIT TO CARE, COUNSELING, OR TREATMENT BY PHYSICIANS APPROVED OR DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD, AS A CONDITION FOR AN INITIAL, CONTINUED, REINSTATED, OR RENEWED CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION. AN INDIVIDUAL AFFECTED BY THIS DIVISION SHALL BE AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE BOARD THE ABILITY TO RESUME PRACTICING IN COMPLIANCE WITH ACCEPTABLE AND PREVAILING STANDARDS OF CARE.

(2) FOR PURPOSES OF DIVISION (B)(6) OF THIS SECTION, IF THE BOARD HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HOLDS A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER OR ANY APPLICANT FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION SUFFERS SUCH IMPAIRMENT, THE BOARD MAY COMPEL THE INDIVIDUAL TO SUBMIT TO A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, OR BOTH. THE EXPENSE OF THE EXAMINATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPELLED TO BE EXAMINED. ANY MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED UNDER THIS DIVISION SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN BY A TREATMENT PROVIDER OR PHYSICIAN QUALIFIED TO CONDUCT SUCH EXAMINATION AND CHOSEN BY THE BOARD.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT TO A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION ORDERED BY THE BOARD CONSTITUTES AN ADMISSION OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL UNLESS THE FAILURE IS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONTROL, AND A DEFAULT AND FINAL ORDER MAY BE ENTERED WITHOUT THE TAKING OF TESTIMONY OR PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE. IF THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT THE INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO PRACTICE IS IMPAIRED, THE BOARD SHALL SUSPEND THE INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OR DENY THE INDIVIDUAL'S APPLICATION AND SHALL REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL, AS A CONDITION FOR AN INITIAL, CONTINUED, REINSTATED, OR RENEWED CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, TO SUBMIT TO TREATMENT.

BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR REINSTATEMENT OF A CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED UNDER THIS DIVISION, THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL DEMONSTRATE TO THE BOARD THE ABILITY TO RESUME PRACTICE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ACCEPTABLE AND PREVAILING STANDARDS OF CARE. THE DEMONSTRATION SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

(a) CERTIFICATION FROM A TREATMENT PROVIDER APPROVED UNDER SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ANY REQUIRED INPATIENT TREATMENT;

(b) EVIDENCE OF CONTINUING FULL COMPLIANCE WITH AN AFTERCARE CONTRACT OR CONSENT AGREEMENT;

(c) TWO WRITTEN REPORTS INDICATING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL'S ABILITY TO PRACTICE HAS BEEN ASSESSED AND THAT THE INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN FOUND CAPABLE OF PRACTICING ACCORDING TO ACCEPTABLE AND PREVAILING STANDARDS OF CARE. THE REPORTS SHALL BE MADE BY INDIVIDUALS OR PROVIDERS APPROVED BY THE BOARD FOR MAKING SUCH ASSESSMENTS AND SHALL DESCRIBE THE BASIS FOR THEIR DETERMINATION.

THE BOARD MAY REINSTATE A CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED UNDER THIS DIVISION AFTER SUCH DEMONSTRATION AND AFTER THE INDIVIDUAL HAS ENTERED INTO A WRITTEN CONSENT AGREEMENT.

WHEN THE IMPAIRED ACUPUNCTURIST RESUMES PRACTICE, THE BOARD SHALL REQUIRE CONTINUED MONITORING OF THE ACUPUNCTURIST. THE MONITORING SHALL INCLUDE MONITORING OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE WRITTEN CONSENT AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BEFORE REINSTATEMENT OR WITH CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY BOARD ORDER AFTER A HEARING, AND, UPON TERMINATION OF THE CONSENT AGREEMENT, SUBMISSION TO THE BOARD FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF ANNUAL WRITTEN PROGRESS REPORTS MADE UNDER PENALTY OF FALSIFICATION STATING WHETHER THE ACUPUNCTURIST HAS MAINTAINED SOBRIETY.

(G) IF THE SECRETARY AND SUPERVISING MEMBER DETERMINE THAT THERE IS CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT AN ACUPUNCTURIST HAS VIOLATED DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION AND THAT THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONTINUED PRACTICE PRESENTS A DANGER OF IMMEDIATE AND SERIOUS HARM TO THE PUBLIC, THEY MAY RECOMMEND THAT THE BOARD SUSPEND THE INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION WITHOUT A PRIOR HEARING. WRITTEN ALLEGATIONS SHALL BE PREPARED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD.

