Bill Text: OH HB251 | 2011-2012 | 129th General Assembly | Enrolled

Ohio House Bill 251 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: To regulate the practice of Oriental medicine, to modify the laws governing the practice of acupuncture, and to revise certain laws governing the State Medical Board.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2013-03-22 - Effective Date [HB251 Detail]

Download: Ohio-2011-HB251-Enrolled.html

(129th General Assembly) (Substitute House Bill Number 251)

AN ACT

To amend sections 4731.02, 4731.06, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.36, 4734.31, 4762.01, 4762.02, 4762.03, 4762.031, 4762.04, 4762.05, 4762.06, 4762.08, 4762.09, 4762.10, 4762.11, 4762.12, 4762.13, 4762.131, 4762.132, 4762.14, 4762.15, 4762.16, 4762.17, 4762.18, 4762.19, and 4762.22 and to repeal section 4731.04 of the Revised Code to regulate the practice of Oriental medicine, to modify the laws governing the practice of acupuncture, and to revise certain laws governing the State Medical Board.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:

SECTION 1. That sections 4731.02, 4731.06, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.36, 4734.31, 4762.01, 4762.02, 4762.03, 4762.031, 4762.04, 4762.05, 4762.06, 4762.08, 4762.09, 4762.10, 4762.11, 4762.12, 4762.13, 4762.131, 4762.132, 4762.14, 4762.15, 4762.16, 4762.17, 4762.18, 4762.19, and 4762.22 of the Revised Code be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 4731.02. The state medical board shall organize by the election of a president ~~and a~~, supervising member, ~~who~~ and secretary. Each officer shall be ~~members~~ a member of the board~~, and a~~. The secretary~~, who~~ shall be a physician in good standing in ~~his~~ the physician's profession. Each of the officers shall serve for a term of one year~~, and they~~. The officers may administer oaths.

Sec. 4731.06. The state medical board shall meet ~~in March, June, September, and December of~~ at least four times each year, and at such times and places as the board may direct. Six members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The board shall have a seal and shall prescribe rules for its government.

Sec. 4731.07. (A) The state medical board shall keep a record of its proceedings. It The minutes of a meeting of the board shall, on approval by the board, constitute an official record of its proceedings.

(B) The board shall ~~also~~ keep a register of applicants for certificates of registration and certificates to practice issued under this chapter and Chapters 4730., 4760., 4762., and 4774. of the Revised Code and licenses issued under Chapter 4778. of the Revised Code. The register shall show the name of the applicant and whether the applicant was granted or refused a certificate or license. With respect to applicants to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, the register shall show the name of the institution that granted the applicant the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine. The books and records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of matters therein contained.

Sec. 4731.22. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six of its members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to a person found by the board to have committed fraud during the administration of the examination for a certificate to practice or to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing any certificate to practice or certificate of registration issued by the board.

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

(1) Permitting one's name or one's certificate to practice or certificate of registration to be used by a person, group, or corporation when the individual concerned is not actually directing the treatment given;

(2) Failure to maintain minimal standards applicable to the selection or administration of drugs, or failure to employ acceptable scientific methods in the selection of drugs or other modalities for treatment of disease;

(3) Selling, giving away, personally furnishing, prescribing, or administering drugs for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes or a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction of, a violation of any federal or state law regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;

(4) Willfully betraying a professional confidence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(22) Any of the following actions taken by an agency responsible for authorizing, certifying, or regulating an individual to practice a health care occupation or provide health care services in this state or another jurisdiction, for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees: the limitation, revocation, or suspension of an individual's license to practice; acceptance of an individual's license surrender; denial of a license; refusal to renew or reinstate a license; imposition of probation; or issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(35) Failure to supervise an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist in accordance with Chapter 4762. of the Revised Code and the board's rules for providing that supervision ~~of an acupuncturist~~;

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

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

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

(39) Failure to supervise a radiologist assistant in accordance with Chapter 4774. of the Revised Code and the board's rules for supervision of radiologist assistants;

(40) Performing or inducing an abortion at an office or facility with knowledge that the office or facility fails to post the notice required under section 3701.791 of the Revised Code;

(41) Failure to comply with the standards and procedures established in rules under section 4731.054 of the Revised Code for the operation of or the provision of care at a pain management clinic;

(42) Failure to comply with the standards and procedures established in rules under section 4731.054 of the Revised Code for providing supervision, direction, and control of individuals at a pain management clinic;

(43) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 4729.79 of the Revised Code, unless the state board of pharmacy no longer maintains a drug database pursuant to section 4729.75 of the Revised Code;

(44) Failure to comply with the requirements of section 2919.171 of the Revised Code or failure to submit to the department of health in accordance with a court order a complete report as described in section 2919.171 of the Revised Code;

(45) Failure to supervise a genetic counselor holding a supervised practice license in accordance with Chapter 4778. of the Revised Code and the board's rules for supervision of the genetic counselor;

(46) Failure to fulfill the responsibilities of collaboration after entering into a collaborative agreement with a genetic counselor under division (B) of section 4778.11 of the Revised Code or failure to comply with the board's rules regarding such agreements.

