130th Ohio General Assembly
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H. B. No. 607  As Introduced
As Introduced

129th General Assembly
Regular Session
2011-2012
H. B. No. 607


Representatives Gonzales, Wachtmann 

Cosponsors: Representatives Blair, Johnson 



A BILL
To amend sections 4715.30, 4723.28, 4725.19, 4725.53, 4729.16, 4730.02, 4730.25, 4731.22, 4732.17, 4734.31, 4753.10, 4755.11, 4755.47, 4755.64, 4757.36, 4758.30, 4759.07, 4760.13, 4761.09, 4762.13, 4774.13, 4778.14, and 4779.28 and to enact section 4745.04 of the Revised Code to require certain health care professionals to wear, when providing direct patient care, an identification card, badge, or similar device that includes a photograph of the professional and specifies the license held by the professional and to make certain changes regarding advertising for health care services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1.  That sections 4715.30, 4723.28, 4725.19, 4725.53, 4729.16, 4730.02, 4730.25, 4731.22, 4732.17, 4734.31, 4753.10, 4755.11, 4755.47, 4755.64, 4757.36, 4758.30, 4759.07, 4760.13, 4761.09, 4762.13, 4774.13, 4778.14, and 4779.28 be amended and section 4745.04 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
Sec. 4715.30.  (A) An applicant for or holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter is subject to disciplinary action by the state dental board for any of the following reasons:
(1) Employing or cooperating in fraud or material deception in applying for or obtaining a license or certificate;
(2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;
(3) Advertising services in a false or misleading manner or violating the board's rules governing time, place, and manner of advertising;
(4) Conviction of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice or of any felony;
(5) Engaging in lewd or immoral conduct in connection with the provision of dental services;
(6) Selling, prescribing, giving away, or administering drugs for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes, or conviction of violating any law of this state or the federal government regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;
(7) Providing or allowing dental hygienists, expanded function dental auxiliaries, or other practitioners of auxiliary dental occupations working under the certificate or license holder's supervision, or a dentist holding a temporary limited continuing education license under division (C) of section 4715.16 of the Revised Code working under the certificate or license holder's direct supervision, to provide dental care that departs from or fails to conform to accepted standards for the profession, whether or not injury to a patient results;
(8) Inability to practice under accepted standards of the profession because of physical or mental disability, dependence on alcohol or other drugs, or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs;
(9) Violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder;
(10) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4715.03 of the Revised Code;
(11) 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 dental services, would otherwise 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 provider;
(12) Advertising that the certificate or license holder 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 dental services, would otherwise be required to pay;
(13) Failure to comply with 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;
(14) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) A manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor of a dental facility shall be subject to disciplinary action if any dentist, dental hygienist, expanded function dental auxiliary, or qualified personnel providing services in the facility is found to have committed a violation listed in division (A) of this section and the manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor knew of the violation and permitted it to occur on a recurring basis.
(C) Subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may take one or more of the following disciplinary actions if one or more of the grounds for discipline listed in divisions (A) and (B) of this section exist:
(1) Censure the license or certificate holder;
(2) Place the license or certificate on probationary status for such period of time the board determines necessary and require the holder to:
(a) Report regularly to the board upon the matters which are the basis of probation;
(b) Limit practice to those areas specified by the board;
(c) Continue or renew professional education until a satisfactory degree of knowledge or clinical competency has been attained in specified areas.
(3) Suspend the certificate or license;
(4) Revoke the certificate or license.
Where the board places a holder of a license or certificate on probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section, the board may subsequently suspend or revoke the license or certificate if it determines that the holder has not met the requirements of the probation or continues to engage in activities that constitute grounds for discipline pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section.
Any order suspending a license or certificate shall state the conditions under which the license or certificate will be restored, which may include a conditional restoration during which time the holder is in a probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section. The board shall restore the license or certificate unconditionally when such conditions are met.
(D) If the physical or mental condition of an applicant or a license or certificate holder is at issue in a disciplinary proceeding, the board may order the license or certificate holder to submit to reasonable examinations by an individual designated or approved by the board and at the board's expense. The physical examination may be conducted by any individual authorized by the Revised Code to do so, including a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife. Any written documentation of the physical examination shall be completed by the individual who conducted the examination.
Failure to comply with an order for an examination shall be grounds for refusal of a license or certificate or summary suspension of a license or certificate under division (E) of this section.
(E) If the board has reason to believe that a license or certificate holder represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety if the holder is allowed to continue to practice, or if the holder has failed to comply with an order under division (D) of this section, the board may apply to the court of common pleas of the county in which the holder resides for an order temporarily suspending the holder's license or certificate, without a prior hearing being afforded by the board, until the board conducts an adjudication hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the court temporarily suspends a holder's license or certificate, the board shall give written notice of the suspension personally or by certified mail to the license or certificate holder. Such notice shall include specific facts and reasons for finding a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety and shall inform the license or certificate holder of the right to a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
(F) Any holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in this state for aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary, or who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in another jurisdiction for any substantially equivalent criminal offense, is automatically suspended from practice under this chapter in this state and any certificate or license issued to the holder under this chapter is automatically suspended, as of the date of the guilty plea, conviction, or judicial finding, whether the proceedings are brought in this state or another jurisdiction. Continued practice by an individual after the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division shall be considered practicing without a certificate or license. The board shall notify the suspended individual of the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate or license is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudicatory hearing, the board shall enter a final order revoking the individual's certificate or license.
(G) Notwithstanding divisions (A)(11) and (12) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments:
(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. Such consent shall be made available to the board upon request.
(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.
(H) In no event shall the board consider or raise during a hearing required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code the circumstances of, or the fact that the board has received, one or more complaints about a person unless the one or more complaints are the subject of the hearing or resulted in the board taking an action authorized by this section against the person on a prior occasion.
Sec. 4723.28.  (A) The board of nursing, by a vote of a quorum, may revoke or may refuse to grant a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate to a person found by the board to have committed fraud in passing an examination required to obtain the license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate or to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing any nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued by the board.
(B) Subject to division (N) of this section, the board of nursing, by a vote of a quorum, may impose one or more of the following sanctions: deny, revoke, suspend, or place restrictions on any nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued by the board; reprimand or otherwise discipline a holder of a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate; or impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars per violation. The sanctions may be imposed for any of the following:
(1) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to practice a health care occupation, including nursing or practice as a dialysis technician, for any reason other than a failure to renew, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction;
(2) Engaging in the practice of nursing or engaging in practice as a dialysis technician, having failed to renew a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter, or while a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate is under suspension;
(3) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(4) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, any felony or of any crime involving gross immorality or moral turpitude;
(5) Selling, giving away, or administering drugs or therapeutic devices for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes; or conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, violating any municipal, state, county, or federal drug law;
(6) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in another jurisdiction that would constitute a felony or a crime of moral turpitude in Ohio;
(7) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in the course of practice in another jurisdiction that would constitute a misdemeanor in Ohio;
(8) Self-administering or otherwise taking into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for that individual, or self-administering or otherwise taking into the body any drug that is a schedule I controlled substance;
(9) Habitual indulgence in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice;
(10) Impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of habitual or excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances that impair the ability to practice;
(11) Impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability;
(12) Assaulting or causing harm to a patient or depriving a patient of the means to summon assistance;
(13) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;
(14) Adjudication by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent. The board may restore the person's nursing license or dialysis technician certificate upon adjudication by a probate court of the person's restoration to competency or upon submission to the board of other proof of competency.
(15) The suspension or termination of employment by the department of defense or the veterans administration of the United States for any act that violates or would violate this chapter;
(16) Violation of this chapter or any rules adopted under it;
(17) Violation of any restrictions placed on a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate by the board;
(18) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code;
(19) Failure to practice in accordance with acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care or safe dialysis care;
(20) In the case of a registered nurse, engaging in activities that exceed the practice of nursing as a registered nurse;
(21) In the case of a licensed practical nurse, engaging in activities that exceed the practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse;
(22) In the case of a dialysis technician, engaging in activities that exceed those permitted under section 4723.72 of the Revised Code;
(23) Aiding and abetting a person in that person's practice of nursing without a license or practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued under this chapter;
(24) In the case of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner, except as provided in division (M) of this section, either of the following:
(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 such nursing services, would otherwise 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 provider;
(b) Advertising that the nurse 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 such nursing services, would otherwise be required to pay.
(25) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of participation in the chemical dependency monitoring program established under section 4723.35 of the Revised Code;
(26) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions required under the practice intervention and improvement program established under section 4723.282 of the Revised Code;
(27) In the case of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner:
(a) Engaging in activities that exceed those permitted for the nurse's nursing specialty under section 4723.43 of the Revised Code;
(b) Failure to meet the quality assurance standards established under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code.
(28) In the case of a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner, failure to maintain a standard care arrangement in accordance with section 4723.431 of the Revised Code or to practice in accordance with the standard care arrangement;
(29) In the case of a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who holds a certificate to prescribe issued under section 4723.48 of the Revised Code, failure to prescribe drugs and therapeutic devices in accordance with section 4723.481 of the Revised Code;
(30) Prescribing any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise performing or inducing an abortion;
(31) Failure to establish and maintain professional boundaries with a patient, as specified in rules adopted under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code;
(32) Regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engaging with a patient other than the spouse of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician in any of the following:
(a) Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
(b) Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.
(33) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code;
(34) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of nursing or the practice of a dialysis technician;
(35) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(C) Disciplinary actions taken by the board under divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be taken pursuant to an adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that in lieu of a hearing, 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 a vote of a quorum, 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 agreement shall be of no effect.
(D) The hearings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may appoint a hearing examiner, as provided in section 119.09 of the Revised Code, to conduct any hearing the board is authorized to hold under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
In any instance in which the board is required under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of an opportunity for a hearing and the applicant or license holder does not make a timely request for 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 a vote of a quorum, a final order that contains the board's findings. In the final order, the board may order any of the sanctions listed in division (A) or (B) of this section.
