To amend sections 4725.09, 4725.26, 4731.143, 4731.20, 4731.22, 4731.222, 4731.224, 4731.281, 4731.29, 4731.294, 4731.31, 4731.34, 4731.341, 4731.35, 4731.36, 4731.51, 4731.52, 4731.53, 4731.55, 4731.56, 4731.57, 4731.571, 4731.572, 4731.60, 4731.66, 4731.85, 4755.40, and 4755.60 and to enact sections 4731.053 and 4731.296 of the Revised Code to specify that the practice of medicine in this state includes certain activities performed in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, to establish requirements for obtaining a telemedicine certificate, to modify the exceptions to the law governing physician licensure, to require the adoption of rules regarding the authority of physicians to delegate the performance of medical tasks and the authority of optometrists to delegate the performance of optometric tasks, to authorize physical therapists and athletic trainers to apply topical prescription drugs, and to change references in statutes governing the practice of medicine from "podiatry" to "podiatric medicine and surgery".

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

Sec. 4725.09. (A) The state board of optometry shall adopt rules as it considers necessary to govern the practice of optometry and to administer and enforce sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code. All rules adopted under sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(B) The board, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, shall adopt rules specifying oral dosages of drugs or dangerous drugs that are therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under division (C)(3) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES THAT ESTABLISH STANDARDS TO BE MET AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED WITH RESPECT TO THE DELEGATION BY AN OPTOMETRIST OF THE PERFORMANCE OF AN OPTOMETRIC TASK TO A PERSON WHO IS NOT LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO PERFORM THE TASK. THE RULES SHALL PERMIT AN OPTOMETRIST WHO HOLDS A TOPICAL OCULAR PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS CERTIFICATE OR THERAPEUTIC PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS CERTIFICATE TO DELEGATE THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS INCLUDED IN THE OPTOMETRIST'S SCOPE OF PRACTICE.

THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER THIS DIVISION SHALL PROVIDE FOR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) ON-SITE SUPERVISION WHEN THE DELEGATION OCCURS IN AN INSTITUTION OR OTHER FACILITY THAT IS USED PRIMARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING HEALTH CARE, UNLESS THE BOARD ESTABLISHED A SPECIFIC EXCEPTION TO THE ON-SITE SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO ROUTINE ADMINISTRATION OF A TOPICAL DRUG;

(2) EVALUATION OF WHETHER DELEGATION IS APPROPRIATE ACCORDING TO THE ACUITY OF THE PATIENT INVOLVED;

(3) TRAINING AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET BY THE PERSON ADMINISTERING THE DRUGS;

(4) OTHER STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES THE BOARD CONSIDERS RELEVANT.

Sec. 4725.26. Division (A) of section 4725.02 of the Revised Code does not apply to the following:

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

(B) Persons who sell optical accessories but do not assume to adapt them to the eye, and neither practice nor profess to practice optometry;

(C) An instructor in a school of optometry that is located in this state and approved by the state board of optometry under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code who holds a valid current license to practice optometry from a licensing body in another jurisdiction and limits the practice of optometry to the instruction of students enrolled in the school.

(D) A student at a school of optometry located in this state and approved by the board under section 4725.10 of the Revised Code while enrolled in an optometry training program and acting under the direct, personal supervision and control of an optometrist licensed by the board or authorized to practice pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(E) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO ENGAGE IN AN ACTIVITY THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY.

(F) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO ENGAGE IN AN ACTIVITY THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY, BUT IS ACTING PURSUANT TO THE RULES FOR DELEGATION OF OPTOMETRIC TASKS ADOPTED UNDER SECTION 4725.09 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4731.053. (A) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, "PHYSICIAN" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL AUTHORIZED BY THIS CHAPTER TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OR PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

(B) THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES THAT ESTABLISH STANDARDS TO BE MET AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PHYSICIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE PHYSICIAN'S DELEGATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF A MEDICAL TASK TO A PERSON WHO IS NOT LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO PERFORM THE TASK. THE RULES SHALL BE ADOPTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. OF THE REVISED CODE.