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

A telephone conference call may be utilized for ratification of a consent agreement that revokes or suspends an individual's certificate to practice. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A sheriff's deputy who serves a subpoena shall receive the same fees as a sheriff. Each witness who appears before the board in obedience to a subpoena shall receive the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The disposition of the case.

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

(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine both of the following, they may recommend that the board suspend an individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing:

(1) That there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual has violated division (B) of this section;

(2) That the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) The surrender of a certificate issued under this chapter shall not be effective unless or until accepted by the board. A telephone conference call may be utilized for acceptance of the surrender of an individual's certificate to practice. The telephone conference call shall be considered a special meeting under division (F) of section 121.22 of the Revised Code. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4731.36. (A) Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit service in case of emergency, domestic administration of family remedies, or provision of assistance to another individual who is self-administering drugs.

Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) A commissioned medical officer of the United States armed forces, as defined in section 5903.11 of the Revised Code, or an employee of the veterans administration of the United States or the United States public health service in the discharge of the officer's or employee's professional duties;

(2) A dentist authorized under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code to practice dentistry when engaged exclusively in the practice of dentistry or when administering anesthetics in the practice of dentistry;

(3) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein when providing consultation to an individual holding a certificate to practice issued under this chapter who is responsible for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient who is the subject of the consultation, if one of the following applies:

(a) The physician or surgeon does not provide consultation in this state on a regular or frequent basis.

(b) The physician or surgeon provides the consultation without compensation of any kind, direct or indirect, for the consultation.

(c) The consultation is part of the curriculum of a medical school or osteopathic medical school of this state or a program described in division (A)(2) of section 4731.291 of the Revised Code.

(4) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein and provided services to a patient in that state or territory, when providing, not later than one year after the last date services were provided in another state or territory, follow-up services in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, in this state to the patient for the same condition;

(5) A physician or surgeon residing on the border of a contiguous state and authorized under the laws thereof to practice medicine and surgery therein, whose practice extends within the limits of this state. Such practitioner shall not either in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, open an office or appoint a place to see patients or receive calls within the limits of this state.

(6) A board, committee, or corporation engaged in the conduct described in division (A) of section 2305.251 of the Revised Code when acting within the scope of the functions of the board, committee, or corporation;

(7) The conduct of an independent review organization accredited by the superintendent of insurance under section 3922.13 of the Revised Code for the purpose of external reviews conducted under Chapter 3922. of the Revised Code.

(B) Sections 4731.51 to 4731.61 of the Revised Code do not apply to any graduate of a podiatric school or college while performing those acts that may be prescribed by or incidental to participation in an accredited podiatric internship, residency, or fellowship program situated in this state approved by the state medical board.

(C) This chapter does not apply to an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist who complies with Chapter 4762. of the Revised Code.

(D) This chapter does not prohibit the administration of drugs by any of the following:

(1) An individual who is licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs;

(2) An individual who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs, but is acting pursuant to the rules for delegation of medical tasks adopted under section 4731.053 of the Revised Code;

(3) An individual specifically authorized to administer drugs pursuant to a rule adopted under the Revised Code that is in effect on ~~the effective date of this amendment~~ April 4, 2001, as long as the rule remains in effect, specifically authorizing an individual to administer drugs.

(E) The exemptions described in divisions (A)(3), (4), and (5) of this section do not apply to a physician or surgeon whose certificate to practice issued under this chapter is under suspension or has been revoked or permanently revoked by action of the state medical board.

Sec. 4734.31. (A) The state chiropractic board may take any of the actions specified in division (B) of this section against an individual who has applied for or holds a license to practice chiropractic in this state if any of the reasons specified in division (C) of this section for taking action against an individual are applicable. Except as provided in division (D) of this section, actions taken against an individual shall be taken in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The board may specify that any action it takes is a permanent action. The board's authority to take action against an individual is not removed or limited by the individual's failure to renew a license.

(B) In its imposition of sanctions against an individual, the board may do any of the following:

(1) Refuse to issue, renew, restore, or reinstate a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture;

(2) Reprimand or censure a license holder;

(3) Place limits, restrictions, or probationary conditions on a license holder's practice;

(4) Impose a civil fine of not more than five thousand dollars according to a schedule of fines specified in rules that the board shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(5) Suspend a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture for a limited or indefinite period;

(6) Revoke a license to practice chiropractic or a certificate to practice acupuncture.

