130th Ohio General Assembly
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Am. Sub. H. B. No. 292  As Passed by the Senate
As Passed by the Senate

129th General Assembly
Regular Session
2011-2012
Am. Sub. H. B. No. 292


Representative Gonzales 

Cosponsors: Representatives Grossman, Stebelton, Reece, Dovilla, Gardner, Baker, Wachtmann, Fende, Antonio, Carney, Celeste, Duffey, Garland, Yuko, Beck, Blair, Boyd, Cera, Combs, Conditt, Damschroder, DeVitis, Hackett, Johnson, Maag, Milkovich, Pelanda, Ruhl, Sears, Slaby, Stinziano, Weddington, Winburn 

Senators Jones, Tavares, Brown, Hite, Hughes, Kearney, Lehner, Manning, Niehaus, Oelslager, Sawyer 



A BILL
To amend sections 4731.07, 4731.19, 4731.22, 4731.222, 4731.224, 4731.24, and 4731.25 and to enact sections 4731.297, 4778.01, 4778.02, 4778.03, 4778.04, 4778.05, 4778.06, 4778.07, 4778.08, 4778.09, 4778.10, 4778.11, 4778.12, 4778.14, 4778.15, 4778.16, 4778.18, 4778.19, 4778.20, 4778.21, 4778.22, 4778.24, and 4778.99 of the Revised Code to establish licensure requirements for genetic counselors, to modify certain laws governing the State Medical Board, and to create a visiting clinical professional development certificate for certain physicians who are not licensed in Ohio.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That sections 4731.07, 4731.19, 4731.22, 4731.222, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, and 4731.293 be amended and sections 4731.297, 4778.01, 4778.02, 4778.03, 4778.04, 4778.05, 4778.06, 4778.07, 4778.08, 4778.09, 4778.10, 4778.11, 4778.12, 4778.14, 4778.15, 4778.16, 4778.18, 4778.19, 4778.20, 4778.21, 4778.22, 4778.24, and 4778.99 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
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., 4760., 4762., and 4774. of the Revised Code and licenses issued under Chapter 4778. of the Revised Code. The register shall show the name of the applicant and whether the applicant was granted or refused a certificate or license. 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. 4731.19. (A) A person seeking a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine shall file with the state medical board an application in a manner prescribed by the board. The application shall include or be accompanied by evidence of all of the following:
(1) That Evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character;
(2) That Evidence that the applicant has attained high school graduation or its equivalent;
(3) That Evidence that the applicant holds one of the following:
(a) A diploma or certificate from a school, college, or institution in good standing as determined by the board, showing the completion of the required courses of instruction;
(b) A diploma or certificate from a school, college, or institution in another state or jurisdiction showing completion of a course of instruction that meets course requirements determined by the board through rules adopted under section 4731.05 of the Revised Code;
(c) For not less than five years preceding application, a current license, registration, or certificate in good standing in another state for massage therapy or cosmetic therapy.
(4) Evidence that the applicant has successfully passed an examination, prescribed in rules described in section 4731.16 of the Revised Code, to determine competency to practice the applicable limited branch of medicine;
(5) An affidavit signed by the applicant attesting to the accuracy and truthfulness of information submitted under this section and consenting to release of information;
(6) Any other information the board requires.
(B) An applicant for a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine shall comply with the requirements of section 4731.171 of the Revised Code.
(C) At the time of making application for a certificate to practice a limited branch of medicine, the applicant shall pay to the board a fee of one hundred fifty dollars, no part of which shall be returned. No application shall be considered filed until the board receives the appropriate fee.
(D) The board may investigate the application materials received under this section and contact any agency or organization for recommendations or other information about the applicant.