THE BOARD, UPON REVIEW OF THE ALLEGATIONS AND BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX OF ITS MEMBERS, EXCLUDING THE SECRETARY AND SUPERVISING MEMBER, MAY SUSPEND A CERTIFICATE WITHOUT A PRIOR HEARING. A TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL MAY BE UTILIZED FOR REVIEWING THE ALLEGATIONS AND TAKING THE VOTE ON THE SUMMARY SUSPENSION.

THE BOARD SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN ORDER OF SUSPENSION BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR IN PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 119.07 OF THE REVISED CODE. THE ORDER SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION BY THE COURT DURING PENDENCY OF ANY APPEAL FILED UNDER SECTION 119.12 OF THE REVISED CODE. IF THE ACUPUNCTURIST REQUESTS AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING BY THE BOARD, THE DATE SET FOR THE HEARING SHALL BE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS, BUT NOT EARLIER THAN SEVEN DAYS, AFTER THE ACUPUNCTURIST REQUESTS THE HEARING, UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED TO BY BOTH THE BOARD AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER.

A SUMMARY SUSPENSION IMPOSED UNDER THIS DIVISION SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT, UNLESS REVERSED ON APPEAL, UNTIL A FINAL ADJUDICATIVE ORDER ISSUED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THE BOARD SHALL ISSUE ITS FINAL ADJUDICATIVE ORDER WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER COMPLETION OF ITS HEARING. FAILURE TO ISSUE THE ORDER WITHIN SIXTY DAYS SHALL RESULT IN DISSOLUTION OF THE SUMMARY SUSPENSION ORDER, BUT SHALL NOT INVALIDATE ANY SUBSEQUENT, FINAL ADJUDICATIVE ORDER.

(H) IF THE BOARD TAKES ACTION UNDER DIVISION (B)(11), (13), OR (14) OF THIS SECTION, AND THE JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT, GUILTY PLEA, OR JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION IS OVERTURNED ON APPEAL, UPON EXHAUSTION OF THE CRIMINAL APPEAL, A PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE ORDER MAY BE FILED WITH THE BOARD ALONG WITH APPROPRIATE COURT DOCUMENTS. UPON RECEIPT OF A PETITION AND SUPPORTING COURT DOCUMENTS, THE BOARD SHALL REINSTATE THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION. THE BOARD MAY THEN HOLD AN ADJUDICATION UNDER CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE INDIVIDUAL COMMITTED THE ACT IN QUESTION. NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARING SHALL BE GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code. IF THE BOARD FINDS, PURSUANT TO AN ADJUDICATION HELD UNDER THIS DIVISION, THAT THE INDIVIDUAL COMMITTED THE ACT, OR IF NO HEARING IS REQUESTED, IT MAY ORDER ANY OF THE SANCTIONS SPECIFIED IN DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION.

(I) THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF AN ACUPUNCTURIST AND THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S PRACTICE IN THIS STATE ARE AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED AS OF THE DATE THE ACUPUNCTURIST PLEADS GUILTY TO, IS FOUND BY A JUDGE OR JURY TO BE GUILTY OF, OR IS SUBJECT TO A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION IN THIS STATE OR TREATMENT OR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMINAL OFFENSES IN THIS STATE OR A SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVALENT CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION: AGGRAVATED MURDER, MURDER, VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER, FELONIOUS ASSAULT, KIDNAPPING, RAPE, SEXUAL BATTERY, GROSS SEXUAL IMPOSITION, AGGRAVATED ARSON, AGGRAVATED ROBBERY, OR AGGRAVATED BURGLARY. CONTINUED PRACTICE AFTER THE SUSPENSION SHALL BE CONSIDERED PRACTICING WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE.

THE BOARD SHALL NOTIFY THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO THE SUSPENSION BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR IN PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 119.07 of the Revised Code. IF AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE CERTIFICATE IS SUSPENDED UNDER THIS DIVISION FAILS TO MAKE A TIMELY REQUEST FOR AN ADJUDICATION UNDER CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code, THE BOARD SHALL ENTER A FINAL ORDER PERMANENTLY REVOKING THE INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION.

(J) IN ANY INSTANCE IN WHICH THE BOARD IS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code TO GIVE NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARING AND THE INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO THE NOTICE DOES NOT TIMELY REQUEST A HEARING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 119.07 of the Revised Code, THE BOARD IS NOT REQUIRED TO HOLD A HEARING, BUT MAY ADOPT, BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX OF ITS MEMBERS, A FINAL ORDER THAT CONTAINS THE BOARD'S FINDINGS. IN THE FINAL ORDER, THE BOARD MAY ORDER ANY OF THE SANCTIONS IDENTIFIED UNDER DIVISION (A) OR (B) OF THIS SECTION.

