To amend sections 125.22, 1701.03, 1705.03, 1705.04, 1705.53, 1785.01, 1785.02, 1785.03, 1785.08, 2151.421, 2921.22, 3701.74, 3721.21, 4723.16, 4725.33, 4729.161, 4731.226, 4731.65, 4732.28, 4734.17, 4755.471, 4757.01, 4757.02, 4757.03, 4757.04, 4757.05, 4757.06, 4757.07, 4757.10, 4757.101, 4757.11, 4757.12, 4757.15, 4757.16, 4757.17, 4757.18, 4757.19, 4757.22, 4757.23, 4757.27, 4757.28, 4757.29, 4757.30, 4757.301, 4757.31, 4757.32, 4757.33, 4757.34, 4757.36, 4757.361, 4757.38, 4757.40, 4757.43, 4757.44, 5101.61, 5101.99, and 5123.61 and to enact sections 4757.45 to 4757.50 and 4757.55 of the Revised Code to regulate the practice of art therapy.

Section 1. That sections 125.22, 1701.03, 1705.03, 1705.04, 1705.53, 1785.01, 1785.02, 1785.03, 1785.08, 2151.421, 2921.22, 3701.74, 3721.21, 4723.16, 4725.33, 4729.161, 4731.226, 4731.65, 4732.28, 4734.17, 4755.471, 4757.01, 4757.02, 4757.03, 4757.04, 4757.05, 4757.06, 4757.07, 4757.10, 4757.101, 4757.11, 4757.12, 4757.15, 4757.16, 4757.17, 4757.18, 4757.19, 4757.22, 4757.23, 4757.27, 4757.28, 4757.29, 4757.30, 4757.301, 4757.31, 4757.32, 4757.33, 4757.34, 4757.36, 4757.361, 4757.38, 4757.40, 4757.43, 4757.44, 5101.61, 5101.99, and 5123.61 be amended and sections 4757.45, 4757.46, 4757.47, 4757.48, 4757.49, 4757.50, and 4757.55 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 125.22.  (A) The department of administrative services shall establish the central service agency to perform routine support for the following boards and commissions:

(1) Architects board;

(2) Barber board;

(3) State chiropractic board;

(4) State board of cosmetology;

(5) Accountancy board;

(6) State dental board;

(7) State board of optometry;

(8) Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board;

(9) State board of registration for professional engineers and surveyors;

(10) State board of sanitarian registration;

(11) Board of embalmers and funeral directors;

(12) State board of psychology;

(13) Ohio optical dispensers board;

(14) Board of speech pathology and audiology;

(15) Counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board;

(16) State veterinary medical licensing board;

(17) Ohio board of dietetics;

(18) Commission on Hispanic-Latino affairs;

(19) Ohio respiratory care board;

(20) Ohio commission on African-American males;

(21) Chemical dependency professionals board.

(B)(1) Notwithstanding any other section of the Revised Code, the agency shall perform the following routine support services for the boards and commissions named in division (A) of this section unless the controlling board exempts a board or commission from this requirement on the recommendation of the director of administrative services:

(a) Preparing and processing payroll and other personnel documents;

(b) Preparing and processing vouchers, purchase orders, encumbrances, and other accounting documents;

(c) Maintaining ledgers of accounts and balances;

(d) Preparing and monitoring budgets and allotment plans in consultation with the boards and commissions;

(e) Other routine support services that the director of administrative services considers appropriate to achieve efficiency.

(2) The agency may perform other services which a board or commission named in division (A) of this section delegates to the agency and the agency accepts.

(3) The agency may perform any service for any professional or occupational licensing board not named in division (A) of this section or any commission if the board or commission requests such service and the agency accepts.

(C) The director of administrative services shall be the appointing authority for the agency.

(D) The agency shall determine the fees to be charged to the boards and commissions, which shall be in proportion to the services performed for each board or commission.

(E) Each board or commission named in division (A) of this section and any other board or commission requesting services from the agency shall pay these fees to the agency from the general revenue fund maintenance account of the board or commission or from such other fund as the operating expenses of the board or commission are paid. Any amounts set aside for a fiscal year by a board or commission to allow for the payment of fees shall be used only for the services performed by the agency in that fiscal year. All receipts collected by the agency shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the central service agency fund, which is hereby created. All expenses incurred by the agency in performing services for the boards or commissions shall be paid from the fund.

(F) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a grant of authority for the central service agency to initiate or deny personnel or fiscal actions for the boards and commissions.

Sec. 1701.03.  (A) A corporation may be formed under this chapter for any purpose or combination of purposes for which individuals lawfully may associate themselves, except that, if the Revised Code contains special provisions pertaining to the formation of any designated type of corporation other than a professional association, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, a corporation of that type shall be formed in accordance with the special provisions.

(B)(1) On and after July 1, 1994, a corporation may be formed under this chapter for the purpose of carrying on the practice of any profession, including, but not limited to, a the following:

(a) A corporation for the purpose of providing public accounting or certified public accounting services, a;

(b) A corporation for the erection, owning, and conducting of a sanitarium for receiving and caring for patients, medical and hygienic treatment of patients, and instruction of nurses in the treatment of disease and in hygiene, a;

(c) A corporation for the purpose of providing architectural, landscape architectural, professional engineering, or surveying services or any combination of those types of services, and a;

(d) A corporation for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, and persons licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code. This

(2) This chapter does not restrict, limit, or otherwise affect the authority or responsibilities of any agency, board, commission, department, office, or other entity to license, register, and otherwise regulate the professional conduct of individuals or organizations of any kind rendering professional services, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, in this state or to regulate the practice of any profession that is within the jurisdiction of the agency, board, commission, department, office, or other entity, notwithstanding that an individual is a director, officer, employee, or other agent of a corporation formed under this chapter and is rendering professional services or engaging in the practice of a profession through a corporation formed under this chapter or that the organization is a corporation formed under this chapter.

(C) Nothing in division (A) or (B) of this section precludes the organization of a professional association in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code or the formation of a limited liability company under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code with respect to a business, as defined in section 1705.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) No corporation formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code described in division (B)(1)(d) of this section shall control the professional clinical judgment exercised within accepted and prevailing standards of practice of a licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized optometrist, chiropractor, chiropractor practicing acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychologist, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, mechanotherapist, or doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, social work assistant, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or art therapist in rendering care, treatment, or professional advice to an individual patient.

This division does not prevent a hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, insurer, as defined in section 3999.36 of the Revised Code, or intermediary organization, as defined in section 1751.01 of the Revised Code, from entering into a contract with a corporation described in this division that includes a provision requiring utilization review, quality assurance, peer review, or other performance or quality standards. Those activities shall not be construed as controlling the professional clinical judgment of an individual practitioner listed in this division.

Sec. 1705.03.  (A) A limited liability company may sue and be sued.

(B) Unless otherwise provided in its articles of organization, a limited liability company may take property of any description or any interest in property of any description by gift, devise, or bequest and may make donations for the public welfare or for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.

(C) In carrying out the purposes stated in its articles of organization or operating agreement and subject to limitations prescribed by law or in its articles of organization or its operating agreement, a limited liability company may do all of the following:

(1) Purchase or otherwise acquire, lease as lessee or lessor, invest in, hold, use, encumber, sell, exchange, transfer, and dispose of property of any description or any interest in property of any description;

(2) Make contracts;

(3) Form or acquire the control of other domestic or foreign limited liability companies;

(4) Be a shareholder, partner, member, associate, or participant in other profit or nonprofit enterprises or ventures;

(5) Conduct its affairs in this state and elsewhere;

(6) Render the following in this state and elsewhere a:

(a) A professional service, the;

(b) The kinds of professional services authorized under Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code, or a;

(c) A combination of the professional services of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

(7) Borrow money;

(8) Issue, sell, and pledge its notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness;

(9) Secure any of its obligations by mortgage, pledge, or deed of trust of all or any of its property;

(10) Guarantee or secure obligations of any person;

(11) Do all things permitted by law and exercise all authority within or incidental to the purposes stated in its articles of organization.

(D) In addition to the authority conferred by division (C) of this section and irrespective of the purposes stated in its articles of organization or operating agreement but subject to any limitations stated in those articles or its operating agreement, a limited liability company may invest funds not currently needed in its business in any securities if the investment does not cause the company to acquire control of another enterprise whose activities and operations are not incidental to the purposes stated in the articles of organization of the company.

(E)(1) No lack of authority or limitation upon the authority of a limited liability company shall be asserted in any action except as follows:

(a) By the state in an action by it against the company;

(b) By or on behalf of the company in an action against a manager, an officer, or any member as a member;

(c) By a member as a member in an action against the company, a manager, an officer, or any member as a member;

(d) In an action involving an alleged improper issue of a membership interest in the company.

(2) Division (E)(1) of this section applies to any action commenced in this state upon any contract made in this state by a foreign limited liability company.

Sec. 1705.04.  (A) One or more persons, without regard to residence, domicile, or state of organization, may form a limited liability company. The articles of organization shall be signed and filed with the secretary of state and shall set forth all of the following:

(1) The name of the company;

(2) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the period of its duration, which may be perpetual;

(3) Any other provisions that are from the operating agreement or that are not inconsistent with applicable law and that the members elect to set out in the articles for the regulation of the affairs of the company.

The legal existence of the company begins upon the filing of the articles of organization or on a later date specified in the articles of organization that is not more than ninety days after the filing.

(B) If the articles of organization or operating agreement do not set forth the period of the duration of the limited liability company, its duration shall be perpetual.

(C) If a limited liability company is formed under this chapter for the purpose of rendering a professional service, the kinds of professional services authorized under Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code, or a combination of the professional services of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code described in division (C)(6)(c) of section 1705.03 of the Revised Code, the following apply:

(1) Each member, employee, or other agent of the company who renders a professional service in this state and, if the management of the company is not reserved to its members, each manager of the company who renders a professional service in this state shall be licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render in this state the same kind of professional service; if applicable, the kinds of professional services authorized under Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code; or, if applicable, any of the kinds of professional services of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, or doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, or art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

(2) Each member, employee, or other agent of the company who renders a professional service in another state and, if the management of the company is not reserved to its members, each manager of the company who renders a professional service in another state shall be licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render that professional service in the other state.

(D) Except for the provisions of this chapter pertaining to the personal liability of members, employees, or other agents of a limited liability company and, if the management of the company is not reserved to its members, the personal liability of managers of the company, this chapter does not restrict, limit, or otherwise affect the authority or responsibilities of any agency, board, commission, department, office, or other entity to license, certificate, register, and otherwise regulate the professional conduct of individuals or organizations of any kind rendering professional services in this state or to regulate the practice of any profession that is within the jurisdiction of the agency, board, commission, department, office, or other entity, notwithstanding that the individual is a member or manager of a limited liability company and is rendering the professional services or engaging in the practice of the profession through the limited liability company or that the organization is a limited liability company.

(E) No limited liability company formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, or art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code shall control the professional clinical judgment exercised within accepted and prevailing standards of practice of a licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized optometrist, chiropractor, chiropractor practicing acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychologist, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, mechanotherapist, or doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, social work assistant, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or art therapist in rendering care, treatment, or professional advice to an individual patient.

This division does not prevent a hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, insurer, as defined in section 3999.36 of the Revised Code, or intermediary organization, as defined in section 1751.01 of the Revised Code, from entering into a contract with a limited liability company described in this division that includes a provision requiring utilization review, quality assurance, peer review, or other performance or quality standards. Those activities shall not be construed as controlling the professional clinical judgment of an individual practitioner listed in this division.

Sec. 1705.53.  Subject to any contrary provisions of the Ohio Constitution, the laws of the state under which a foreign limited liability company is organized govern its organization and internal affairs and the liability of its members. A foreign limited liability company may not be denied a certificate of registration as a foreign limited liability company in this state because of any difference between the laws of the state under which it is organized and the laws of this state. However, a foreign limited liability company that applies for registration under this chapter to render a professional service in this state, as a condition to obtaining and maintaining a certificate of registration, shall comply with the requirements of division (C) of section 1705.04 of the Revised Code and shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code if the kinds of professional services authorized under those chapters are to be rendered or with the requirements of Chapters 4723., 4725., 4729., 4731., 4732., 4734., and 4755. of the Revised Code if a combination of the professional services of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code are to be rendered.

Sec. 1785.01.  As used in this chapter:

(A) "Professional service" means any type of professional service that may be performed only pursuant to a license, certificate, or other legal authorization issued pursuant to Chapter 4701., 4703., 4705., 4715., 4723., 4725., 4729., 4730., 4731., 4732., 4733., 4734., or 4741., or 4757., sections 4755.04 to 4755.13, or 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code to certified public accountants, licensed public accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physician assistants, doctors of medicine and surgery, doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery, doctors of podiatric medicine and surgery, practitioners of the limited branches of medicine specified in section 4731.15 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists, psychologists, professional engineers, chiropractors, chiropractors practicing acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, veterinarians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists.

(B) "Professional association" means an association organized under this chapter for the sole purpose of rendering one of the professional services authorized under Chapter 4701., 4703., 4705., 4715., 4723., 4725., 4729., 4730., 4731., 4732., 4733., 4734., or 4741., or 4757., sections 4755.04 to 4755.13, or 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, a combination of the professional services authorized under Chapters 4703. and 4733. of the Revised Code, or a combination of the professional services of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 1785.02.  An individual or group of individuals each of whom is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render within this state the same kind of professional service, a group of individuals each of whom is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render within this state the professional service authorized under Chapter 4703. or 4733. of the Revised Code, or a group of individuals each of whom is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render within this state the professional service of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, or doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, or art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code may organize and become a shareholder or shareholders of a professional association. Any group of individuals described in this section who may be rendering one of the professional services as an organization created otherwise than pursuant to this chapter may incorporate under and pursuant to this chapter by amending the agreement establishing the organization in a manner that the agreement as amended constitutes articles of incorporation prepared and filed in the manner prescribed in section 1785.08 of the Revised Code and by otherwise complying with the applicable requirements of this chapter.