(C) TO THE EXTENT THAT DELEGATION APPLIES TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS, THE RULES ADOPTED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL PROVIDE FOR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) ON-SITE SUPERVISION WHEN THE DELEGATION OCCURS IN AN INSTITUTION OR OTHER FACILITY THAT IS USED PRIMARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING HEALTH CARE, UNLESS THE BOARD ESTABLISHES A SPECIFIC EXCEPTION TO THE ON-SITE SUPERVISION REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO ROUTINE ADMINISTRATION OF A TOPICAL DRUG, SUCH AS THE USE OF A MEDICATED SHAMPOO;

(2) EVALUATION OF WHETHER DELEGATION IS APPROPRIATE ACCORDING TO THE ACUITY OF THE PATIENT INVOLVED;

(3) TRAINING AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET BY THE PERSON ADMINISTERING THE DRUGS;

(4) OTHER STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES THE BOARD CONSIDERS RELEVANT.

(D) THE BOARD SHALL NOT ADOPT RULES THAT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) AUTHORIZE A PHYSICIAN TO TRANSFER THE PHYSICIAN'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISING A PERSON WHO IS PERFORMING A DELEGATED MEDICAL TASK TO A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OTHER THAN ANOTHER PHYSICIAN;

(2) AUTHORIZE AN INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM A MEDICAL TASK IS DELEGATED TO DELEGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THAT TASK TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL;

(3) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN DIVISIONS (D)(4) TO (8) OF THIS SECTION, AUTHORIZE A PHYSICIAN TO DELEGATE THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANESTHESIA, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, DRUGS ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY, OR ANY OTHER DRUG OR CATEGORY OF DRUG THE BOARD CONSIDERS TO BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR DELEGATION;

(4) PREVENT AN INDIVIDUAL FROM ENGAGING IN AN ACTIVITY PERFORMED FOR A HANDICAPPED CHILD AS A SERVICE NEEDED TO MEET THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD, AS IDENTIFIED IN THE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM DEVELOPED FOR THE CHILD UNDER CHAPTER 3323. OF THE REVISED CODE;

(5) PREVENT DELEGATION FROM OCCURRING PURSUANT TO SECTION 5126.356 OF THE REVISED CODE WITHIN THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY A COUNTY BOARD OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES;

(6) CONFLICT WITH ANY PROVISION OF THE REVISED CODE THAT SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZES AN INDIVIDUAL TO PERFORM A PARTICULAR TASK;

(7) CONFLICT WITH ANY RULE ADOPTED PURSUANT TO THE REVISED CODE THAT IS IN EFFECT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AS LONG AS THE RULE REMAINS IN EFFECT, SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZING AN INDIVIDUAL TO PERFORM A PARTICULAR TASK;

(8) PROHIBIT A PERFUSIONIST FROM ADMINISTERING DRUGS INTRAVENOUSLY WHILE PRACTICING AS A PERFUSIONIST;

(9) AUTHORIZE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT, OR ANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL REGULATED BY THE BOARD TO DELEGATE TASKS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.

Sec. 4731.143. (A) Each person holding a valid certificate under this chapter authorizing the certificate holder to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, who is not covered by medical malpractice insurance as defined in section 3929.71 of the Revised Code, shall provide a patient with written notice of the certificate holder's lack of such insurance coverage prior to providing nonemergency professional services to the patient. The notice shall be provided alone on its own page. The notice shall provide space for the patient to acknowledge receipt of the notice, and shall be in the following form:

"N O T I C E:

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

The undersigned acknowledges the receipt of this notice.

(Patient's Signature)
(Date)"

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.20. The powers and duties conferred by this chapter on the state medical board, including all of the board's officers, for purposes of regulating the practices of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, and podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, shall apply in the same manner, with any modifications the board considers necessary, for purposes of regulating the practices of limited branches of medicine, including the power of the board to take disciplinary actions under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

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 intervention in lieu of conviction of, a violation of any federal or state law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;

(4) Willfully betraying a professional confidence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(30) Failure of a collaborating physician to fulfill the responsibilities agreed to by the physician and an advanced practice nurse participating in a pilot program under section 4723.52 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 enter into a standard care arrangement with a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner with whom the physician or podiatrist is in collaboration pursuant to section 4731.27 of the Revised Code or failure to fulfill the responsibilities of collaboration after entering into a standard care arrangement;

(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;

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The disposition of the case.