(K) ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD UNDER DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION RESULTING IN A SUSPENSION SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE ACUPUNCTURIST'S CERTIFICATE MAY BE REINSTATED. THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code GOVERNING CONDITIONS TO BE IMPOSED FOR REINSTATEMENT. REINSTATEMENT OF A CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED PURSUANT TO DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION REQUIRES AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

(L) WHEN THE BOARD REFUSES TO GRANT A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST TO AN APPLICANT, REVOKES AN INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, REFUSES TO RENEW A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, OR REFUSES TO REINSTATE AN INDIVIDUAL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, THE BOARD MAY SPECIFY THAT ITS ACTION IS PERMANENT. AN INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TO A PERMANENT ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD IS FOREVER THEREAFTER INELIGIBLE TO HOLD A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST AND THE BOARD SHALL NOT ACCEPT AN APPLICATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OR FOR ISSUANCE OF A NEW CERTIFICATE.

(M) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THE REVISED CODE, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:

(1) THE SURRENDER OF A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNLESS OR UNTIL ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD. REINSTATEMENT OF A CERTIFICATE SURRENDERED TO THE BOARD REQUIRES AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NOT FEWER THAN SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

(2) AN APPLICATION MADE UNDER THIS CHAPTER FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION MAY NOT BE WITHDRAWN WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE BOARD.

(3) FAILURE BY AN INDIVIDUAL TO RENEW A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4762.05 OF THE REVISED CODE SHALL NOT REMOVE OR LIMIT THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION UNDER THIS SECTION AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL.

Sec. 4762.131. ON RECEIPT OF A NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2301.373 of the Revised Code, THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL COMPLY WITH THAT SECTION WITH RESPECT TO A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER.

Sec. 4762.132. IF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN GRANTED A CERTIFICATE UNDER THIS CHAPTER IS MENTALLY ILL OR MENTALLY INCOMPETENT, IT MAY FILE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PERSON HAS A LEGAL RESIDENCE AN AFFIDAVIT IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 5122.11 of the Revised Code AND SIGNED BY THE BOARD SECRETARY OR A MEMBER OF THE BOARD SECRETARY'S STAFF, WHEREUPON THE SAME PROCEEDINGS SHALL BE HAD AS PROVIDED IN CHAPTER 5122. OF THE REVISED CODE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY REPRESENT THE BOARD IN ANY PROCEEDING COMMENCED UNDER THIS SECTION.

IF ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN GRANTED A CERTIFICATE IS ADJUDGED BY A PROBATE COURT TO BE MENTALLY ILL OR MENTALLY INCOMPETENT, THE PERSON'S CERTIFICATE SHALL BE AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED UNTIL THE PERSON HAS FILED WITH THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD A CERTIFIED COPY OF AN ADJUDICATION BY A PROBATE COURT OF THE PERSON'S SUBSEQUENT RESTORATION TO COMPETENCY OR HAS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD PROOF, SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD, THAT THE PERSON HAS BEEN DISCHARGED AS HAVING A RESTORATION TO COMPETENCY IN THE MANNER AND FORM PROVIDED IN SECTION 5122.38 of the Revised Code. THE JUDGE OF THE PROBATE COURT SHALL FORTHWITH NOTIFY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD OF AN ADJUDICATION OF MENTAL ILLNESS OR MENTAL INCOMPETENCE, AND SHALL NOTE ANY SUSPENSION OF A CERTIFICATE IN THE MARGIN OF THE COURT'S RECORD OF SUCH CERTIFICATE.

Sec. 4762.14. (A) THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL INVESTIGATE EVIDENCE THAT APPEARS TO SHOW THAT ANY PERSON HAS VIOLATED THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT. ANY PERSON MAY REPORT TO THE BOARD IN A SIGNED WRITING ANY INFORMATION THE PERSON HAS THAT APPEARS TO SHOW A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT. IN THE ABSENCE OF BAD FAITH, A PERSON WHO REPORTS SUCH INFORMATION OR TESTIFIES BEFORE THE BOARD IN AN ADJUDICATION CONDUCTED UNDER CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CIVIL DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF REPORTING THE INFORMATION OR PROVIDING TESTIMONY. EACH COMPLAINT OR ALLEGATION OF A VIOLATION RECEIVED BY THE BOARD SHALL BE ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND BE RECORDED BY THE BOARD.

(B) INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT SHALL BE SUPERVISED BY THE SUPERVISING MEMBER ELECTED BY THE BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4731.02 of the Revised Code AND BY THE SECRETARY AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4762.15 of the Revised Code. THE BOARD'S PRESIDENT MAY DESIGNATE ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE BOARD TO SUPERVISE THE INVESTIGATION IN PLACE OF THE SUPERVISING MEMBER. A MEMBER OF THE BOARD WHO SUPERVISES THE INVESTIGATION OF A CASE SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN FURTHER ADJUDICATION OF THE CASE.