(E) If a criminal action is brought against a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician for an act or crime described in divisions (B)(3) to (7) of this section and the action is dismissed by the trial court other than on the merits, the board shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act on which the action was based. If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act, or if the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician fails to participate in the adjudication, the board may take action as though the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician had been convicted of the act.
If the board takes action on the basis of a conviction, plea, or a judicial finding as described in divisions (B)(3) to (7) of this section that is overturned on appeal, the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician may, on exhaustion of the appeal process, petition the board for reconsideration of its action. On receipt of the petition and supporting court documents, the board shall temporarily rescind its action. If the board determines that the decision on appeal was a decision on the merits, it shall permanently rescind its action. If the board determines that the decision on appeal was not a decision on the merits, it shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act on which the original conviction, plea, or judicial finding was based. If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed such act, or if the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician does not request an adjudication, the board shall reinstate its action; otherwise, the board shall permanently rescind its action.
Notwithstanding the provision of division (C)(2) of section 2953.32 of the Revised Code specifying that if records pertaining to a criminal case are sealed under that section the proceedings in the case shall be deemed not to have occurred, sealing of the records of a conviction on which the board has based an action under this section shall have no effect on the board's action or any sanction imposed by the board under this section.
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) The board may investigate an individual's criminal background in performing its duties under this section.
(G) During the course of an investigation conducted under this section, the board may compel any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician or applicant under this chapter to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by the board and at the expense of the individual, if the board finds reason to believe that the individual under investigation may have a physical or mental impairment that may affect the individual's ability to provide safe nursing care. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed constitutes an admission of the allegations, 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 that an individual is impaired, the board shall require the individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment approved or designated by the board, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed authority to practice. The individual shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the individual can begin or resume the individual's occupation in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care under the provisions of the individual's authority to practice.
For purposes of this division, any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician or applicant under this chapter 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.
(H) The board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that any person has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule of the board. Any person may report to the board any information the person may have that appears to show a violation of any provision of this chapter or rule of the board. In the absence of bad faith, any person who reports such information or who testifies before the board in any adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of the report or testimony.
(I) All of the following apply under this chapter with respect to the confidentiality of information:
(1) Information received by the board pursuant to an investigation is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action, except that the board may disclose information to law enforcement officers and government entities investigating either a licensed health care professional, including a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician, or a person who may have engaged in the unauthorized practice of nursing. No law enforcement officer or government entity with knowledge of any information disclosed by the board pursuant to this division shall divulge the information to any other person or government entity except for the purpose of a government investigation, a prosecution, or an adjudication by a court or government entity.
(2) If an investigation requires a review of patient records, the investigation and proceeding shall be conducted in such a manner as to protect patient confidentiality.
(3) All adjudications and investigations of the board shall be considered civil actions for the purposes of section 2305.252 of the Revised Code.
(4) Any board activity that involves continued monitoring of an individual as part of or following any disciplinary action taken under this section shall be conducted in a manner that maintains the individual's confidentiality. Information received or maintained by the board with respect to the board's monitoring activities is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action.
(J) Any action taken by the board under this section resulting in a suspension from practice shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the person may be reinstated to practice.
(K) When the board refuses to grant a license or certificate to an applicant, revokes a license or certificate, or refuses to reinstate a license or certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to permanent action taken by the board is forever ineligible to hold a license or certificate of the type that was refused or revoked and the board shall not accept from the individual an application for reinstatement of the license or certificate or for a new license or certificate.
(L) No unilateral surrender of a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter shall be effective unless accepted by majority vote of the board. No application for a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter may be withdrawn without a majority vote of the board. The board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section is not removed or limited when an individual has a license or certificate classified as inactive or fails to renew a license or certificate.
(M) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (B)(24) of this section against any licensee 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 licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.
(N)(1) Any person who enters a prelicensure nursing education program on or after June 1, 2003, and who subsequently applies under division (A) of section 4723.09 of the Revised Code for licensure to practice as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse and any person who applies under division (B) of that section for license by endorsement to practice nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse shall submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the bureau to conduct a criminal records check of the applicant and to send the results to the board, in accordance with section 4723.09 of the Revised Code.
The board shall refuse to grant a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse under section 4723.09 of the Revised Code to a person who entered a prelicensure nursing education program on or after June 1, 2003, and applied under division (A) of section 4723.09 of the Revised Code for the license or a person who applied under division (B) of that section for the license, if the criminal records check performed in accordance with division (C) of that section indicates that the person has pleaded guilty to, been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of guilt for violating section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.11, 2905.01, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.02, 2911.01, or 2911.11 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar law of another state, the United States, or another country.
(2) Any person who enters a dialysis training program on or after June 1, 2003, and who subsequently applies for a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician shall submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the bureau to conduct a criminal records check of the applicant and to send the results to the board, in accordance with section 4723.75 of the Revised Code.
The board shall refuse to issue a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician under section 4723.75 of the Revised Code to a person who entered a dialysis training program on or after June 1, 2003, and whose criminal records check performed in accordance with division (C) of that section indicates that the person has pleaded guilty to, been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of guilt for violating section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.11, 2905.01, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.02, 2911.01, or 2911.11 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar law of another state, the United States, or another country.
Sec. 4725.19.  (A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members, the state board of optometry, for any of the reasons specified in division (B) of this section, shall refuse to grant a certificate of licensure to an applicant and may, with respect to a licensed optometrist, do one or more of the following:
(1) Suspend the operation of any certificate of licensure, topical ocular pharmaceutical agents certificate, or therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certificate, or all certificates granted by it to the optometrist;
(2) Permanently revoke any or all of the certificates;
(3) Limit or otherwise place restrictions on any or all of the certificates;
(4) Reprimand the optometrist;
(5) Impose a monetary penalty. If the reason for which the board is imposing the penalty involves a criminal offense that carries a fine under the Revised Code, the penalty shall not exceed the maximum fine that may be imposed for the criminal offense. In any other case, the penalty imposed by the board shall not exceed five hundred dollars.
(B) The sanctions specified in division (A) of this section may be taken by the board for any of the following reasons:
(1) Committing fraud in passing the licensing examination or making false or purposely misleading statements in an application for a certificate of licensure;
(2) Being at any time guilty of immorality, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(3) Being guilty of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct in the practice of optometry;
(4) Being at any time guilty of a felony, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(5) Being at any time guilty of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(6) Violating the conditions of any limitation or other restriction placed by the board on any certificate issued by the board;
(7) Engaging in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code when the certificate authorizing that practice is under suspension, in which case the board shall permanently revoke the certificate;
(8) Being denied a license to practice optometry in another state or country or being subject to any other sanction by the optometric licensing authority of another state or country, other than sanctions imposed for the nonpayment of fees;
(9) Departing from or failing to conform to acceptable and prevailing standards of care in the practice of optometry as followed by similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to a patient is established;
(10) Failing to maintain comprehensive patient records;
(11) Advertising a price of optical accessories, eye examinations, or other products or services by any means that would deceive or mislead the public;
(12) Being addicted to the use of alcohol, stimulants, narcotics, or any other substance which impairs the intellect and judgment to such an extent as to hinder or diminish the performance of the duties included in the person's practice of optometry;
(13) Engaging in the practice of optometry as provided in division (A)(2) or (3) of section 4725.01 of the Revised Code without authority to do so or, if authorized, in a manner inconsistent with the authority granted;
(14) Failing to make a report to the board as required by division (A) of section 4725.21 or section 4725.31 of the Revised Code;
(15) Soliciting patients from door to door or establishing temporary offices, in which case the board shall suspend all certificates held by the optometrist;
(16) Except as provided in division (D) 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 optometric services, would otherwise 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 optometrist.
(b) Advertising that the optometrist 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 optometric services, would otherwise be required to pay;
(17) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(C) Any person who is the holder of a certificate of licensure, or who is an applicant for a certificate of licensure against whom is preferred any charges, shall be furnished by the board with a copy of the complaint and shall have a hearing before the board in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
(D) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (B)(16) of this section against any optometrist who waives deductibles and copayments:
(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 optometrist licensed by the board, to the extent allowed by sections 4725.01 to 4725.34 of the Revised Code and the rules of the board.
Sec. 4725.53.  (A) The Ohio optical dispensers board, by a majority vote of its members, may refuse to grant a license and, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may suspend or revoke the license of a licensed dispensing optician or impose a fine or order restitution pursuant to division (B) of this section on any of the following grounds:
(1) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or a disqualifying offense as those terms are defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code;
(2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by fraud or deception;
(3) Obtaining any fee or making any sale of an optical aid by means of fraud or misrepresentation;
(4) Habitual indulgence in the use of controlled substances or other habit-forming drugs, or in the use of alcoholic liquors to an extent that affects professional competency;
(5) Finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the applicant or licensee is incompetent by reason of mental illness and no subsequent finding by the court of competency;
(6) Finding by a court of law that the licensee is guilty of incompetence or negligence in the dispensing of optical aids;
(7) Knowingly permitting or employing a person whose license has been suspended or revoked or an unlicensed person to engage in optical dispensing;
(8) Permitting another person to use the licensee's license;
(9) Engaging in optical dispensing not pursuant to the prescription of a licensed physician or licensed optometrist, but nothing in this section shall prohibit the duplication or replacement of previously prepared optical aids, except contact lenses shall not be duplicated or replaced without a written prescription;
(10) Violation of sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code;
(11) 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 optical dispensing services, would otherwise 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 provider.
(12) Advertising that the licensee 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 optical dispensing services, would otherwise be required to pay;
(13) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of a licensed dispensing optician;
(14) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) The board may impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars for a first occurrence of an action that is grounds for discipline under this section and of not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars for a subsequent occurrence, or may order the licensee to make restitution to a person who has suffered a financial loss as a result of the licensee's failure to comply with sections 4725.40 to 4725.59 of the Revised Code.