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 an agency responsible for authorizing, certifying, or regulating an individual to practice a health care occupation or provide health care services in this state or 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 radiologist assistant in accordance with Chapter 4774. of the Revised Code and the board's rules for supervision of radiologist assistants;
(40) Performing or inducing an abortion at an office or facility with knowledge that the office or facility fails to post the notice required under section 3701.791 of the Revised Code;
(41) Failure to comply with the standards and procedures established in rules under section 4731.054 of the Revised Code for the operation of or the provision of care at a pain management clinic;
(42) Failure to comply with the standards and procedures established in rules under section 4731.054 of the Revised Code for providing supervision, direction, and control of individuals at a pain management clinic;
(43) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4729.79 of the Revised Code, unless the state board of pharmacy no longer maintains a drug database pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code;
(41)(44) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 2919.171 of the Revised Code or failure to submit to the department of health in accordance with a court order a complete report as described in section 2919.171 of the Revised Code;
(45) Failure to supervise a genetic counselor holding a supervised practice license in accordance with Chapter 4778. of the Revised Code and the board's rules for supervision of the genetic counselor;
(46) Failure to fulfill the responsibilities of collaboration after entering into a collaborative agreement with a genetic counselor under division (B) of section 4778.11 of the Revised Code or failure to comply with the board's rules regarding such agreements.
(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.
A telephone conference call may be utilized for ratification of a consent agreement that revokes or suspends an individual's certificate to practice. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code.
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, inspect and copy any books, accounts, papers, records, or documents, 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 under section 119.094 of the Revised Code.
(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 both of the following, they may recommend that the board suspend an individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing:
(1) That there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual has violated division (B) of this section;
(2) That the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public.
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. A telephone conference call may be utilized for acceptance of the surrender of an individual's certificate to practice. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code. 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. 4731.222.  Before restoring to good standing (A) This section applies to both of the following:
(1) An applicant seeking restoration of a certificate issued under this chapter that has been in a suspended or inactive state for any cause for more than two years, or before issuing;
(2) An applicant seeking issuance of a certificate pursuant to section 4731.29, 4731.295, 4731.57, or 4731.571 of the Revised Code to an applicant who for more than two years has not been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, or a limited branch of medicine as an any of the following:
(a) An active practitioner, as a;
(b) A participant in a program of graduate medical education, as defined in section 4731.091 of the Revised Code, as a;
(c) A student in a college of podiatry determined by the state medical board to be in good standing, or as a;
(d) A student in a school, college, or institution giving instruction in a limited branch of medicine determined by the board to be in good standing under section 4731.19 4731.16 of the Revised Code, the state medical board may require the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine the applicant's present fitness to resume practice.
The authority of (B) Before restoring a certificate to good standing for or issuing a certificate to an applicant subject to this section, the state medical board to may impose terms and conditions includes including the following:
(A)(1) Requiring the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine the applicant's present fitness to resume practice;
(2) Requiring the applicant to obtain additional training and to pass an examination upon completion of such training;
(B)(3) Restricting or limiting the extent, scope, or type of practice of the applicant.
The board shall consider the moral background and the activities of the applicant during the period of suspension or inactivity, in accordance with section 4731.08 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a certificate under this section unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4731.224.  (A) Within sixty days after the imposition of any formal disciplinary action taken by any health care facility, including a hospital, health care facility operated by a health insuring corporation, ambulatory surgical center, or similar facility, against any individual holding a valid certificate to practice issued pursuant to this chapter, the chief administrator or executive officer of the facility shall report to the state medical board the name of the individual, the action taken by the facility, and a summary of the underlying facts leading to the action taken. Upon request, the board shall be provided certified copies of the patient records that were the basis for the facility's action. Prior to release to the board, the summary shall be approved by the peer review committee that reviewed the case or by the governing board of the facility. As used in this division, "formal disciplinary action" means any action resulting in the revocation, restriction, reduction, or termination of clinical privileges for violations of professional ethics, or for reasons of medical incompetence, medical malpractice, or drug or alcohol abuse. "Formal disciplinary action" includes a summary action, an action that takes effect notwithstanding any appeal rights that may exist, and an action that results in an individual surrendering clinical privileges while under investigation and during proceedings regarding the action being taken or in return for not being investigated or having proceedings held. "Formal disciplinary action" does not include any action taken for the sole reason of failure to maintain records on a timely basis or failure to attend staff or section meetings.