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

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

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

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

Any summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within 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 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 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 PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY. In developing and implementing the quality intervention program, the board may do all of the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.222. Before restoring to good standing a certificate issued under this chapter that has been in a suspended or inactive state for any cause for more than two years, or before issuing a certificate pursuant to section 4731.18, 4731.29, 4731.295, 4731.57, or 4731.571 of the Revised Code to an applicant who for more than two years has not been engaged in the practice of medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, or a limited branch of medicine as an active practitioner, as a participant in a program of graduate medical education, as defined in section 4731.091 of the Revised Code, as a student in a college of podiatry determined by the board to be in good standing, or as a student in a school, college, or institution giving instruction in a limited branch of medicine determined by the board to be in good standing under section 4731.19 of the Revised Code, the state medical board may require the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine the applicant's present fitness to resume practice.

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

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

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

The board shall consider the moral background and the activities of the applicant during the period of suspension or inactivity, in accordance with section 4731.08 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The date of final disposition;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "H" through "K," on or before July 1, 2000, and the first day of July of every even-numbered year 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 letters "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 PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 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 letters "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 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 PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 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 IF THE CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED PURSUANT TO THIS DIVISION FOR TWO YEARS OR LESS, IT MAY BE REINSTATED. 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. IF THE CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED PURSUANT TO THIS DIVISION FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS, IT MAY BE RESTORED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 4731.222 of the Revised Code, THE BOARD MAY RESTORE A CERTIFICATE TO PRACTICE FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER UPON AN APPLICANT'S SUBMISSION OF A RESTORATION APPLICATION, THE BIENNIAL REGISTRATION FEE, AND THE APPLICABLE MONETARY PENALTY. THE PENALTY FOR RESTORATION SHALL BE 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. 4731.29. (A) When a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery by the licensing department of another state, a diplomate of the national board of medical examiners or the national board of examiners for osteopathic physicians and surgeons, or a licentiate of the medical council of Canada wishes to remove to this state to practice, the person shall file an application with the state medical board. The board may, in its discretion, by an affirmative vote of not less than six of its members, issue its certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery without requiring the applicant to submit to examination, provided the applicant submits evidence satisfactory to the board of meeting the same age, moral character, and educational requirements individuals must meet under sections 4731.08, 4731.09, 4731.091, and 4731.14 of the Revised Code and, if applicable, demonstrates proficiency in spoken English in accordance with division (E) of this section.

(B) The state medical board shall issue or deny its certificate to practice within sixty days after the receipt of a complete application under division (A) of this section. Within thirty days after receipt of an application, the state medical board shall provide the applicant with written notice of any information required before an application can be considered complete for purposes of this section.

(C) If an applicant is under investigation pursuant to section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall conclude the investigation within ninety days of receipt of a complete application unless extended by written consent of the applicant or unless the board determines that a substantial question of a violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it exists and the board has notified the applicant in writing of the reasons for the continuation of the investigation. If the board determines that the applicant is not in violation, it shall issue a certificate within forty-five days of that determination.

(D) A fee of three hundred dollars shall be submitted with each application for certification under this section.

(E)(1) Except as provided in division (E)(2) of this section, an applicant licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery by the licensing department of another state who received that license based in part on certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates shall demonstrate proficiency in spoken English if the applicant fulfilled the undergraduate requirements for a certificate issued under this section at an institution outside the United States. The applicant may demonstrate such proficiency only in the manner described in section 4731.142 of the Revised Code for individuals attempting to receive certificates issued under section 4731.14 of the Revised Code.

(2) An applicant described in division (E)(1) of this section is not required to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English if either of the following apply:

(a) During the five years immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant's license has been unrestricted and the applicant has been actively practicing medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the United States.

(b) AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF APPLICATION UNDER THIS SECTION, THE APPLICANT WAS PARTICIPATING IN GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4731.091 of the Revised Code, AND SINCE COMPLETING THAT EDUCATION HAS HELD AN UNRESTRICTED LICENSE AND HAS BEEN ACTIVELY PRACTICING MEDICINE AND SURGERY OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY IN THE UNITED STATES.

(c) The applicant was required to demonstrate such proficiency as a condition of receiving certification from the educational commission for foreign medical graduates.

Sec. 4731.294. (A) The state medical board may issue, without examination, a special activity certificate to any person seeking to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in conjunction with a special activity, program, or event taking place in this state.

(B) An applicant for a special activity certificate shall HOLD A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4731.296 of the Revised Code OR submit evidence satisfactory to the board of all of the following:

(1) He THE APPLICANT holds a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued by another state or country and that within the two-year period immediately preceding his application, he THE APPLICANT has done one of the following:

(a) Actively practiced medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the United States;

(b) Participated in a graduate medical education program accredited by either the accreditation council for graduate medical education of the American medical association or the American osteopathic association;

(c) Successfully passed the federation licensing examination established by the federation of state medical boards, a special examination established by the federation of state medical boards, or all parts of a standard medical licensing examination established for purposes of determining the competence of individuals to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the United States.