(C) Notwithstanding divisions (A)(11) and (12) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments:
(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copays shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Such consent shall be made available to the board upon request.
(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.
Sec. 4729.16.  (A) The state board of pharmacy, after notice and hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may revoke, suspend, limit, place on probation, or refuse to grant or renew an identification card, or may impose a monetary penalty or forfeiture not to exceed in severity any fine designated under the Revised Code for a similar offense, or in the case of a violation of a section of the Revised Code that does not bear a penalty, a monetary penalty or forfeiture of not more than five hundred dollars, if the board finds a pharmacist or pharmacy intern:
(1) Guilty of a felony or gross immorality;
(2) Guilty of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct in the practice of pharmacy;
(3) Addicted to or abusing liquor or drugs or impaired physically or mentally to such a degree as to render the pharmacist or pharmacy intern unfit to practice pharmacy;
(4) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor related to, or committed in, the practice of pharmacy;
(5) Guilty of willfully violating, conspiring to violate, attempting to violate, or aiding and abetting the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, sections 3715.52 to 3715.72 of the Revised Code, Chapter 2925. or 3719. of the Revised Code, or any rule adopted by the board under those provisions;
(6) Guilty of permitting anyone other than a pharmacist or pharmacy intern to practice pharmacy;
(7) Guilty of knowingly lending the pharmacist's or pharmacy intern's name to an illegal practitioner of pharmacy or having professional connection with an illegal practitioner of pharmacy;
(8) Guilty of dividing or agreeing to divide remuneration made in the practice of pharmacy with any other individual, including, but not limited to, any licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs or any owner, manager, or employee of a health care facility, residential care facility, or nursing home;
(9) Has violated the terms of a consult agreement entered into pursuant to section 4729.39 of the Revised Code;
(10) Has committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing a license or identification card issued by the board under this chapter or under Chapter 3715. or 3719. of the Revised Code;
(11) Has made a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of a pharmacist or a pharmacy intern;
(12) Has failed to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) Any individual whose identification card is revoked, suspended, or refused, shall return the identification card and license to the offices of the state board of pharmacy within ten days after receipt of notice of such action.
(C) As used in this section:
"Unprofessional conduct in the practice of pharmacy" includes any of the following:
(1) Advertising or displaying signs that promote dangerous drugs to the public in a manner that is false or misleading;
(2) Except as provided in section 4729.281 of the Revised Code, the sale of any drug for which a prescription is required, without having received a prescription for the drug;
(3) Knowingly dispensing medication pursuant to false or forged prescriptions;
(4) Knowingly failing to maintain complete and accurate records of all dangerous drugs received or dispensed in compliance with federal laws and regulations and state laws and rules;
(5) Obtaining any remuneration by fraud, misrepresentation, or deception.
(D) The board may suspend a license or identification card under division (B) of section 3719.121 of the Revised Code by utilizing a telephone conference call to review the allegations and take a vote.
(E) If, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board has reasonable cause to believe that a pharmacist or pharmacy intern is physically or mentally impaired, the board may require the pharmacist or pharmacy intern to submit to a physical or mental examination, or both.
Sec. 4730.02.  (A) No person shall hold that person out as being able to function as a physician assistant, or use any words or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician assistant, without a current, valid certificate to practice as a physician assistant issued pursuant to this chapter.
(B) No person shall practice as a physician assistant without the supervision, control, and direction of a physician.
(C) No person shall act as the supervising physician of a physician assistant without having received the state medical board's approval of a supervision agreement entered into with the physician assistant.
(D) No person shall practice as a physician assistant without having entered into a supervision agreement that has been approved by the state medical board.
(E) No person acting as the supervising physician of a physician assistant shall authorize the physician assistant to perform services if either of the following is the case:
(1) The services are not within the physician's normal course of practice and expertise;
(2) The services are inconsistent with the physician supervisory plan approved by the state medical board for the supervising physician or the policies of the health care facility in which the physician and physician assistant are practicing.
(F) No person shall practice as a physician assistant in a manner that is inconsistent with the physician supervisory plan approved for the physician who is responsible for supervising the physician assistant or the policies of the health care facility in which the physician assistant is practicing.
(G) No person practicing as a physician assistant shall prescribe any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise perform or induce an abortion.
(H) No person shall advertise to provide services as a physician assistant, except for the purpose of seeking employment.
(I) No person practicing as a physician assistant shall fail to wear at all times when on duty a placard, plate, or other device identifying that person as a "physician assistant."
Sec. 4730.25.  (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as a physician assistant or a certificate to prescribe to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.
(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall, to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend an individual's certificate to practice as a physician assistant or certificate to prescribe, refuse to issue a certificate to an applicant, refuse to reinstate a certificate, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a certificate for any of the following reasons:
(1) Failure to practice in accordance with the conditions under which the supervising physician's supervision agreement with the physician assistant was approved, including the requirement that when practicing under a particular supervising physician, the physician assistant must practice only according to the physician supervisory plan the board approved for that physician or the policies of the health care facility in which the supervising physician and physician assistant are practicing;
(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) 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;
(5) 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;
(6) Administering drugs for purposes other than those authorized under this chapter;
(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;
(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for employment as a physician assistant; in connection with any solicitation or advertisement for patients; in relation to the practice of medicine as it pertains to physician assistants; or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as a physician assistant, a certificate to prescribe, or approval of a supervision agreement.
As used in this division, "false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement" means a statement that includes a misrepresentation of fact, is likely to mislead or deceive because of a failure to disclose material facts, is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or includes representations or implications that in reasonable probability will cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.
(9) Representing, with the purpose of obtaining compensation or other advantage personally or for any other person, that an incurable disease or injury, or other incurable condition, can be permanently cured;
(10) The obtaining of, or attempting to obtain, money or anything of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;
(11) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony;
(12) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(13) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(14) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(15) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(16) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(17) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for violating any state or federal law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug, including trafficking in drugs;
(18) Any of the following actions taken by the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of physician assistants in another state, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;
(19) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar physician assistants under the same or similar circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to a patient is established;
(20) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as a physician assistant, a certificate to prescribe, a physician supervisory plan, or supervision agreement;
(21) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4731.051 of the Revised Code;
(22) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4730.26 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;
(23) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code;
(24) Prescribing any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise performing or inducing an abortion;
(25) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(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 physician assistant or applicant to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.
(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(12), (15), and (16) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds.
(E) The sealing of conviction records by any court shall have no effect upon a prior board order entered under the provisions of this section or upon the board's jurisdiction to take action under the provisions of this section if, based upon a plea of guilty, a judicial finding of guilt, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, the board issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing prior to the court's order to seal the records. The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court's sealing of conviction records.
(F) For purposes of this division, any individual who holds a certificate issued under this chapter, or applies for a certificate issued under this chapter, 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)(4) of this section, the board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental examination, physical examination, including an HIV test, or both a mental and physical examination. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds a physician assistant unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(4) of this section, the board shall require the physician assistant to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate. An individual affected under 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)(5) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.
Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board determines that the individual's ability to practice is impaired, the board shall suspend the individual's certificate or deny the individual's application and shall require the individual, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certification to practice or prescribe, to submit to treatment.
Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the physician assistant shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice or prescribing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The demonstration shall include the following:
(a) Certification from a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code that the individual has successfully completed any required inpatient treatment;
(b) Evidence of continuing full compliance with an aftercare contract or consent agreement;
(c) Two written reports indicating that the individual's ability to practice has been assessed and that the individual has been found capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The reports shall be made by individuals or providers approved by the board for making such assessments and shall describe the basis for their determination.
The board may reinstate a certificate suspended under this division after such demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.
When the impaired physician assistant resumes practice or prescribing, the board shall require continued monitoring of the physician assistant. The monitoring shall include compliance with the written consent agreement entered into before reinstatement or with conditions imposed by board order after a hearing, and, upon termination of the consent agreement, submission to the board for at least two years of annual written progress reports made under penalty of falsification stating whether the physician assistant has maintained sobriety.
(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a physician assistant has violated division (B) of this section and that the individual's continued practice or prescribing presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual's certificate to practice or prescribe without a prior hearing. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board.
The board, upon review of those allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.
The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the physician assistant 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 physician assistant requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the certificate holder.
A summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.
(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(11), (13), or (14) of this section, and the judicial finding of guilt, guilty plea, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction is overturned on appeal, upon exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. Upon receipt of a petition and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the certificate to practice or prescribe. 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 identified under division (B) of this section.
(I) The certificate to practice issued to a physician assistant and the physician assistant's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the physician assistant pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction in another state for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after the suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.
The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's certificate to practice.
(J) In any instance in which the board is required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of opportunity for hearing and the individual subject to the notice does not timely request a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, a final order that contains the board's findings. In 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 shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the physician assistant's certificate may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(L) When the board refuses to grant to an applicant a certificate to practice as a physician assistant or a certificate to prescribe, revokes an individual's certificate, refuses to issue a certificate, or refuses to reinstate an individual's certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to a permanent action taken by the board is forever thereafter ineligible to hold the certificate 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 is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(2) An application made under this chapter for a certificate, approval of a physician supervisory plan, or approval of a supervision agreement may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.
(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate in accordance with section 4730.14 or section 4730.48 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.