The filing or nonfiling of a report with the board, investigation by the board, or any disciplinary action taken by the board, shall not preclude any action by a health care facility to suspend, restrict, or revoke the individual's clinical privileges.
In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no individual or entity that provides patient records to the board shall be liable in damages to any person as a result of providing the records.
(B) If any individual authorized to practice under this chapter or any professional association or society of such individuals believes that a violation of any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4730., 4760., 4762., or 4774., or 4778. 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., 4760., 4762., and 4774., and 4778. 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., 4760., 4762., or 4774., or 4778. of the Revised Code. The rules shall include standards for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. The rules shall provide that in order to be approved, a treatment provider must have the capability of making an initial examination to determine what type of treatment an impaired practitioner requires. Subject to the rules, the board shall review and approve treatment providers on a regular basis. The board, at its discretion, may withdraw or deny approval subject to the rules.
An approved impaired practitioner treatment provider shall:
(A) Report to the board the name of any practitioner suffering or showing evidence of suffering impairment as described in division (B)(5) of section 4730.25 of the Revised Code, division (B)(26) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, division (B)(6) of section 4760.13 of the Revised Code, division (B)(6) of section 4762.13 of the Revised Code, or division (B)(6) of section 4774.13 of the Revised Code, or division (B)(6) of section 4778.14 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. 4731.293.  (A) The state medical board may issue, without examination, a visiting medical clinical research faculty certificate to any person who applies for the certificate and provides to the board all of the following:
(1) Evidence satisfactory to the board of all of the following:
(a) That the applicant holds a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued by another state or country and;
(b) That the applicant has been appointed to serve in this state on the academic staff of a medical school accredited by the liaison committee on medical education or an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American osteopathic association;
(c) That the applicant is an international medical graduate who holds a medical degree from an educational institution listed in the international medical education directory.
(2) An affidavit and supporting documentation from the dean of the medical school or the department director or chairperson of a teaching hospital affiliated with the school that the applicant is qualified to perform teaching and research activities and will be permitted to work only under the authority of the department director or chairperson of a teaching hospital affiliated with the medical school where the applicant's teaching and research activities will occur;
(3) A description from the medical school or teaching hospital of the scope of practice in which the applicant will be involved, including the types of teaching, research, and procedures in which the applicant will be engaged;
(4) A description from the medical school or teaching hospital of the type and amount of patient contact that will occur in connection with the applicant's teaching and research activities. Except as provided in division (E) of this section, the board shall not issue more than one visiting medical faculty certificate to any particular person.
(B) An applicant for a visiting medical an initial clinical research faculty certificate shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant meets the requirements of division (A) of this section. The applicant shall pay a fee of three hundred seventy-five dollars. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold a visiting medical faculty certificate.
(C) The holder of a visiting medical clinical research faculty certificate may practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery only as is incidental to the certificate holder's teaching or research duties at the medical school or the a teaching hospitals hospital affiliated with the school. The board may revoke a certificate on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the certificate holder of the certificate has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the certificate or that there are grounds for action against the certificate holder under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.
(D) A visiting medical clinical research faculty certificate is valid for the shorter of three years or the duration of, except that the certificate ceases to be valid if the holder's appointment to the academic staff of the school is no longer valid or the certificate is revoked pursuant to division (C) of this section. The certificate may not be renewed.
(E) If a person was granted a visiting medical faculty certificate before the effective date of this amendment, the person may apply for a second visiting medical faculty certificate, unless the person's first certificate was revoked. The board may issue the second certificate if the applicant complies with division (B) of this section (1) Three months before a clinical research faculty certificate expires, the board shall mail or cause to be mailed to the certificate holder a notice of renewal addressed to the certificate holder's last known address. Failure of a certificate holder to receive a notice of renewal from the board shall not excuse the certificate holder from the requirements contained in this section. The notice shall inform the certificate holder of the renewal procedure. The notice also shall inform the certificate holder of the reporting requirement established by division (H) of section 3701.79 of the Revised Code. At the discretion of the board, the information may be included on the application for renewal or on an accompanying page.
