To amend sections 4731.051, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, 4731.35, 4760.131, and 4762.131 and to enact sections 4746.01, 4746.02, 4746.03, 4746.031, 4746.04 to 4746.06, 4746.08, 4746.09, 4746.11, 4746.13, 4746.131, 4746.132, 4746.14 to 4746.18, 4746.20, 4746.21, and 4746.99 of the Revised Code to regulate the practice of surgical technology.

Section 1. That sections 4731.051, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, 4731.35, 4760.131, and 4762.131 be amended and sections 4746.01, 4746.02, 4746.03, 4746.031, 4746.04, 4746.05, 4746.06, 4746.08, 4746.09, 4746.11, 4746.13, 4746.131, 4746.132, 4746.14, 4746.15, 4746.16, 4746.17, 4746.18, 4746.20, 4746.21, and 4746.99 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 4731.051.  The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing universal blood and body fluid precautions that shall be used by each person who performs exposure prone invasive procedures and is authorized to practice by this chapter or Chapter 4730., 4746., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall define and establish requirements for universal blood and body fluid precautions that include the following:

(A) Appropriate use of hand washing;

(B) Disinfection and sterilization of equipment;

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

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

Sec. 4731.07.  The state medical board shall keep a record of its proceedings. It shall also keep a register of applicants for certificates of registration and certificates to practice issued under this chapter and Chapters 4730., 4746., 4760., and 4762. of the Revised Code. The register shall show the name of the applicant and whether the applicant was granted or refused a certificate. With respect to applicants to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, the register shall show the name of the institution that granted the applicant the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine. The books and records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of matters therein contained.

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, podiatric medicine and surgery, or a limited branch of medicine; or in securing or attempting to secure any certificate to practice or certificate of registration issued by the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(38) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 2317.561 of the Revised Code;

(39) Failure to supervise a surgical technologist in accordance with the board's rules for supervision of surgical technologists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The disposition of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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., 4746., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code, or any rule of the board has occurred, the individual, association, or society shall report to the board the information upon which the belief is based. This division does not require any treatment provider approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code or any employee, agent, or representative of such a provider to make reports with respect to an impaired practitioner participating in treatment or aftercare for substance abuse as long as the practitioner maintains participation in accordance with the requirements of section 4731.25 of the Revised Code, and as long as the treatment provider or employee, agent, or representative of the provider has no reason to believe that the practitioner has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it, other than the provisions of division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code. This division does not require reporting by any member of an impaired practitioner committee established by a health care facility or by any representative or agent of a committee or program sponsored by a professional association or society of individuals authorized to practice under this chapter to provide peer assistance to practitioners with substance abuse problems with respect to a practitioner who has been referred for examination to a treatment program approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code if the practitioner cooperates with the referral for examination and with any determination that the practitioner should enter treatment and as long as the committee member, representative, or agent has no reason to believe that the practitioner has ceased to participate in the treatment program in accordance with section 4731.25 of the Revised Code or has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under it, other than the provisions of division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The date of final disposition;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.24.  Except as provided in sections 4731.281 and 4731.40 of the Revised Code, all receipts of the state medical board, from any source, shall be deposited in the state treasury. Until July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. On and after July 1, 1998, the funds shall be deposited to the credit of the state medical board operating fund, which is hereby created on July 1, 1998. All funds deposited into the state treasury under this section shall be used solely for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapters 4730., 4746., 4760., and 4762. of the Revised Code by the board.

Sec. 4731.25.  The state medical board, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall adopt and may amend and rescind rules establishing standards for approval of physicians and facilities as treatment providers for impaired practitioners who are regulated under this chapter or Chapter 4730., 4746., 4760., or 4762. of the Revised Code. The rules shall include standards for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. The rules shall provide that in order to be approved, a treatment provider must have the capability of making an initial examination to determine what type of treatment an impaired practitioner requires. Subject to the rules, the board shall review and approve treatment providers on a regular basis. The board, at its discretion, may withdraw or deny approval subject to the rules.

An approved impaired practitioner treatment provider shall:

(A) Report to the board the name of any practitioner suffering or showing evidence of suffering impairment as described in division (B)(5) of section 4730.25 of the Revised Code, division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, division (B)(6) of section 4746.13 of the Revised Code, division (B)(6) of section 4760.13 of the Revised Code, or division (B)(6) of section 4762.13 of the Revised Code who fails to comply within one week with a referral for examination;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.35.  (A) This chapter does not apply to or prohibit in any way the administration of anesthesia by a certified registered nurse anesthetist under the direction of and in the immediate presence of 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 do either of the following:

(1) Prohibit an individual from practicing as an anesthesiologist assistant in accordance with Chapter 4760. of the Revised Code.