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 director of health 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;
(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;
(47) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(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. 4732.17.  (A) The state board of psychology may refuse to issue a license to any applicant, may issue a reprimand, or suspend or revoke the license of any licensed psychologist or licensed school psychologist, on any of the following grounds:
(1) Conviction of a felony, or of any offense involving moral turpitude, in a court of this or any other state or in a federal court;
(2) Using fraud or deceit in the procurement of the license to practice psychology or school psychology or knowingly assisting another in the procurement of such a license through fraud or deceit;
(3) Accepting commissions or rebates or other forms of remuneration for referring persons to other professionals;
(4) Willful, unauthorized communication of information received in professional confidence;
(5) Being negligent in the practice of psychology or school psychology;
(6) Using any controlled substance or alcoholic beverage to an extent that such use impairs the person's ability to perform the work of a psychologist or school psychologist with safety to the public;
(7) Subject to section 4732.28 of the Revised Code, violating any rule of professional conduct promulgated by the board;
(8) Practicing in an area of psychology for which the person is clearly untrained or incompetent;
(9) An adjudication by a court, as provided in section 5122.301 of the Revised Code, that the person is incompetent for the purpose of holding the license. Such person may have the person's license issued or restored only upon determination by a court that the person is competent for the purpose of holding the license and upon the decision by the board that such license be issued or restored. The board may require an examination prior to such issuance or restoration.
(10) 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 psychological services, would otherwise 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 provider;
(11) Advertising that the person 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 psychological services, would otherwise be required to pay;
(12) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of psychology or school psychology;
(13) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) Notwithstanding division (A)(10) and (11) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments:
(a)(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copays shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Such consent shall be made available to the board upon request.
(b)(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.
(B)(C) Except as provided in section 4732.171 of the Revised Code, before the board may deny, suspend, or revoke a license under this section, or otherwise discipline the holder of a license, written charges shall be filed with the board by the secretary and a hearing shall be had thereon in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4734.31.  (A) The state chiropractic board may take any of the actions specified in division (B) of this section against an individual who has applied for or holds a license to practice chiropractic in this state if any of the reasons specified in division (C) of this section for taking action against an individual are applicable. Except as provided in division (D) of this section, actions taken against an individual shall be taken in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The board may specify that any action it takes is a permanent action. The board's authority to take action against an individual is not removed or limited by the individual's failure to renew a license.
(B) In its imposition of sanctions against an individual, the board may do any of the following:
(1) Refuse to issue, renew, restore, or reinstate a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture;
(2) Reprimand or censure a license holder;
(3) Place limits, restrictions, or probationary conditions on a license holder's practice;
(4) Impose a civil fine of not more than five thousand dollars according to a schedule of fines specified in rules that the board shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
(5) Suspend a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture for a limited or indefinite period;
(6) Revoke a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture.
(C) The board may take the actions specified in division (B) of this section for any of the following reasons:
(1) 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 in any jurisdiction, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction;
(2) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(3) 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, as determined by the board, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;
(4) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(5) 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, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;
(6) 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;
(7) A violation or attempted violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it governing the practice of chiropractic and the practice of acupuncture by a chiropractor licensed under this chapter;
(8) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board, 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 the board or 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;
(9) Engaging in an ongoing professional relationship with a person or entity that violates any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, unless the chiropractor makes a good faith effort to have the person or entity comply with the provisions;
(10) Retaliating against a chiropractor for the chiropractor's reporting to the board or any other agency with jurisdiction any violation of the law or for cooperating with the board of another agency in the investigation of any violation of the law;
(11) Aiding, abetting, assisting, counseling, or conspiring with any person in that person's violation of any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, including the practice of chiropractic without a license, the practice of acupuncture without a certificate, or aiding, abetting, assisting, counseling, or conspiring with any person in that person's unlicensed practice of any other health care profession that has licensing requirements;
(12) With respect to a report or record that is made, filed, or signed in connection with the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, knowingly making or filing a report or record that is false, intentionally or negligently failing to file a report or record required by federal, state, or local law or willfully impeding or obstructing the required filing, or inducing another person to engage in any such acts;
(13) Making a false, fraudulent, or deceitful statement to the board or any agent of the board during any investigation or other official proceeding conducted by the board under this chapter or in any filing that must be submitted to the board;
(14) Attempting to secure a license to practice chiropractic or certificate to practice acupuncture or to corrupt the outcome of an official board proceeding through bribery or any other improper means;
(15) Willfully obstructing or hindering the board or any agent of the board in the discharge of the board's duties;
(16) Habitually using drugs or intoxicants to the extent that the person is rendered unfit for the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;
(17) Inability to practice chiropractic or acupuncture according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of chemical dependency, mental illness, or physical illness, including conditions in which physical deterioration has adversely affected the person's cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills and conditions in which a chiropractor's continued practice may pose a danger to the chiropractor or the public;
(18) Any act constituting gross immorality relative to the person's practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, including acts involving sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual exploitation;
(19) Exploiting a patient for personal or financial gain;
(20) Failing to maintain proper, accurate, and legible records in the English language documenting each patient's care, including, as appropriate, records of the following: dates of treatment, services rendered, examinations, tests, x-ray reports, referrals, and the diagnosis or clinical impression and clinical treatment plan provided to the patient;
(21) Except as otherwise required by the board or by law, disclosing patient information gained during the chiropractor's professional relationship with a patient without obtaining the patient's authorization for the disclosure;
(22) Commission of willful or gross malpractice, or willful or gross neglect, in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;
(23) Failing to perform or negligently performing an act recognized by the board as a general duty or the exercise of due care in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, regardless of whether injury results to a patient from the failure to perform or negligent performance of the act;
(24) Engaging in any conduct or practice that impairs or may impair the ability to practice chiropractic or acupuncture safely and skillfully;
(25) Practicing, or claiming to be capable of practicing, beyond the scope of the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture as established under this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter;
(26) Accepting and performing professional responsibilities as a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture when not qualified to perform those responsibilities, if the person knew or had reason to know that the person was not qualified to perform them;
(27) Delegating any of the professional responsibilities of a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture to an employee or other individual when the delegating chiropractor knows or had reason to know that the employee or other individual is not qualified by training, experience, or professional licensure to perform the responsibilities;
(28) Delegating any of the professional responsibilities of a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture to an employee or other individual in a negligent manner or failing to provide proper supervision of the employee or other individual to whom the responsibilities are delegated;
(29) Failing to refer a patient to another health care practitioner for consultation or treatment when the chiropractor knows or has reason to know that the referral is in the best interest of the patient;
(30) Obtaining or attempting to obtain any fee or other advantage by fraud or misrepresentation;
(31) Making misleading, deceptive, false, or fraudulent representations in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;
(32) Being guilty of false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising or other solicitations for patients or knowingly having professional connection with any person that advertises or solicits for patients in such a manner;
(33) Violation of a provision of any code of ethics established or adopted by the board under section 4734.16 of the Revised Code;
(34) Failing to meet the examination requirements for receipt of a license specified under section 4734.20 of the Revised Code;
(35) Actions taken for any reason, other than nonpayment of fees, by the chiropractic or acupuncture licensing authority of another state or country;
(36) Failing to maintain clean and sanitary conditions at the clinic, office, or other place in which chiropractic services or acupuncture services are provided;
(37) Except as provided in division (G) 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 chiropractor'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 chiropractor;
(b) Advertising that the chiropractor 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 chiropractor's services, otherwise would be required to pay.
(38) Failure to supervise an acupuncturist in accordance with the provisions of section 4762.11 of the Revised Code that are applicable to the supervising chiropractor of an acupuncturist;
(39) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(D) The adjudication requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code apply to the board when taking actions against an individual under this section, except as follows:
(1) An applicant is not entitled to an adjudication for failing to meet the conditions specified under section 4734.20 of the Revised Code for receipt of a license that involve the board's examination on jurisprudence or the examinations of the national board of chiropractic examiners.
(2) A person is not entitled to an adjudication if the person fails to make a timely request for a hearing, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
(3) In lieu of an adjudication, the board may accept the surrender of a license to practice chiropractic or certificate to practice acupuncture from a chiropractor.
(4) 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 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.
(E) This section does not require the board to hire, contract with, or retain the services of an expert witness when the board takes action against a chiropractor concerning compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture. As part of an action taken concerning compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care, the board may rely on the knowledge of its members for purposes of making a determination of compliance, notwithstanding any expert testimony presented by the chiropractor that contradicts the knowledge and opinions of the members of the board.
(F) The sealing of conviction records by a court shall have no effect on a prior board order entered under this section or on the board's jurisdiction to take action under this section if, based on 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.
(G) Actions shall not be taken pursuant to division (C)(37) of this section against any chiropractor who waives deductibles and copayments as follows:
(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows a practice of that nature. 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 licensed pursuant to this chapter, to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.
Sec. 4745.04.  (A) As used in this section:
(1) "Advertisement" means any communication or statement, whether printed, electronic, or oral, that names a health care professional in connection with the professional's practice, profession, or institution in which the professional is employed, volunteers, or otherwise provides health care services. "Advertisement" includes circulars, signs, newspaper or magazine publications, business cards, letterhead, patient brochures, and other oral or written communications.
(2) "Health care professional" means an individual licensed to provide medical, dental, or other health-related diagnosis, care, or treatment under Chapter 4715., 4723., 4725., 4729., 4730., 4731., 4732., 4734., 4753., 4755., 4757., 4758., 4759., 4760., 4761., 4762., 4765., 4773., 4774., 4778., or 4779. of the Revised Code.
(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(3) of this section, at all times when providing direct patient care, a health care professional shall wear an identification card, badge, or similar device that includes all of the following:
(a) A recent photograph of the professional;
(b) The professional's name;
(c) The type of license held by the professional;
(d) The expiration date of the professional's license.
(2) The identification card, badge, or similar device that is worn pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section shall be of sufficient size and shall be worn in a conspicuous place so as to be visible to patients and other individuals.
(3) A health care professional is not subject to division (B)(1) of this section if a safety or health risk to the health care professional or a patient would be created as a result of the professional wearing the identification card, badge, or similar device.
(C)(1) Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, all advertisements for health care services that name a health care professional who provides direct patient care shall identify the type of license held by the professional.