(2) A clinical research faculty certificate may be renewed for an additional three-year period. There is no limit on the number of times a certificate may be renewed. A person seeking renewal of a certificate shall apply to the board. The board shall provide the application for renewal in a form determined by the board.
(3) An applicant is eligible for renewal if the applicant does all of the following:
(a) Pays a renewal fee of three hundred seventy-five dollars;
(b) Reports any criminal offense 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 filing an application for a clinical research faculty certificate;
(c) Provides to the board an affidavit and supporting documentation from the dean of the medical school or the department director or chairperson of a teaching hospital affiliated with the school that the applicant is in compliance with the applicant's current clinical research faculty certificate;
(d) Provides evidence satisfactory to the board of all of the following:
(i) That the applicant continues to maintain a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued by another state or country;
(ii) That the applicant's initial appointment to serve in this state on the academic staff of a medical school is still valid or has been renewed;
(iii) That the applicant has completed one hundred fifty hours of continuing medical education that meet the requirements set forth in section 4731.281 of the Revised Code.
(4) Regardless of whether the certificate has expired, a person who was granted a visiting medical faculty certificate under this section as it existed immediately prior to the effective date of this amendment may apply for a clinical research faculty certificate as a renewal. The board may issue the clinical research faculty certificate if the applicant meets the requirements of division (E)(3) of this section. The board may not issue a clinical research faculty certificate if the visiting medical faculty certificate was revoked.
(F) The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold clinical research faculty certificates.
(G) The board may adopt any rules it considers necessary to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4731.297.  (A) The state medical board shall issue, without examination, to an applicant who meets the requirements of this section a visiting clinical professional development certificate authorizing the practice of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery as part of the applicant's participation in a clinical professional development program.
(B) To be eligible for a visiting clinical professional development certificate, an applicant shall provide to the board both of the following:
(1) Documentation satisfactory to the board of all of the following:
(a) Verification from the school or hospital conducting the program that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to support the applicant and any dependents based on the cost of living in the geographic area of the school or hospital conducting the program, including room, board, transportation, and related living expenses;
(b) Valid health and evacuation insurance for the duration of the applicant's stay in the United States;
(c) Professional liability insurance provided by the program or the school or hospital conducting the program for the duration of the applicant's participation in the program;
(d) Proficiency in spoken English as demonstrated by passing the examination described in section 4731.142 of the Revised Code;
(e) A description from the school or hospital conducting the program of the scope of medical or surgical activities permitted during the applicant's participation in the program that includes all of the following:
(i) The type of practice in which the applicant will be involved;
(ii) The type of patient contact that will occur;
(iii) The type of supervision the applicant will experience;
(iv) A list of procedures the applicant will learn;
(v) A list of any patient-based research projects in which the applicant will be involved;
(vi) Whether the applicant will act as a consultant to a person who holds a certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued under this chapter;
(vii) Any other details of the applicant's participation in the program.
(f) A statement from the school or hospital conducting the program regarding why the applicant needs advanced training and the benefits to the applicant's home country of the applicant receiving the training.
(2) Evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Has been accepted for participation in a clinical professional development program of a medical school or osteopathic medical school in this state that is accredited by the liaison committee on medical education or the American osteopathic association or of a teaching hospital affiliated with such a medical school;
(b) Is an international medical graduate who holds a medical degree from an educational institution listed in the international medical education directory;
(c) Has practiced medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery for at least five years after completing graduate medical education, including postgraduate residency and advanced training;
(d) Has credentials that are primary-source verified by the educational commission for foreign medical graduates or the federation credentials verification service;
(e) Holds a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued in another country;
(f) Agrees to comply with all state and federal laws regarding health, health care, and patient privacy;
(g) Agrees to return to the applicant's home state or country at the conclusion of the clinical professional development program.