(2) Prohibit an individual from practicing as a surgical technologist in accordance with Chapter 4746. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.01. As used in this chapter:

"Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

"Surgical technologist" means an individual who engages in the practice of surgical technology by engaging in any of the activities authorized under section 4746.08 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.02. (A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall practice as a surgical technologist unless the person holds a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter.

(2) No person without a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter shall use the title "surgical technologist" or otherwise hold the person out as a surgical technologist, including the use of any sign, advertisement, card, letterhead, circular, or other writing, document, or design, the evident purpose of which is to induce others to believe the person is authorized to practice as a surgical technologist.

(B) Division (A)(1) of this section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A student participating in a surgical technology educational program accredited by the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the commission;

(2) A person who otherwise holds professional authority granted pursuant to the Revised Code to perform any of the activities that a surgical technologist is authorized to perform;

(3) A person who practices as a surgical technologist pursuant to the person's employment with the federal government.

(C) A person who meets any of the following requirements may practice as a surgical technologist until five years after the effective date of this section without a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter:

(1) The person graduated before the effective date of this section from an educational program for surgical technologists accredited by the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs.

(2) The person graduated from an educational program for surgical technology operated by the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard or the United States public health service.

(3) The person was employed as a surgical technologist in a health care facility located in this state for at least eighteen months during the three-year period before the effective date of this section.

(D) A person who graduates on or after the effective date of this section from an educational program for surgical technology accredited by the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the commission may practice as a surgical technologist for not more than three months without a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter.

(E) A person who meets both of the following requirements may perform the tasks specified in division (C) of section 4746.08 of the Revised Code without a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter:

(1) The person is a graduate of a surgical assistant program accredited by the commission of accreditation of allied health education programs or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the commission of accreditation of allied health education programs.

(2) The person is certified as a first assistant by the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting.

Sec. 4746.03. (A) An individual seeking a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist shall file with the state medical board a written application on a form prescribed and supplied by the board. The application shall include all the information the board considers necessary to process the application, including evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant meets the requirements specified in division (B) of this section.

At the time an application is submitted, the applicant shall pay the board the application fee specified by the board in rules adopted under section 4746.11 of the Revised Code. No part of the fee shall be returned.

(B) To be eligible to receive a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist, an applicant shall meet both of the following requirements:

(1) Be at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character;

(2) Hold current certification as a surgical technologist from the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting.

(C) The board shall review all applications received under this section. Not later than sixty days after receiving a complete application, the board shall determine whether an applicant meets the requirements to receive a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist. The affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board is required to determine that an applicant meets the requirements for a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist.

Sec. 4746.031. In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state medical board shall not grant to an applicant a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4746.04 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.04. If the state medical board determines under section 4746.03 of the Revised Code that an applicant meets the requirements for a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist, the secretary of the board shall register the applicant as a surgical technologist and issue to the applicant a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist. The certificate shall expire biennially and may be renewed in accordance with section 4746.06 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.05. On application by the holder of a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist, the state medical board shall issue a duplicate certificate to replace one that is missing or damaged, to reflect a name change, or for any other reasonable cause. The fee for a duplicate certificate is thirty-five dollars.

Sec. 4746.06. (A) A person seeking to renew a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist shall, on or before the thirty-first day of January of each even-numbered year, apply for renewal of the certificate. The state medical board shall send renewal notices at least one month prior to the expiration date.

Renewal applications shall be submitted to the board in a manner prescribed by the board. Each application shall be accompanied by a biennial renewal fee specified by the board in rules adopted under section 4746.11 of the Revised Code.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds for refusing to issue a certificate under section 4746.13 of the Revised Code to which the applicant has pleaded guilty, of which the applicant has been found guilty, or for which the applicant has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction, since last signing an application for a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist.

(B) To be eligible for renewal, a surgical technologist shall certify both of the following to the board:

(1) That the surgical technologist, during the period the surgical technologists' current certificate to practice was in effect, completed not less than the following number of hours of continuing education units approved by the association of surgical technologists or the entity recognized by the board as the successor to the association of surgical technologists;

(a) Unless the surgical technologist's current certificate to practice was in effect for less than two years because it was issued after the beginning of the biennial period for which it was issued, thirty;

(b) If the surgical technologist's current certificate to practice was in effect for less than two years because it was issued after the beginning of the biennial period for which it was issued, a prorated number of hours as the board determines.

(2) That the surgical technologist has maintained certification from the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting.

(C) If an applicant submits a complete renewal application and qualifies for renewal pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall issue to the applicant a renewed certificate to practice as a surgical technologist.