Sec. 1785.03.  A professional association may render a particular professional service only through officers, employees, and agents who are themselves duly licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to render the professional service within this state. As used in this section, "employee" does not include clerks, bookkeepers, technicians, or other individuals who are not usually and ordinarily considered by custom and practice to be rendering a particular professional service for which a license, certificate, or other legal authorization is required and does not include any other person who performs all of that person's employment under the direct supervision and control of an officer, agent, or employee who renders a particular professional service to the public on behalf of the professional association.

No professional association formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services, as defined in section 1785.01 of the Revised Code, of optometrists authorized under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors authorized under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic or acupuncture, psychologists authorized under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses authorized under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists authorized under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists authorized under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists authorized under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists authorized under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists authorized under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code shall control the professional clinical judgment exercised within accepted and prevailing standards of practice of a licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized optometrist, chiropractor, chiropractor practicing acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychologist, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, mechanotherapist, or doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, social work assistant, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or art therapist in rendering care, treatment, or professional advice to an individual patient.

This division does not prevent a hospital, as defined in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code, insurer, as defined in section 3999.36 of the Revised Code, or intermediary organization, as defined in section 1751.01 of the Revised Code, from entering into a contract with a professional association described in this division that includes a provision requiring utilization review, quality assurance, peer review, or other performance or quality standards. Those activities shall not be construed as controlling the professional clinical judgment of an individual practitioner listed in this division.

Sec. 1785.08.  Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code applies to professional associations, including their organization and the manner of filing articles of incorporation, except that the requirements of division (A) of section 1701.06 of the Revised Code do not apply to professional associations. If any provision of this chapter conflicts with any provision of Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence. A professional association for the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery or for the combined practice of optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy may provide in its articles of incorporation or bylaws that its directors may have terms of office not exceeding six years.

Sec. 2151.421.  (A)(1)(a) No person described in division (A)(1)(b) of this section who is acting in an official or professional capacity and knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in a similar position to suspect, that a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired child under twenty-one years of age has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the child shall fail to immediately report that knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect to the entity or persons specified in this division. Except as provided in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, the person making the report shall make it to the public children services agency or a municipal or county peace officer in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred. In the circumstances described in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, the person making the report shall make it to the entity specified in that section.

(b) Division (A)(1)(a) of this section applies to any person who is an attorney; physician, including a hospital intern or resident; dentist; podiatrist; practitioner of a limited branch of medicine as specified in section 4731.15 of the Revised Code; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; visiting nurse; other health care professional; licensed psychologist; licensed school psychologist; independent marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapist licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code; speech pathologist or audiologist; coroner; administrator or employee of a child day-care center; administrator or employee of a residential camp or child day camp; administrator or employee of a certified child care agency or other public or private children services agency; school teacher; school employee; school authority; person engaged in social work or the practice of professional counseling; agent of a county humane society; person, other than a cleric, rendering spiritual treatment through prayer in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religion; employee of a county department of job and family services who is a professional and who works with children and families; superintendent, board member, or employee of a county board of developmental disabilities; investigative agent contracted with by a county board of developmental disabilities; employee of the department of developmental disabilities; employee of a facility or home that provides respite care in accordance with section 5123.171 of the Revised Code; employee of a home health agency; employee of an entity that provides homemaker services; a person performing the duties of an assessor pursuant to Chapter 3107. or 5103. of the Revised Code; or third party employed by a public children services agency to assist in providing child or family related services.

(2) Except as provided in division (A)(3) of this section, an attorney or a physician is not required to make a report pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section concerning any communication the attorney or physician receives from a client or patient in an attorney-client or physician-patient relationship, if, in accordance with division (A) or (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code, the attorney or physician could not testify with respect to that communication in a civil or criminal proceeding.

(3) The client or patient in an attorney-client or physician-patient relationship described in division (A)(2) of this section is deemed to have waived any testimonial privilege under division (A) or (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code with respect to any communication the attorney or physician receives from the client or patient in that attorney-client or physician-patient relationship, and the attorney or physician shall make a report pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section with respect to that communication, if all of the following apply:

(a) The client or patient, at the time of the communication, is either a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired person under twenty-one years of age.

(b) The attorney or physician knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in similar position to suspect, as a result of the communication or any observations made during that communication, that the client or patient has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the client or patient.

(c) The abuse or neglect does not arise out of the client's or patient's attempt to have an abortion without the notification of her parents, guardian, or custodian in accordance with section 2151.85 of the Revised Code.

(4)(a) No cleric and no person, other than a volunteer, designated by any church, religious society, or faith acting as a leader, official, or delegate on behalf of the church, religious society, or faith who is acting in an official or professional capacity, who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in a similar position to believe, that a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired child under twenty-one years of age has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the child, and who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in a similar position to believe, that another cleric or another person, other than a volunteer, designated by a church, religious society, or faith acting as a leader, official, or delegate on behalf of the church, religious society, or faith caused, or poses the threat of causing, the wound, injury, disability, or condition that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect shall fail to immediately report that knowledge or reasonable cause to believe to the entity or persons specified in this division. Except as provided in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, the person making the report shall make it to the public children services agency or a municipal or county peace officer in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred. In the circumstances described in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, the person making the report shall make it to the entity specified in that section.

(b) Except as provided in division (A)(4)(c) of this section, a cleric is not required to make a report pursuant to division (A)(4)(a) of this section concerning any communication the cleric receives from a penitent in a cleric-penitent relationship, if, in accordance with division (C) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code, the cleric could not testify with respect to that communication in a civil or criminal proceeding.

(c) The penitent in a cleric-penitent relationship described in division (A)(4)(b) of this section is deemed to have waived any testimonial privilege under division (C) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code with respect to any communication the cleric receives from the penitent in that cleric-penitent relationship, and the cleric shall make a report pursuant to division (A)(4)(a) of this section with respect to that communication, if all of the following apply:

(i) The penitent, at the time of the communication, is either a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired person under twenty-one years of age.

(ii) The cleric knows, or has reasonable cause to believe based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in a similar position to believe, as a result of the communication or any observations made during that communication, the penitent has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the penitent.

(iii) The abuse or neglect does not arise out of the penitent's attempt to have an abortion performed upon a child under eighteen years of age or upon a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired person under twenty-one years of age without the notification of her parents, guardian, or custodian in accordance with section 2151.85 of the Revised Code.

(d) Divisions (A)(4)(a) and (c) of this section do not apply in a cleric-penitent relationship when the disclosure of any communication the cleric receives from the penitent is in violation of the sacred trust.

(e) As used in divisions (A)(1) and (4) of this section, "cleric" and "sacred trust" have the same meanings as in section 2317.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) Anyone who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect based on facts that would cause a reasonable person in similar circumstances to suspect, that a child under eighteen years of age or a mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, or physically impaired person under twenty-one years of age has suffered or faces a threat of suffering any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or other condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the child may report or cause reports to be made of that knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect to the entity or persons specified in this division. Except as provided in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, a person making a report or causing a report to be made under this division shall make it or cause it to be made to the public children services agency or to a municipal or county peace officer. In the circumstances described in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, a person making a report or causing a report to be made under this division shall make it or cause it to be made to the entity specified in that section.

(C) Any report made pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section shall be made forthwith either by telephone or in person and shall be followed by a written report, if requested by the receiving agency or officer. The written report shall contain:

(1) The names and addresses of the child and the child's parents or the person or persons having custody of the child, if known;

(2) The child's age and the nature and extent of the child's injuries, abuse, or neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed, as applicable, to have occurred or of the threat of injury, abuse, or neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed, as applicable, to exist, including any evidence of previous injuries, abuse, or neglect;

(3) Any other information that might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injury, abuse, or neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed, as applicable, to have occurred or of the threat of injury, abuse, or neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed, as applicable, to exist.

Any person, who is required by division (A) of this section to report child abuse or child neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed to have occurred, may take or cause to be taken color photographs of areas of trauma visible on a child and, if medically indicated, cause to be performed radiological examinations of the child.

(D) As used in this division, "children's advocacy center" and "sexual abuse of a child" have the same meanings as in section 2151.425 of the Revised Code.

(1) When a municipal or county peace officer receives a report concerning the possible abuse or neglect of a child or the possible threat of abuse or neglect of a child, upon receipt of the report, the municipal or county peace officer who receives the report shall refer the report to the appropriate public children services agency.

(2) When a public children services agency receives a report pursuant to this division or division (A) or (B) of this section, upon receipt of the report, the public children services agency shall do both of the following:

(a) Comply with section 2151.422 of the Revised Code;

(b) If the county served by the agency is also served by a children's advocacy center and the report alleges sexual abuse of a child or another type of abuse of a child that is specified in the memorandum of understanding that creates the center as being within the center's jurisdiction, comply regarding the report with the protocol and procedures for referrals and investigations, with the coordinating activities, and with the authority or responsibility for performing or providing functions, activities, and services stipulated in the interagency agreement entered into under section 2151.428 of the Revised Code relative to that center.

(E) No township, municipal, or county peace officer shall remove a child about whom a report is made pursuant to this section from the child's parents, stepparents, or guardian or any other persons having custody of the child without consultation with the public children services agency, unless, in the judgment of the officer, and, if the report was made by physician, the physician, immediate removal is considered essential to protect the child from further abuse or neglect. The agency that must be consulted shall be the agency conducting the investigation of the report as determined pursuant to section 2151.422 of the Revised Code.

(F)(1) Except as provided in section 2151.422 of the Revised Code or in an interagency agreement entered into under section 2151.428 of the Revised Code that applies to the particular report, the public children services agency shall investigate, within twenty-four hours, each report of child abuse or child neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed to have occurred and of a threat of child abuse or child neglect that is known or reasonably suspected or believed to exist that is referred to it under this section to determine the circumstances surrounding the injuries, abuse, or neglect or the threat of injury, abuse, or neglect, the cause of the injuries, abuse, neglect, or threat, and the person or persons responsible. The investigation shall be made in cooperation with the law enforcement agency and in accordance with the memorandum of understanding prepared under division (J) of this section. A representative of the public children services agency shall, at the time of initial contact with the person subject to the investigation, inform the person of the specific complaints or allegations made against the person. The information shall be given in a manner that is consistent with division (H)(1) of this section and protects the rights of the person making the report under this section.

A failure to make the investigation in accordance with the memorandum is not grounds for, and shall not result in, the dismissal of any charges or complaint arising from the report or the suppression of any evidence obtained as a result of the report and does not give, and shall not be construed as giving, any rights or any grounds for appeal or post-conviction relief to any person. The public children services agency shall report each case to the uniform statewide automated child welfare information system that the department of job and family services shall maintain in accordance with section 5101.13 of the Revised Code. The public children services agency shall submit a report of its investigation, in writing, to the law enforcement agency.

(2) The public children services agency shall make any recommendations to the county prosecuting attorney or city director of law that it considers necessary to protect any children that are brought to its attention.

(G)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (H)(3) of this section, anyone or any hospital, institution, school, health department, or agency participating in the making of reports under division (A) of this section, anyone or any hospital, institution, school, health department, or agency participating in good faith in the making of reports under division (B) of this section, and anyone participating in good faith in a judicial proceeding resulting from the reports, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability for injury, death, or loss to person or property that otherwise might be incurred or imposed as a result of the making of the reports or the participation in the judicial proceeding.

(b) Notwithstanding section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the physician-patient privilege shall not be a ground for excluding evidence regarding a child's injuries, abuse, or neglect, or the cause of the injuries, abuse, or neglect in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report submitted pursuant to this section.

(2) In any civil or criminal action or proceeding in which it is alleged and proved that participation in the making of a report under this section was not in good faith or participation in a judicial proceeding resulting from a report made under this section was not in good faith, the court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees and costs and, if a civil action or proceeding is voluntarily dismissed, may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the party against whom the civil action or proceeding is brought.

(H)(1) Except as provided in divisions (H)(4) and (N) of this section, a report made under this section is confidential. The information provided in a report made pursuant to this section and the name of the person who made the report shall not be released for use, and shall not be used, as evidence in any civil action or proceeding brought against the person who made the report. Nothing in this division shall preclude the use of reports of other incidents of known or suspected abuse or neglect in a civil action or proceeding brought pursuant to division (M) of this section against a person who is alleged to have violated division (A)(1) of this section, provided that any information in a report that would identify the child who is the subject of the report or the maker of the report, if the maker of the report is not the defendant or an agent or employee of the defendant, has been redacted. In a criminal proceeding, the report is admissible in evidence in accordance with the Rules of Evidence and is subject to discovery in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(2) No person shall permit or encourage the unauthorized dissemination of the contents of any report made under this section.

(3) A person who knowingly makes or causes another person to make a false report under division (B) of this section that alleges that any person has committed an act or omission that resulted in a child being an abused child or a neglected child is guilty of a violation of section 2921.14 of the Revised Code.