(C) IN INVESTIGATING A POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT, THE BOARD MAY ADMINISTER OATHS, ORDER THE TAKING OF DEPOSITIONS, ISSUE SUBPOENAS, AND COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND PRODUCTION OF BOOKS, ACCOUNTS, PAPERS, RECORDS, DOCUMENTS, AND TESTIMONY, EXCEPT THAT A SUBPOENA FOR PATIENT RECORD INFORMATION SHALL NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND APPROVAL OF THE SECRETARY AND SUPERVISING MEMBER OF THE BOARD. BEFORE ISSUANCE OF A SUBPOENA FOR PATIENT RECORD INFORMATION, THE SECRETARY AND SUPERVISING MEMBER SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THERE IS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE COMPLAINT FILED ALLEGES A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT AND THAT THE RECORDS SOUGHT ARE RELEVANT TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATION AND MATERIAL TO THE INVESTIGATION. THE SUBPOENA MAY APPLY ONLY TO RECORDS THAT COVER A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME SURROUNDING THE ALLEGED VIOLATION.

ON FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY SUBPOENA ISSUED BY THE BOARD AND AFTER REASONABLE NOTICE TO THE PERSON BEING SUBPOENAED, THE BOARD MAY MOVE FOR AN ORDER COMPELLING THE PRODUCTION OF PERSONS OR RECORDS PURSUANT TO THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.

A SUBPOENA ISSUED BY THE BOARD MAY BE SERVED BY A SHERIFF, THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY, OR A BOARD EMPLOYEE DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD. SERVICE OF A SUBPOENA ISSUED BY THE BOARD MAY BE MADE BY DELIVERING A COPY OF THE SUBPOENA TO THE PERSON NAMED THEREIN, READING IT TO THE PERSON, OR LEAVING IT AT THE PERSON'S USUAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE. WHEN THE PERSON BEING SERVED IS AN ACUPUNCTURIST, SERVICE OF THE SUBPOENA MAY BE MADE BY CERTIFIED MAIL, RESTRICTED DELIVERY, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AND THE SUBPOENA SHALL BE DEEMED SERVED ON THE DATE DELIVERY IS MADE OR THE DATE THE PERSON REFUSES TO ACCEPT DELIVERY.

A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO SERVES A SUBPOENA SHALL RECEIVE THE SAME FEES AS A SHERIFF. EACH WITNESS WHO APPEARS BEFORE THE BOARD IN OBEDIENCE TO A SUBPOENA SHALL RECEIVE THE FEES AND MILEAGE PROVIDED FOR WITNESSES IN CIVIL CASES IN THE COURTS OF COMMON PLEAS.

(D) ALL HEARINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS OF THE BOARD SHALL BE CONSIDERED CIVIL ACTIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 2305.251 of the Revised Code.

(E) INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO AN INVESTIGATION IS CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY IN ANY CIVIL ACTION.

THE BOARD SHALL CONDUCT ALL INVESTIGATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS IN A MANNER THAT PROTECTS THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENTS AND PERSONS WHO FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE BOARD. THE BOARD SHALL NOT MAKE PUBLIC THE NAMES OR ANY OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT PATIENTS OR COMPLAINANTS UNLESS PROPER CONSENT IS GIVEN.

THE BOARD MAY SHARE ANY INFORMATION IT RECEIVES PURSUANT TO AN INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING PATIENT RECORDS AND PATIENT RECORD INFORMATION, WITH OTHER LICENSING BOARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES THAT ARE INVESTIGATING ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES THAT ARE INVESTIGATING OR PROSECUTING ALLEGED CRIMINAL OFFENSES. A BOARD OR AGENCY THAT RECEIVES THE INFORMATION SHALL COMPLY WITH THE SAME REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY AS THOSE WITH WHICH THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD MUST COMPLY, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISION of the Revised Code OR PROCEDURE OF THE BOARD OR AGENCY THAT APPLIES WHEN THE BOARD OR AGENCY IS DEALING WITH OTHER INFORMATION IN ITS POSSESSION. THE INFORMATION MAY BE ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES OF EVIDENCE, BUT THE COURT SHALL REQUIRE THAT APPROPRIATE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT CONFIDENTIALITY IS MAINTAINED WITH RESPECT TO ANY PART OF THE INFORMATION THAT CONTAINS NAMES OR OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT PATIENTS OR COMPLAINANTS WHOSE CONFIDENTIALITY WAS PROTECTED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD WHEN THE INFORMATION WAS IN THE BOARD'S POSSESSION. MEASURES TO ENSURE CONFIDENTIALITY THAT MAY BE TAKEN BY THE COURT INCLUDE SEALING ITS RECORDS OR DELETING SPECIFIC INFORMATION FROM ITS RECORDS.