(D) A certificate to practice that is not renewed on or before its expiration date is automatically suspended on its expiration date. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for two years or less, the board shall reinstate the certificate upon an applicant's submission of a renewal application, the biennial renewal fee, and the applicable monetary penalty. The penalty for reinstatement is twenty-five dollars. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for more than two years, it may be restored upon an applicant's submission of a restoration application, the biennial renewal fee, and the applicable monetary penalty and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a certificate unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4746.04 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration is fifty dollars.

Sec. 4746.08. A person holding a current, valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter, acting at the express instruction of an operating physician or in anticipation of the operating physician's need, may do the following as part of intraoperative surgical patient care:

(A) Prepare the operating room, including the sterile field, for surgical procedures by doing both of the following:

(1) Insuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely;

(2) Sterilizing supplies, equipment, and instruments by using sterile technique.

(B) Under the supervision of an operating physician, perform the following tasks within the sterile field:

(1) Pass and retrieve supplies, equipment, and instruments as appropriate;

(2) Sponge, suction, or both the operative site of the patient;

(3) Prepare and cut suture materials;

(4) Transfer and irrigate with fluids;

(5) Transfer, but not administer, drugs;

(6) Hold retractors;

(7) Assist in counting sponges, needles, and other supplies and instruments;

(8) Handle specimens;

(9) Perform other related or similar tasks as the operating physician directs.

(C) If the surgical technologist is certified as a first assistant by the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting, perform the following tasks under the supervision of an operating physician:

(1) Assist the operating physician with exposure and hemostasis;

(2) Position a patient;

(3) Close wounds in skin, subcutaneous, and fascial tissues by suture or other means specified by the state medical board in rules adopted under section 4746.11 of the Revised Code;

(4) Apply dressings to wounds;

(5) Other tasks specified by the state medical board in rules adopted under section 4746.11 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.09. At all times when an individual who is a surgical technologist is providing direct patient care, the individual shall display in an appropriate manner the title "surgical technologist" as a means of identifying the individual's authority to practice under this chapter.

In the case of an individual who is a student participating in a surgical technology educational program accredited by the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the commission, when the individual is providing direct patient care or is otherwise involved with direct patient care under the program, the individual shall display in an appropriate manner the title "student surgical technologist" or another appropriate designation as a means of identifying the individual as a student participating in the program.

Sec. 4746.11. (A) The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement and administer this chapter.

(B) The rules adopted under this section shall include all of the following:

(1) Standards and procedures for issuing and renewing certificates to practice as a surgical technologist;

(2) Application fees for an initial or renewed certificate to practice;

(3) For the purpose of section 4746.08 of the Revised Code, both of the following:

(a) Additional means by which a surgical technologist who is certified as a first assistant may close wounds in skin, subcutaneous, and fascial tissues;

(b) Other tasks such a surgical technologist may perform.

(4) Any other standards and procedures the board considers necessary to govern the practice of surgical technology, the supervisory relationship between surgical technologists and supervising operating physicians, and the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

Sec. 4746.13. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist to an individual found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.

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

(1) Permitting the holder's name or certificate to be used by another person;

(2) Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or any rules adopted by the board;

(3) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or the rules adopted by the board;

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

(5) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills;

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

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist.

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

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

(10) 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;

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

(12) 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;

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

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

(16) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for violating any state or federal law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug, including trafficking in drugs;

(17) Any of the following actions taken by the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of surgical technologists 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;

(18) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist;

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

(20) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4746.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(21) Failure to maintain certification from the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or the entity recognized by the state medical board as the successor of the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting, including the revocation or suspension of the certification, or failure to notify the state medical board that the certification has not been maintained.

(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 a surgical technologist or applicant to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.

(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(11), (14), and (15) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal on technical or procedural grounds.

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

(F) For purposes of this division, any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter, or applies for a certificate to practice, shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.

(1) In enforcing division (B)(5) of this section, the board, on a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate to practice to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. A physical examination may include an HIV test. 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 a surgical technologist unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the surgical technologist to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate to practice. An individual affected by this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.

(2) For purposes of division (B)(6) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate 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 qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.

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

Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the surgical technologist shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The demonstration shall include the following:

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

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

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

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

When the impaired surgical technologist resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the surgical technologist. The monitoring shall include monitoring of compliance with the written consent agreement entered into before reinstatement or with conditions imposed by board order after a hearing, and, on termination of the consent agreement, submission to the board for at least two years of annual written progress reports made under penalty of falsification stating whether the surgical technologist has maintained sobriety.

(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a surgical technologist 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, on review of the allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.