(2) He THE APPLICANT meets the same educational requirements that individuals must meet under sections 4731.09, 4731.091, and 4731.14 of the Revised Code.

(3) His THE APPLICANT'S practice in conjunction with the special activity, program, or event will be in the public interest.

(C) The applicant shall pay a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars UNLESS THE APPLICANT HOLDS A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4731.296 of the Revised Code. IF THE APPLICANT HOLDS A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE, THE BOARD SHALL NOT CHARGE A FEE FOR ISSUING A CERTIFICATE UNDER THIS SECTION. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold a special activity certificate.

(D) The holder of a special activity certificate may practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery only in conjunction with the special activity, event, or program for which the certificate is issued. The board may revoke a certificate on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the holder of the certificate has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the certificate or that there are grounds for action against him THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(E) A special activity certificate is valid for the shorter of thirty days or the duration of the special activity, program, or event. The certificate may not be renewed.

(F) THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 119. of the Revised Code THAT SPECIFY HOW OFTEN AN APPLICANT MAY BE GRANTED A CERTIFICATE UNDER THIS SECTION.

Sec. 4731.296. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "THE PRACTICE OF TELEMEDICINE" MEANS THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THIS STATE THROUGH THE USE OF ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, BY A PHYSICIAN LOCATED OUTSIDE THIS STATE.

(B) A PERSON WHO WISHES TO PRACTICE TELEMEDICINE IN THIS STATE SHALL FILE AN APPLICATION WITH THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD, TOGETHER WITH A FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE FEE DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (D) OF SECTION 4731.29 of the Revised Code. THE BOARD MAY ISSUE, WITHOUT EXAMINATION, A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE TO A PERSON WHO MEETS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

(1) THE PERSON HOLDS A CURRENT, UNRESTRICTED LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND SURGERY OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY ISSUED BY ANOTHER STATE THAT REQUIRES LICENSE HOLDERS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST FIFTY HOURS OF CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION EVERY TWO YEARS.

(2) THE PERSON'S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF PRACTICE IS IN THAT STATE.

(3) THE PERSON DOES NOT HOLD A CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER AUTHORIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY IN THIS STATE.

(4) THE PERSON MEETS THE SAME AGE, MORAL CHARACTER, AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS INDIVIDUALS MUST MEET UNDER SECTIONS 4731.08, 4731.09, 4731.091, AND 4731.14 of the Revised Code AND, IF APPLICABLE, DEMONSTRATES PROFICIENCY IN SPOKEN ENGLISH IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIVISION (E) OF SECTION 4731.29 of the Revised Code.

(C) THE HOLDER OF A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE MAY ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF TELEMEDICINE IN THIS STATE. A PERSON HOLDING A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE SHALL NOT PRACTICE MEDICINE IN PERSON IN THIS STATE WITHOUT OBTAINING A SPECIAL ACTIVITY CERTIFICATE UNDER SECTION 4731.294 of the Revised Code.

(D) THE BOARD MAY REVOKE A CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION OR TAKE OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST A CERTIFICATE HOLDER PURSUANT TO SECTION 4731.22 of the Revised Code ON RECEIVING PROOF SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD THAT THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER HAS ENGAGED IN PRACTICE IN THIS STATE OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE CERTIFICATE OR THAT THERE ARE GROUNDS FOR ACTION AGAINST THE HOLDER UNDER SECTION 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(E) A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD SPECIFIED BY THE BOARD, AND THE INITIAL RENEWAL SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SCHEDULE ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD. THEREAFTER, THE CERTIFICATE SHALL BE VALID FOR TWO YEARS. A CERTIFICATE MAY BE RENEWED ON APPLICATION OF THE HOLDER.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR RENEWAL, THE HOLDER OF THE CERTIFICATE SHALL DO BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) PAY A FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE FEE DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (B)(1) OF SECTION 4731.281 of the Revised Code;

(2) CERTIFY TO THE BOARD COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE HOLDER'S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF PRACTICE IS LOCATED.

THE BOARD MAY REQUIRE A RANDOM SAMPLE OF PERSONS HOLDING A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE TO SUBMIT MATERIALS DOCUMENTING COMPLETION OF THE CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN THIS DIVISION.