(C) The applicant shall pay a fee of three hundred seventy-five dollars. The board shall maintain a register of all persons who hold visiting clinical professional development certificates.
(D) The holder of a visiting clinical professional development certificate may practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery only as part of the clinical professional development program in which the certificate holder participates. The certificate holder's practice must be under the direct supervision of a qualified faculty member of the medical school, osteopathic medical school, or teaching hospital conducting the program who holds a certificate to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery issued under this chapter.
The program in which the certificate holder participates shall ensure that the certificate holder does not do any of the following:
(1) Write orders or prescribe medication;
(2) Bill for services performed;
(3) Occupy a residency or fellowship position approved by the accreditation council for graduate medical education;
(4) Attempt to have participation in a clinical professional development program pursuant to this section counted toward meeting the graduate medical education requirements specified in section 4731.091 of the Revised Code.
(E) The board may revoke a certificate issued under this section on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the certificate holder has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the certificate or that there are grounds for action against the certificate holder under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.
(F) A visiting clinical professional development certificate is valid for the shorter of one year or the duration of the program in which the holder is participating. The certificate ceases to be valid if the holder resigns or is otherwise terminated from the program. The certificate may not be extended.
(G) The program in which a certificate holder participates shall obtain from each patient or patient's parent or legal guardian written consent to any medical or surgical procedure or course of procedures in which the certificate holder participates.
(H) The board may adopt any rules it considers necessary to implement this section. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.01.  As used in this chapter:
(A) "American board of genetic counseling" means the organization known by that name, its successor organization, or an equivalent organization recognized by the state medical board.
(B) "American board of medical genetics" means the organization known by that name, its successor organization, or an equivalent organization recognized by the state medical board.
(C) "Certified genetic counselor" means either of the following:
(1) An individual who possesses the certified genetic counselor credential from the American board of genetic counseling;
(2) An individual who is a diplomate of the American board of medical genetics.
(D) "Collaborating physician" means a physician who has entered into a collaborative agreement with a genetic counselor under division (B) of section 4778.11 of the Revised Code.
(E) "Collaborative agreement" means the document that is established under division (B) of section 4778.11 of the Revised Code by a genetic counselor and the genetic counselor's collaborating physician.
(F) "Genetic counselor" means an individual who engages in any of the activities authorized under section 4778.11 of the Revised Code.
(G) "National society of genetic counselors" means the organization known by that name, its successor organization, or an equivalent organization recognized by the state medical board.
(H) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.
Sec. 4778.02.  (A)(1) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person shall practice as a genetic counselor unless the person holds a current, valid license to practice as a genetic counselor issued under this chapter.
(2) No person shall use the title "genetic counselor," or otherwise hold the person out as a genetic counselor, unless the person holds a current, valid license to practice as a genetic counselor issued under this chapter.
(B) Division (A)(1) of this section does not apply to either of the following:
(1) A student performing an activity as part of a genetic counseling graduate program described in division (B)(2) of section 4778.03 of the Revised Code;
(2) A person who is authorized pursuant to another provision of the Revised Code to perform any of the activities that a genetic counselor is authorized to perform.
Sec. 4778.03.  (A) An individual seeking a license to practice as a genetic counselor shall file with the state medical board an application in a manner prescribed 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 an application fee of two hundred dollars. No part of the fee shall be returned to the applicant or transferred for purposes of another application.
(B) To be eligible to receive a license to practice as a genetic counselor, an applicant shall demonstrate to the board that the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Is at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character;
(2) Has attained a master's degree or higher degree from a genetic counseling graduate program accredited by the American board of genetic counseling, inc.;
(3) Is a certified genetic counselor;
(4) Has satisfied any other requirements established by the board in rules adopted under section 4778.12 of the Revised Code.
(C) The board shall review all applications received under this section. Not later than sixty days after receiving an application it considers complete, the board shall determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for a license to practice as a genetic counselor. The affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board is required to determine that the applicant meets the requirements for the license.