The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the surgical technologist 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 surgical technologist requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the certificate holder.

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

(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(10), (12), (13), or (16) 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, on exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. On receipt of a petition and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the certificate to practice as a surgical technologist. The board may then hold an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual committed the act in question. Notice of opportunity for hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act, or if no hearing is requested, it may order any of the sanctions specified in division (B) of this section.

(I) The certificate to practice of a surgical technologist and the surgical technologist's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the surgical technologist 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 of intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after the suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.

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

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

(K) Any action taken by the board under division (B) of this section resulting in a suspension shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the surgical technologist's certificate may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

(L) When the board refuses to grant a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist to an applicant, revokes an individual's certificate, refuses to renew a certificate, or refuses to reinstate an individual's certificate, 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 as a surgical technologist 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 to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

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

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate to practice in accordance with section 4746.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

Sec. 4746.131. On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter.

Sec. 4746.132. If the state medical board has reason to believe that any person who has been granted a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist under this chapter is mentally ill or mentally incompetent, it may file in the probate court of the county in which the person has a legal residence an affidavit in the form prescribed in section 5122.11 of the Revised Code and signed by the board secretary or a member of the board secretary's staff, whereupon the same proceedings shall be had as provided in Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code. The attorney general may represent the board in any proceeding commenced under this section.

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

Sec. 4746.14. (A) The state medical board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that any person has violated this chapter or the rules adopted under it. Any person may report to the board in a signed writing any information the person has that appears to show a violation of any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it. In the absence of bad faith, a person who reports such information or testifies before the board in an adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of reporting the information or providing testimony. Each complaint or allegation of a violation received by the board shall be assigned a case number and be recorded by the board.

(B) Investigations of alleged violations of this chapter or rules adopted under it shall be supervised by the supervising member elected by the board in accordance with section 4731.02 of the Revised Code and by the secretary as provided in section 4746.17 of the Revised Code. The board's president may designate another member of the board to supervise the investigation in place of the supervising member. A member of the board who supervises the investigation of a case shall not participate in further adjudication of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The board shall conduct all investigations and proceedings in a manner that protects the confidentiality of patients and persons who file complaints with the board. The board shall not make public the names or any other identifying information about patients or complainants unless proper consent is given.

The board may share any information it receives pursuant to an investigation, including patient records and patient record information, with 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.

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The disposition of the case.

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

Sec. 4746.15. (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist issued under this chapter pleads guilty to, is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a violation of Chapter 2907., 2925., or 3719. of the Revised Code or of any substantively comparable ordinance of a municipal corporation in connection with the person's practice, the prosecutor in the case, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall promptly notify the board of the conviction. Within thirty days of receipt of that information, the board shall initiate action in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether to suspend or revoke the certificate under section 4746.13 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4746.16. (A) Within sixty days after the imposition of any formal disciplinary action taken by any health care facility, including a hospital, health care facility operated by a health insuring corporation, ambulatory surgical facility, or similar facility, against any individual holding a valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist, 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. On request, the board shall be provided certified copies of the patient records that were the basis for the facility's action. Prior to release to the board, the summary shall be approved by the peer review committee that reviewed the case or by the governing board of the facility.

The filing of a report with the board or decision not to file a report, investigation by the board, or any disciplinary action taken by the board, does not preclude a health care facility from taking disciplinary action against a surgical technologist.

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) A surgical technologist, professional association or society of surgical technologists, physician, or professional association or society of physicians that believes a violation of any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or rule of the board has occurred shall report to the board the information on 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 a surgical technologist participating in treatment or aftercare for substance abuse as long as the surgical technologist maintains participation in accordance with the requirements of section 4731.25 of the Revised Code and the treatment provider or employee, agent, or representative of the provider has no reason to believe that the surgical technologist has violated any provision of this chapter or rule adopted under it, other than being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. This division does not require reporting by any member of an impaired practitioner committee established by a health care facility or by any representative or agent of a committee or program sponsored by a professional association or society of surgical technologists to provide peer assistance to surgical technologists with substance abuse problems with respect to a surgical technologist who has been referred for examination to a treatment program approved by the board under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code if the surgical technologist cooperates with the referral for examination and with any determination that the surgical technologist should enter treatment and as long as the committee member, representative, or agent has no reason to believe that the surgical technologist has ceased to participate in the treatment program in accordance with section 4731.25 of the Revised Code or has violated any provision of this chapter or rule adopted under it, other than being impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

(C) Any professional association or society composed primarily of surgical technologists 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 a surgical technologist.