(F) THE BOARD SHALL CONVERT A TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE TO A CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4731.29 of the Revised Code ON RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN REQUEST FROM THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. ONCE THE TELEMEDICINE CERTIFICATE IS CONVERTED, THE HOLDER IS SUBJECT TO ALL REQUIREMENTS AND PRIVILEGES ATTENDANT TO A CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4731.29 of the Revised Code, INCLUDING CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.

Sec. 4731.31. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Rural hospital" means a hospital agency, as defined in section 140.01 of the Revised Code, that meets all of the following criteria:

(a) Is in compliance with section 3727.02 of the Revised Code and the registration requirement of division (A) of section 3701.07 of the Revised Code;

(b) Is located in a county that has a population of less than one hundred twenty-five thousand.

(2) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

(B) Subject to division (C) of this section, a rural hospital or a health care facility that is owned or operated by a rural hospital may employ a physician. A hospital or facility that employs a physician in accordance with this section is not engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY in violation of section 4731.41, 4731.43, or 4731.60 of the Revised Code.

(C) No rural hospital or health care facility owned or operated by a rural hospital shall do either of the following:

(1) Control the professional clinical judgment exercised within accepted and prevailing standards of practice of a physician employed pursuant to this section in rendering care, treatment, or professional advice to an individual patient;

(2) Require that a physician be employed by the hospital or facility as a condition of granting the physician privileges to practice within the hospital or facility.

Sec. 4731.34. (A) A person shall be regarded as practicing medicine AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, within the meaning of this chapter, who uses DOES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) USES the words or letters, "Dr.," "Doctor," "Professor," "M.D.," "D.S.C.," "Pod. D.," "M.B. PHYSICIAN," "D.O.," "D.P.M.," or any other title in connection with the person's name that in any way THAT represents the person as engaged in the practice of medicine, AND surgery, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, in any of its branches, or who examines;

(2) ADVERTISES, SOLICITS, OR REPRESENTS IN ANY WAY THAT THE PERSON IS PRACTICING MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OR PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, IN ANY OF ITS BRANCHES;

(3) IN PERSON OR, REGARDLESS OF THE PERSON'S LOCATION, THROUGH THE USE OF ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, DOES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(a) EXAMINES or diagnoses for compensation of any kind, or prescribes DIRECT OR INDIRECT;

(b) PRESCRIBES, advises, recommends, administers, or dispenses for compensation of any kind, direct or indirect, a drug or medicine, appliance, mold or cast, application, operation, or treatment, of whatever nature, for the cure or relief of a wound, fracture or bodily injury, infirmity, or disease, provided that the.

(B) THE treatment of human ills through prayer alone by a practitioner of the Christian Science church, in accordance with the tenets and creed of such church, shall not be regarded as the practice of medicine; and, provided further that sanitary and public health laws shall be complied with, no practices shall be used that may be dangerous or detrimental to life or health, and no person shall be denied the benefits of accepted medical and surgical practices.

(C) The use of any such words, letters, or titles in any connection or under any circumstances as to induce the belief that the person who uses them is engaged in the practice of medicine, AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, IN ANY OF ITS BRANCHES, is prima-facie evidence of the intent of such person to represent the person as engaged in the practice of medicine, AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, IN ANY OF ITS BRANCHES.

Sec. 4731.341. (A) The practice of medicine in all of its branches or the treatment of human ailments without the use of drugs or medicines and without operative surgery by any person not at that time holding a valid and current certificate as provided by Chapter 4723., 4725., or 4731. of the Revised Code is hereby declared to be inimical to the public welfare and to constitute a public nuisance. The

(B) 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 WHO either directly or by complicity IS in the practice of medicine without having first obtained a certificate to do so pursuant to such chapters VIOLATION OF DIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION, may on or after January 1, 1969, 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 medicine in all of its branches, or the treatment of human ailments without the use of drugs or medicines and without operative surgery, ACTIVITY by applying for an injunction in THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OR any OTHER court of competent jurisdiction.

Prior to application for such injunction, the secretary of the state medical board shall notify the person allegedly engaged either directly or by complicity in the unlawful practice of medicine or any of its branches ACTIVITY by registered mail that the secretary has received information indicating that this person is so engaged. Said 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 Chapter 4723. or 4731. of the Revised Code. 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.