(2) Division (C)(1) of this section does not permit a physician assistant to advertise to provide services as a physician assistant in violation of division (H) of section 4730.02 of the Revised Code.
(D) Divisions (B) and (C) of this section do not apply to a health care professional who practices at a location where direct patient care is not provided.
Sec. 4753.10.  In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board of speech-language pathology and audiology may reprimand or place on probation a speech-language pathologist or audiologist or suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the license of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Disciplinary actions may be taken by the board for conduct that may result from but not necessarily be limited to:
(A) Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license;
(B) Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in using a license;
(C) Altering a license;
(D) Aiding or abetting unlicensed practice;
(E) Committing fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology including:
(1) Making or filing a false report or record in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;
(2) Submitting a false statement to collect a fee;
(3) Obtaining a fee through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation, or accepting commissions or rebates or other forms of remuneration for referring persons to others.
(F) Using or promoting or causing the use of any misleading, deceiving, improbable, or untruthful advertising matter, promotional literature, testimonial, guarantee, warranty, label, brand, insignia, or any other representation;
(G) Falsely representing the use or availability of services or advice of a physician;
(H) Misrepresenting the applicant, licensee, or holder by using the word "doctor" or any similar word, abbreviation, or symbol if the use is not accurate or if the degree was not obtained from an accredited institution;
(I) Committing any act of dishonorable, immoral, or unprofessional conduct while engaging in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;
(J) Engaging in illegal, incompetent, or habitually negligent practice;
(K) Providing professional services while:
(1) Mentally incompetent;
(2) Under the influence of alcohol;
(3) Using any narcotic or controlled substance or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication.
(L) Providing services or promoting the sale of devices, appliances, or products to a person who cannot reasonably be expected to benefit from such services, devices, appliances, or products in accordance with results obtained utilizing appropriate assessment procedures and instruments;
(M) Violating this chapter or any lawful order given or rule adopted by the board;
(N) Being convicted of or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or to a crime involving moral turpitude, whether or not any appeal or other proceeding is pending to have the conviction or plea set aside;
(O) Being disciplined by a licensing or disciplinary authority of this or any other state or country or convicted or disciplined by a court of this or any other state or country for an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this section;
(P) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
After revocation of a license under this section, application may be made to the board for reinstatement. The board, in accordance with an order of revocation as issued under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may require an examination for such reinstatement.
If any person has engaged in any practice which constitutes an offense under the provisions of this chapter or rules promulgated thereunder by the board, the board may apply to the court of common pleas of the county for an injunction or other appropriate order restraining such conduct, and the court may issue such order.
Any person who wishes to make a complaint against any person licensed pursuant to this chapter shall submit the complaint in writing to the board within one year from the date of the action or event upon which the complaint is based. The board shall determine whether the allegations in the complaint are of a sufficiently serious nature to warrant formal disciplinary charges against the licensee pursuant to this section. If the board determines that formal disciplinary charges are warranted, it shall proceed in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
Sec. 4755.11.  (A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the occupational therapy section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew an occupational therapist license, occupational therapy assistant license, occupational therapist limited permit, occupational therapy assistant limited permit, or reprimand, fine, or place a license or limited permit holder on probation, for any of the following:
(1) Conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude or a felony, regardless of the state or country in which the conviction occurred;
(2) Violation of any provision of sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;
(3) Violation of any lawful order or rule of the occupational therapy section;
(4) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or limited permit issued by the occupational therapy section by fraud or deception, including the making of a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statements in relation to these activities;
(5) Negligence, unprofessional conduct, or gross misconduct in the practice of the profession of occupational therapy;
(6) Accepting commissions or rebates or other forms of remuneration for referring persons to other professionals;
(7) Communicating, without authorization, information received in professional confidence;
(8) Using controlled substances, habit forming drugs, or alcohol to an extent that it impairs the ability to perform the work of an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, occupational therapist limited permit holder, or occupational therapy assistant limited permit holder;
(9) Practicing in an area of occupational therapy for which the individual is untrained or incompetent;
(10) Failing the licensing or Ohio jurisprudence examination;
(11) Aiding, abetting, directing, or supervising the unlicensed practice of occupational therapy;
(12) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to practice a health care occupation, including occupational therapy, for any reason other than a failure to renew, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction;
(13) Except as provided in division (B) 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 occupational therapy, would otherwise 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 provider;
(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 occupational therapy, would otherwise be required to pay.
(14) Working or representing oneself as an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, occupational therapist limited permit holder, or occupational therapy assistant limited permit holder without a current and valid license or limited permit issued by the occupational therapy section;
(15) Engaging in a deceptive trade practice, as defined in section 4165.02 of the Revised Code;
(16) Violation of the standards of ethical conduct in the practice of occupational therapy as identified by the occupational therapy section;
(17) A departure from, or the failure to conform to, minimal standards of care required of licensees or limited permit holders, whether or not actual injury to a patient is established;
(18) An adjudication by a court that the applicant, licensee, or limited permit holder is incompetent for the purpose of holding a license or limited permit and has not thereafter been restored to legal capacity for that purpose;
(19)(a) Except as provided in division (A)(19)(b) of this section, failure to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the occupational therapy section, including failure to comply with a subpoena or orders issued by the section or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the section at a deposition or in written interrogatories.
(b) Failure to cooperate with an investigation does not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence at issue.
(20) Conviction of a misdemeanor reasonably related to the practice of occupational therapy, regardless of the state or country in which the conviction occurred;
(21) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of mental or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perception skills;
(22) Violation of conditions, limitations, or agreements placed by the occupational therapy section on a license or limited permit to practice;
(23) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of occupational therapy;
(24) Failure to complete continuing education requirements as prescribed in rules adopted by the occupational therapy section under section 4755.06 of the Revised Code;
(25) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (A)(13) of this section against any individual 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 section upon request.
(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code to the extent allowed by those sections and the rules of the occupational therapy section.
(C) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, the suspension or revocation of a license or limited permit under this section is not effective until either the order for suspension or revocation has been affirmed following an adjudication hearing, or the time for requesting a hearing has elapsed.
When a license or limited permit is revoked under this section, application for reinstatement may not be made sooner than one year after the date of revocation. The occupational therapy section may accept or refuse an application for reinstatement and may require that the applicant pass an examination as a condition of reinstatement.
When a license or limited permit holder is placed on probation under this section, the occupational therapy section's probation order shall be accompanied by a statement of the conditions under which the individual may be removed from probation and restored to unrestricted practice.
(D) On receipt of a complaint that a person who holds a license or limited permit issued by the occupational therapy section has committed any of the prohibited actions listed in division (A) of this section, the section may immediately suspend the license or limited permit prior to holding a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code if it determines, based on the complaint, that the licensee or limited permit holder poses an immediate threat to the public. The section shall notify the licensee or limited permit holder of the suspension in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the individual whose license or limited permit is suspended fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the section shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's license or limited permit.
(E) If any person other than a person who holds a license or limited permit issued under section 4755.08 of the Revised Code has engaged in any practice that is prohibited under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code or the rules of the occupational therapy section, the section may apply to the court of common pleas of the county in which the violation occurred, for an injunction or other appropriate order restraining this conduct, and the court shall issue this order.
Sec. 4755.47.  (A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the physical therapy section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board may refuse to grant a license to an applicant for an initial or renewed license as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant or, by an affirmative vote of not less than five members, may limit, suspend, or revoke the license of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant or reprimand, fine, or place a license holder on probation, on any of the following grounds:
(1) Habitual indulgence in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol to an extent that affects the individual's professional competency;
(2) Conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, regardless of the state or country in which the conviction occurred;
(3) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license issued by the physical therapy section by fraud or deception, including the making of a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement;
(4) An adjudication by a court, as provided in section 5122.301 of the Revised Code, that the applicant or licensee is incompetent for the purpose of holding the license and has not thereafter been restored to legal capacity for that purpose;
(5) Subject to section 4755.471 of the Revised Code, violation of the code of ethics adopted by the physical therapy section;
(6) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of or conspiring to violate sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code or any order issued or rule adopted under those sections;
(7) Failure of one or both of the examinations required under section 4755.43 or 4755.431 of the Revised Code;
(8) Permitting the use of one's name or license by a person, group, or corporation when the one permitting the use is not directing the treatment given;
(9) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to practice a health care occupation, including physical therapy, for any reason other than a failure to renew, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction;
(10) Failure to maintain minimal standards of practice in the administration or handling of drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, or failure to employ acceptable scientific methods in the selection of drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, or other modalities for treatment;
(11) Willful betrayal of a professional confidence;
(12) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of physical therapy;
(13) A departure from, or the failure to conform to, minimal standards of care required of licensees when under the same or similar circumstances, whether or not actual injury to a patient is established;
(14) Obtaining, or attempting to obtain, money or anything of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;
(15) Violation of the conditions of limitation or agreements placed by the physical therapy section on a license to practice;
(16) Failure to renew a license in accordance with section 4755.46 of the Revised Code;
(17) Except as provided in section 4755.471 of the Revised Code, engaging in the division of fees for referral of patients or receiving anything of value in return for a specific referral of a patient to utilize a particular service or business;
(18) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of mental illness or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perception skills;
(19) The revocation, suspension, restriction, or termination of clinical privileges by the United States department of defense or department of veterans affairs;
(20) Termination or suspension from participation in the medicare or medicaid program established under Title XVIII and Title XIX, respectively, of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C. 301, as amended, for an act or acts that constitute a violation of sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;
(21) Failure of a physical therapist to maintain supervision of a student, physical therapist assistant, unlicensed support personnel, other assistant personnel, or a license applicant in accordance with the requirements of sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code and rules adopted under those sections;
(22) Failure to complete continuing education requirements as prescribed in section 4755.51 or 4755.511 of the Revised Code or to satisfy any rules applicable to continuing education requirements that are adopted by the physical therapy section;
(23) Conviction of a misdemeanor when the act that constitutes the misdemeanor occurs during the practice of physical therapy;
(24)(a) Except as provided in division (A)(24)(b) of this section, failure to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the physical therapy section, including failure to comply with a subpoena or orders issued by the section or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the section at a deposition or in written interrogatories.