(F) THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL DEVELOP REQUIREMENTS FOR AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE INITIAL TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR INVESTIGATORS EMPLOYED BY THE BOARD TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES UNDER THIS CHAPTER. THE TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION MAY INCLUDE ENROLLMENT IN COURSES OPERATED OR APPROVED BY THE OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COUNCIL THAT THE BOARD CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE UNDER CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 109.79 of the Revised Code.

(G) ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, THE BOARD SHALL PREPARE A REPORT THAT DOCUMENTS THE DISPOSITION OF ALL CASES DURING THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS. THE REPORT SHALL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH CASE WITH WHICH THE BOARD HAS COMPLETED ITS ACTIVITIES:

(1) THE CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED TO THE COMPLAINT OR ALLEGED VIOLATION;

(2) THE TYPE OF CERTIFICATE TO PRACTICE, IF ANY, HELD BY THE INDIVIDUAL AGAINST WHOM THE COMPLAINT IS DIRECTED;

(3) A DESCRIPTION OF THE ALLEGATIONS CONTAINED IN THE COMPLAINT;

(4) THE DISPOSITION OF THE CASE.

THE REPORT SHALL STATE HOW MANY CASES ARE STILL PENDING, AND SHALL BE PREPARED IN A MANNER THAT PROTECTS THE IDENTITY OF EACH PERSON INVOLVED IN EACH CASE. THE REPORT IS A PUBLIC RECORD FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.15. (A) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, "PROSECUTOR" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS IN SECTION 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) WHENEVER ANY PERSON HOLDING A VALID CERTIFICATE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER PLEADS GUILTY TO, IS SUBJECT TO A JUDICIAL FINDING OF GUILT OF, OR IS SUBJECT TO A JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR A VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 2907., 2925., OR 3719. of the Revised Code OR OF ANY SUBSTANTIVELY COMPARABLE ORDINANCE OF A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE PERSON'S PRACTICE, THE PROSECUTOR IN THE CASE, ON FORMS PRESCRIBED AND PROVIDED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, SHALL PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE BOARD OF THE CONVICTION. WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THAT INFORMATION, THE BOARD SHALL INITIATE ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO SUSPEND OR REVOKE THE CERTIFICATE UNDER SECTION 4731.22 OF THE REVISED CODE.

(C) THE PROSECUTOR IN ANY CASE AGAINST ANY PERSON HOLDING A VALID CERTIFICATE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, ON FORMS PRESCRIBED AND PROVIDED BY THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, SHALL NOTIFY THE BOARD OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A FINDING OF GUILT BY A JURY OR COURT OF, OR JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR A FELONY, OR A CASE IN WHICH THE TRIAL COURT ISSUES AN ORDER OF DISMISSAL UPON TECHNICAL OR PROCEDURAL GROUNDS OF A FELONY CHARGE;

(2) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A FINDING OF GUILT BY A JURY OR COURT OF, OR JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR A MISDEMEANOR COMMITTED IN THE COURSE OF PRACTICE, OR A CASE IN WHICH THE TRIAL COURT ISSUES AN ORDER OF DISMISSAL UPON TECHNICAL OR PROCEDURAL GROUNDS OF A CHARGE OF A MISDEMEANOR, IF THE ALLEGED ACT WAS COMMITTED IN THE COURSE OF PRACTICE;

(3) A PLEA OF GUILTY TO, A FINDING OF GUILT BY A JURY OR COURT OF, OR JUDICIAL FINDING OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERVENTION IN LIEU OF CONVICTION FOR A MISDEMEANOR INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE, OR A CASE IN WHICH THE TRIAL COURT ISSUES AN ORDER OF DISMISSAL UPON TECHNICAL OR PROCEDURAL GROUNDS OF A CHARGE OF A MISDEMEANOR INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE.

THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER, THE NATURE OF THE OFFENSE FOR WHICH THE ACTION WAS TAKEN, AND THE CERTIFIED COURT DOCUMENTS RECORDING THE ACTION.