Such injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in Chapters 4723. and 4731. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4731.35. (A) Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall THIS CHAPTER DOES not apply to or prohibit in any way the administration of an anesthetic ANESTHESIA by a certified registered nurse anesthetist under the direction of and in the immediate presence of a licensed physician AN INDIVIDUAL AUTHORIZED BY THIS CHAPTER TO PRACTICE MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, OR PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

(B) This chapter does not prohibit an individual from practicing as an anesthesiologist assistant in accordance with Chapter 4760. 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, OR PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO IS SELF-ADMINISTERING DRUGS. Such sections

SECTIONS 4731.01 TO 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not apply to a ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) A commissioned medical officer of the United States army, navy, or marine hospital service ARMED FORCES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 5903.11 of the Revised Code, OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE UNITED STATES PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE in the discharge of the officer's OR EMPLOYEE'S professional duties, or to a regularly qualified;

(2) A dentist AUTHORIZED UNDER CHAPTER 4715. of the Revised Code TO PRACTICE DENTISTRY when engaged exclusively in the practice of dentistry, or when administering anaesthetics, or to a ANESTHETICS IN THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY;

(3) A physician or surgeon residing in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein, when in PROVIDING consultation with a regular practitioner of this state; nor shall such sections apply to a AN INDIVIDUAL HOLDING A CERTIFICATE TO PRACTICE ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXAMINATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF THE PATIENT WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THE CONSULTATION, IF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES:

(a) THE PHYSICIAN OR SURGEON DOES NOT PROVIDE CONSULTATION IN THIS STATE ON A REGULAR OR FREQUENT BASIS.

(b) THE PHYSICIAN OR SURGEON PROVIDES THE CONSULTATION WITHOUT COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, FOR THE CONSULTATION.

(c) THE CONSULTATION IS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL OR OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL SCHOOL OF THIS STATE OR A PROGRAM DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (A)(2) OF SECTION 4731.291 of the Revised Code.

(4) A PHYSICIAN OR SURGEON IN ANOTHER STATE OR TERRITORY WHO IS A LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF MEDICINE OR SURGERY THEREIN AND PROVIDED SERVICES TO A PATIENT IN THAT STATE OR TERRITORY, WHEN PROVIDING, NOT LATER THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST DATE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED IN ANOTHER STATE OR TERRITORY, FOLLOW-UP SERVICES IN PERSON OR THROUGH THE USE OF ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, IN THIS STATE TO THE PATIENT FOR THE SAME CONDITION;

(5) A physician or surgeon residing on the border of a neighboring CONTIGUOUS 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 EITHER IN PERSON OR THROUGH THE USE OF ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION, open an office or appoint a place to see patients or receive calls within the limits of this state.

(B)(6) A BOARD, COMMITTEE, OR CORPORATION ENGAGED IN THE CONDUCT DESCRIBED IN DIVISION (A) OF SECTION 2305.25 of the Revised Code WHEN ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD, COMMITTEE, OR CORPORATION;

(7) THE CONDUCT OF AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW ORGANIZATION ACCREDITED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE UNDER SECTION 3901.80 OF THE REVISED CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXTERNAL REVIEWS CONDUCTED UNDER SECTIONS 1751.84, 1751.85, 3923.67, 3923.68, 3923.76, AND 3923.77 OF THE REVISED CODE.

(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.

(D) THIS CHAPTER DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS BY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO ADMINISTER DRUGS;

(2) AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT LICENSED OR OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE REVISED CODE TO ADMINISTER DRUGS, BUT IS ACTING PURSUANT TO THE RULES FOR DELEGATION OF MEDICAL TASKS ADOPTED UNDER SECTION 4731.053 OF THE REVISED CODE;

(3) AN INDIVIDUAL SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER DRUGS PURSUANT TO A RULE ADOPTED UNDER THE REVISED CODE THAT IS IN EFFECT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AMENDMENT, AS LONG AS THE RULE REMAINS IN EFFECT, SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZING AN INDIVIDUAL TO ADMINISTER DRUGS.

(E) THE EXEMPTIONS DESCRIBED IN DIVISIONS (A)(3), (4), AND (5) OF THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO A PHYSICIAN OR SURGEON WHOSE CERTIFICATE TO PRACTICE ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER IS UNDER SUSPENSION OR HAS BEEN REVOKED OR PERMANENTLY REVOKED BY ACTION OF THE STATE MEDICAL BOARD.