(b) Failure to cooperate with an investigation does not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence at issue.
(25) Regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engaging with a patient other than the spouse of the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, in any of the following:
(a) Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
(b) Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.
(26) Failure to notify the physical therapy section of a change in name, business address, or home address within thirty days after the date of change;
(27) Except as provided in division (B) 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 physical therapy, would otherwise 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 provider;
(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 physical therapy, would otherwise be required to pay;
(28) Violation of any section of this chapter or rule adopted under it;
(29) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (A)(27) of this section against any individual 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 physical therapy section upon request.
(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code to the extent allowed by those sections and the rules of the physical therapy section.
(C) When a license is revoked under this section, application for reinstatement may not be made sooner than one year after the date of revocation. The physical therapy section may accept or refuse an application for reinstatement and may require that the applicant pass an examination as a condition for reinstatement.
When a license holder is placed on probation under this section, the physical therapy section's order for placement on probation shall be accompanied by a statement of the conditions under which the individual may be removed from probation and restored to unrestricted practice.
(D) When an application for an initial or renewed license is refused under this section, the physical therapy section shall notify the applicant in writing of the section's decision to refuse issuance of a license and the reason for its decision.
(E) On receipt of a complaint that a person licensed by the physical therapy section has committed any of the actions listed in division (A) of this section, the physical therapy section may immediately suspend the license of the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant prior to holding a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code if it determines, based on the complaint, that the person poses an immediate threat to the public. The physical therapy section shall notify the person of the suspension in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the person fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the physical therapy section shall enter a final order permanently revoking the person's license.
Sec. 4755.64.  (A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the athletic trainers section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew an athletic trainers license, or reprimand, fine, or place a licensee on probation, for any of the following:
(1) Conviction of a felony or offense involving moral turpitude, regardless of the state or country in which the conviction occurred;
(2) Violation of sections 4755.61 to 4755.65 of the Revised Code or any order issued or rule adopted thereunder;
(3) Obtaining a license through fraud, false or misleading representation, or concealment of material facts;
(4) Negligence or gross misconduct in the practice of athletic training;
(5) Violating the standards of ethical conduct in the practice of athletic training as adopted by the athletic trainers section under section 4755.61 of the Revised Code;
(6) Using any controlled substance or alcohol to the extent that the ability to practice athletic training at a level of competency is impaired;
(7) Practicing in an area of athletic training for which the individual is untrained, incompetent, or practicing without the referral of a practitioner licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, a dentist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code, a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code, or a physical therapist licensed under this chapter;
(8) Employing, directing, or supervising a person in the performance of athletic training procedures who is not authorized to practice as a licensed athletic trainer under this chapter;
(9) Misrepresenting educational attainments or the functions the individual is authorized to perform for the purpose of obtaining some benefit related to the individual's athletic training practice;
(10) Failing the licensing examination;
(11) Aiding or abetting the unlicensed practice of athletic training;
(12) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to practice a health care occupation, including athletic training, for any reason other than a failure to renew, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction;
(13) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of athletic training;
(14) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) If the athletic trainers section places a licensee on probation under division (A) of this section, the section's order for placement on probation shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the person may be removed from probation and restored to unrestricted practice.
(C) A licensee whose license has been revoked under division (A) of this section may apply to the athletic trainers section for reinstatement of the license one year following the date of revocation. The athletic trainers section may accept or deny the application for reinstatement and may require that the applicant pass an examination as a condition for reinstatement.
(D) On receipt of a complaint that a person licensed by the athletic trainers section has committed any of the prohibited actions listed in division (A) of this section, the section may immediately suspend the license of a licensed athletic trainer prior to holding a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code if it determines, based on the complaint, that the licensee poses an immediate threat to the public. The section shall notify the licensed athletic trainer of the suspension in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the individual whose license is suspended fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the section shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's license.
Sec. 4757.36.  (A) The appropriate professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist board may, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, take any action specified in division (B) of this section against an individual who has applied for or holds a license to practice as a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, social worker, or independent social worker, or a certificate of registration to practice as a social work assistant, for any reason described in division (C) of this section.
(B) In its imposition of sanctions against an individual, the board may do any of the following:
(1) Refuse to issue or refuse to renew a license or certificate of registration;
(2) Suspend, revoke, or otherwise restrict a license or certificate of registration;
(3) Reprimand an individual holding a license or certificate of registration;
(4) Impose a fine in accordance with the graduated system of fines established by the board in rules adopted under section 4757.10 of the Revised Code.
(C) The appropriate professional standards committee of the board may take an action specified in division (B) of this section for any of the following reasons:
(1) Commission of an act that violates any provision of this chapter or rules adopted under it;
(2) Knowingly making a false statement on an application for licensure or registration, or for renewal of a license or certificate of registration;
(3) Accepting a commission or rebate for referring persons to any professionals licensed, certified, or registered by any court or board, commission, department, division, or other agency of the state, including, but not limited to, individuals practicing counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy or practicing in fields related to counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy;
(4) A failure to comply with section 4757.12 of the Revised Code;
(5) A conviction in this or any other state of a crime that is a felony in this state;
(6) A failure to perform properly as a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, social work assistant, social worker, or independent social worker due to the use of alcohol or other drugs or any other physical or mental condition;
(7) A conviction in this state or in any other state of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice as a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, social work assistant, social worker, or independent social worker;
(8) Practicing outside the scope of practice applicable to that person;
(9) Practicing in violation of the supervision requirements specified under sections 4757.21 and 4757.26, and division (E) of section 4757.30, of the Revised Code;
(10) A violation of the person's code of ethical practice adopted by rule of the board pursuant to section 4757.11 of the Revised Code;
(11) Revocation or suspension of a license or certificate of registration, or the voluntary surrender of a license or certificate of registration in another state or jurisdiction for an offense that would be a violation of this chapter;
(12) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, social work assistant, social worker, or independent social worker;
(13) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(D) One year or more after the date of suspension or revocation of a license or certificate of registration under this section, application may be made to the appropriate professional standards committee for reinstatement. The committee may accept or refuse an application for reinstatement. If a license has been suspended or revoked, the committee may require an examination for reinstatement.
(E) On request of the board, the attorney general shall bring and prosecute to judgment a civil action to collect any fine imposed under division (B)(4) of this section that remains unpaid.
(F) All fines collected under division (B)(4) of this section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund.
Sec. 4758.30. (A) The chemical dependency professionals board, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may refuse to issue a license or certificate applied for under this chapter; refuse to renew a license or certificate issued under this chapter; suspend, revoke, or otherwise restrict a license or certificate issued under this chapter; or reprimand an individual holding a license or certificate issued under this chapter. These actions may be taken by the board regarding the applicant for a license or certificate or the individual holding a license or certificate for one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Violation of any provision of this chapter or rules adopted under it;
(2) Knowingly making a false statement on an application for a license or certificate or for renewal, restoration, or reinstatement of a license or certificate;
(3) Acceptance of a commission or rebate for referring an individual to a person who holds a license or certificate issued by, or who is registered with, an entity of state government, including persons practicing chemical dependency counseling, alcohol and other drug prevention services, or fields related to chemical dependency counseling or alcohol and other drug prevention services;
(4) Conviction in this or any other state of any crime that is a felony in this state;
(5) Conviction in this or any other state of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice as an independent chemical dependency counselor, chemical dependency counselor III, chemical dependency counselor II, chemical dependency counselor I, chemical dependency counselor assistant, prevention specialist II, prevention specialist I, or registered applicant;
(6) Inability to practice as an independent chemical dependency counselor, chemical dependency counselor III, chemical dependency counselor II, chemical dependency counselor I, chemical dependency counselor assistant, prevention specialist II, prevention specialist I, or registered applicant due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs or other physical or mental condition;
(7) Practicing outside the individual's scope of practice;
(8) Practicing without complying with the supervision requirements specified under section 4758.56, 4758.59, or 4758.61 of the Revised Code;
(9) Violation of the code of ethical practice and professional conduct for chemical dependency counseling or alcohol and other drug prevention services adopted by the board pursuant to section 4758.23 of the Revised Code;
(10) Revocation of a license or certificate or voluntary surrender of a license or certificate in another state or jurisdiction for an offense that would be a violation of this chapter;
(11) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of an independent chemical dependency counselor, chemical dependency counselor III, chemical dependency counselor II, chemical dependency counselor I, chemical dependency counselor assistant, prevention specialist II, prevention specialist I, or registered applicant;
(12) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) An individual whose license or certificate has been suspended or revoked under this section may apply to the board for reinstatement after an amount of time the board shall determine in accordance with rules adopted under section 4758.20 of the Revised Code. The board may accept or refuse an application for reinstatement. The board may require an examination for reinstatement of a license or certificate that has been suspended or revoked.
Sec. 4759.07.  (A) The Ohio board of dietetics may, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, refuse to issue, review, or renew, or may suspend, revoke, or impose probationary conditions upon any license or permit to practice dietetics, if the applicant has:
(1) Violated sections 4759.02 to 4759.10 of the Revised Code or rules adopted under those sections;
(2) Knowingly made a false statement in his an application for licensure or license renewal;
(3) Been convicted of any crime constituting a felony in this or any other state;
(4) Been impaired in his ability to perform as a licensed dietitian due to the use of a controlled substance or alcoholic beverage;
(5) Been convicted of a misdemeanor committed in the course of his work as a dietitian in this or any other state;
(6) A record of incompetent or negligent conduct in his the practice of dietetics;
(7) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of dietetics;
(8) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) One year or more after the date of suspension or revocation of a license or permit, an application for reinstatement of the license or permit may be made to the board. The board shall grant or deny reinstatement with a hearing, at the request of the applicant, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and may impose conditions upon the reinstatement, including the requirement of passing an examination approved by the board.