(1) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a felony in any jurisdiction, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction;

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

(3) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, as determined by the board, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;

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

(5) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;

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

(7) A violation or attempted violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it governing the practice of chiropractic and the practice of acupuncture by a chiropractor licensed under this chapter;

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

(9) Engaging in an ongoing professional relationship with a person or entity that violates any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, unless the chiropractor makes a good faith effort to have the person or entity comply with the provisions;

(10) Retaliating against a chiropractor for the chiropractor's reporting to the board or any other agency with jurisdiction any violation of the law or for cooperating with the board of another agency in the investigation of any violation of the law;

(11) Aiding, abetting, assisting, counseling, or conspiring with any person in that person's violation of any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, including the practice of chiropractic without a license, the practice of acupuncture without a certificate, or aiding, abetting, assisting, counseling, or conspiring with any person in that person's unlicensed practice of any other health care profession that has licensing requirements;

(12) With respect to a report or record that is made, filed, or signed in connection with the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, knowingly making or filing a report or record that is false, intentionally or negligently failing to file a report or record required by federal, state, or local law or willfully impeding or obstructing the required filing, or inducing another person to engage in any such acts;

(13) Making a false, fraudulent, or deceitful statement to the board or any agent of the board during any investigation or other official proceeding conducted by the board under this chapter or in any filing that must be submitted to the board;

(14) Attempting to secure a license to practice chiropractic or certificate to practice acupuncture or to corrupt the outcome of an official board proceeding through bribery or any other improper means;

(15) Willfully obstructing or hindering the board or any agent of the board in the discharge of the board's duties;

(16) Habitually using drugs or intoxicants to the extent that the person is rendered unfit for the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;

(17) Inability to practice chiropractic or acupuncture according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of chemical dependency, mental illness, or physical illness, including conditions in which physical deterioration has adversely affected the person's cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills and conditions in which a chiropractor's continued practice may pose a danger to the chiropractor or the public;

(18) Any act constituting gross immorality relative to the person's practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, including acts involving sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual exploitation;

(19) Exploiting a patient for personal or financial gain;

(20) Failing to maintain proper, accurate, and legible records in the English language documenting each patient's care, including, as appropriate, records of the following: dates of treatment, services rendered, examinations, tests, x-ray reports, referrals, and the diagnosis or clinical impression and clinical treatment plan provided to the patient;

(21) Except as otherwise required by the board or by law, disclosing patient information gained during the chiropractor's professional relationship with a patient without obtaining the patient's authorization for the disclosure;

(22) Commission of willful or gross malpractice, or willful or gross neglect, in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;

(23) Failing to perform or negligently performing an act recognized by the board as a general duty or the exercise of due care in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture, regardless of whether injury results to a patient from the failure to perform or negligent performance of the act;

(24) Engaging in any conduct or practice that impairs or may impair the ability to practice chiropractic or acupuncture safely and skillfully;

(25) Practicing, or claiming to be capable of practicing, beyond the scope of the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture as established under this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter;

(26) Accepting and performing professional responsibilities as a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture when not qualified to perform those responsibilities, if the person knew or had reason to know that the person was not qualified to perform them;

(27) Delegating any of the professional responsibilities of a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture to an employee or other individual when the delegating chiropractor knows or had reason to know that the employee or other individual is not qualified by training, experience, or professional licensure to perform the responsibilities;

(28) Delegating any of the professional responsibilities of a chiropractor or chiropractor with a certificate to practice acupuncture to an employee or other individual in a negligent manner or failing to provide proper supervision of the employee or other individual to whom the responsibilities are delegated;

(29) Failing to refer a patient to another health care practitioner for consultation or treatment when the chiropractor knows or has reason to know that the referral is in the best interest of the patient;

(30) Obtaining or attempting to obtain any fee or other advantage by fraud or misrepresentation;

(31) Making misleading, deceptive, false, or fraudulent representations in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture;

(32) Being guilty of false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising or other solicitations for patients or knowingly having professional connection with any person that advertises or solicits for patients in such a manner;

(33) Violation of a provision of any code of ethics established or adopted by the board under section 4734.16 of the Revised Code;

(34) Failing to meet the examination requirements for receipt of a license specified under section 4734.20 of the Revised Code;

(35) Actions taken for any reason, other than nonpayment of fees, by the chiropractic or acupuncture licensing authority of another state or country;

(36) Failing to maintain clean and sanitary conditions at the clinic, office, or other place in which chiropractic services or acupuncture services are provided;

(37) Except as provided in division (G) of this section:

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

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

(38) Failure to supervise an oriental medicine practitioner performing acupuncture or an acupuncturist in accordance with the provisions of section 4762.11 of the Revised Code that are applicable to ~~the~~ a supervising chiropractor ~~of an acupuncturist~~.

(D) The adjudication requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code apply to the board when taking actions against an individual under this section, except as follows:

(1) An applicant is not entitled to an adjudication for failing to meet the conditions specified under section 4734.20 of the Revised Code for receipt of a license that involve the board's examination on jurisprudence or the examinations of the national board of chiropractic examiners.

(2) A person is not entitled to an adjudication if the person fails to make a timely request for a hearing, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(3) In lieu of an adjudication, the board may accept the surrender of a license to practice chiropractic or certificate to practice acupuncture from a chiropractor.

(4) In lieu of an adjudication, the board may enter into a consent agreement with an individual to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no force or effect.