(4) If a report is made pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section and the child who is the subject of the report dies for any reason at any time after the report is made, but before the child attains eighteen years of age, the public children services agency or municipal or county peace officer to which the report was made or referred, on the request of the child fatality review board, shall submit a summary sheet of information providing a summary of the report to the review board of the county in which the deceased child resided at the time of death. On the request of the review board, the agency or peace officer may, at its discretion, make the report available to the review board. If the county served by the public children services agency is also served by a children's advocacy center and the report of alleged sexual abuse of a child or another type of abuse of a child is specified in the memorandum of understanding that creates the center as being within the center's jurisdiction, the agency or center shall perform the duties and functions specified in this division in accordance with the interagency agreement entered into under section 2151.428 of the Revised Code relative to that advocacy center.

(5) A public children services agency shall advise a person alleged to have inflicted abuse or neglect on a child who is the subject of a report made pursuant to this section, including a report alleging sexual abuse of a child or another type of abuse of a child referred to a children's advocacy center pursuant to an interagency agreement entered into under section 2151.428 of the Revised Code, in writing of the disposition of the investigation. The agency shall not provide to the person any information that identifies the person who made the report, statements of witnesses, or police or other investigative reports.

(I) Any report that is required by this section, other than a report that is made to the state highway patrol as described in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code, shall result in protective services and emergency supportive services being made available by the public children services agency on behalf of the children about whom the report is made, in an effort to prevent further neglect or abuse, to enhance their welfare, and, whenever possible, to preserve the family unit intact. The agency required to provide the services shall be the agency conducting the investigation of the report pursuant to section 2151.422 of the Revised Code.

(J)(1) Each public children services agency shall prepare a memorandum of understanding that is signed by all of the following:

(a) If there is only one juvenile judge in the county, the juvenile judge of the county or the juvenile judge's representative;

(b) If there is more than one juvenile judge in the county, a juvenile judge or the juvenile judges' representative selected by the juvenile judges or, if they are unable to do so for any reason, the juvenile judge who is senior in point of service or the senior juvenile judge's representative;

(c) The county peace officer;

(d) All chief municipal peace officers within the county;

(e) Other law enforcement officers handling child abuse and neglect cases in the county;

(f) The prosecuting attorney of the county;

(g) If the public children services agency is not the county department of job and family services, the county department of job and family services;

(h) The county humane society;

(i) If the public children services agency participated in the execution of a memorandum of understanding under section 2151.426 of the Revised Code establishing a children's advocacy center, each participating member of the children's advocacy center established by the memorandum.

(2) A memorandum of understanding shall set forth the normal operating procedure to be employed by all concerned officials in the execution of their respective responsibilities under this section and division (C) of section 2919.21, division (B)(1) of section 2919.22, division (B) of section 2919.23, and section 2919.24 of the Revised Code and shall have as two of its primary goals the elimination of all unnecessary interviews of children who are the subject of reports made pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section and, when feasible, providing for only one interview of a child who is the subject of any report made pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section. A failure to follow the procedure set forth in the memorandum by the concerned officials is not grounds for, and shall not result in, the dismissal of any charges or complaint arising from any reported case of abuse or neglect or the suppression of any evidence obtained as a result of any reported child abuse or child neglect and does not give, and shall not be construed as giving, any rights or any grounds for appeal or post-conviction relief to any person.

(3) A memorandum of understanding shall include all of the following:

(a) The roles and responsibilities for handling emergency and nonemergency cases of abuse and neglect;

(b) Standards and procedures to be used in handling and coordinating investigations of reported cases of child abuse and reported cases of child neglect, methods to be used in interviewing the child who is the subject of the report and who allegedly was abused or neglected, and standards and procedures addressing the categories of persons who may interview the child who is the subject of the report and who allegedly was abused or neglected.

(4) If a public children services agency participated in the execution of a memorandum of understanding under section 2151.426 of the Revised Code establishing a children's advocacy center, the agency shall incorporate the contents of that memorandum in the memorandum prepared pursuant to this section.

(5) The clerk of the court of common pleas in the county may sign the memorandum of understanding prepared under division (J)(1) of this section. If the clerk signs the memorandum of understanding, the clerk shall execute all relevant responsibilities as required of officials specified in the memorandum.

(K)(1) Except as provided in division (K)(4) of this section, a person who is required to make a report pursuant to division (A) of this section may make a reasonable number of requests of the public children services agency that receives or is referred the report, or of the children's advocacy center that is referred the report if the report is referred to a children's advocacy center pursuant to an interagency agreement entered into under section 2151.428 of the Revised Code, to be provided with the following information:

(a) Whether the agency or center has initiated an investigation of the report;

(b) Whether the agency or center is continuing to investigate the report;

(c) Whether the agency or center is otherwise involved with the child who is the subject of the report;

(d) The general status of the health and safety of the child who is the subject of the report;

(e) Whether the report has resulted in the filing of a complaint in juvenile court or of criminal charges in another court.

(2) A person may request the information specified in division (K)(1) of this section only if, at the time the report is made, the person's name, address, and telephone number are provided to the person who receives the report.

When a municipal or county peace officer or employee of a public children services agency receives a report pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section the recipient of the report shall inform the person of the right to request the information described in division (K)(1) of this section. The recipient of the report shall include in the initial child abuse or child neglect report that the person making the report was so informed and, if provided at the time of the making of the report, shall include the person's name, address, and telephone number in the report.

Each request is subject to verification of the identity of the person making the report. If that person's identity is verified, the agency shall provide the person with the information described in division (K)(1) of this section a reasonable number of times, except that the agency shall not disclose any confidential information regarding the child who is the subject of the report other than the information described in those divisions.

(3) A request made pursuant to division (K)(1) of this section is not a substitute for any report required to be made pursuant to division (A) of this section.

(4) If an agency other than the agency that received or was referred the report is conducting the investigation of the report pursuant to section 2151.422 of the Revised Code, the agency conducting the investigation shall comply with the requirements of division (K) of this section.

(L) The director of job and family services shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The department of job and family services may enter into a plan of cooperation with any other governmental entity to aid in ensuring that children are protected from abuse and neglect. The department shall make recommendations to the attorney general that the department determines are necessary to protect children from child abuse and child neglect.

(M) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is liable for compensatory and exemplary damages to the child who would have been the subject of the report that was not made. A person who brings a civil action or proceeding pursuant to this division against a person who is alleged to have violated division (A)(1) of this section may use in the action or proceeding reports of other incidents of known or suspected abuse or neglect, provided that any information in a report that would identify the child who is the subject of the report or the maker of the report, if the maker is not the defendant or an agent or employee of the defendant, has been redacted.

(N)(1) As used in this division:

(a) "Out-of-home care" includes a nonchartered nonpublic school if the alleged child abuse or child neglect, or alleged threat of child abuse or child neglect, described in a report received by a public children services agency allegedly occurred in or involved the nonchartered nonpublic school and the alleged perpetrator named in the report holds a certificate, permit, or license issued by the state board of education under section 3301.071 or Chapter 3319. of the Revised Code.

(b) "Administrator, director, or other chief administrative officer" means the superintendent of the school district if the out-of-home care entity subject to a report made pursuant to this section is a school operated by the district.

(2) No later than the end of the day following the day on which a public children services agency receives a report of alleged child abuse or child neglect, or a report of an alleged threat of child abuse or child neglect, that allegedly occurred in or involved an out-of-home care entity, the agency shall provide written notice of the allegations contained in and the person named as the alleged perpetrator in the report to the administrator, director, or other chief administrative officer of the out-of-home care entity that is the subject of the report unless the administrator, director, or other chief administrative officer is named as an alleged perpetrator in the report. If the administrator, director, or other chief administrative officer of an out-of-home care entity is named as an alleged perpetrator in a report of alleged child abuse or child neglect, or a report of an alleged threat of child abuse or child neglect, that allegedly occurred in or involved the out-of-home care entity, the agency shall provide the written notice to the owner or governing board of the out-of-home care entity that is the subject of the report. The agency shall not provide witness statements or police or other investigative reports.

(3) No later than three days after the day on which a public children services agency that conducted the investigation as determined pursuant to section 2151.422 of the Revised Code makes a disposition of an investigation involving a report of alleged child abuse or child neglect, or a report of an alleged threat of child abuse or child neglect, that allegedly occurred in or involved an out-of-home care entity, the agency shall send written notice of the disposition of the investigation to the administrator, director, or other chief administrative officer and the owner or governing board of the out-of-home care entity. The agency shall not provide witness statements or police or other investigative reports.

Sec. 2921.22.  (A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, no person, knowing that a felony has been or is being committed, shall knowingly fail to report such information to law enforcement authorities.

(2) No person, knowing that a violation of division (B) of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code has been, or is being committed or that the person has received information derived from such a violation, shall knowingly fail to report the violation to law enforcement authorities.

(B) Except for conditions that are within the scope of division (E) of this section, no physician, limited practitioner, nurse, or other person giving aid to a sick or injured person shall negligently fail to report to law enforcement authorities any gunshot or stab wound treated or observed by the physician, limited practitioner, nurse, or person, or any serious physical harm to persons that the physician, limited practitioner, nurse, or person knows or has reasonable cause to believe resulted from an offense of violence.

(C) No person who discovers the body or acquires the first knowledge of the death of a person shall fail to report the death immediately to a physician whom the person knows to be treating the deceased for a condition from which death at such time would not be unexpected, or to a law enforcement officer, an ambulance service, an emergency squad, or the coroner in a political subdivision in which the body is discovered, the death is believed to have occurred, or knowledge concerning the death is obtained.

(D) No person shall fail to provide upon request of the person to whom a report required by division (C) of this section was made, or to any law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to assert the authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, any facts within the person's knowledge that may have a bearing on the investigation of the death.

(E)(1) As used in this division, "burn injury" means any of the following:

(a) Second or third degree burns;

(b) Any burns to the upper respiratory tract or laryngeal edema due to the inhalation of superheated air;

(c) Any burn injury or wound that may result in death;

(d) Any physical harm to persons caused by or as the result of the use of fireworks, novelties and trick noisemakers, and wire sparklers, as each is defined by section 3743.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) No physician, nurse, or limited practitioner who, outside a hospital, sanitarium, or other medical facility, attends or treats a person who has sustained a burn injury that is inflicted by an explosion or other incendiary device or that shows evidence of having been inflicted in a violent, malicious, or criminal manner shall fail to report the burn injury immediately to the local arson, or fire and explosion investigation, bureau, if there is a bureau of this type in the jurisdiction in which the person is attended or treated, or otherwise to local law enforcement authorities.

(3) No manager, superintendent, or other person in charge of a hospital, sanitarium, or other medical facility in which a person is attended or treated for any burn injury that is inflicted by an explosion or other incendiary device or that shows evidence of having been inflicted in a violent, malicious, or criminal manner shall fail to report the burn injury immediately to the local arson, or fire and explosion investigation, bureau, if there is a bureau of this type in the jurisdiction in which the person is attended or treated, or otherwise to local law enforcement authorities.

(4) No person who is required to report any burn injury under division (E)(2) or (3) of this section shall fail to file, within three working days after attending or treating the victim, a written report of the burn injury with the office of the state fire marshal. The report shall comply with the uniform standard developed by the state fire marshal pursuant to division (A)(15) of section 3737.22 of the Revised Code.

(5) Anyone participating in the making of reports under division (E) of this section or anyone participating in a judicial proceeding resulting from the reports is immune from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed as a result of such actions. Notwithstanding section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the physician-patient relationship is not a ground for excluding evidence regarding a person's burn injury or the cause of the burn injury in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report submitted under division (E) of this section.

(F)(1) Any doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine, hospital intern or resident, registered or licensed practical nurse, psychologist, social worker, independent social worker, social work assistant, professional clinical counselor, or professional counselor person licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a patient or client has been the victim of domestic violence, as defined in section 3113.31 of the Revised Code, shall note that knowledge or belief and the basis for it in the patient's or client's records.

(2) Notwithstanding section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the doctor-patient privilege shall not be a ground for excluding any information regarding the report containing the knowledge or belief noted under division (F)(1) of this section, and the information may be admitted as evidence in accordance with the Rules of Evidence.

(G) Divisions (A) and (D) of this section do not require disclosure of information, when any of the following applies:

(1) The information is privileged by reason of the relationship between attorney the following:

(a) Attorney and client; doctor

(b) Doctor and patient; licensed

(c) Licensed psychologist or licensed school psychologist and client; member

(d) Member of the clergy, rabbi, minister, or priest and any person communicating information confidentially to the member of the clergy, rabbi, minister, or priest for a religious counseling purpose of a professional character; husband

(e) Husband and wife; or a

(f) Person licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code and client;

(g) A communications assistant and those who are a party to a telecommunications relay service call.

(2) The information would tend to incriminate a member of the actor's immediate family.

(3) Disclosure of the information would amount to revealing a news source, privileged under section 2739.04 or 2739.12 of the Revised Code.

(4) Disclosure of the information would amount to disclosure by a member of the ordained clergy of an organized religious body of a confidential communication made to that member of the clergy in that member's capacity as a member of the clergy by a person seeking the aid or counsel of that member of the clergy.

(5) Disclosure would amount to revealing information acquired by the actor in the course of the actor's duties in connection with a bona fide program of treatment or services for drug dependent persons or persons in danger of drug dependence, which program is maintained or conducted by a hospital, clinic, person, agency, or organization certified pursuant to section 3793.06 of the Revised Code.

(6) Disclosure would amount to revealing information acquired by the actor in the course of the actor's duties in connection with a bona fide program for providing counseling services to victims of crimes that are violations of section 2907.02 or 2907.05 of the Revised Code or to victims of felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code. As used in this division, "counseling services" include services provided in an informal setting by a person who, by education or experience, is competent to provide those services.