Sec. 4778.04.  In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for a license to practice as a genetic counselor shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state medical board shall not grant to an applicant a license to practice as a genetic counselor unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a license issued pursuant to section 4778.05 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.05.  If the state medical board determines under section 4778.03 of the Revised Code that an applicant meets the requirements for a license to practice as a genetic counselor, the secretary of the board shall issue the license to the applicant. The license shall expire biennially and may be renewed in accordance with section 4778.06 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.06. (A) An individual seeking to renew a license to practice as a genetic counselor shall, on or before the thirty-first day of January of each even-numbered year, apply for renewal of the license. 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 of one hundred fifty dollars.
The applicant shall report any criminal offense 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor.
(B) To be eligible for renewal, a genetic counselor shall certify to the board that the counselor has done both of the following:
(1) Maintained the counselor's status as a certified genetic counselor;
(2) Completed at least thirty hours of continuing education in genetic counseling that has been approved by the national society of genetic counselors or American board of genetic counseling.
(C) If an applicant submits a renewal application that the board considers to be complete and qualifies for renewal pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall issue to the applicant a renewed license to practice as a genetic counselor.
(D) The board may require a random sample of genetic counselors to submit materials documenting that their status as certified genetic counselors has been maintained and that the number of hours of continuing education required under division (B)(2) of this section has been completed.
If a genetic counselor certifies that the genetic counselor has completed the number of hours and type of continuing education required for renewal of a license, and the board finds through the random sample or any other means that the genetic counselor did not complete the requisite continuing education, the board may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars. The board's finding shall be made pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members. A civil penalty imposed under this division may be in addition to or in lieu of any other action the board may take under section 4778.14 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.07. (A) A license to practice as a genetic counselor issued under section 4778.05 of the Revised Code that is not renewed on or before its expiration date is automatically suspended on its expiration date. Continued practice after suspension shall be considered as practicing in violation of section 4778.02 of the Revised Code.
(B) If a license has been suspended pursuant to this section for two years or less, the board shall reinstate the license upon an applicant's submission of a complete renewal application, the biennial renewal fee, and a monetary penalty of twenty-five dollars.
(C)(1) If a license has been suspended pursuant to this section for more than two years, it may be restored upon an applicant's submission of a complete restoration application, the biennial renewal fee, and a monetary penalty of fifty dollars and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a license unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a license issued pursuant to section 4778.05 of the Revised Code.
(2) The board may impose terms and conditions for the restoration, including the following:
(a) Requiring the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine the applicant's present fitness to resume practice;
(b) Requiring the applicant to obtain additional training and to pass an examination upon completion of such training;
(c) Restricting or limiting the extent, scope, or type of practice of the applicant.
Sec. 4778.08.  (A) The state medical board may issue to an applicant under section 4778.03 of the Revised Code a license to practice as a genetic counselor, designated as a supervised practice license, if both of the following apply:
(1) The applicant meets the requirements specified in section 4778.03 of the Revised Code other than being a certified genetic counselor;
(2) The applicant is in active candidate status with the American board of genetic counseling.
(B) A supervised practice license authorizes the holder to engage in the activities authorized by section 4778.11 of the Revised Code while the holder is under the general supervision of a genetic counselor licensed under section 4778.05 of the Revised Code or a physician. General supervision does not require the supervising licensed genetic counselor or physician to be present while the holder engages in such activities, but does require the licensed genetic counselor or physician to have professional responsibility for the holder and be readily accessible to the holder for professional consultation and assistance.
A supervised practice license is valid from the date of issuance until the earlier of one year from that date or the date a license is issued under section 4778.05 of the Revised Code. A supervised practice license may not be renewed.
Sec. 4778.09. (A) The state medical board may issue a license to practice as a genetic counselor, designated as a special activity license, to an individual from another state seeking to practice in this state genetic counseling associated with a rare disease.