(E) This section does not require the board to hire, contract with, or retain the services of an expert witness when the board takes action against a chiropractor concerning compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care in the practice of chiropractic or acupuncture. As part of an action taken concerning compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care, the board may rely on the knowledge of its members for purposes of making a determination of compliance, notwithstanding any expert testimony presented by the chiropractor that contradicts the knowledge and opinions of the members of the board.

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

(G) Actions shall not be taken pursuant to division (C)(37) of this section against any chiropractor who waives deductibles and copayments as follows:

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

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

Sec. 4762.01. As used in this chapter:

(A) "Acupuncture" means a form of health care performed by the insertion and removal of specialized needles, with or without the ~~application~~ use of ~~moxibustion or electrical stimulation~~ supplemental techniques, to specific areas of the human body.

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

(1) Principles of good nutrition and food preparation;

(2) Foods to be included in the normal daily diet;

(3) Essential nutrients needed by the human body and recommended amounts of those nutrients;

(4) Foods and supplements that are good sources of essential nutrients;

(5) The actions of nutrients on the human body and the effects of nutrient deficiency and nutrient excess.

(D) "Herbal therapy" means the use of foods, herbs, vitamins, minerals, organ extracts, and homeopathy.

(E) "Homeopathy" means a noninvasive system of natural and alternative medicine that seeks to stimulate the human body's ability to heal itself through the use of small doses of highly diluted substances prepared from animal, vegetable, or mineral sources.

(F) "Moxibustion" means the use of an herbal heat source on one or more acupuncture points.

~~(D)~~(G) "Oriental medicine" means a form of health care in which acupuncture is performed with or without the use of herbal therapy.

(H) "Physician" means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or ~~podiatry~~ podiatric medicine and surgery.

(I) "Supplemental techniques" means the use of general nonmedical nutritional information, traditional and modern oriental therapeutics, heat therapy, moxibustion, acupressure and other forms of Chinese massage, and educational information regarding lifestyle modifications.

Sec. 4762.02. (A) Except as provided in division (B), (C), or (D) of this section, no person shall ~~engage~~ do either of the following:

(1) Engage in the practice of oriental medicine unless the person holds a valid certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner issued by the state medical board under this chapter;

(2) Engage in the practice of acupuncture unless the person holds a valid certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued by the state medical board under this chapter.

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

~~(1) A~~ a physician;.

~~(2)~~(C) Division (A)(1) of this section does not apply to the following:

(1) A person who engages in activities included in the practice of oriental medicine as part of a training program in oriental medicine, but only if both of the following conditions are met:

(a) The training program is operated by an educational institution that holds an effective certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio board of regents under section 1713.02 of the Revised Code or a school that holds an effective certificate of registration issued by the state board of career colleges and schools under section 3332.05 of the Revised Code.

(b) The person engages in the activities under the general supervision of an individual who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner issued under this chapter and is not practicing within the supervisory period required by section 4762.10 of the Revised Code.

(2) To the extent that acupuncture is a component of oriental medicine, an individual who holds a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter or a chiropractor who holds a certificate to practice acupuncture issued by the state chiropractic board under section 4734.283 of the Revised Code.

(D) Division (A)(2) of this section does not apply to the following:

(1) A person who performs acupuncture as part of a training program in acupuncture, but only if both of the following conditions are met:

(b) The person performs the acupuncture under the general supervision of an acupuncturist who holds a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter and is not practicing within the supervisory period required by section 4762.10 of the Revised Code.

~~(3)~~(2) An individual who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner issued under this chapter.

(3) A chiropractor who holds a certificate to practice acupuncture issued by the state chiropractic board under section 4734.283 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.03. (A) An individual seeking a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist shall file with the state medical board a written application on a form prescribed and supplied by the board. ~~The application shall include~~

(B) To be eligible for the certificate to practice, an applicant shall meet all of the following conditions, as applicable:

(1) ~~Evidence~~ The applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character;.

(2) ~~Evidence~~ In the case of an applicant seeking a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board of both of the following:

(a) That the applicant holds a current and active designation from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine as either a diplomate in oriental medicine or diplomate of acupuncture and Chinese herbology;

(b) That the applicant has successfully completed, in the two-year period immediately preceding application for the certificate to practice, one course approved by the commission on federal food and drug administration dispensary and compounding guidelines and procedures.

(3) In the case of an applicant seeking a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant ~~has been designated as a diplomate in acupuncture by~~ holds a current and active designation from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine ~~and that the designation is current and active;~~

~~(3) Any~~ as a diplomate in acupuncture.

(4) The applicant shall demonstrate to the board proficiency in spoken English by either passing the examination described in section 4731.142 of the Revised Code or submitting evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant was required to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English as a condition of obtaining designation from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine as a diplomate in oriental medicine, diplomate of acupuncture and Chinese herbology, or diplomate in acupuncture.

(5) The applicant shall submit to the board any other information the board requires.

(6) The applicant shall pay to the board a fee of one hundred dollars, no part of which may be returned to the applicant.