Sec. 4760.13.  (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.
(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall, to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend an individual's certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant, refuse to issue a certificate to an applicant, refuse to reinstate a certificate, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a certificate for any of the following reasons:
(1) Permitting the holder's name or certificate to be used by another person;
(2) Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or any rules adopted by the board;
(3) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or the rules adopted by the board;
(4) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances whether or not actual injury to the patient is established;
(5) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills;
(6) Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair ability to practice;
(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;
(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for patients or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate of registration to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant.
As used in this division, "false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement" means a statement that includes a misrepresentation of fact, is likely to mislead or deceive because of a failure to disclose material facts, is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or includes representations or implications that in reasonable probability will cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.
(9) The obtaining of, or attempting to obtain, money or a thing of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;
(10) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony;
(11) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(12) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(13) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(14) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(15) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(16) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for violating any state or federal law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug, including trafficking in drugs;
(17) Any of the following actions taken by the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of anesthesiologist assistants in another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;
(18) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate of registration;
(19) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4731.051 of the Revised Code;
(20) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4760.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;
(21) Failure to comply with any code of ethics established by the national commission for the certification of anesthesiologist assistants;
(22) Failure to notify the state medical board of the revocation or failure to maintain certification from the national commission for certification of anesthesiologist assistants;
(23) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(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 anesthesiologist assistant or applicant to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.
(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(11), (14), and (15) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal on technical or procedural grounds.
(E) The sealing of conviction records by any court shall have no effect on a prior board order entered under the provisions of this section or on the board's jurisdiction to take action under the provisions of this section if, based upon a plea of guilty, a judicial finding of guilt, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, the board issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing prior to the court's order to seal the records. The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court's sealing of conviction records.
(F) For purposes of this division, any individual who holds a certificate of registration issued under this chapter, or applies for a certificate of registration, shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.
(1) In enforcing division (B)(5) of this section, the board, on a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate of registration issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate of registration pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental 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 an anesthesiologist assistant unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the anesthesiologist assistant to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate of registration. An individual affected by this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.
(2) For purposes of division (B)(6) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate of registration issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate of registration suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.
Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board determines that the individual's ability to practice is impaired, the board shall suspend the individual's certificate or deny the individual's application and shall require the individual, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate of registration, to submit to treatment.
Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the anesthesiologist assistant shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The demonstration shall include the following:
(a) Certification from a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code that the individual has successfully completed any required inpatient treatment;
(b) Evidence of continuing full compliance with an aftercare contract or consent agreement;
(c) Two written reports indicating that the individual's ability to practice has been assessed and that the individual has been found capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The reports shall be made by individuals or providers approved by the board for making such assessments and shall describe the basis for their determination.
The board may reinstate a certificate suspended under this division after such demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.
When the impaired anesthesiologist assistant resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the anesthesiologist assistant. 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 anesthesiologist assistant has maintained sobriety.
(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that an anesthesiologist assistant has violated division (B) of this section and that the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual's certificate or registration without a prior hearing. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board.
The board, on review of the allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.
The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the anesthesiologist assistant 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 anesthesiologist assistant requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the certificate holder.
A summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.
(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(11), (13), or (14) of this section, and the judicial finding of guilt, guilty plea, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction is overturned on appeal, on exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. On receipt of a petition and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the certificate of registration. The board may then hold an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual committed the act in question. Notice of opportunity for hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act, or if no hearing is requested, it may order any of the sanctions specified in division (B) of this section.
(I) The certificate of registration of an anesthesiologist assistant and the assistant's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the anesthesiologist assistant pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or treatment of intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after the suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.
The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's certificate of registration.
(J) In any instance in which the board is required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of opportunity for hearing and the individual subject to the notice does not timely request a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, a final order that contains the board's findings. In the final order, the board may order any of the sanctions identified under division (A) or (B) of this section.
(K) Any action taken by the board under division (B) of this section resulting in a suspension shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the anesthesiologist assistant's certificate may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(L) When the board refuses to grant a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant to an applicant, revokes an individual's certificate of registration, refuses to renew a certificate of registration, or refuses to reinstate an individual's certificate of registration, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to a permanent action taken by the board is forever thereafter ineligible to hold a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant and the board shall not accept an application for reinstatement of the certificate or for issuance of a new certificate.
(M) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:
(1) The surrender of a certificate of registration issued under this chapter is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(2) An application made under this chapter for a certificate of registration may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.
(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate of registration in accordance with section 4760.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.
Sec. 4761.09.  (A) The Ohio respiratory care board may refuse to issue or renew a license or a limited permit, may issue a reprimand, may suspend or permanently revoke a license or limited permit, or may place a license or limited permit holder on probation, on any of the following grounds:
(1) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for an offense involving moral turpitude or of a felony, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;
(2) Violating any provision of this chapter or an order or rule of the board;
(3) Assisting another person in that person's violation of any provision of this chapter or an order or rule of the board;
(4) Obtaining a license or limited permit by means of fraud, false or misleading representation, or concealment of material facts or making any other material misrepresentation to the board;
(5) Being guilty of negligence or gross misconduct in the practice of respiratory care;
(6) Violating the standards of ethical conduct adopted by the board, in the practice of respiratory care;
(7) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;
(8) Using any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, or alcohol to the extent that the use impairs the ability to practice respiratory care at an acceptable level of competency;
(9) Practicing respiratory care while mentally incompetent;
(10) Accepting commissions, rebates, or other forms of remuneration for patient referrals;
(11) Practicing in an area of respiratory care for which the person is clearly untrained or incompetent or practicing in a manner that conflicts with section 4761.17 of the Revised Code;
(12) Employing, directing, or supervising a person who is not authorized to practice respiratory care under this chapter in the performance of respiratory care procedures;
(13) Misrepresenting educational attainments or authorized functions for the purpose of obtaining some benefit related to the practice of respiratory care;
(14) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code;
(15) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of respiratory care;
(16) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
Before the board may take any action under this section, other than issuance of a summary suspension order under division (C) of this section, the executive director of the board shall prepare and file written charges with the board. Disciplinary actions taken by the board under 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 to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by 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 effect.
(B) If the board orders a license or limited permit holder placed on probation, the order shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the person may be restored to practice.
The person may reapply to the board for original issuance of a license after one year following the date the license was denied.
A person may apply to the board for the reinstatement of a license or limited permit after one year following the date of suspension or refusal to renew. The board may accept or refuse the application for reinstatement and may require that the applicant pass a reexamination as a condition of eligibility for reinstatement.
(C) If the president and secretary of the board determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a license or limited permit holder has committed an act that is grounds for board action under division (A) of this section and that continued practice by the license or permit holder presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, the president and secretary may recommend that the board suspend the license or limited permit without a prior hearing. The president and secretary shall submit in writing to the board the allegations causing them to recommend the suspension.
On review of the allegations, the board, by a vote of not less than seven of its members, may suspend a license or limited permit without a prior hearing. The board may review the allegations and vote on the suspension by a telephone conference call.
If the board votes to suspend a license or limited permit under this division, the board shall issue a written order of summary suspension to the license or limited permit holder in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the license or limited permit holder requests a hearing by the board, the board shall conduct the hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 119.12 of the Revised Code, a court of common pleas shall not grant a suspension of the board's order of summary suspension pending determination of an appeal filed under that section.
Any order of summary suspension issued under this division shall remain in effect until a final adjudication order issued by the board pursuant to division (A) of this section becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudication order regarding an order of summary suspension issued under this division not later than sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in immediate dissolution of the suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudication order.
Sec. 4762.13.  (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.
(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall, to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend an individual's certificate to practice as an acupuncturist, refuse to issue a certificate to an applicant, refuse to reinstate a certificate, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a certificate for any of the following reasons:
(1) Permitting the holder's name or certificate to be used by another person;
(2) Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or any rules adopted by the board;
(3) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or the rules adopted by the board;
(4) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances whether or not actual injury to the patient is established;
(5) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills;
(6) Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair ability to practice;
(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;
(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for patients or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist.
As used in this division, "false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement" means a statement that includes a misrepresentation of fact, is likely to mislead or deceive because of a failure to disclose material facts, is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or includes representations or implications that in reasonable probability will cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.
(9) Representing, with the purpose of obtaining compensation or other advantage personally or for any other person, that an incurable disease or injury, or other incurable condition, can be permanently cured;
(10) The obtaining of, or attempting to obtain, money or a thing of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;
(11) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony;
(12) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(13) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(14) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(15) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(16) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(17) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for violating any state or federal law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug, including trafficking in drugs;
(18) Any of the following actions taken by the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of acupuncture in another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;
(19) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist;
(20) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4731.051 of the Revised Code;
(21) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4762.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;
(22) Failure to comply with the standards of the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine regarding professional ethics, commitment to patients, commitment to the profession, and commitment to the public;
(23) Failure to have adequate professional liability insurance coverage in accordance with section 4762.22 of the Revised Code;
(24) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(C) Disciplinary actions taken by the board under divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be taken pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that in lieu of an adjudication, the board may enter into a consent agreement with an acupuncturist or applicant to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.
(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(12), (15), and (16) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds.
(E) The sealing of conviction records by any court shall have no effect upon a prior board order entered under the provisions of this section or upon the board's jurisdiction to take action under the provisions of this section if, based upon a plea of guilty, a judicial finding of guilt, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, the board issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing prior to the court's order to seal the records. The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court's sealing of conviction records.
(F) For purposes of this division, any individual who holds a certificate to practice issued under this chapter, or applies for a certificate to practice, shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.
(1) In enforcing division (B)(5) of this section, the board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate to practice issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental examination, physical examination, including an HIV test, or both a mental and physical examination. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds an acupuncturist unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the acupuncturist to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate to practice. An individual affected by this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.