(H) No disclosure of information pursuant to this section gives rise to any liability or recrimination for a breach of privilege or confidence.

(I) Whoever violates division (A) or (B) of this section is guilty of failure to report a crime. Violation of division (A)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Violation of division (A)(2) or (B) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(J) Whoever violates division (C) or (D) of this section is guilty of failure to report knowledge of a death, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(K)(1) Whoever negligently violates division (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(2) Whoever knowingly violates division (E) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Sec. 3701.74.  (A) As used in this section and section 3701.741 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Ambulatory care facility" means a facility that provides medical, diagnostic, or surgical treatment to patients who do not require hospitalization, including a dialysis center, ambulatory surgical facility, cardiac catheterization facility, diagnostic imaging center, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy center, home health agency, inpatient hospice, birthing center, radiation therapy center, emergency facility, and an urgent care center. "Ambulatory care facility" does not include the private office of a physician or dentist, whether the office is for an individual or group practice.

(2) "Chiropractor" means an individual licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code to practice chiropractic.

(3) "Emergency facility" means a hospital emergency department or any other facility that provides emergency medical services.

(4) "Health care practitioner" means all of the following:

(a) A dentist or dental hygienist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code;

(b) A registered or licensed practical nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(c) An optometrist licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(d) A dispensing optician, spectacle dispensing optician, contact lens dispensing optician, or spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(e) A pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(f) A physician;

(g) A physician assistant authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant;

(h) A practitioner of a limited branch of medicine issued a certificate under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(i) A psychologist licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(j) A chiropractor;

(k) A hearing aid dealer or fitter licensed under Chapter 4747. of the Revised Code;

(l) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code;

(m) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

(n) A physical therapist or physical therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

(o) A professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, social worker, or independent social worker person licensed, or a social work assistant registered, under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code;

(p) A dietitian licensed under Chapter 4759. of the Revised Code;

(q) A respiratory care professional licensed under Chapter 4761. of the Revised Code;

(r) An emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, or emergency medical technician-paramedic certified under Chapter 4765. of the Revised Code.

(5) "Health care provider" means a hospital, ambulatory care facility, long-term care facility, pharmacy, emergency facility, or health care practitioner.

(6) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code.

(7) "Long-term care facility" means a nursing home, residential care facility, or home for the aging, as those terms are defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code; an adult care facility, as defined in section 3722.01 of the Revised Code; a nursing facility or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, as those terms are defined in section 5111.20 of the Revised Code; a facility or portion of a facility certified as a skilled nursing facility under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 286 (1965), 42 U.S.C.A. 1395, as amended.

(8) "Medical record" means data in any form that pertains to a patient's medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, or medical condition and that is generated and maintained by a health care provider in the process of the patient's health care treatment.

(9) "Medical records company" means a person who stores, locates, or copies medical records for a health care provider, or is compensated for doing so by a health care provider, and charges a fee for providing medical records to a patient or patient's representative.

(10) "Patient" means either of the following:

(a) An individual who received health care treatment from a health care provider;

(b) A guardian, as defined in section 1337.11 of the Revised Code, of an individual described in division (A)(10)(a) of this section.

(11) "Patient's personal representative" means a minor patient's parent or other person acting in loco parentis, a court-appointed guardian, or a person with durable power of attorney for health care for a patient, the executor or administrator of the patient's estate, or the person responsible for the patient's estate if it is not to be probated. "Patient's personal representative" does not include an insurer authorized under Title XXXIX of the Revised Code to do the business of sickness and accident insurance in this state, a health insuring corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code, or any other person not named in this division.

(12) "Pharmacy" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(13) "Physician" means a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(14) "Authorized person" means a person to whom a patient has given written authorization to act on the patient's behalf regarding the patient's medical record.

(B) A patient, a patient's personal representative or an authorized person who wishes to examine or obtain a copy of part or all of a medical record shall submit to the health care provider a written request signed by the patient, personal representative, or authorized person dated not more than one year before the date on which it is submitted. The request shall indicate whether the copy is to be sent to the requestor, physician or chiropractor, or held for the requestor at the office of the health care provider. Within a reasonable time after receiving a request that meets the requirements of this division and includes sufficient information to identify the record requested, a health care provider that has the patient's medical records shall permit the patient to examine the record during regular business hours without charge or, on request, shall provide a copy of the record in accordance with section 3701.741 of the Revised Code, except that if a physician or chiropractor who has treated the patient determines for clearly stated treatment reasons that disclosure of the requested record is likely to have an adverse effect on the patient, the health care provider shall provide the record to a physician or chiropractor designated by the patient. The health care provider shall take reasonable steps to establish the identity of the person making the request to examine or obtain a copy of the patient's record.

(C) If a health care provider fails to furnish a medical record as required by division (B) of this section, the patient, personal representative, or authorized person who requested the record may bring a civil action to enforce the patient's right of access to the record.

(D)(1) This section does not apply to medical records whose release is covered by section 173.20 or 3721.13 of the Revised Code, by Chapter 1347. or 5122. of the Revised Code, by 42 C.F.R. part 2, "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records," or by 42 C.F.R. 483.10.

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to supersede the confidentiality provisions of sections 2305.24, 2305.25, 2305.251, and 2305.252 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 3721.21.  As used in sections 3721.21 to 3721.34 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Long-term care facility" means either of the following:

(1) A nursing home as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code, other than a nursing home or part of a nursing home certified as an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded under Title XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended;

(2) A facility or part of a facility that is certified as a skilled nursing facility or a nursing facility under Title XVIII or XIX of the "Social Security Act."

(B) "Residential care facility" has the same meaning as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Abuse" means knowingly causing physical harm or recklessly causing serious physical harm to a resident by physical contact with the resident or by use of physical or chemical restraint, medication, or isolation as punishment, for staff convenience, excessively, as a substitute for treatment, or in amounts that preclude habilitation and treatment.

(D) "Neglect" means recklessly failing to provide a resident with any treatment, care, goods, or service necessary to maintain the health or safety of the resident when the failure results in serious physical harm to the resident. "Neglect" does not include allowing a resident, at the resident's option, to receive only treatment by spiritual means through prayer in accordance with the tenets of a recognized religious denomination.

(E) "Misappropriation" means depriving, defrauding, or otherwise obtaining the real or personal property of a resident by any means prohibited by the Revised Code, including violations of Chapter 2911. or 2913. of the Revised Code.

(F) "Resident" includes a resident, patient, former resident or patient, or deceased resident or patient of a long-term care facility or a residential care facility.

(G) "Physical restraint" has the same meaning as in section 3721.10 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Chemical restraint" has the same meaning as in section 3721.10 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Nursing and nursing-related services" means the personal care services and other services not constituting skilled nursing care that are specified in rules the public health council shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(J) "Personal care services" has the same meaning as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(K)(1) Except as provided in division (K)(2) of this section, "nurse aide" means an individual who provides nursing and nursing-related services to residents in a long-term care facility, either as a member of the staff of the facility for monetary compensation or as a volunteer without monetary compensation.

(2) "Nurse aide" does not include either of the following:

(a) A licensed health professional practicing within the scope of the professional's license;

(b) An individual providing nursing and nursing-related services in a religious nonmedical health care institution, if the individual has been trained in the principles of nonmedical care and is recognized by the institution as being competent in the administration of care within the religious tenets practiced by the residents of the institution.

(L) "Licensed health professional" means all of the following:

(1) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

(2) A physical therapist or physical therapy assistant licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code;

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

(4) A physician assistant authorized under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code to practice as a physician assistant;

(5) A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(6) A social worker or independent social worker person licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code or a social work assistant registered under that chapter;

(7) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code;

(8) A dentist or dental hygienist licensed under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code;

(9) An optometrist licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(10) A pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(11) A psychologist licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(12) A chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(13) A nursing home administrator licensed or temporarily licensed under Chapter 4751. of the Revised Code;

(14) A professional counselor or professional clinical counselor licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

(M) "Religious nonmedical health care institution" means an institution that meets or exceeds the conditions to receive payment under the medicare program established under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act" for inpatient hospital services or post-hospital extended care services furnished to an individual in a religious nonmedical health care institution, as defined in section 1861(ss)(1) of the "Social Security Act," 79 Stat. 286 (1965), 42 U.S.C. 1395x(ss)(1), as amended.

(N) "Competency evaluation program" means a program through which the competency of a nurse aide to provide nursing and nursing-related services is evaluated.

(O) "Training and competency evaluation program" means a program of nurse aide training and evaluation of competency to provide nursing and nursing-related services.

Sec. 4723.16.  (A) An individual whom the board of nursing licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse may render the professional services of a registered or licensed practical nurse within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a registered or licensed practical nurse through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the board of nursing adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under this chapter;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are licensed to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a nurse that prohibits a registered or licensed practical nurse from engaging in the practice of nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse.

Sec. 4725.33.  (A) An individual whom the state board of optometry licenses to engage in the practice of optometry may render the professional services of an optometrist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an optometrist from rendering professional services as an optometrist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state board of optometry adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(8) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(9) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to an optometrist that prohibits an optometrist from engaging in the practice of optometry in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry.

Sec. 4729.161.  (A) An individual registered with the state board of pharmacy to engage in the practice of pharmacy may render the professional services of a pharmacist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a pharmacist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state board of pharmacy adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a pharmacist that prohibits a pharmacist from engaging in the practice of pharmacy in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of pharmacy.

Sec. 4731.226.  (A)(1) An individual whom the state medical board licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery may render the professional services of a doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. Division (A)(1) of this section does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state medical board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(2) An individual whom the state medical board authorizes to engage in the practice of mechanotherapy may render the professional services of a mechanotherapist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. Division (A)(2) of this section does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a mechanotherapist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state medical board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under this chapter;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

(C) Division (B) of this section shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics described in division (B)(18) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code that prohibits either of the following:

(1) A doctor of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery from engaging in the doctor's authorized practice in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mechanotherapy, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery.

(2) A mechanotherapist from engaging in the practice of mechanotherapy in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of mechanotherapy.

Sec. 4731.65.  As used in sections 4731.65 to 4731.71 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) "Clinical laboratory services" means either of the following:

(a) Any examination of materials derived from the human body for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment or for the assessment of health;

(b) Procedures to determine, measure, or otherwise describe the presence or absence of various substances or organisms in the body.

(2) "Clinical laboratory services" does not include the mere collection or preparation of specimens.

(B) "Designated health services" means any of the following:

(1) Clinical laboratory services;

(2) Home health care services;

(3) Outpatient prescription drugs.

(C) "Fair market value" means the value in arms-length transactions, consistent with general market value and:

(1) With respect to rentals or leases, the value of rental property for general commercial purposes, not taking into account its intended use;

(2) With respect to a lease of space, not adjusted to reflect the additional value the prospective lessee or lessor would attribute to the proximity or convenience to the lessor if the lessor is a potential source of referrals to the lessee.

(D) "Governmental health care program" means any program providing health care benefits that is administered by the federal government, this state, or a political subdivision of this state, including the medicare program established under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, health care coverage for public employees, health care benefits administered by the bureau of workers' compensation, the medicaid program established under Chapter 5111. of the Revised Code, and the children's buy-in program established under sections 5101.5211 to 5101.5216 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) "Group practice" means a group of two or more holders of certificates under this chapter legally organized as a partnership, professional corporation or association, limited liability company, foundation, nonprofit corporation, faculty practice plan, or similar group practice entity, including an organization comprised of a nonprofit medical clinic that contracts with a professional corporation or association of physicians to provide medical services exclusively to patients of the clinic in order to comply with section 1701.03 of the Revised Code and including a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (B) of section 4731.226 of the Revised Code formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of optometrists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code, chiropractors who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code, psychologists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurses who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice nursing under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, pharmacists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code, physical therapists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, occupational therapists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code, mechanotherapists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code, professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code, and doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized for their respective practices under this chapter, to which all of the following apply:

(a) Each physician who is a member of the group practice provides substantially the full range of services that the physician routinely provides, including medical care, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment, through the joint use of shared office space, facilities, equipment, and personnel.

(b) Substantially all of the services of the members of the group are provided through the group and are billed in the name of the group and amounts so received are treated as receipts of the group.

(c) The overhead expenses of and the income from the practice are distributed in accordance with methods previously determined by members of the group.

(d) The group practice meets any other requirements that the state medical board applies in rules adopted under section 4731.70 of the Revised Code.

(2) In the case of a faculty practice plan associated with a hospital with a medical residency training program in which physician members may provide a variety of specialty services and provide professional services both within and outside the group, as well as perform other tasks such as research, the criteria in division (E)(1) of this section apply only with respect to services rendered within the faculty practice plan.

(F) "Home health care services" and "immediate family" have the same meanings as in the rules adopted under section 4731.70 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in section 3727.01 of the Revised Code.

(H) A "referral" includes both of the following:

(1) A request by a holder of a certificate under this chapter for an item or service, including a request for a consultation with another physician and any test or procedure ordered by or to be performed by or under the supervision of the other physician;

(2) A request for or establishment of a plan of care by a certificate holder that includes the provision of designated health services.

(I) "Third-party payer" has the same meaning as in section 3901.38 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4732.28.  (A) An individual whom the state board of psychology licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of psychology may render the professional services of a psychologist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a psychologist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state board of psychology adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under this chapter;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a psychologist that prohibits a psychologist from engaging in the practice of psychology in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of psychology.