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

~~(C) At the time of making application for a certificate to practice, the applicant shall pay the board a fee of one hundred dollars, no part of which shall be returned.~~

Sec. 4762.031. In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state medical board shall not grant to an applicant a certificate to practice ~~as an acupuncturist~~ unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4762.04 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.04. If the state medical board determines under section 4762.03 of the Revised Code that an applicant meets the requirements for a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist, the secretary of the board shall register the applicant as an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist, as appropriate, and issue to the applicant a the appropriate certificate to practice ~~as an acupuncturist~~. The certificate shall expire biennially and may be renewed in accordance with section 4762.06 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.05. Upon application by the holder of a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist, the state medical board shall issue a duplicate certificate to replace one that is missing or damaged, to reflect a name change, or for any other reasonable cause. The fee for a duplicate certificate is thirty-five dollars.

Sec. 4762.06. (A) A person seeking to renew a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist shall, on or before the thirty-first day of January of each even-numbered year, apply for renewal of the certificate. The state medical board shall send renewal notices at least one month prior to the expiration date.

Applications shall be submitted to the board on forms the board shall prescribe and supply. Each application shall be accompanied by a biennial renewal fee of one hundred dollars.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds for refusing to issue a certificate under section 4762.13 of the Revised Code to which the applicant has pleaded guilty, of which the applicant has been found guilty, or for which the applicant has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction, since last signing an application for a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist.

(B)(1) To be eligible for renewal of a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner, an applicant shall certify to the board both of the following, as applicable:

(a) That the applicant has maintained a current and active designation from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine as either a diplomate in oriental medicine or diplomate of acupuncture and Chinese herbology;

(b) That the applicant has successfully completed one six-hour course in herb and drug interaction approved by the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine in the four years immediately preceding the expiration date of the applicant's current and active designation from the commission as a diplomate in oriental medicine or diplomate of acupuncture and Chinese herbology.

(2) To be eligible for renewal, of a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist ~~must~~, an applicant shall certify to the board that the acupuncturist has maintained ~~the acupuncturist's~~ a current and active designation ~~as a diplomate in acupuncture by~~ from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine as a diplomate in acupuncture.

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

(D) A certificate to practice that is not renewed on or before its expiration date is automatically suspended on its expiration date. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for two years or less, the board shall reinstate the certificate upon an applicant's submission of a renewal application, the biennial renewal fee, and the applicable monetary penalty. The penalty for reinstatement is twenty-five dollars. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for more than two years, it may be restored upon an applicant's submission of a restoration application, the biennial registration fee, and the applicable monetary penalty and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a certificate to practice unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4762.04 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration is fifty dollars.

Sec. 4762.08. (A) A person who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner issued under this chapter may use the following titles, initials, or abbreviations, or the equivalent of such titles, initials, or abbreviations, to identify the person as an oriental medicine practitioner: "Oriental Medicine Practitioner," "Licensed Oriental Medicine Practitioner," "L.O.M.," "Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)," "Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)," "National Board Certified in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)," "Acupuncturist," "Licensed Acupuncturist," "L.Ac. and L.C.H.," "Diplomate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)," "Dipl. Ac. and Dipl. C.H. (NCCAOM)," or "National Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)." The person shall not use other titles, initials, or abbreviations in conjunction with the person's practice of oriental medicine, including the title "doctor."

(B) A person who holds a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter may use the following titles, initials, or abbreviations, or the equivalent of such titles, initials, or abbreviations, to identify the person as an acupuncturist: "Acupuncturist," "Licensed Acupuncturist," "L.Ac.," "Diplomate of in Acupuncture (NCCAOM)," "Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)," or "National Board Certified in Acupuncture (NCCAOM)." The person shall not use other titles, initials, or abbreviations in conjunction with the person's practice of acupuncture, including the title "doctor."

Sec. 4762.09. An ~~acupuncturist~~ individual who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter shall conspicuously display at the ~~acupuncturist's~~ individual's primary place of business both of the following:

(A) The ~~acupuncturist's~~ individual's certificate, as evidence that the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual is authorized to practice ~~acupuncture~~ in this state;

(B) A notice specifying that the practice of oriental medicine or acupuncture, as applicable, under the certificate is regulated by the state medical board and the address and telephone number of the board's office.

Sec. 4762.10. ~~(A) As used in this section, "disciplinary action" means an action taken by the state medical board pursuant to section 4762.13 of the Revised Code.~~

~~(B) The~~ The following, as applicable, apply to an individual who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist:

(A) On receipt of an initial certificate to practice, the practice of an the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist is subject to a supervisory period ~~if either of the following applies:~~

(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(1) of this section, if an acupuncturist practicing on the effective date of this amendment has practiced for less than one year and is not subject to any disciplinary action, supervision shall be for a period beginning on the effective date of this amendment and ending when the acupuncturist has practiced for one year from the date the initial certificate was granted. If the acupuncturist is subject to disciplinary action during that period, the supervision shall continue until the acupuncturist has not been subject to any disciplinary action for one year.