(B) An applicant for a special activity license shall submit to the board all of the following information:
(1) Evidence that the applicant holds a current, unrestricted license to practice genetic counseling issued by another state or, if the applicant practices genetic counseling in another state that does not license genetic counselors, evidence that the applicant is a certified genetic counselor;
(2) Evidence that the applicant has actively practiced genetic counseling within the two-year period immediately preceding application;
(3) The name of the applicant's sponsoring institution or organization, a statement of need for genetic counseling from the sponsoring institution or organization, and the name of the rare disease for which the applicant will be practicing genetic counseling in this state.
(C) At the time an application is submitted, the applicant shall pay a fee of twenty-five dollars. No part of the fee shall be returned to the applicant or transferred for purposes of another application.
(D) A special activity license is valid for the shorter of thirty days or the duration of the genetic counseling associated with the rare disease for which the license was issued. The license may not be renewed.
(E) The holder of a special activity license may practice genetic counseling only to the extent that it is associated with the rare disease for which the license was issued. The license holder shall not bill a patient or any third party payer for genetic counseling provided in this state.
(F) The board may revoke a special activity license on receiving proof satisfactory to the board that the holder of the license has engaged in practice in this state outside the scope of the license or that there are grounds for action against the license holder under section 4778.14 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.10.  On application by the holder of a license to practice as a genetic counselor, the state medical board shall issue a duplicate license to replace one that is missing or damaged, to reflect a name change, or for any other reasonable cause. The fee for a duplicate license is thirty-five dollars.
Sec. 4778.11. (A) An individual who holds a valid license to practice as a genetic counselor may engage in all of the following activities:
(1) Obtain and evaluate the medical histories of a patient and the patient's family members to determine the risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases in the patient, the patient's offspring, or the patient's family members;
(2) Discuss with a patient and the patient's family the features, natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic and environmental factors, and management of risk for genetic or medical conditions and diseases;
(3) Identify and coordinate genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies as appropriate for genetic assessment;
(4) Integrate the results of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests with individual and family medical histories;
(5) Explain to a patient and the patient's family the clinical implications of the results of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests;
(6) Evaluate the response of a patient or the patient's family members to one or more genetic conditions or the risk of reoccurrence and provide patient-centered counseling and guidance;
(7) Identify and use community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy;
(8) Provide medical, genetic, and counseling information to patients, their families, and other health care professionals;
(9) Pursuant to a collaborative agreement, perform the activities specified in division (B) of this section.
(B) A genetic counselor may enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician who agrees to work with and provide medical support to the genetic counselor. The agreement shall be established as a written, formal document that memorializes the relationship between the genetic counselor and the physician and establishes the criteria governing the genetic counselor's performance of both of the following:
(1) Order genetic or other tests for the purpose of diagnosing a medical condition or inherited disorder or determining the carrier status of one or more of the patient's family members;
(2) Select the most appropriate, accurate, and cost-effective methods of diagnosis.
Sec. 4778.12.  The state medical board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement and administer this chapter. The rules shall include the following:
(A) Any standards and procedures not addressed in this chapter that the board considers necessary for issuing and renewing licenses under this chapter;
(B) Any standards and procedures the board considers necessary to govern the practice of genetic counselors, the collaborative agreements between genetic counselors and collaborating physicians, and the supervision of genetic counselors holding supervised practice licenses;
(C) Any other standards and procedures the board considers necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
Sec. 4778.14. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a license to practice as a genetic counselor to an individual found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the license.
(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 license to practice as a genetic counselor, refuse to issue a license to an applicant, refuse to reinstate a license, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a license for any of the following reasons:
(1) Permitting the holder's name or license 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor.
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 an agency responsible for authorizing, certifying, or regulating an individual to practice a health care occupation or provide health care services in this state or 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor;
(19) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4778.18 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;
(20) Failure to maintain the individual's status as a certified genetic counselor;
(21) Failure to comply with the code of ethics established by the national society of genetic counselors.
(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 genetic counselor 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.
A telephone conference call may be utilized for ratification of a consent agreement that revokes or suspends an individual's license. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code.