Sec. 4734.17.  (A) An individual whom the state chiropractic board licenses to engage in the practice of chiropractic or certifies to practice acupuncture may render the professional services of a chiropractor or chiropractor certified to practice acupuncture within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude a chiropractor from rendering professional services as a chiropractor or chiropractor certified to practice acupuncture through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state chiropractic board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry, under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under this chapter;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of any code of ethics established or adopted under section 4734.16 of the Revised Code that prohibits an individual from engaging in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture in combination with an individual who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise authorized for the practice of optometry, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of chiropractic.

Sec. 4755.471.  (A) An individual whom the physical therapy section of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of physical therapy may render the professional services of a physical therapist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a physical therapist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with sections 4755.40 to 4755.53 of the Revised Code, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board adopted pursuant to sections 4755.40 to 4755.53 of the Revised Code.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(8) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(9) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a physical therapist that prohibits a physical therapist from engaging in the practice of physical therapy in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

Sec. 4757.01.  As used in this chapter:

(A) "Practice of professional counseling" means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public a counseling service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, or career development and adjustment, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

(B) "Clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures" means an approach to counseling that emphasizes the counselor's role in systematically assisting clients through all of the following: assessing and analyzing background and current information, diagnosing mental and emotional disorders, exploring possible solutions, and developing and providing a treatment plan for mental and emotional adjustment or development. "Clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures" includes at least counseling, appraisal, consulting, and referral.

(C) "Practice of social work" means the application of specialized knowledge of human development and behavior and social, economic, and cultural systems in directly assisting individuals, families, and groups in a clinical setting to improve or restore their capacity for social functioning, including counseling, the use of psychosocial interventions, and the use of social psychotherapy, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

(D) "Accredited educational institution" means an institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency accepted by the board of regents.

(E) "Scope of practice" means the services, methods, and techniques in which and the areas for which a person licensed or registered under this chapter is trained and qualified.

(F) "Mental and emotional disorders" means those disorders that are classified in accepted nosologies such as the international classification of diseases and the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders and in future editions of those nosologies.

(G) "Marriage and family therapy" means the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, counseling, management and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems, through the professional application of marriage and family therapies and techniques.

(H) "Practice of marriage and family therapy" means the diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, assessment, counseling, and management, of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems, to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether those services are offered directly to the general public or through public or private organizations, for a fee, salary, or other consideration, through the professional application of marriage and family theories, therapies, and techniques, including, but not limited to, psychotherapeutic theories, therapies and techniques that marriage and family therapists are educated and trained to perform.

(I) "Practice of art therapy" means the diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, assessment, and remediation of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of art therapy principles and processes, to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether those services are offered directly to the general public or through public or private organizations, for a fee, salary, or other consideration, through the professional application of art therapy theories and techniques, including, but not limited to, psychotherapeutic theories, therapies, and techniques that art therapists are educated and trained to perform.

Sec. 4757.02.  (A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section and section 4757.41 of the Revised Code:

(1) No person shall engage in or claim to the public to be engaging in the practice of professional counseling for a fee, salary, or other consideration unless the person is currently licensed under this chapter as a professional clinical counselor or professional counselor.

(2) No person shall practice or claim to the public to be practicing social work for a fee, salary, or other consideration unless the person is currently licensed under this chapter as an independent social worker or a social worker.

(3) No person shall claim to the public to be a social work assistant unless the person is currently registered under this chapter as a social work assistant.

(4) No person shall engage in the practice of marriage and family therapy or claim to the public to be engaging in the practice of marriage and family therapy unless the person is currently licensed under this chapter as a marriage and family therapist.

(5) Beginning one year after the effective date of this amendment, no person shall engage in or claim to the public to be engaging in the practice of art therapy for a fee, salary, or other consideration unless the person is currently licensed under this chapter as an art therapist.

(B)(1) No person shall use the title "professional clinical counselor," "professional counselor," or any other title or description incorporating the word "counselor" or any initials used to identify persons acting in those capacities unless currently authorized under this chapter by licensure to act in the capacity indicated by the title or initials.

(2) No person shall use the title "social worker," "independent social worker," "social work assistant," or any other title or description incorporating the words "social worker" or any initials used to identify persons acting in those capacities unless the person is currently authorized by licensure or registration under this chapter to act in the capacity indicated by the title or initials.

(3) No person shall use the title "marriage and family therapist" or any initials used to identify persons acting in that capacity unless the person is currently authorized by licensure under this chapter to act in the capacity indicated by the title or initials.

(4) Beginning one year after the effective date of this amendment, no person shall use the title "art therapist" or any other title or description that incorporates the phrase "art therapist"; otherwise hold the person out to be an art therapist; or use any initials commonly used to identify art therapists, unless the person is currently licensed under this chapter as an art therapist.

(C)(1) Divisions (A)(1) to (3) of this section do not apply to the practice of marriage and family therapy by a person holding a valid license or temporary license as a marriage and family therapist or independent marriage and family therapist under this chapter.

(2) Division (A)(4) of this section does not apply to the following persons licensed or registered under this chapter: professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, and social work assistants.

Sec. 4757.03.  There is hereby created the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board, consisting of fifteen eighteen members. The governor shall appoint the members with the advice and consent of the senate.

Four of the members shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as professional clinical counselors or professional counselors. At all times, the counselor membership shall include at least two licensed professional clinical counselors, at least one individual who has received a doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution recognized by the board and holds a graduate level teaching position in a counselor education program, and at least two individuals who have received at least a master's degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution recognized by the board.

Two of the members shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as independent marriage and family therapists and two shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as marriage and family therapists or, if the board has not yet licensed independent marriage and family therapists or marriage and family therapists, eligible for licensure as independent marriage and family therapists or marriage and family therapists. They shall have, during the five years preceding appointment, actively engaged in the practice of marriage and family therapy, in educating and training master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral students of marriage and family therapy, or in marriage and family therapy research and, during the two years immediately preceding appointment, shall have devoted the majority of their professional time to the activity while residing in this state.

Two members shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as independent social workers. Two members shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as social workers, at least one of whom must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in social work from an accredited educational institution recognized by the board. At all times, the social worker membership shall include one educator who holds a teaching position in a baccalaureate or master's degree social work program at an accredited educational institution recognized by the board.

Three Two members shall be individuals licensed under this chapter as art therapists.

Four members shall be representatives of the general public who have not practiced art therapy, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology or psychiatry, or social work and have not been involved in the delivery of art therapy, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology or psychiatry, or social work services. At least one of the members representing the general public shall be at least sixty years of age. During their terms the public members shall not practice art therapy, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology or psychiatry, or social work or be involved in the delivery of art therapy, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work services.

Not more than eight ten members of the board may be members of the same political party or sex. At least one member of the board shall be of African, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian descent.

Of the initial appointees, three shall be appointed for terms ending October 10, 1985, four shall be appointed for terms ending October 10, 1986, and four shall be appointed for terms ending October 10, 1987. Of the two initial independent marriage and family therapists appointed to the board, one shall be appointed for a term ending two years after the effective date of this amendment April 7, 2003, and one for a term ending three years after that date. Of the two initial marriage and family therapists appointed to the board, one shall be appointed for a term ending two years after the effective date of this amendment April 7, 2003, and one for a term ending three years after that date. Of the two initial art therapists appointed to the board, one shall be appointed for a term ending one year after the effective date of this amendment and one for a term ending three years after that date. The additional public member appointed to the board shall be appointed for a term ending three years after the effective date of this amendment. After the initial appointments, terms of office shall be three years, each term ending on the same day of the same month of the year as did the term that it succeeds.

A member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office after the expiration date of the member's term until a successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Members may be reappointed, except that if a person has held office for two consecutive full terms, the person shall not be reappointed to the board sooner than one year after the expiration of the second full term as a member of the board.

Sec. 4757.04.  Within the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board, there is hereby created the counselors professional standards committee, the social workers professional standards committee, and the marriage and family therapist professional standards committee, and the art therapist professional standards committee.

The counselors professional standards committee consists shall consist of the board's professional clinical counselor and professional counselor members and one of the members representing the public who is not the member representing the public on the marriage and family therapist professional standards committee or the social workers professional standards committee. The committee has full authority to act on behalf of the board on all matters concerning professional clinical counselors and professional counselors.

The social workers professional standards committee consists shall consist of the board's independent social worker and social worker members and one of the members representing the public who is not the member representing the public on the counselors professional standards committee or the marriage and family therapist professional standards committee. The committee has full authority to act on behalf of the board on all matters concerning independent social workers, social workers, and social work assistants.

The marriage and family therapist professional standards committee consists shall consist of the board's marriage and family therapists and one of the members representing the public who is not the member representing the public on the counselors professional standards committee or the social workers professional standards committee. The committee has full authority to act on behalf of the board on all matters concerning independent marriage and family therapists and marriage and family therapists.

The art therapist professional standards committee shall consist of the board's art therapist members. The committee has full authority to act on behalf of the board on all matters concerning art therapists.

Each of the board's committees shall also include one of the board's members representing the public. A public member shall not serve on more than one of the committees.

Sec. 4757.05.  (A) The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall meet as a whole to discuss and review issues regarding personnel, budgetary matters, administration, and any other matter pertaining to the operation of the entire board. The board shall hold at least one regular meeting every three months. Additional meetings may be held at such times as the board determines, upon call of the chairperson, or upon the written request of four seven or more members of the board to the executive director. If four seven or more members so request a meeting, the executive director shall call a meeting to commence in not more than seven days. Eight Ten members of the board constitute a quorum to conduct business. Except as provided in section 4757.39 of the Revised Code, no action shall be taken without the concurrence of at least a quorum.

The counselors professional standards committee, the social workers professional standards committee, and the marriage and family therapist professional standards committee, and the art therapist professional standards committee, shall meet as necessary to fulfill their duties established by this chapter and the rules adopted under it. Three members of a committee the counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists committees constitute a quorum for that each committee to conduct business. Two members of the art therapists committee constitute a quorum to conduct business. No action shall be taken without the concurrence of at least a quorum.

(B) At its first meeting each year, the board shall elect a chairperson from among its members. At the first meeting held each year by the board's professional standards committees, each committee shall elect from among its members a chairperson. The chairpersons of the committees shall serve as co-vice-chairpersons of the board. Neither the board nor its committees shall elect a member to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

(C) The board shall employ an executive director. The board may employ and prescribe the powers and duties of such employees and consultants as are necessary for it and its professional standards committees to carry out this chapter and rules adopted under it.

(D) The members of the board shall receive an amount fixed under division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day employed in the discharge of their official duties as board or committee members and shall be reimbursed for their necessary and actual expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(E) The board and each of its professional standards committees shall keep any records and minutes necessary to fulfill the duties established by this chapter and the rules adopted under it.

Sec. 4757.06.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall adopt a seal to authenticate its records and proceedings. Each of the board's professional standards committees shall use the seal to authenticate its records and proceedings.

A statement, signed by the executive director of the board to which is affixed the official seal of the board, to the effect that a person specified in the statement is not currently licensed or registered under this chapter or that a license or certificate of registration has been revoked or suspended, shall be received as prima-facie evidence of a record of the board in any court or before any officer of the state.

Sec. 4757.07.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board and its professional standards committees shall not discriminate against any licensee, registrant, or applicant for a license or certificate of registration under this chapter because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability as defined in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code, or age. The board or committee, as appropriate, shall afford a hearing to any person who files with the board or committee a statement alleging discrimination based on any of those reasons.

Sec. 4757.10.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board may adopt any rules necessary to carry out this chapter.

The board shall adopt rules that do all of the following:

(A) Concern intervention for and treatment of any impaired person holding a license or certificate of registration issued under this chapter;

(B) Establish standards for training and experience of supervisors described in division (C) of section 4757.30 of the Revised Code;

(C) Define the requirement that an applicant be of good moral character in order to be licensed or registered under this chapter;

(D) Establish requirements for criminal records checks of applicants under section 4776.03 of the Revised Code;

(E) Establish a graduated system of fines based on the scope and severity of violations and the history of compliance, not to exceed five hundred dollars per incident, that any professional standards committee of the board may charge for a disciplinary violation described in section 4757.36 of the Revised Code.

All rules adopted under this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. When it adopts rules under this section or any other section of this chapter, the board may consider standards established by any national association or other organization representing the interests of those involved in professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy the professions governed by the board under this chapter.

Sec. 4757.101.  (A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code, except that "license" as used in both of those terms refers to the types of authorizations otherwise issued or conferred under this chapter.

(B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code and the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a license issued pursuant to section 4757.22, 4757.23, 4757.27, 4757.28, 4757.29, 4757.30, or 4757.301 of the Revised Code under this chapter.

Sec. 4757.11.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall establish a code of ethical practice for persons licensed or registered under this chapter as professional clinical counselors or professional counselors. The board shall establish a code of ethical practice for persons licensed under this chapter as independent social workers or social workers, persons registered under this chapter as social work assistants, and persons licensed as independent marriage and family therapists or marriage and family therapists. The codes of ethical practice shall be established by adopting rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The codes of ethical practice shall define unprofessional conduct, which shall include engaging in a dual relationship with a client or former client, committing an act of sexual abuse, misconduct, or exploitation of a client or former client, and, except as permitted by law, violating client confidentiality. The codes of ethical practice may be based on any codes of ethical practice developed by national organizations representing the interests of those involved in professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy the professions governed by the board under this chapter. The board may establish standards in its codes of ethical practice that are more stringent than those established by national organizations.