~~(2) Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(2) of this section, if an acupuncturist is granted an initial certificate to practice on or after the effective date of this amendment, the~~. The supervisory period shall begin on the date the initial certificate is granted and end one year thereafter~~. If~~, except that if the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist is subject ~~to disciplinary action~~ during that year to disciplinary action taken by the state medical board pursuant to section 4762.13 of the Revised Code, the supervision shall continue until the practitioner or acupuncturist has not been subject to any disciplinary action for one year.

~~(C)~~(B) During ~~an acupuncturist's~~ the supervisory period, both of the following apply to ~~the~~ an oriental medicine practitioner's or acupuncturist's practice in addition to the applicable requirements of ~~division~~ divisions (D) and (E) of this section:

(1) ~~The~~ An oriental medicine practitioner shall perform oriental medicine or acupuncture for a patient only if the patient has received a written referral or prescription for oriental medicine or acupuncture from a physician or for acupuncture from a chiropractor. An acupuncturist shall perform acupuncture for a patient only if the patient has received a written referral or prescription for acupuncture from a physician or chiropractor. As specified in the referral or prescription, the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist shall provide reports to the physician or chiropractor on the patient's condition or progress in treatment and comply with the conditions or restrictions on the practitioner's or acupuncturist's course of treatment.

(2) The oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist shall perform oriental medicine or acupuncture under the general supervision of the patient's referring or prescribing physician or chiropractor, except that an oriental medicine practitioner using herbal therapy in the treatment of a patient shall not provide herbal therapy under the general supervision of a chiropractor. General supervision does not require that the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist and supervising physician or chiropractor practice in the same office.

~~(D)~~(C) After ~~an acupuncturist's~~ the supervisory period has ended, both of the following apply to ~~the~~ an oriental medicine practitioner's or acupuncturist's practice in addition to the applicable requirements of ~~division~~ divisions (D) and (E) of this section:

(1) Before treating a patient for a particular condition, ~~the~~ an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist shall confirm whether the patient has undergone within the past six months a diagnostic examination that was related to the condition for which the patient is seeking oriental medicine or acupuncture and was performed by a physician or chiropractor acting within the ~~physician~~ physician's or chiropractor's scope of practice. Confirmation that the diagnostic examination was performed may be made by obtaining from the patient a signed form stating that the patient has undergone the examination.

(2) If the patient does not provide the signed form specified in division ~~(D)~~(C)(1) of this section or ~~the~~ an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist otherwise determines that the patient has not undergone the diagnostic examination specified in that division, the practitioner or acupuncturist shall provide to the patient a written recommendation to undergo a diagnostic examination by a physician or chiropractor.

~~(E)~~(D) In ~~the~~ an individual's practice of oriental medicine or acupuncture pursuant to a certificate to practice issued under this chapter, all of the following apply:

(1) Prior to treating a patient, the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual shall advise the patient that oriental medicine or acupuncture, as applicable, is not a substitute for conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.

(2) On initially meeting a patient in person, the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual shall provide in writing the ~~acupuncturist's~~ individual's name, business address, and business telephone number, and information on oriental medicine or acupuncture, as applicable, including the techniques that are used.

(3) While treating a patient, the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual shall not make a diagnosis. If a patient's condition is not improving or a patient requires emergency medical treatment, the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual shall consult promptly with a physician.

(4) The ~~acupuncturist~~ individual shall maintain records for each patient treated. The records shall be confidential and shall be retained for not less than three years following termination of treatment.

~~During an acupuncturist's supervisory period, the ~~acupuncturist~~~~. The individual shall include in a patient's records the written referral or prescription pursuant to which the ~~acupuncturist is treating~~ the patient is treated during a supervisory period and any written referral or prescription for oriental medicine or acupuncture received for a patient being treated after the supervisory period.

(E) In an individual's practice of oriental medicine by using herbal therapy in the treatment of a patient, all of the following apply:

(1) The oriental medicine practitioner shall provide to the patient counseling and treatment instructions. The treatment instructions shall do all of the following:

(a) Explain the need for herbal therapy;

(b) Instruct the patient how to take the herbal therapy;

(d) Instruct the patient to inform the patient's other health care providers, including the patient's pharmacist, of the herbal therapy that has been provided to the patient.

(2) The oriental medicine practitioner shall document all of the following in the patient's record:

(a) The type, amount, and strength of herbal therapy recommended for the patient's use;

(b) The counseling and treatment instructions provided to the patient under division (E)(1) of this section;

(3) The oriental medicine practitioner shall report to the state medical board any adverse reactions reported by the patient under division (E)(2)(c) of this section.

Sec. 4762.11. All of the following apply to a supervising physician or chiropractor ~~supervising an acupuncturist~~, as applicable, during ~~the~~ an oriental medicine practitioner's or acupuncturist's supervisory period required by section 4762.10 of the Revised Code:

(A) Before ~~making~~ a physician makes the referral or issues a prescription for oriental medicine or acupuncture, the physician shall perform a medical diagnostic examination of the patient or review the results of a medical diagnostic examination recently performed by another physician~~, or, in the case of~~. Before a chiropractor makes a referral or issues a prescription for oriental medicine or acupuncture, the chiropractor shall perform a chiropractic diagnostic examination of the patient or review the results of a chiropractic diagnostic examination recently performed by another chiropractor.