Sec. 4731.51. The practice of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY consists of the medical, mechanical, and surgical treatment of ailments of the foot, the muscles and tendons of the leg governing the functions of the foot; and superficial lesions of the hand other than those associated with trauma. Podiatrists are permitted the use of such preparations, medicines, and drugs as may be necessary for the treatment of such ailments. The podiatrist may treat the local manifestations of systemic diseases as they appear in the hand and foot, but the patient shall be concurrently referred to a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine and surgery for the treatment of the systemic disease itself. General anaesthetics may be used under this section only in colleges of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY approved by the medical board pursuant to section 4731.53 of the Revised Code and in hospitals approved by the joint commission on the accreditation of hospitals, or the American osteopathic association. The use of x-ray or radium for therapeutic purposes is not permitted.

Sec. 4731.52. Each person who desires to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY and is not now authorized to do so shall file with the secretary of the state medical board a written application, under oath, on a form prescribed by the board and furnish satisfactory proof that he THE APPLICANT is more than eighteen years of age and of good moral character.

Sec. 4731.53. At the time an applicant files an application, the applicant shall file with the secretary of the state medical board evidence of preliminary education showing that the applicant has satisfactorily completed at least two years of collegiate work in an approved college of arts and sciences in addition to high school graduation. When the entrance examiner finds the preliminary education of the applicant sufficient, the entrance examiner shall issue a certificate of preliminary examination upon the payment to the treasurer of the board of a fee of thirty-five dollars. Such certificate shall be attested by the secretary.

The applicant shall also present a diploma from a college of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY in good standing as defined by the board at the time the diploma was issued. The applicant shall present an affidavit that the applicant is the person named in the diploma and is the lawful possessor thereof stating the applicant's age, residence, the school at which the applicant obtained education in podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, the time spent in the study of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, and such other facts as the board may require.

Sec. 4731.55. The examinations of applicants for certificates to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY shall be conducted under rules prescribed by the state medical board. An applicant who holds the degree of doctor of podiatric medicine shall be examined in subjects pertinent to current podiatric educational standards.

Sec. 4731.56. The state medical board shall issue its certificate to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY to each applicant who passes the examination conducted under section 4731.55 of the Revised Code and has paid the treasurer of the state medical board a certificate issuance fee of three hundred dollars. Each certificate shall be signed by the board's president and secretary and attested by its seal. An affirmative vote of not less than six members of the state medical board is required for issuance of a certificate.

A certificate authorizing the practice of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY permits the holder the use of the title "physician" or the use of the title "surgeon" when the title is qualified by letters or words showing that the holder of the certificate is a practitioner of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY. The certificate shall be prominently displayed in the certificate holder's office or the place where a major portion of the certificate holder's practice is conducted.

Sec. 4731.57. When a podiatrist licensed by the licensing authority of another state wishes to remove to this state to practice his THE PODIATRIST'S profession, the state medical board may, in its discretion, by an affirmative vote of not less than six of its members, issue to him THE APPLICANT a certificate to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY without requiring the applicant to submit to examination, provided he THE APPLICANT meets the requirements for entrance set forth in section 4731.53 of the Revised Code and pays a fee of three hundred dollars. Application shall be made on a form prescribed by the board.

Sec. 4731.571. The state medical board may, upon an affirmative vote of not less than six members, issue a certificate to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY by endorsement to an applicant who has successfully passed the written examination of a recognized national certifying agency in podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY; provided the written examination of the certifying agency was, in the opinion of the board, equivalent to its own examination, and provided further that the applicant satisfies in all other respects, the requirements for a license as set forth in sections 4731.51 to 4731.60 of the Revised Code. Such application to the board shall be accompanied by an application fee of three hundred dollars.

Sec. 4731.572. (A) The state medical board may issue, without examination, a visiting podiatric faculty certificate to any person who holds a current, unrestricted license to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY issued by another state or country and has been appointed to serve in this state on the academic staff of an approved college of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY in good standing, as determined by the board.

(B) An applicant for a visiting podiatric faculty certificate shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he THE APPLICANT meets the requirements of division (A) of this section. The applicant shall pay a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold a visiting podiatric faculty certificate.

(C) The holder of a visiting podiatric faculty certificate may practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY only as is incidental to his THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER'S teaching duties at the college or the teaching hospitals affiliated with the college. The board may revoke a certificate on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the holder of the certificate has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the certificate or that there are grounds for action against him THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(D) A visiting podiatric faculty certificate is valid for the shorter of one year or the duration of the holder's appointment to the academic staff of the college. The certificate may not be renewed.