Sec. 4757.12.  (A) A person who is licensed or registered under this chapter, and a person or agency that employs a person licensed or registered under this chapter, may charge a client or receive remuneration for professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy services only if one of the following applies:

(1) Prior to the performance of services, the client is furnished a copy of a professional disclosure statement containing the information described in division (B) of this section;

(2) A professional disclosure statement containing the information described in division (B) of this section is displayed in a conspicuous location at the place where the services are performed and a copy of the statement is provided to the client upon request.

(B) The professional disclosure statement required by division (A) of this section shall contain the following:

(1) The name, title, business address, and business telephone number of the professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, social work assistant, social worker, independent social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, or marriage and family therapist person performing the services;

(2) The formal professional education of the person performing the services, including the institutions the person attended, the dates attended, and the degrees received from them;

(3) The areas of competence in the field in which the person is licensed or registered and the services the person provides;

(4) In the case of a person who is engaged in a private individual practice, partnership, or group practice, the person's fee schedule, listed by type of service or hourly rate;

(5) At the bottom of the first page of the disclosure statement, the words, "This information is required by the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board, which regulates the practices of professional counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy, and art therapy in this state." and, immediately beneath those words, the name, address, and telephone number of the board.

Sec. 4757.15.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall prepare, cause to be prepared, or procure the use of, and grade, have graded, or procure the grading of, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapist examinations to determine the competence of applicants for such licensure under this chapter. The board may administer separate examinations to reflect differences in educational degrees earned by applicants. The board may develop the examinations or use examinations prepared by state or national organizations that represent the interests of those involved in professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. The board shall conduct examinations at least twice each year and shall determine the level of competence necessary for a passing score.

Sec. 4757.16.  (A) A person seeking to be licensed under this chapter as a professional clinical counselor or, professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or art therapist, or seeking to be registered under this chapter as a social work assistant, shall file with the counselors appropriate professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist board a written application on a form prescribed by the counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board. A person seeking to be licensed under this chapter as an independent social worker or social worker or registered under this chapter as a social work assistant shall file with the social workers professional standards committee of the board a written application on a form prescribed by the board. A person seeking to be licensed under this chapter as an independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist shall file with the marriage and family therapist professional standards committee of the board a written application on a form prescribed by the board.

Each form prescribed by the board shall contain a statement informing the applicant that a person who knowingly makes a false statement on the form is guilty of falsification under section 2921.13 of the Revised Code, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(B) The professional standards committees shall review each application received and shall determine whether the applicant meets the requirements to receive the license or certificate of registration for which application has been made.

Sec. 4757.17.  The professional standards committees of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall review the applications of applicants for licensure or registration under this chapter who have received a post-secondary degree from an educational institution outside the United States. The committee reviewing the application shall determine whether the applicant's experience, command of the English language, and completed academic program meet the standards of an academic program of an accredited educational institution. If they do, the applicant shall be considered to have received the education from an accredited educational institution as required by this chapter and rules adopted under it.

Sec. 4757.18.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board may enter into a reciprocal agreement with any state that regulates individuals practicing in the same capacities as those regulated under this chapter if the board finds that the state has requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements this state has for receipt of a license or certificate of registration under this chapter. In a reciprocal agreement, the board agrees to issue the appropriate license or certificate of registration to any resident of the other state whose practice is currently authorized by that state if that state's regulatory body agrees to authorize the appropriate practice of any resident of this state who holds a valid license or certificate of registration issued under this chapter.

The professional standards committees of the board may, by endorsement, issue the appropriate license or certificate of registration to a resident of a state with which the board does not have a reciprocal agreement, if the person submits proof satisfactory to the committee of currently being licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized to practice by that state.

Sec. 4757.19.  On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license or certificate of registration issued pursuant to this chapter.

Sec. 4757.22.  (A) The counselors professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a license to practice as a professional clinical counselor to each applicant who submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and meets the requirements specified in division (B) of this section.

(B) To be eligible for a professional clinical counselor license, an individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) The individual must be of good moral character.

(2) The individual must hold from an accredited educational institution a graduate degree in counseling.

(3) The individual must complete a minimum of ninety quarter hours of graduate credit in counselor training acceptable to the committee, including a minimum of thirty quarter hours of instruction in the following areas:

(a) Clinical psychopathology, personality, and abnormal behavior;

(b) Evaluation of mental and emotional disorders;

(c) Diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders;

(d) Methods of prevention, intervention, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

(4) The individual must complete, in either a private or clinical counseling setting, supervised experience in counseling that is of a type approved by the committee, is supervised by a professional clinical counselor or other qualified professional approved by the committee, and is in the following amounts:

(a) In the case of an individual holding only a master's degree, not less than two years of experience, which must be completed after the award of the master's degree;

(b) In the case of an individual holding a doctorate, not less than one year of experience, which must be completed after the award of the doctorate.

(5) The individual must pass a field evaluation that meets the following requirements:

(a) Has been completed by the applicant's instructors, employers, supervisors, or other persons determined by the committee to be competent to evaluate an individual's professional competence;

(b) Includes documented evidence of the quality, scope, and nature of the applicant's experience and competence in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders.

(6) The individual must pass an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as a professional clinical counselor.

(C) To be accepted by the committee for purposes of division (B) of this section, counselor training must include at least the following:

(1) Instruction in human growth and development; counseling theory; counseling techniques; group dynamics, processing, and counseling; appraisal of individuals; research and evaluation; professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities; social and cultural foundations; and lifestyle and career development;

(2) Participation in a supervised practicum and internship in counseling.

(D) The committee may issue a provisional license to an applicant who meets all of the requirements to be licensed under this section, pending the receipt of transcripts or action by the committee to issue a license to practice as a professional clinical counselor.

(E) An individual may not sit for the licensing examination unless the individual meets the educational requirements to be licensed under this section. An individual who is denied admission to the licensing examination may appeal the denial in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) The board shall adopt any rules necessary for the committee to implement this section, including criteria for the committee to use in determining whether an applicant's training should be accepted and supervised experience approved. Rules adopted under this division shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.23.  (A) The counselors professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a license as a professional counselor to each applicant who submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and meets the requirements established under division (B) of this section.

(B) To be eligible for a license as a professional counselor, an individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) The individual must be of good moral character.

(2) The individual must hold from an accredited educational institution a graduate degree in counseling.

(3) The individual must complete a minimum of ninety quarter hours of graduate credit in counselor training acceptable to the committee, which the individual may complete while working toward receiving a graduate degree in counseling or subsequent to receiving the degree.

(4) The individual must pass an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as a professional counselor.

(C) To be accepted by the committee for purposes of division (B) of this section, counselor training must include at least the following:

(1) Instruction in human growth and development; counseling theory; counseling techniques; group dynamics, processing, and counseling; appraisal of individuals; research and evaluation; professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities; social and cultural foundations; and lifestyle and career development;

(2) Participation in a supervised practicum and internship in counseling.

(D) The committee may issue a provisional license to an applicant who meets all of the requirements to be licensed under this section, pending the receipt of transcripts or action by the committee to issue a license as a professional counselor.

(E) An individual may not sit for the licensing examination unless the individual meets the educational requirements to be licensed under this section. An individual who is denied admission to the licensing examination may appeal the denial in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) The board shall adopt any rules necessary for the committee to implement this section, including criteria for the committee to use in determining whether an applicant's training should be accepted. Rules adopted under this division shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.27.  (A) The social workers professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a license as an independent social worker to each applicant who submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and meets the requirements specified in division (B) of this section. An independent social worker license shall clearly indicate each academic degree earned by the person to whom it has been issued.

(B) To be eligible for a license as an independent social worker, an individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) The individual must be of good moral character.

(2) The individual must hold from an accredited educational institution a master's degree or a doctorate in social work.

(3) The individual must complete at least two years of post-master's degree social work experience supervised by an independent social worker.

(4) The individual must pass an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as an independent social worker.

(C) The committee may issue a temporary license to an applicant who meets all of the requirements to be licensed under this section, pending the receipt of transcripts or action by the committee to issue a license as an independent social worker.

(D) The board shall adopt any rules necessary for the committee to implement this section, including criteria for the committee to use in determining whether an applicant's training should be accepted and supervised experience approved. Rules adopted under this division shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.28.  (A) The social workers professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a license as a social worker to each applicant who submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and meets the requirements specified in division (B) of this section. A social worker license shall clearly indicate each academic degree earned by the person to whom it is issued.

(B) To be eligible for a license as a social worker, an individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) The individual must be of good moral character.

(2) The individual must hold from an accredited educational institution one of the following:

(a) A baccalaureate degree in social work or, prior to October 10, 1992, a baccalaureate degree in a program closely related to social work and approved by the committee;

(b) A master's degree in social work;

(c) A doctorate in social work.

(3) The individual must pass an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining ability to practice as a social worker.

(C) The committee may issue a temporary license to an applicant who meets all of the requirements to be licensed under this section, pending the receipt of transcripts or action by the committee to issue a license as a social worker. However, the committee may issue a temporary license to an applicant who provides the board with a statement from the applicant's academic institution indicating that the applicant is in good standing with the institution, that the applicant has met the academic requirements for the applicant's degree, and the date the applicant will receive the applicant's degree.

(D) The board shall adopt any rules necessary for the committee to implement this section, including criteria for the committee to use in determining whether an applicant's training should be accepted and supervised experience approved. Rules adopted under this division shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.29.  (A) The social workers professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a certificate of registration as a social work assistant to each applicant who submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, is of good moral character, and holds from an accredited educational institution an associate degree in social service technology or a bachelor's degree that is equivalent to an associate degree in social service technology or a related bachelor's or higher degree that is approved by the committee.

(B) On and after March 18, 1997, a counselor assistant certificate of registration issued under former section 4757.08 of the Revised Code shall be considered a certificate of registration as a social work assistant. The holder of the certificate is subject to the supervision requirements specified in section 4757.26 of the Revised Code, the continuing education requirements specified in section 4757.33 of the Revised Code, and regulation by the social workers professional standards committee. On the first renewal occurring after March 18, 1997, the committee shall issue a certificate of registration as a social work assistant to each former counselor assistant who qualifies for renewal.

(C) The social workers professional standards committee shall issue a certificate of registration as a social work assistant to any person who, on or before March 18, 1998, meets the requirements for a certificate of registration as a counselor assistant pursuant to division (A)(3) of former section 4757.08 of the Revised Code, submits a properly completed application, pays the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and is of good moral character.

Sec. 4757.30.  (A) The marriage and family therapist professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall issue a license to practice as a marriage and family therapist to a person who has done all of the following:

(1) Properly completed an application for the license;

(2) Paid the required fee established by the board under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code;

(3) Achieved one of the following:

(a) Received from an educational institution accredited at the time the degree was granted by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the board a master's degree or a doctorate in marriage and family therapy;

(b) Completed a graduate degree that includes a minimum of ninety quarter hours of graduate level course work in marriage and family therapy training that is acceptable to the committee;

(4) Passed an examination administered by the board for the purpose of determining the person's ability to be a marriage and family therapist;

(5) Completed a practicum that includes at least three hundred hours of client contact.

(B) To be accepted by the committee for purposes of division (A)(3)(b) of this section, marriage and family therapist training must include instruction in at least the following:

(1) Research and evaluation;

(2) Professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities;

(3) Marriage and family studies;

(4) Marriage and family therapy, including therapeutic theory and techniques for individuals, groups, and families;

(5) Human development;

(6) Appraisal of individuals and families;

(7) Diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders;

(8) Systems theory.

(C) The marriage and family therapist professional standards committee shall issue a license to practice as an independent marriage and family therapist to a person who does both of the following:

(1) Meets all of the requirements of division (A) of this section;

(2) After meeting the requirements of division (A)(3) of this section, completes at least two calendar years of work experience in marriage and family therapy.

The two calendar years of work experience must include one thousand hours of documented client contact in marriage and family therapy. Two hundred hours of the one thousand hours must include face-to-face supervision by a supervisor whose training and experience meets standards established by the board in rules adopted under section 4757.10 of the Revised Code and one hundred hours of the two hundred hours of supervision must be individual supervision.

(D) An independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist may engage in the private practice of marriage and family therapy as an individual practitioner or as a member of a partnership or group practice.

(E) A marriage and family therapist may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders only under the supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, professional clinical counselor, independent social worker, or independent marriage and family therapist. An independent marriage and family therapist may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders without supervision.

(F) Nothing in this chapter or rules adopted under it authorizes an independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist to admit a patient to a hospital or requires a hospital to allow a marriage and family therapist to admit a patient.

(G) An independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist may not diagnose, treat, or advise on conditions outside the recognized boundaries of the marriage and family therapist's competency. An independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist shall make appropriate and timely referrals when a client's needs exceed the marriage and family therapist's competence level.

Sec. 4757.301.  On receipt of an application for a license as a marriage and family therapist, the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board may issue a temporary license to an individual who qualifies under division (A) of section 4757.30 of the Revised Code for licensure as a marriage and family therapist or divisions (A) and (C) of section 4757.30 of the Revised Code for licensure as an independent marriage and family therapist, except that the individual is awaiting the next opportunity to take an examination required by the board under that division. The temporary license allows the holder to engage in the practice of independent marriage and family therapy or marriage and family therapy as appropriate and is valid from the date of issuance until the earlier of one year from that date, the date the applicant withdraws from taking the examination, the date the applicant is notified that the applicant failed the examination, or the date the applicant's license is issued under section 4757.30 of the Revised Code. A temporary license may not be renewed.