(B) The physician or chiropractor shall make the referral or prescription in writing and specify in the referral or prescription all of the following:

(1) The physician's or chiropractor's diagnosis of the ailment or condition that is to be treated by oriental medicine or acupuncture;

(2) A time by which or the intervals at which the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist must provide reports to the physician or chiropractor regarding the patient's condition or progress in treatment;

(3) The conditions or restrictions placed in accordance with division (C) of this section on the oriental medicine practitioner's or acupuncturist's course of treatment.

(C) ~~The~~ In the case of a physician, the physician shall place conditions or restrictions on the oriental medicine practitioner's or acupuncturist's course of treatment in compliance with accepted or prevailing standards of medical care, or, in the case of a chiropractor, the chiropractor shall place conditions or restrictions on the practitioner's or acupuncturist's course of treatment in compliance with accepted or prevailing standards of chiropractic care.

(D) The physician or chiropractor shall be personally available for consultation with the oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist. If the physician or chiropractor is not on the premises at which oriental medicine or acupuncture is performed, the physician or chiropractor shall be readily available to the practitioner or acupuncturist through some means of telecommunication and be in a location that under normal circumstances is not more than sixty minutes travel time away from the location where the practitioner or acupuncturist is practicing.

(E) A chiropractor shall not supervise an oriental medicine practitioner in the practitioner's use of herbal therapy in the treatment of a patient.

Sec. 4762.12. In the case of a patient with a claim under Chapter 4121. or 4123. of the Revised Code, ~~an acupuncturist's~~ a supervising physician or chiropractor is eligible to be reimbursed for referring the patient to an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist or for prescribing oriental medicine or acupuncture for the patient only if the physician has attained knowledge in the treatment of patients with oriental medicine or acupuncture, or the chiropractor has attained knowledge in the treatment of patients with acupuncture, as demonstrated by successful completion of a relevant course of study ~~in acupuncture~~ administered by a college of medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, or chiropractic acceptable to the bureau of workers' compensation or administered by another entity acceptable to the bureau.

Sec. 4762.13. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for patients or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(19) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist;

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

(21) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4762.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(22) Failure to comply with the standards of the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine regarding professional ethics, commitment to patients, commitment to the profession, and commitment to the public;

(23) Failure to have adequate professional liability insurance coverage in accordance with section 4762.22 of the Revised Code;

(24) Failure to maintain a current and active designation as a diplomate in oriental medicine, diplomate of acupuncture and Chinese herbology, or diplomate in acupuncture, as applicable, from the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine, including revocation by the commission of the individual's designation, failure by the individual to meet the commission's requirements for redesignation, or failure to notify the board that the appropriate designation has not been maintained.

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

(D) For purposes of divisions (B)(12), (15), and (16) of this section, the commission of the act may be established by a finding by the board, pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the applicant or certificate holder committed the act in question. The board shall have no jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court renders a final judgment in the certificate holder's favor and that judgment is based upon an adjudication on the merits. The board shall have jurisdiction under these divisions in cases where the trial court issues an order of dismissal upon technical or procedural grounds.

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

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

(1) In enforcing division (B)(5) of this section, the board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate to practice issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental examination, physical examination, including an HIV test, or both a mental and physical examination. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(5) of this section, the board shall require the ~~acupuncturist~~ individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate to practice. An individual affected by this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.

(2) For purposes of division (B)(6) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate to practice issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(G) If the secretary and supervising member determine ~~that there~~ both of the following, they may recommend that the board suspend an individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing:

(1) That there is clear and convincing evidence that an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist has violated division (B) of this section ~~and that~~;

(2) That the individual's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public~~, they may recommend that the board suspend the individual's certificate to practice without a prior hearing~~. ~~Written~~

Written allegations shall be prepared for consideration by the board. The

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

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

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

(H) If the board takes action under division (B)(11), (13), or (14) of this section, and the judicial finding of guilt, guilty plea, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction is overturned on appeal, upon exhaustion of the criminal appeal, a petition for reconsideration of the order may be filed with the board along with appropriate court documents. Upon receipt of a petition and supporting court documents, the board shall reinstate the certificate to practice. The board may then hold an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual committed the act in question. Notice of opportunity for hearing shall be given in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the board finds, pursuant to an adjudication held under this division, that the individual committed the act, or if no hearing is requested, it may order any of the sanctions specified in division (B) of this section.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) The surrender of a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter is not effective unless or until accepted by the board. Reinstatement of a certificate surrendered to the board requires an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members of the board.

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

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate in accordance with section 4762.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

Sec. 4762.131. On receipt of a notice pursuant to section ~~2301.373~~ 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state medical board shall comply with ~~that section~~ sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued pursuant to this chapter.