(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 license 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 license 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 or took other formal action under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor, or applies for a license, 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor or who has applied for a license to practice as a genetic counselor 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 genetic counselor unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the genetic counselor 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 license 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor or any applicant for a license 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 license or deny the individual's application and shall require the individual, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed license, to submit to treatment.
Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a license suspended under this division, the genetic counselor 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 license suspended under this division after such demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.
When the impaired genetic counselor resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the genetic counselor. 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 genetic counselor has maintained sobriety.
(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine both of the following, they may recommend that the board suspend an individual's license to practice without a prior hearing:
(1) That there is clear and convincing evidence that a genetic counselor has violated division (B) of this section;
(2) That the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public.
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 license 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 genetic counselor 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 genetic counselor requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the genetic counselor.
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), 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, 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor. 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor and the counselor's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the genetic counselor 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 license.
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 license 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 license 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 license of the genetic counselor 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 license 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor to an applicant, revokes an individual's license, refuses to renew a license, or refuses to reinstate an individual's license, 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 license to practice as a genetic counselor and the board shall not accept an application for reinstatement of the license or for issuance of a new license.
(M) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:
(1) The surrender of a license to practice as a genetic counselor is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. A telephone conference call may be utilized for acceptance of the surrender of an individual's license. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code. Reinstatement of a license 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 license to practice may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.
(3) Failure by an individual to renew a license in accordance with section 4778.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.
Sec. 4778.15.  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 license issued under this chapter.
Sec. 4778.16. If the state medical board has reason to believe that any person who has been granted a license to practice as a genetic counselor 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 license to practice is adjudged by a probate court to be mentally ill or mentally incompetent, the person's license 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 license in the margin of the court's record of such license.
Sec. 4778.18.  (A) The state medical board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that any individual 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 this chapter or 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 board's secretary, pursuant to section 4778.20 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, inspect and copy any books, accounts, papers, records, or documents, 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 genetic counselor, 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 commission 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 license, 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 individual involved in each case. The report is a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.19. (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) Whenever any individual holding a valid license to practice as a genetic counselor 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 license under section 4778.16 of the Revised Code.
(C) The prosecutor in any case against any person holding a valid license to practice as a genetic counselor, 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 license holder, the nature of the offense for which the action was taken, and the certified court documents recording the action.
Sec. 4778.20.  The secretary of the state medical board shall enforce the laws relating to the practice of genetic counselors. 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. 4778.21.  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 genetic counselor without having first obtained under this chapter a license to practice as a genetic counselor, 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 genetic counselor 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 individual allegedly engaged either directly or by complicity in the unlawful practice by registered mail that the secretary has received information indicating that this individual is so engaged. The individual shall answer the secretary within thirty days showing that the individual is either properly licensed for the stated activity or that the individual 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. 4778.22.  All fees, penalties, and other funds received by the state medical board under this chapter shall be deposited in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4778.24.   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. 4778.99.  Whoever violates section 4778.02 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on a first offense and felony of the fifth degree on each subsequent offense.
Section 2.  That existing sections 4731.07, 4731.19, 4731.22, 4731.222, 4731.224, 4731.24, 4731.25, and 4731.293 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.
Section 3.  Section 4731.22 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by both H.B. 78 and Am. Sub. H.B. 93 of the 129th General Assembly. The General Assembly, applying the principle stated in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation, finds that the composite is the resulting version of the section in effect prior to the effective date of the section as presented in this act.
Section 4. The amendments to section 4731.293 of the Revised Code made by this act are hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. The reason for this necessity is that swift enactment will allow several extraordinary doctors to renew their certificates and continue their work in Ohio without interruption. Otherwise, these doctors will not be permitted to work in Ohio and will leave the state. Therefore, the amendments to section 4731.293 of the Revised Code made by this act shall go into immediate effect.
Section 5. Section 4778.02 of the Revised Code, as enacted by this act, shall take effect one year after the effective date of this act.
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