(2) For purposes of division (B)(6) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate to practice issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.
Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board determines that the individual's ability to practice is impaired, the board shall suspend the individual's certificate or deny the individual's application and shall require the individual, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate, to submit to treatment.
Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the acupuncturist shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The demonstration shall include the following:
(a) Certification from a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code that the individual has successfully completed any required inpatient treatment;
(b) Evidence of continuing full compliance with an aftercare contract or consent agreement;
(c) Two written reports indicating that the individual's ability to practice has been assessed and that the individual has been found capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The reports shall be made by individuals or providers approved by the board for making such assessments and shall describe the basis for their determination.
The board may reinstate a certificate suspended under this division after such demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.
When the impaired acupuncturist resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the acupuncturist. The monitoring shall include monitoring of compliance with the written consent agreement entered into before reinstatement or with conditions imposed by board order after a hearing, and, upon termination of the consent agreement, submission to the board for at least two years of annual written progress reports made under penalty of falsification stating whether the acupuncturist has maintained sobriety.
(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that an acupuncturist has violated division (B) of this section and that the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board.
The board, upon review of the allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.
The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the acupuncturist requests an adjudicatory hearing by the board, the date set for the hearing shall be within fifteen days, but not earlier than seven days, after the acupuncturist requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the certificate holder.
A summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.
(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(11), (13), or (14) of this section, and the judicial finding of guilt, guilty plea, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction is overturned on appeal, upon exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. Upon receipt of a petition and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the certificate 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 opportunity for hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act, or if no hearing is requested, it may order any of the sanctions specified in division (B) of this section.
(I) The certificate to practice of an acupuncturist and the acupuncturist's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the acupuncturist pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after the suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.
The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's certificate 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 acupuncturist's certificate to practice may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(L) When the board refuses to grant a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist to an applicant, revokes an individual's certificate, refuses to renew a certificate, or refuses to reinstate an individual's certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to a permanent action taken by the board is forever thereafter ineligible to hold a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist and the board shall not accept an application for reinstatement of the certificate or for issuance of a new certificate.
(M) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:
(1) The surrender of a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(2) An application made under this chapter for a certificate may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.
(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate in accordance with section 4762.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.
Sec. 4774.13. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant to an individual found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.
(B) The board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, shall, to the extent permitted by law, limit, revoke, or suspend an individual's certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant, refuse to issue a certificate to an applicant, refuse to reinstate a certificate, or reprimand or place on probation the holder of a certificate for any of the following reasons:
(1) Permitting the holder's name or certificate to be used by another person;
(2) Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or any rules adopted by the board;
(3) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting the violation of, or conspiring to violate, any provision of this chapter, Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, or the rules adopted by the board;
(4) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar practitioners under the same or similar circumstances whether or not actual injury to the patient is established;
(5) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental illness or physical illness, including physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills;
(6) Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care because of habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair ability to practice;
(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;
(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for patients or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant.
As used in this division, "false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement" means a statement that includes a misrepresentation of fact, is likely to mislead or deceive because of a failure to disclose material facts, is intended or is likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results, or includes representations or implications that in reasonable probability will cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.
(9) The obtaining of, or attempting to obtain, money or a thing of value by fraudulent misrepresentations in the course of practice;
(10) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony;
(11) Commission of an act that constitutes a felony in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(12) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;
(13) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(14) Commission of an act in the course of practice that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(15) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude that constitutes a misdemeanor in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the act was committed;
(16) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for violating any state or federal law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug, including trafficking in drugs;
(17) Any of the following actions taken by the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of radiologist assistants in another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;
(18) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant;
(19) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4731.051 of the Revised Code;
(20) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4774.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;
(21) Failure to maintain a license as a radiographer under Chapter 4773. of the Revised Code;
(22) Failure to maintain certification as a registered radiologist assistant from the American registry of radiologic technologists, including revocation by the registry of the assistant's certification or failure by the assistant to meet the registry's requirements for annual registration, or failure to notify the board that the certification as a registered radiologist assistant has not been maintained;
(23) Failure to comply with any of the rules of ethics included in the standards of ethics established by the American registry of radiologic technologists, as those rules apply to an individual who holds the registry's certification as a registered radiologist assistant;
(24) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(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 radiologist assistant or applicant to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.
(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(11), (14), and (15) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal on technical or procedural grounds.
(E) The sealing of conviction records by any court shall have no effect on a prior board order entered under the provisions of this section or on the board's jurisdiction to take action under the provisions of this section if, based upon a plea of guilty, a judicial finding of guilt, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, the board issued a notice of opportunity for a hearing prior to the court's order to seal the records. The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court's sealing of conviction records.
(F) For purposes of this division, any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant issued under this chapter, or applies for a certificate to practice, shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.
(1) In enforcing division (B)(5) of this section, the board, on a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate to practice to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. A physical examination may include an HIV test. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds a radiologist assistant unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the radiologist assistant to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate to practice. An individual affected by this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.
(2) For purposes of division (B)(6) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate to practice suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.
Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board determines that the individual's ability to practice is impaired, the board shall suspend the individual's certificate or deny the individual's application and shall require the individual, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate to practice, to submit to treatment.
Before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of a certificate suspended under this division, the radiologist assistant shall demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The demonstration shall include the following:
(a) Certification from a treatment provider approved under section 4731.25 of the Revised Code that the individual has successfully completed any required inpatient treatment;
(b) Evidence of continuing full compliance with an aftercare contract or consent agreement;
(c) Two written reports indicating that the individual's ability to practice has been assessed and that the individual has been found capable of practicing according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care. The reports shall be made by individuals or providers approved by the board for making such assessments and shall describe the basis for their determination.
The board may reinstate a certificate suspended under this division after such demonstration and after the individual has entered into a written consent agreement.
When the impaired radiologist assistant resumes practice, the board shall require continued monitoring of the radiologist assistant. 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 radiologist assistant has maintained sobriety.
(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a radiologist assistant has violated division (B) of this section and that the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing. Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board.
The board, on review of the allegations and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, excluding the secretary and supervising member, may suspend a certificate without a prior hearing. A telephone conference call may be utilized for reviewing the allegations and taking the vote on the summary suspension.
The board shall issue a written order of suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The order shall not be subject to suspension by the court during pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the radiologist assistant 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 radiologist assistant requests the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by both the board and the certificate holder.
A summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicative order issued by the board pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudicative order within sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in dissolution of the summary suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudicative order.
(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(10), (12), 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 certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant. The board may then hold an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual committed the act in question. Notice of opportunity for hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act, or if no hearing is requested, it may order any of the sanctions specified in division (B) of this section.
(I) The certificate to practice of a radiologist assistant and the assistant's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the radiologist assistant pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or treatment of intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction for any of the following criminal offenses in this state or a substantially equivalent criminal offense in another jurisdiction: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. Continued practice after the suspension shall be considered practicing without a certificate.
The board shall notify the individual subject to the suspension by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the individual's certificate to practice.
(J) In any instance in which the board is required by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of opportunity for hearing and the individual subject to the notice does not timely request a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, a final order that contains the board's findings. In the final order, the board may order any of the sanctions identified under division (A) or (B) of this section.
(K) Any action taken by the board under division (B) of this section resulting in a suspension shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the radiologist assistant's certificate may be reinstated. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing conditions to be imposed for reinstatement. Reinstatement of a certificate suspended pursuant to division (B) of this section requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(L) When the board refuses to grant a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant to an applicant, revokes an individual's certificate, refuses to renew a certificate, or refuses to reinstate an individual's certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to a permanent action taken by the board is forever thereafter ineligible to hold a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant and the board shall not accept an application for reinstatement of the certificate or for issuance of a new certificate.
(M) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:
(1) The surrender of a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant issued under this chapter is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.
(2) An application made under this chapter for a certificate to practice may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.
(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate to practice in accordance with section 4774.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.
Sec. 4778.14. (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 soliciting or advertising for patients or 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;
(22) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(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. 4779.28.  (A) The board may, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by a vote of not fewer than four of its members, limit, revoke, or suspend a license issued under this chapter, refuse to issue a license to an applicant, or reprimand or place on probation a license holder for any of the following reasons:
(1) Conviction of, or a plea of guilty to, a misdemeanor or felony involving moral turpitude;
(2) Any violation of this chapter;
(3) Committing fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing a license issued under this chapter;
(4) Habitual use of drugs or intoxicants to the extent that it renders the person unfit to practice;
(5) Violation of any rule adopted by the board under section 4779.08 of the Revised Code;
(6) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar orthotists, prosthetists, orthotists-prosthetists, or pedorthists under the same or similar circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to a patient is established;
(7) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by fraudulent misrepresentation in the course of practice;
(8) Publishing a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement;
(9) Waiving the payment of all or part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan, would otherwise 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 a person who holds a license issued under this chapter;
(10) Advertising that a person who holds a license issued under this chapter will waive the payment of all or part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan, that covers the person's services, would otherwise be required to pay;
(11) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in the solicitation of or advertising for patients in relation to the practice of an orthotist, prosthetist, orthotist-prosthetist, or pedorthist;
(12) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4745.04 of the Revised Code.
(B) For the purpose of investigating whether a person is engaging or has engaged in conduct described in division (A) of this section, the board may administer oaths, order the taking of depositions, issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and compel the attendance of witnesses and production of books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and testimony.
Section 2.  That existing sections 4715.30, 4723.28, 4725.19, 4725.53, 4729.16, 4730.02, 4730.25, 4731.22, 4732.17, 4734.31, 4753.10, 4755.11, 4755.47, 4755.64, 4757.36, 4758.30, 4759.07, 4760.13, 4761.09, 4762.13, 4774.13, 4778.14, and 4779.28 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 Am. Sub. H.B. 292 and Am. Sub. H.B. 487 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.
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