Sec. 4757.31.  (A) Subject to division (B) of this section, the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall establish, and may from time to time adjust, fees to be charged for the following:

(1) Examination for licensure as a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, independent marriage and family therapist, social worker, or independent social worker;

(2) Initial licenses of professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, independent marriage and family therapists, social workers, and independent social workers, and art therapists except that the board shall charge only one fee to a person who fulfills all requirements for more than one of the following initial licenses: an initial license as a social worker or independent social worker, an initial license as a professional counselor or professional clinical counselor, and an initial license as a marriage and family therapist or independent marriage and family therapist, and an initial license as an art therapist;

(3) Initial certificates of registration of social work assistants;

(4) Renewal and late renewal of licenses of professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, independent marriage and family therapists, art therapists, social workers, and independent social workers and renewal and late renewal of certificates of registration of social work assistants;

(5) Verification, to another jurisdiction, of a license or registration issued by the board;

(6) Continuing education programs offered by the board to licensees or registrants.

(B) The fees charged under division (A)(1) of this section shall be established in amounts sufficient to cover the direct expenses incurred in examining applicants for licensure. The fees charged under divisions (A)(2) to (6) of this section shall be nonrefundable and shall be established in amounts sufficient to cover the necessary expenses in administering this chapter and rules adopted under it that are not covered by fees charged under division (A)(1) or (C) of this section. The renewal fee for a license or certificate of registration shall not be less than the initial fee for that license or certificate. The fees charged for licensure and registration and the renewal of licensure and registration may differ for the various types of licensure and registration, but shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars each, unless the board determines that amounts in excess of one hundred twenty-five dollars are needed to cover its necessary expenses in administering this chapter and rules adopted under it and the amounts in excess of one hundred twenty-five dollars are approved by the controlling board.

(C) All receipts of the board shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. All vouchers of the board shall be approved by the chairperson or executive director of the board, or both, as authorized by the board.

Sec. 4757.32.  A license or certificate of registration issued under this chapter expires two years after it is issued and may be renewed in accordance with the standard renewal procedure established under Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

Subject to section 4757.36 of the Revised Code, the staff of the appropriate professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall, on behalf of each committee, issue a renewed license or certificate of registration to each applicant who has paid the renewal fee established by the board under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code and, satisfied the continuing education requirements established by the board under section 4757.33 of the Revised Code, and in the case of an art therapist, maintained the appropriate certification or registration from the art therapy credentials board, inc.

A license or certificate of registration that is not renewed lapses on its expiration date. A license or certificate of registration that has lapsed may be restored if the individual, not later than two years after the license or certificate expired, applies for restoration of the license or certificate. The staff of the appropriate professional standards committee shall issue a restored license or certificate of registration to the applicant if the applicant pays the renewal fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code and satisfies the continuing education requirements established under section 4757.33 of the Revised Code for restoring the license or certificate of registration. The board and its professional standards committees shall not require a person to take an examination as a condition of having a lapsed license or certificate of registration restored.

Sec. 4757.33.  (A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, each person who holds a license or certificate of registration issued under this chapter shall complete during the period that the license or certificate is in effect not less than thirty clock hours of continuing professional education as a condition of receiving a renewed license or certificate. To have a lapsed license or certificate of registration restored, a person shall complete the number of hours of continuing education specified by the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board in rules it shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

The professional standards committees of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing standards and procedures to be followed by the committees in conducting the continuing education approval process.

(B) The board may waive the continuing education requirements established under this section for persons who are unable to fulfill them because of military service, illness, residence abroad, or any other reason the committee considers acceptable.

In the case of a social worker licensed by virtue of receiving, prior to October 10, 1992, a baccalaureate degree in a program closely related to social work, as a condition of the first renewal of the license, the social worker must complete at an accredited educational institution a minimum of five semester hours of social work graduate or undergraduate credit, or their equivalent, that is acceptable to the committee and includes a course in social work theory and a course in social work methods.

Sec. 4757.34.  Not later than ninety days after December 9, 1994, the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall approve one or more continuing education courses of study that assist social workers, independent social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, professional clinical counselors, and professional counselors, and art therapists in recognizing the signs of domestic violence and its relationship to child abuse. Social workers, independent social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, professional clinical counselors, and professional counselors, and art therapists are not required to take the courses.

Sec. 4757.36.  (A) The appropriate professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art 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 art therapist, 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 art therapy or practicing in fields related to counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy, or art 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, art 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, art 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.

(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. 4757.361. (A) As used in this section, with regard to offenses committed in Ohio, "aggravated murder," "murder," "voluntary manslaughter," "felonious assault," "kidnapping," "rape," "sexual battery," "gross sexual imposition," "aggravated arson," "aggravated robbery," and "aggravated burglary" mean such offenses as defined in Title XXIX of the Revised Code; with regard to offenses committed in other jurisdictions, the terms mean offenses comparable to offenses defined in Title XXIX of the Revised Code.

(B) When there is clear and convincing evidence that continued practice by an individual licensed under this chapter presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, as determined on consideration of the evidence by the professional standards committees of the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board, the appropriate committee shall impose on the individual a summary suspension without a hearing.

Immediately following the decision to impose a summary suspension, the appropriate committee shall issue a written order of suspension and cause it to be delivered 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 the pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the individual subject to the suspension requests an adjudication, the date set for the adjudication shall be within fifteen days but not earlier than seven days after the individual makes the request, unless another date is agreed to by both the individual and the committee imposing the suspension. The summary suspension shall remain in effect, unless reversed by the committee, until a final adjudication order issued by the committee pursuant to this section and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code becomes effective.

The committee shall issue its final adjudication order within ninety days after completion of the adjudication. If the committee does not issue a final order within the ninety-day period, the summary suspension shall be void, but any final adjudication order issued subsequent to the ninety-day period shall not be affected.

(C) The license issued to an individual under this chapter is automatically suspended on that individual's conviction of, plea of guilty to, or judicial finding with regard to any of the following: aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary. The suspension shall remain in effect from the date of the conviction, plea, or finding until an adjudication is held under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the appropriate committee has knowledge that an automatic suspension has occurred, it shall notify the individual subject to the suspension. If the individual is notified and either fails to request an adjudication within the time periods established by Chapter 119. of the Revised Code or fails to participate in the adjudication, the committee shall enter a final order permanently revoking the person's license or certificate.

Sec. 4757.38.  The counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall investigate alleged violations of this chapter or the rules adopted under it and alleged irregularities in the delivery of services related to professional counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy by persons licensed or registered under this chapter. As part of its conduct of an investigation, the board may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and administer oaths.

The board may receive any information necessary to conduct an investigation under this section. If the board is investigating the provision of services to a couple or group, it is not necessary for both members of the couple or all members of the group to consent to the release of information relevant to the investigation.

The board shall ensure that all records it holds pertaining to an investigation remain confidential. The board shall adopt rules establishing procedures to be followed in maintaining the confidentiality of its investigative records. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.40.  In addition to any other remedies provided by law, the counselor and, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board may apply to an appropriate court for an order enjoining the violation of any provision of this chapter, and on a showing that any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter, the court shall grant an order enjoining the violation.

Sec. 4757.43.  Nothing in this chapter or the rules adopted under it shall be construed as authorizing a professional clinical counselorprofessional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, , marriage and family therapist, independent social worker, social worker, or social work assistant a person licensed or registered under this chapter to admit a patient to a hospital or as requiring a hospital to allow any of those individuals to admit a patient.

Sec. 4757.44.  For the purposes of section 2305.51 of the Revised Code, a person who holds a license issued under this chapter is a mental health professional.

A license holder is not liable in damages in a civil action, and shall not be subject to disciplinary action by the counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board, for disclosing any confidential information about a client that is disclosed for the purposes of section 2305.51 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.45.  (A) An individual seeking a license to practice as an art therapist shall submit an application to the art therapist professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code.

(B) The committee shall review all applications received. If an applicant submits a properly completed application and meets the requirements specified in section 4757.46 of the Revised Code, the committee shall issue to the applicant a license to practice as an art therapist.

(C) A license is valid for the period specified in rules adopted under section 4757.51 of the Revised Code and may be renewed in accordance with procedures specified in the rules.

Sec. 4757.46. To be eligible to receive a license to practice as an art therapist, an individual shall meet all of the following requirements:

(A) Be of good moral character;

(B) Be at least twenty-one years of age;

(C) Hold current certification from the art therapy credentials board, inc., and submit evidence of that certification with the application submitted under section 4757.45 of the Revised Code;

(D) Obtain three letters of recommendation from professional sources, one of which shall be from an art therapist, and submit the letters in accordance with procedures established in rules adopted under section 4757.51 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.47.  (A) The art therapist professional standards committee of the counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board may issue a temporary license to an applicant who meets any of the following requirements:

(1) Provides evidence to the committee that the applicant is currently board certified by the art therapy credentials board, inc., and further action by the committee to issue an art therapist license is pending;

(2) Provides evidence to the committee that the applicant is a registered art therapist with the art therapy credentials board, inc.;

(3) Provides evidence to the committee that the applicant holds a degree from an art therapy program approved by the American art therapy association or the equivalent of such a degree as determined by the committee.

(B) A temporary license issued under this section shall be valid for two years and may be renewed upon expiration of the initial temporary license. A temporary license may not be renewed more than two times.

(C) An applicant holding a temporary license issued under this section shall engage in the practice of art therapy under the supervision of a licensed art therapist and in accordance with guidelines established by the art therapy credentials board, inc.

Sec. 4757.48.  A person licensed under this chapter as an art therapist may engage in the practice of art therapy through the integrated use of psychotherapeutic principles and visual art media and processes in the assessment, evaluation, treatment, amelioration, and remediation of emotional, cognitive, neurological, psychosocial, physical, and developmental issues. A licensed art therapist may provide training and supervision to art therapy students or prospective applicants for licensure.

Sec. 4757.49.  A person licensed under this chapter to practice as an art therapist may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, except that the art therapist may make a diagnosis only under the supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, professional clinical counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, or independent social worker. An art therapist may engage in the private practice of art therapy as an individual practitioner or as a member of a partnership or group practice.

Sec. 4757.50.  The counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board shall adopt any rules necessary for implementation of sections 4757.45 to 4757.50 of the Revised Code. The rules shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4757.55.  (A) An individual licensed or registered with the counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, and art therapist board to engage in the individual's respective practice may render the individual's professional services within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the board adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Professional clinical counselors, professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, social work assistants, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, and art therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, independent social worker, social worker, social work assistant, independent marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist, or art therapist that prohibits the individual from engaging in the individual's respective practice in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or art therapy.

Sec. 5101.61.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Senior service provider" means any person who provides care or services to a person who is an adult as defined in division (B) of section 5101.60 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Ambulatory health facility" means a nonprofit, public or proprietary freestanding organization or a unit of such an agency or organization that:

(a) Provides preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, or palliative items or services furnished to an outpatient or ambulatory patient, by or under the direction of a physician or dentist in a facility which is not a part of a hospital, but which is organized and operated to provide medical care to outpatients;

(b) Has health and medical care policies which are developed with the advice of, and with the provision of review of such policies, an advisory committee of professional personnel, including one or more physicians, one or more dentists, if dental care is provided, and one or more registered nurses;

(c) Has a medical director, a dental director, if dental care is provided, and a nursing director responsible for the execution of such policies, and has physicians, dentists, nursing, and ancillary staff appropriate to the scope of services provided;

(d) Requires that the health care and medical care of every patient be under the supervision of a physician, provides for medical care in a case of emergency, has in effect a written agreement with one or more hospitals and other centers or clinics, and has an established patient referral system to other resources, and a utilization review plan and program;

(e) Maintains clinical records on all patients;

(f) Provides nursing services and other therapeutic services in accordance with programs and policies, with such services supervised by a registered professional nurse, and has a registered professional nurse on duty at all times of clinical operations;

(g) Provides approved methods and procedures for the dispensing and administration of drugs and biologicals;

(h) Has established an accounting and record keeping system to determine reasonable and allowable costs;

(i) "Ambulatory health facilities" also includes an alcoholism treatment facility approved by the joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations as an alcoholism treatment facility or certified by the department of alcohol and drug addiction services, and such facility shall comply with other provisions of this division not inconsistent with such accreditation or certification.

(3) "Community mental health facility" means a facility which provides community mental health services and is included in the comprehensive mental health plan for the alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health service district in which it is located.

(4) "Community mental health service" means services, other than inpatient services, provided by a community mental health facility.

(5) "Home health agency" means an institution or a distinct part of an institution operated in this state which:

(a) Is primarily engaged in providing home health services;

(b) Has home health policies which are established by a group of professional personnel, including one or more duly licensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy and one or more registered professional nurses, to govern the home health services it provides and which includes a requirement that every patient must be under the care of a duly licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathy;

(c) Is under the supervision of a duly licensed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy or a registered professional nurse who is responsible for the execution of such home health policies;

(d) Maintains comprehensive records on all patients;

(e) Is operated by the state, a political subdivision, or an agency of either, or is operated not for profit in this state and is licensed or registered, if required, pursuant to law by the appropriate department of the state, county, or municipality in which it furnishes services; or is operated for profit in this state, meets all the requirements specified in divisions (A)(5)(a) to (d) of this section, and is certified under Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C. 301, as amended.