Sec. 4762.16. (A) WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE IMPOSITION OF ANY FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY ANY HEALTH CARE FACILITY, INCLUDING A HOSPITAL, HEALTH CARE FACILITY OPERATED BY AN INSURING CORPORATION, AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER, OR SIMILAR FACILITY, AGAINST ANY INDIVIDUAL HOLDING A VALID CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OR EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE FACILITY SHALL REPORT TO THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL, THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE FACILITY, AND A SUMMARY OF THE UNDERLYING FACTS LEADING TO THE ACTION TAKEN. UPON REQUEST, THE BOARD SHALL BE PROVIDED CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE PATIENT RECORDS THAT WERE THE BASIS FOR THE FACILITY'S ACTION. PRIOR TO RELEASE TO THE BOARD, THE SUMMARY SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE THAT REVIEWED THE CASE OR BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE FACILITY.

THE FILING OF A REPORT WITH THE BOARD OR DECISION NOT TO FILE A REPORT, INVESTIGATION BY THE BOARD, OR ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD, DOES NOT PRECLUDE A HEALTH CARE FACILITY FROM TAKING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

IN THE ABSENCE OF FRAUD OR BAD FAITH, NO INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT PROVIDES PATIENT RECORDS TO THE BOARD SHALL BE LIABLE IN DAMAGES TO ANY PERSON AS A RESULT OF PROVIDING THE RECORDS.

(B) AN ACUPUNCTURIST, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR SOCIETY OF ACUPUNCTURISTS, PHYSICIAN, OR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR SOCIETY OF PHYSICIANS THAT BELIEVES A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS CHAPTER, CHAPTER 4731. OF THE REVISED CODE, OR RULE OF THE BOARD HAS OCCURRED SHALL REPORT TO THE BOARD THE INFORMATION UPON WHICH THE BELIEF IS BASED. THIS DIVISION DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY TREATMENT PROVIDER APPROVED BY THE BOARD UNDER SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE OR ANY EMPLOYEE, AGENT, OR REPRESENTATIVE OF SUCH A PROVIDER TO MAKE REPORTS WITH RESPECT TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST PARTICIPATING IN TREATMENT OR AFTERCARE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AS LONG AS THE ACUPUNCTURIST MAINTAINS PARTICIPATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE AND THE TREATMENT PROVIDER OR EMPLOYEE, AGENT, OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROVIDER HAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST HAS VIOLATED ANY PROVISION OF THIS CHAPTER OR RULE ADOPTED UNDER IT, OTHER THAN BEING IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, OR OTHER SUBSTANCES. THIS DIVISION DOES NOT REQUIRE REPORTING BY ANY MEMBER OF AN IMPAIRED PRACTITIONER COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY A HEALTH CARE FACILITY OR BY ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OF A COMMITTEE OR PROGRAM SPONSORED BY A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR SOCIETY OF ACUPUNCTURISTS TO PROVIDE PEER ASSISTANCE TO ACUPUNCTURISTS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS WITH RESPECT TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST WHO HAS BEEN REFERRED FOR EXAMINATION TO A TREATMENT PROGRAM APPROVED BY THE BOARD UNDER SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE IF THE ACUPUNCTURIST COOPERATES WITH THE REFERRAL FOR EXAMINATION AND WITH ANY DETERMINATION THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHOULD ENTER TREATMENT AND AS LONG AS THE COMMITTEE MEMBER, REPRESENTATIVE, OR AGENT HAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACUPUNCTURIST HAS CEASED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TREATMENT PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE OR HAS VIOLATED ANY PROVISION OF THIS CHAPTER OR RULE ADOPTED UNDER IT, OTHER THAN BEING IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, OR OTHER SUBSTANCES.

(C) ANY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR SOCIETY COMPOSED PRIMARILY OF ACUPUNCTURISTS THAT SUSPENDS OR REVOKES AN INDIVIDUAL'S MEMBERSHIP FOR VIOLATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS, OR FOR REASONS OF PROFESSIONAL INCOMPETENCE OR PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE, WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER A FINAL DECISION, SHALL REPORT TO THE BOARD, ON FORMS PRESCRIBED AND PROVIDED BY THE BOARD, THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL, THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION, AND A SUMMARY OF THE UNDERLYING FACTS LEADING TO THE ACTION TAKEN.

THE FILING OF A REPORT WITH THE BOARD OR DECISION NOT TO FILE A REPORT, INVESTIGATION BY THE BOARD, OR ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD, DOES NOT PRECLUDE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION FROM TAKING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST AN ACUPUNCTURIST.

(D) ANY INSURER PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE TO ANY PERSON HOLDING A VALID CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST OR ANY OTHER ENTITY THAT SEEKS TO INDEMNIFY THE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY OF AN ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL NOTIFY THE BOARD WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE FINAL DISPOSITION OF ANY WRITTEN CLAIM FOR DAMAGES WHERE SUCH DISPOSITION RESULTS IN A PAYMENT EXCEEDING TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE NOTICE SHALL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

(1) THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PERSON SUBMITTING THE NOTIFICATION;

(2) THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INSURED WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THE CLAIM;

(3) THE NAME OF THE PERSON FILING THE WRITTEN CLAIM;

(4) THE DATE OF FINAL DISPOSITION;

(5) IF APPLICABLE, THE IDENTITY OF THE COURT IN WHICH THE FINAL DISPOSITION OF THE CLAIM TOOK PLACE.