Sec. 4762.132. If the state medical board has reason to believe that any person who has been granted under this chapter a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist is mentally ill or mentally incompetent, it may file in the probate court of the county in which the person has a legal residence an affidavit in the form prescribed in section 5122.11 of the Revised Code and signed by the board secretary or a member of the board secretary's staff, whereupon the same proceedings shall be had as provided in Chapter 5122. of the Revised Code. The attorney general may represent the board in any proceeding commenced under this section.

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

Sec. 4762.14. (A) The state medical board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that any person has violated this chapter or the rules adopted under it. Any person may report to the board in a signed writing any information the person has that appears to show a violation of any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under it. In the absence of bad faith, a person who reports such information or testifies before the board in an adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of reporting the information or providing testimony. Each complaint or allegation of a violation received by the board shall be assigned a case number and be recorded by the board.

(B) Investigations of alleged violations of this chapter or rules adopted under it shall be supervised by the supervising member elected by the board in accordance with section 4731.02 of the Revised Code and by the secretary as provided in section 4762.15 of the Revised Code. The board's president may designate another member of the board to supervise the investigation in place of the supervising member. A member of the board who supervises the investigation of a case shall not participate in further adjudication of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The disposition of the case.

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

Sec. 4762.15. (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or valid certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued pursuant to this chapter pleads guilty to, is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a violation of Chapter 2907., 2925., or 3719. of the Revised Code or of any substantively comparable ordinance of a municipal corporation in connection with the person's practice, the prosecutor in the case, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall promptly notify the board of the conviction. Within thirty days of receipt of that information, the board shall initiate action in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether to suspend or revoke the certificate under section 4762.13 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4762.16. (A) Within sixty days after the imposition of any formal disciplinary action taken by any health care facility, including a hospital, health care facility operated by a health insuring corporation, ambulatory surgical center, or similar facility, against any individual holding a valid certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or valid certificate to practice as an acupuncturist, the chief administrator or executive officer of the facility shall report to the state medical board the name of the individual, the action taken by the facility, and a summary of the underlying facts leading to the action taken. Upon request, the board shall be provided certified copies of the patient records that were the basis for the facility's action. Prior to release to the board, the summary shall be approved by the peer review committee that reviewed the case or by the governing board of the facility.

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

In the absence of fraud or bad faith, no individual or entity that provides patient records to the board shall be liable in damages to any person as a result of providing the records.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4) The date of final disposition;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 4762.17. The secretary of the state medical board shall enforce the laws relating to the practice of oriental medicine and acupuncture. If the secretary has knowledge or notice of a violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, the secretary shall investigate the matter, and, upon probable cause appearing, file a complaint and prosecute the offender. When requested by the secretary, the prosecuting attorney of the proper county shall take charge of and conduct the prosecution.

Sec. 4762.18. (A) Subject to division (E) of this section, the attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of any county in which the offense was committed or the offender resides, the state medical board, or any other person having knowledge of a person engaged either directly or by complicity in the practice of oriental medicine or acupuncture without having first obtained a certificate to do so pursuant to this chapter, may, in accord with provisions of the Revised Code governing injunctions, maintain an action in the name of the state to enjoin any person from engaging either directly or by complicity in the unlawful practice of oriental medicine or acupuncture by applying for an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction.

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

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

(D) Injunction proceedings as authorized by this section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this chapter.

(E) An injunction proceeding permitted by division (A) of this section may not be maintained against a person described in division (B) of section 4762.02 of the Revised Code or a chiropractor who holds a valid certificate to practice acupuncture issued under section 4734.283 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.19. The state medical board may adopt any rules necessary to govern the practice of oriental medicine, the practice of acupuncture, the supervisory relationship between oriental medicine practitioners or acupuncturists and supervising physicians, the use of herbal therapy by oriental medicine practitioners, and the administration and enforcement of this chapter. Rules adopted under this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.22. An ~~acupuncturist~~ individual who holds a certificate to practice as an oriental medicine practitioner or certificate to practice as an acupuncturist issued under this chapter shall have professional liability insurance coverage in an amount that is not less than five hundred thousand dollars.

SECTION 2. That existing sections 4731.02, 4731.06, 4731.07, 4731.22, 4731.36, 4734.31, 4762.01, 4762.02, 4762.03, 4762.031, 4762.04, 4762.05, 4762.06, 4762.08, 4762.09, 4762.10, 4762.11, 4762.12, 4762.13, 4762.131, 4762.132, 4762.14, 4762.15, 4762.16, 4762.17, 4762.18, 4762.19, and 4762.22 and section 4731.04 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. Section 4731.22 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by both Am. Sub. H.B. 292 and Am. Sub. H.B. 487 of the 129th General Assembly. The General Assembly, applying the principle stated in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation, finds that the composite is the resulting version of the section in effect prior to the effective date of the section as presented in this act.

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Bill Text: OH HB251 | 2011-2012 | 129th General Assembly | Enrolled

Ohio House Bill 251 (Prior Session Legislation)

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