(6) "Home health service" means the following items and services, provided, except as provided in division (A)(6)(g) of this section, on a visiting basis in a place of residence used as the patient's home:

(a) Nursing care provided by or under the supervision of a registered professional nurse;

(b) Physical, occupational, or speech therapy ordered by the patient's attending physician;

(c) Medical social services performed by or under the supervision of a qualified medical or psychiatric social worker and under the direction of the patient's attending physician;

(d) Personal health care of the patient performed by aides in accordance with the orders of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy and under the supervision of a registered professional nurse;

(e) Medical supplies and the use of medical appliances;

(f) Medical services of interns and residents-in-training under an approved teaching program of a nonprofit hospital and under the direction and supervision of the patient's attending physician;

(g) Any of the foregoing items and services which:

(i) Are provided on an outpatient basis under arrangements made by the home health agency at a hospital or skilled nursing facility;

(ii) Involve the use of equipment of such a nature that the items and services cannot readily be made available to the patient in the patient's place of residence, or which are furnished at the hospital or skilled nursing facility while the patient is there to receive any item or service involving the use of such equipment.

(B) Any attorney, physician, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor, dentist, psychologist, any employee of a hospital as defined in section 3701.01 of the Revised Code, any nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, any employee of an ambulatory health facility, any employee of a home health agency, any employee of an adult care facility as defined in section 3722.01 of the Revised Code, any employee of a nursing home, residential care facility, or home for the aging, as defined in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code, any senior service provider, any peace officer, coroner, clergyman, any employee of a community mental health facility, and any person engaged in social work or counseling licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code having reasonable cause to believe that an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, or is in a condition which is the result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall immediately report such belief to the county department of job and family services. This section does not apply to employees of any hospital or public hospital as defined in section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(B)(C) Any person having reasonable cause to believe that an adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation may report, or cause reports to be made of such belief to the department.

(C)(D) The reports made under this section shall be made orally or in writing except that oral reports shall be followed by a written report if a written report is requested by the department. Written reports shall include:

(1) The name, address, and approximate age of the adult who is the subject of the report;

(2) The name and address of the individual responsible for the adult's care, if any individual is, and if the individual is known;

(3) The nature and extent of the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the adult;

(4) The basis of the reporter's belief that the adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited.

(D)(E) Any person with reasonable cause to believe that an adult is suffering abuse, neglect, or exploitation who makes a report pursuant to this section or who testifies in any administrative or judicial proceeding arising from such a report, or any employee of the state or any of its subdivisions who is discharging responsibilities under section 5101.62 of the Revised Code shall be immune from civil or criminal liability on account of such investigation, report, or testimony, except liability for perjury, unless the person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.

(E)(F) No employer or any other person with the authority to do so shall discharge, demote, transfer, prepare a negative work performance evaluation, or reduce benefits, pay, or work privileges, or take any other action detrimental to an employee or in any way retaliate against an employee as a result of the employee's having filed a report under this section.

(F)(G) Neither the written or oral report provided for in this section nor the investigatory report provided for in section 5101.62 of the Revised Code shall be considered a public record as defined in section 149.43 of the Revised Code. Information contained in the report shall upon request be made available to the adult who is the subject of the report, to agencies authorized by the department to receive information contained in the report, and to legal counsel for the adult.

Sec. 5101.99.  (A) Whoever violates division (A) or (B) or (C) of section 5101.61 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars.

(B) Whoever violates division (A) of section 5101.27 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(C) Whoever violates section 5101.133 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

Sec. 5123.61.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Law enforcement agency" means the state highway patrol, the police department of a municipal corporation, or a county sheriff.

(2) "Abuse" has the same meaning as in section 5123.50 of the Revised Code, except that it includes a misappropriation, as defined in that section.

(3) "Neglect" has the same meaning as in section 5123.50 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department of developmental disabilities shall establish a registry office for the purpose of maintaining reports of abuse, neglect, and other major unusual incidents made to the department under this section and reports received from county boards of developmental disabilities under section 5126.31 of the Revised Code. The department shall establish committees to review reports of abuse, neglect, and other major unusual incidents.

(C)(1) Any person listed in division (C)(2) of this section, having reason to believe that a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability has suffered or faces a substantial risk of suffering any wound, injury, disability, or condition of such a nature as to reasonably indicate abuse or neglect of that person, shall immediately report or cause reports to be made of such information to the entity specified in this division. Except as provided in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code or as otherwise provided in this division, the person making the report shall make it to a law enforcement agency or to the county board of developmental disabilities. If the report concerns a resident of a facility operated by the department of developmental disabilities the report shall be made either to a law enforcement agency or to the department. If the report concerns any act or omission of an employee of a county board of developmental disabilities, the report immediately shall be made to the department and to the county board.

(2) All of the following persons are required to make a report under division (C)(1) of this section:

(a) Any physician, including a hospital intern or resident, any dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, practitioner of a limited branch of medicine as specified in section 4731.15 of the Revised Code, hospital administrator or employee of a hospital, nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, employee of an ambulatory health facility as defined in section 5101.61 of the Revised Code, employee of a home health agency, employee of an adult care facility licensed under Chapter 3722. of the Revised Code, or employee of a community mental health facility;

(b) Any school teacher or school authority, social worker, psychologist, attorney, peace officer, coroner, or residents' rights advocate as defined in section 3721.10 of the Revised Code;

(c) A superintendent, board member, or employee of a county board of developmental disabilities; an administrator, board member, or employee of a residential facility licensed under section 5123.19 of the Revised Code; an administrator, board member, or employee of any other public or private provider of services to a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability, or any MR/DD employee, as defined in section 5123.50 of the Revised Code;

(d) A member of a citizen's advisory council established at an institution or branch institution of the department of developmental disabilities under section 5123.092 of the Revised Code;

(e) A clergyman who is employed in a position that includes providing specialized services to an individual with mental retardation or another developmental disability, while acting in an official or professional capacity in that position, or a person who is employed in a position that includes providing specialized services to an individual with mental retardation or another developmental disability and who, while acting in an official or professional capacity, renders spiritual treatment through prayer in accordance with the tenets of an organized religion;

(f) A person licensed or registered under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

(3)(a) The reporting requirements of this division do not apply to members of the legal rights service commission or to employees of the legal rights service.

(b) An attorney or physician is not required to make a report pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section concerning any communication the attorney or physician receives from a client or patient in an attorney-client or physician-patient relationship, if, in accordance with division (A) or (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code, the attorney or physician could not testify with respect to that communication in a civil or criminal proceeding, except that the client or patient is deemed to have waived any testimonial privilege under division (A) or (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code with respect to that communication and the attorney or physician shall make a report pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, if both of the following apply:

(i) The client or patient, at the time of the communication, is a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability.

(ii) The attorney or physician knows or suspects, as a result of the communication or any observations made during that communication, that the client or patient has suffered or faces a substantial risk of suffering any wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect of the client or patient.

(4) Any person who fails to make a report required under division (C) of this section and who is an MR/DD employee, as defined in section 5123.50 of the Revised Code, shall be eligible to be included in the registry regarding misappropriation, abuse, neglect, or other specified misconduct by MR/DD employees established under section 5123.52 of the Revised Code.

(D) The reports required under division (C) of this section shall be made forthwith by telephone or in person and shall be followed by a written report. The reports shall contain the following:

(1) The names and addresses of the person with mental retardation or a developmental disability and the person's custodian, if known;

(2) The age of the person with mental retardation or a developmental disability;

(3) Any other information that would assist in the investigation of the report.

(E) When a physician performing services as a member of the staff of a hospital or similar institution has reason to believe that a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability has suffered injury, abuse, or physical neglect, the physician shall notify the person in charge of the institution or that person's designated delegate, who shall make the necessary reports.

(F) Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability has suffered or faces a substantial risk of suffering abuse or neglect may report or cause a report to be made of that belief to the entity specified in this division. Except as provided in section 5120.173 of the Revised Code or as otherwise provided in this division, the person making the report shall make it to a law enforcement agency or the county board of developmental disabilities. If the person is a resident of a facility operated by the department of developmental disabilities, the report shall be made to a law enforcement agency or to the department. If the report concerns any act or omission of an employee of a county board of developmental disabilities, the report immediately shall be made to the department and to the county board.

(G)(1) Upon the receipt of a report concerning the possible abuse or neglect of a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability, the law enforcement agency shall inform the county board of developmental disabilities or, if the person is a resident of a facility operated by the department of developmental disabilities, the director of the department or the director's designee.

(2) On receipt of a report under this section that includes an allegation of action or inaction that may constitute a crime under federal law or the law of this state, the department of developmental disabilities shall notify the law enforcement agency.

(3) When a county board of developmental disabilities receives a report under this section that includes an allegation of action or inaction that may constitute a crime under federal law or the law of this state, the superintendent of the board or an individual the superintendent designates under division (H) of this section shall notify the law enforcement agency. The superintendent or individual shall notify the department of developmental disabilities when it receives any report under this section.

(4) When a county board of developmental disabilities receives a report under this section and believes that the degree of risk to the person is such that the report is an emergency, the superintendent of the board or an employee of the board the superintendent designates shall attempt a face-to-face contact with the person with mental retardation or a developmental disability who allegedly is the victim within one hour of the board's receipt of the report.

(H) The superintendent of the board may designate an individual to be responsible for notifying the law enforcement agency and the department when the county board receives a report under this section.

(I) An adult with mental retardation or a developmental disability about whom a report is made may be removed from the adult's place of residence only by law enforcement officers who consider that the adult's immediate removal is essential to protect the adult from further injury or abuse or in accordance with the order of a court made pursuant to section 5126.33 of the Revised Code.

(J) A law enforcement agency shall investigate each report of abuse or neglect it receives under this section. In addition, the department, in cooperation with law enforcement officials, shall investigate each report regarding a resident of a facility operated by the department to determine the circumstances surrounding the injury, the cause of the injury, and the person responsible. The investigation shall be in accordance with the memorandum of understanding prepared under section 5126.058 of the Revised Code. The department shall determine, with the registry office which shall be maintained by the department, whether prior reports have been made concerning an adult with mental retardation or a developmental disability or other principals in the case. If the department finds that the report involves action or inaction that may constitute a crime under federal law or the law of this state, it shall submit a report of its investigation, in writing, to the law enforcement agency. If the person with mental retardation or a developmental disability is an adult, with the consent of the adult, the department shall provide such protective services as are necessary to protect the adult. The law enforcement agency shall make a written report of its findings to the department.

If the person is an adult and is not a resident of a facility operated by the department, the county board of developmental disabilities shall review the report of abuse or neglect in accordance with sections 5126.30 to 5126.33 of the Revised Code and the law enforcement agency shall make the written report of its findings to the county board.

(K) Any person or any hospital, institution, school, health department, or agency participating in the making of reports pursuant to this section, any person participating as a witness in an administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from the reports, or any person or governmental entity that discharges responsibilities under sections 5126.31 to 5126.33 of the Revised Code shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of such actions except liability for perjury, unless the person or governmental entity has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.

(L) No employer or any person with the authority to do so shall discharge, demote, transfer, prepare a negative work performance evaluation, reduce pay or benefits, terminate work privileges, or take any other action detrimental to an employee or retaliate against an employee as a result of the employee's having made a report under this section. This division does not preclude an employer or person with authority from taking action with regard to an employee who has made a report under this section if there is another reasonable basis for the action.

(M) Reports made under this section are not public records as defined in section 149.43 of the Revised Code. Information contained in the reports on request shall be made available to the person who is the subject of the report, to the person's legal counsel, and to agencies authorized to receive information in the report by the department or by a county board of developmental disabilities.

(N) Notwithstanding section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the physician-patient privilege shall not be a ground for excluding evidence regarding the injuries or physical neglect of a person with mental retardation or a developmental disability or the cause thereof in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report submitted pursuant to this section.

Section 2.  That existing sections 125.22, 1701.03, 1705.03, 1705.04, 1705.53, 1785.01, 1785.02, 1785.03, 1785.08, 2151.421, 2921.22, 3701.74, 3721.21, 4723.16, 4725.33, 4729.161, 4731.226, 4731.65, 4732.28, 4734.17, 4755.471, 4757.01, 4757.02, 4757.03, 4757.04, 4757.05, 4757.06, 4757.07, 4757.10, 4757.101, 4757.11, 4757.12, 4757.15, 4757.16, 4757.17, 4757.18, 4757.19, 4757.22, 4757.23, 4757.27, 4757.28, 4757.29, 4757.30, 4757.301, 4757.31, 4757.32, 4757.33, 4757.34, 4757.36, 4757.361, 4757.38, 4757.40, 4757.43, 4757.44, 5101.61, 5101.99, and 5123.61 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section 3.  Within ninety days after the effective date of this section, the Governor shall appoint the initial art therapist members and the additional public member of the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Art Therapist Board, in accordance with section 4757.03 of the Revised Code, as amended by this act. The art therapist appointees are not required, at the time of appointment, to be licensed as art therapists; however, the appointees may remain members only if the appointees become licensed as art therapists within one year after the effective date of this section.

Section 4.  Until one year after the effective date of this section, the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Art Therapist Board shall issue an art therapist license to an applicant who is of good moral character, submits a properly completed application, pays the fee for art therapist licensure established under section 4757.31 of the Revised Code, and meets the following requirements on the effective date of this section:

(A) The applicant is licensed under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code as a professional clinical counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, or independent social worker; licensed under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code as a psychologist; or licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code and is board-certified to practice as a psychiatrist.

(B) The person holds a degree in art therapy or the equivalent of such a degree as determined by the Board.

(C) Provides evidence to the Board's Art Therapist Professional Standards Committee that the applicant has practiced art therapy for at least five years within the ten years immediately preceding the effective date of this section.