(E) THE BOARD MAY INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT THAT ARE BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION AS A RESULT OF THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION, EXCEPT THAT THE BOARD SHALL CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION IF A POSSIBLE VIOLATION INVOLVES REPEATED MALPRACTICE. AS USED IN THIS DIVISION, "REPEATED MALPRACTICE" MEANS THREE OR MORE CLAIMS FOR MALPRACTICE WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE-YEAR PERIOD, EACH RESULTING IN A JUDGMENT OR SETTLEMENT IN EXCESS OF TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FAVOR OF THE CLAIMANT, AND EACH INVOLVING NEGLIGENT CONDUCT BY THE ACUPUNCTURIST.

(F) ALL SUMMARIES, REPORTS, AND RECORDS RECEIVED AND MAINTAINED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE HELD IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY OR INTRODUCTION IN EVIDENCE IN ANY FEDERAL OR STATE CIVIL ACTION INVOLVING AN ACUPUNCTURIST, SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN, OR HEALTH CARE FACILITY ARISING OUT OF MATTERS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE REPORTING REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION. THE BOARD MAY USE THE INFORMATION OBTAINED ONLY AS THE BASIS FOR AN INVESTIGATION, AS EVIDENCE IN A DISCIPLINARY HEARING AGAINST AN ACUPUNCTURIST OR SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN, OR IN ANY SUBSEQUENT TRIAL OR APPEAL OF A BOARD ACTION OR ORDER.

THE BOARD MAY DISCLOSE THE SUMMARIES AND REPORTS IT RECEIVES UNDER THIS SECTION ONLY TO HEALTH CARE FACILITY COMMITTEES WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THIS STATE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN CREDENTIALING OR RECREDENTIALING AN ACUPUNCTURIST OR SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN OR REVIEWING THEIR PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE WITHIN A PARTICULAR FACILITY. THE BOARD SHALL INDICATE WHETHER OR NOT THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN VERIFIED. INFORMATION TRANSMITTED BY THE BOARD SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS AS WHEN MAINTAINED BY THE BOARD.

(G) EXCEPT FOR REPORTS FILED BY AN INDIVIDUAL PURSUANT TO DIVISION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE BOARD SHALL SEND A COPY OF ANY REPORTS OR SUMMARIES IT RECEIVES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION TO THE ACUPUNCTURIST. THE ACUPUNCTURIST SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A STATEMENT WITH THE BOARD CONCERNING THE CORRECTNESS OR RELEVANCE OF THE INFORMATION. THE STATEMENT SHALL AT ALL TIMES ACCOMPANY THAT PART OF THE RECORD IN CONTENTION.

(H) AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT REPORTS TO THE BOARD OR REFERS AN IMPAIRED ACUPUNCTURIST TO A TREATMENT PROVIDER APPROVED BY THE BOARD UNDER SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO SUIT FOR CIVIL DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF THE REPORT, REFERRAL, OR PROVISION OF THE INFORMATION.

(I) IN THE ABSENCE OF FRAUD OR BAD FAITH, A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR SOCIETY OF ACUPUNCTURISTS THAT SPONSORS A COMMITTEE OR PROGRAM TO PROVIDE PEER ASSISTANCE TO AN ACUPUNCTURIST WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS, A REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OF SUCH A COMMITTEE OR PROGRAM, AND A MEMBER OF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE IN DAMAGES TO ANY PERSON BY REASON OF ACTIONS TAKEN TO REFER AN ACUPUNCTURIST TO A TREATMENT PROVIDER APPROVED UNDER SECTION 4731.25 OF THE REVISED CODE FOR EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

Sec. 4762.17. THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL ENFORCE THE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE. IF THE SECRETARY HAS KNOWLEDGE OR NOTICE OF A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER OR THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER IT, THE SECRETARY SHALL INVESTIGATE THE MATTER, AND, UPON PROBABLE CAUSE APPEARING, FILE A COMPLAINT AND PROSECUTE THE OFFENDER. WHEN REQUESTED BY THE SECRETARY, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OF THE PROPER COUNTY SHALL TAKE CHARGE OF AND CONDUCT THE PROSECUTION.