Sec. 4731.60. No person shall practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY without a certificate from the state medical board; no person shall advertise or announce himself as a practitioner of podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY without a certificate from the board; no person shall open or conduct an office or other place for such practice without a certificate from the board; no person shall conduct an office in the name of some person who has a certificate to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY; and no person shall practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY after a certificate has been revoked, or if suspended, during the time of such suspension.

A certificate signed by the secretary to which is affixed the official seal of the board to the effect that it appears from the records of the board that no such certificate to practice podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY, in the state has been issued to any such person specified therein, or that a certificate, if issued, has been revoked or suspended, shall be received as prima-facie evidence of the record of such board in any court or before any officer of this state.

Sec. 4731.66. (A) Except as provided in sections 4731.67 and 4731.68 of the Revised Code, no holder of a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY shall refer a patient to a person for a designated health service if the certificate holder, or a member of the certificate holder's immediate family, has either of the following financial relationships with the person:

(1) An ownership or investment interest in the person whether through debt, equity, or other means;

(2) Any compensation arrangement involving any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind.

(B) No person to which a certificate holder has referred a patient in violation of division (A) of this section shall bill the patient, any third-party payer, any governmental health care program, or any other person or governmental entity for the designated health service rendered pursuant to the referral.

(C) No person shall knowingly enter into an arrangement or scheme, including a cross-referral arrangement, that has a principal purpose of assuring referrals by a certificate holder to a particular person that, if the certificate holder directly made referrals to such person, would violate division (A) of this section.

Sec. 4731.85. The department of health shall establish a procedure to provide special recognition annually to one or more persons issued a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry PODIATRIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY who volunteer medical services to medically underserved areas of this state or to charitable shelters or clinics. Any person may nominate a certificate holder for consideration by the department. The department shall annually submit to newspapers of general circulation and other publications selected by the department a request for nominations. The request shall describe the required form and content of nominations and indicate a deadline for submitting nominations.

The department may adopt criteria and guidelines for selecting nominees for recognition. The department shall publicize the names, professional accomplishments, and service contributions of the certificate holders that it recognizes under this section. The department may purchase recognition awards and take other actions to honor such volunteers.

Sec. 4755.40. As used in sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 and 4755.99 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Physical therapy" means the evaluation and treatment of a person by physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating any disability. If performed by a person who is adequately trained, physical therapy includes the design, fabrication, revision, education, and instruction in the use of various assistive devices including braces, splints, ambulatory or locomotion devices, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthotics. PHYSICAL THERAPY INCLUDES THE ADMINISTRATION OF TOPICAL DRUGS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE DRUGS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4729.01 of the Revised Code. Physical therapy also includes the establishment and modification of physical therapy programs, treatment planning, instruction, and consultative services. Physical measures include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment. Physical therapy does not include the diagnosis of a patient's disability, the use of Roentgen rays or radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or the use of electricity for cauterization or other surgical purposes. Physical therapy includes physiotherapy.

(B) "Physical therapist" means a person who practices or teaches physical therapy and includes physiotherapist.

(C) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who assists in the provision of physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist, or teaches physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist, and includes physical therapy assistant.

(D) "Supervision" means the availability and responsibility of the supervisor for direction of the actions of the person supervised.

Sec. 4755.60. As used in sections 4755.60 to 4755.65 and 4755.99 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Athletic training" means the practice of prevention, recognition, and assessment of an athletic injury and the complete management, treatment, disposition, and reconditioning of acute athletic injuries upon the referral of an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatry, a dentist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code, a physical therapist licensed under this chapter, or a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code. ATHLETIC TRAINING INCLUDES THE ADMINISTRATION OF TOPICAL DRUGS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE DRUGS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4729.01 of the Revised Code. Athletic training also includes the organization and administration of educational programs and athletic facilities, and the education of and consulting with the public as it pertains to athletic training.

(B) "Athletic trainer" means a person who meets the qualifications of this chapter for licensure and who is employed by an educational institution, professional or amateur organization, athletic facility, or health care facility to practice athletic training.

(C) "The national athletic trainers association, inc." means the national professional organization of athletic trainers that provides direction and leadership for quality athletic training practice, education, and research.

(D) "Athletic injury" means any injury sustained by an individual that affects the individual's participation or performance in sports, games, recreation, exercise, or other activity that requires physical strength, agility, flexibility, speed, stamina, or range of motion.