(D) Any insurer providing professional liability insurance to any person holding a valid certificate to practice as a surgical technologist or any other entity that seeks to indemnify the professional liability of a surgical technologist shall notify the board within thirty days after the final disposition of any written claim for damages where such disposition results in a payment exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars. The notice shall contain the following information:

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

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

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

(4) The date of final disposition;

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

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

(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 surgical technologist, supervising physician, or health care facility arising out of matters that are the subject of the reporting required by this section. The board may use the information obtained only as the basis for an investigation, as evidence in a disciplinary hearing against a surgical technologist or supervising operating physician, or in any subsequent trial or appeal of a board action or order.

The board may disclose the summaries and reports it receives under this section only to health care facility committees within or outside this state that are involved in credentialing or recredentialing a surgical technologist or supervising operating physician or reviewing their privilege to practice within a particular facility. The board shall indicate whether or not the information has been verified. Information transmitted by the board shall be subject to the same confidentiality provisions as when maintained by the board.

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

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

(I) In the absence of fraud or bad faith, a professional association or society of surgical technologists that sponsors a committee or program to provide peer assistance to a surgical technologist with substance abuse problems, a representative or agent of such a committee or program, and a member of the state medical board shall not be held liable in damages to any person by reason of actions taken to refer a surgical technologist to a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code for examination or treatment.

Sec. 4746.17. The secretary of the state medical board shall enforce the laws relating to the practice of surgical technology. If the secretary has knowledge or notice of a violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, the secretary shall investigate the matter, and, upon probable cause appearing, file a complaint and prosecute the offender. When requested by the secretary, the prosecuting attorney of the proper county shall take charge of and conduct the prosecution.

Sec. 4746.18. The attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of any county in which the offense was committed or the offender resides, the state medical board, or any other person having knowledge of a person engaged either directly or by complicity in practicing as a surgical technologist without having first obtained under this chapter a certificate to practice as a surgical technologist, may, in accordance 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 unlawfully practicing as a surgical technologist by applying for an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Prior to application for an injunction, the secretary of the state medical board shall notify the person allegedly engaged either directly or by complicity in the unlawful practice by registered mail that the secretary has received information indicating that this person is so engaged. The person shall answer the secretary within thirty days showing that the person is either properly licensed for the stated activity or that the person is not in violation of this chapter. If the answer is not forthcoming within thirty days after notice by the secretary, the secretary shall request that the attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the offense was committed or the offender resides, or the state medical board proceed as authorized in this section.

Upon the filing of a verified petition in court, the court shall conduct a hearing on the petition and shall give the same preference to this proceeding as is given all proceedings under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, irrespective of the position of the proceeding on the calendar of the court.

Injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this chapter.

Sec. 4746.20. The state medical board, subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish fees in excess of the amounts specified in this chapter, except that the fees may not exceed the specified amounts by more than fifty per cent.

All fees, penalties, and other funds received by the board under this chapter shall be deposited in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4746.21. In the absence of fraud or bad faith, the state medical board, a current or former board member, an agent of the board, a person formally requested by the board to be the board's representative, or an employee of the board shall not be held liable in damages to any person as the result of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct, or decision related to official duties undertaken or performed pursuant to this chapter. If any such person asks to be defended by the state against any claim or action arising out of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct, or decision related to the person's official duties, and if the request is made in writing at a reasonable time before trial and the person requesting defense cooperates in good faith in the defense of the claim or action, the state shall provide and pay for the person's defense and shall pay any resulting judgment, compromise, or settlement. At no time shall the state pay any part of a claim or judgment that is for punitive or exemplary damages.

Sec. 4746.99. (A) Whoever violates division (A)(1) or (2) of section 4746.02 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense; on each subsequent offense, the person is guilty of a felony of the fourth degree.

(B) Whoever violates division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of section 4746.16 of the Revised Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on each subsequent offense the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, except that an individual guilty of a subsequent offense shall not be subject to imprisonment, but to a fine alone of up to one thousand dollars for each offense.

Sec. 4760.131.  On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 2301.373 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall comply with that section sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate of registration issued pursuant to this chapter.

Sec. 4762.131.  On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 2301.373 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall comply with that section sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate of registration issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 2. That existing sections 4731.051, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, 4731.35, 4760.131, and 4762.131 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Not later than six months after the effective date of this act, the State Medical Board shall do both of the following:

(A) Adopt all rules necessary to implement Chapter 4746. of the Revised Code, as enacted by this act;

(B) Implement all procedures necessary to accept applications from individuals seeking to obtain certificates to practice as radiologist assistants, process the applications, and issue the certificates.

Section 4. Sections 4746.02 and 4746.16 of the Revised Code, as enacted by this act, shall take effect one year after the effective date of this section.