Sec. 4762.18. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OF ANY COUNTY IN WHICH THE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED OR THE OFFENDER RESIDES, THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF A PERSON ENGAGED EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY COMPLICITY IN THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE WITHOUT HAVING FIRST OBTAINED A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION TO DO SO PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, MAY, IN ACCORD WITH PROVISIONS of the Revised Code GOVERNING INJUNCTIONS, MAINTAIN AN ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE STATE TO ENJOIN ANY PERSON FROM ENGAGING EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY COMPLICITY IN THE UNLAWFUL PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE BY APPLYING FOR AN INJUNCTION IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.

PRIOR TO APPLICATION FOR AN INJUNCTION, THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL NOTIFY THE PERSON ALLEGEDLY ENGAGED EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY COMPLICITY IN THE UNLAWFUL PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE BY REGISTERED MAIL THAT THE SECRETARY HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION INDICATING THAT THIS PERSON IS SO ENGAGED. THE PERSON SHALL ANSWER THE SECRETARY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS SHOWING THAT THE PERSON IS EITHER PROPERLY LICENSED FOR THE STATED ACTIVITY OR THAT THE PERSON IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER. IF THE ANSWER IS NOT FORTHCOMING WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER NOTICE BY THE SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY SHALL REQUEST THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED OR THE OFFENDER RESIDES, OR THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD PROCEED AS AUTHORIZED IN THIS SECTION.

UPON THE FILING OF A VERIFIED PETITION IN COURT, THE COURT SHALL CONDUCT A HEARING ON THE PETITION AND SHALL GIVE THE SAME PREFERENCE TO THIS PROCEEDING AS IS GIVEN ALL PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE POSITION OF THE PROCEEDING ON THE CALENDAR OF THE COURT.

INJUNCTION PROCEEDINGS SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO, AND NOT IN LIEU OF, ALL PENALTIES AND OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED IN THIS CHAPTER.

Sec. 4762.19. THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD MAY ADOPT ANY RULES NECESSARY TO GOVERN THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE, THE SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACUPUNCTURISTS AND SUPERVISING PHYSICIANS, AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CHAPTER. RULES ADOPTED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE ADOPTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE.

Sec. 4762.20. THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE CONTROLLING BOARD, MAY ESTABLISH FEES IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THIS CHAPTER, EXCEPT THAT THE FEES MAY NOT EXCEED THE SPECIFIED AMOUNTS BY MORE THAN FIFTY PER CENT.

ALL FEES, PENALTIES, AND OTHER FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE BOARD UNDER THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.21. IN THE ABSENCE OF FRAUD OR BAD FAITH, THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, A CURRENT OR FORMER BOARD MEMBER, AN AGENT OF THE BOARD, A PERSON FORMALLY REQUESTED BY THE BOARD TO BE THE BOARD'S REPRESENTATIVE, OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BOARD SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE IN DAMAGES TO ANY PERSON AS THE RESULT OF ANY ACT, OMISSION, PROCEEDING, CONDUCT, OR DECISION RELATED TO OFFICIAL DUTIES UNDERTAKEN OR PERFORMED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER. IF ANY SUCH PERSON ASKS TO BE DEFENDED BY THE STATE AGAINST ANY CLAIM OR ACTION ARISING OUT OF ANY ACT, OMISSION, PROCEEDING, CONDUCT, OR DECISION RELATED TO THE PERSON'S OFFICIAL DUTIES, AND IF THE REQUEST IS MADE IN WRITING AT A REASONABLE TIME BEFORE TRIAL AND THE PERSON REQUESTING DEFENSE COOPERATES IN GOOD FAITH IN THE DEFENSE OF THE CLAIM OR ACTION, THE STATE SHALL PROVIDE AND PAY FOR THE PERSON'S DEFENSE AND SHALL PAY ANY RESULTING JUDGMENT, COMPROMISE, OR SETTLEMENT. AT NO TIME SHALL THE STATE PAY ANY PART OF A CLAIM OR JUDGMENT THAT IS FOR PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.

Sec. 4762.99. (A) WHOEVER VIOLATES SECTION 4762.02 OF THE REVISED CODE IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR OF THE FIRST DEGREE ON A FIRST OFFENSE; ON EACH SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE, THE PERSON IS GUILTY OF A FELONY OF THE FOURTH DEGREE.

(B) WHOEVER VIOLATES DIVISION (A), (B), (C), OR (D) OF SECTION 4762.16 OF THE REVISED CODE IS GUILTY OF A MINOR MISDEMEANOR ON A FIRST OFFENSE; ON EACH SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE THE PERSON IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR OF THE FOURTH DEGREE, EXCEPT THAT AN INDIVIDUAL GUILTY OF A SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO IMPRISONMENT, BUT TO A FINE ALONE OF UP TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE.