To amend sections 109.572, 2929.12, 2929.22, 2951.041, 3719.121, 3719.70, 4715.30, 4717.05, 4717.14, 4723.28, 4730.14, 4730.25, 4730.31, 4730.48, 4731.22, 4731.223, 4731.281, 4734.31, 4760.06, 4760.13, 4760.15, 4761.09, 4762.06, 4762.13, 4762.15, 4765.112, 4774.06, 4774.13, 4774.15, 5111.032, 5111.033, and 5111.034 and to enact sections 2951.042, 2951.043, 2951.044, and 2951.045 of the Revised Code relative to treatment for certain drug offenders and to make an appropriation.

Section 1. That sections 109.572, 2929.12, 2929.22, 2951.041, 3719.121, 3719.70, 4715.30, 4717.05, 4717.14, 4723.28, 4730.14, 4730.25, 4730.31, 4730.48, 4731.22, 4731.223, 4731.281, 4734.31, 4760.06, 4760.13, 4760.15, 4761.09, 4762.06, 4762.13, 4762.15, 4765.112, 4774.06, 4774.13, 4774.15, 5111.032, 5111.033, and 5111.034 be amended and sections 2951.042, 2951.043, 2951.044, and 2951.045 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 109.572. (A)(1) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 121.08, 3301.32, 3301.541, or 3319.39 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(1)(a) of this section.

(2) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 5123.081 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in any position with the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, pursuant to section 5126.28 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in any position with a county board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, or pursuant to section 5126.281 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment in a direct services position with an entity contracting with a county board for employment, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2903.341, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.04, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(2)(a) of this section.

(3) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 173.27, 173.394, 3712.09, 3721.121, or 3722.151 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who has applied for employment in a position for which a criminal records check is required by those sections. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.51, 2919.25, 2921.36, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(3)(a) of this section.

(4) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment with a home health agency as a person responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.04, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(4)(a) of this section.

(5) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 5111.032, 5111.033, or 5111.034 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code for any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2913.51, 2917.11, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.13, 2921.36, 2923.02, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2923.32, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.14, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(5)(a) of this section.

(6) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with respect to an applicant for employment with a home health agency in a position that involves providing direct care to an older adult, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.12, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.51, 2919.25, 2921.36, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(6)(a) of this section.

(7) When conducting a criminal records check upon a request pursuant to section 3319.39 of the Revised Code for an applicant who is a teacher, in addition to the determination made under division (A)(1) of this section, the superintendent shall determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense specified in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(8) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 2151.86 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 959.13, 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.15, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2909.22, 2909.23, 2909.24, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2913.49, 2917.01, 2917.02, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2927.12, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense, two or more OVI or OVUAC violations committed within the three years immediately preceding the submission of the application or petition that is the basis of the request, or felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(8)(a) of this section.

(9) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 5104.012 or 5104.013 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.22, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.041, 2913.05, 2913.06, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.32, 2913.33, 2913.34, 2913.40, 2913.41, 2913.42, 2913.43, 2913.44, 2913.441, 2913.45, 2913.46, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.11, 2921.13, 2923.01, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense, a violation of section 2923.02 or 2923.03 of the Revised Code that relates to a crime specified in this division, or a second violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code within five years of the date of application for licensure or certification.

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in division (A)(9)(a) of this section.

(10) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to section 5153.111 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2909.02, 2909.03, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date, or a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a minor drug possession offense;

(b) A violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (A)(10)(a) of this section.

(11) On receipt of a request for a criminal records check from an individual pursuant to section 4749.03 or 4749.06 of the Revised Code, accompanied by a completed copy of the form prescribed in division (C)(1) of this section and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in a manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists indicating that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony in this state or in any other state. If the individual indicates that a firearm will be carried in the course of business, the superintendent shall require information from the federal bureau of investigation as described in division (B)(2) of this section. The superintendent shall report the findings of the criminal records check and any information the federal bureau of investigation provides to the director of public safety.

(12) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 1321.37, 1322.03, 1322.031, or 4763.05 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check with respect to any person who has applied for a license, permit, or certification from the department of commerce or a division in the department. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the following: a violation of section 2913.02, 2913.11, 2913.31, 2913.51, or 2925.03 of the Revised Code; any other criminal offense involving theft, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, passing bad checks, money laundering, or drug trafficking, or any criminal offense involving money or securities, as set forth in Chapters 2909., 2911., 2913., 2915., 2921., 2923., and 2925. of the Revised Code; or any existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to those offenses.

(13) On receipt of a request for a criminal records check from the treasurer of state under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or from an individual under section 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, or 4779.091 of the Revised Code, accompanied by a completed form prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state. The superintendent shall send the results of a check requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code to the treasurer of state and shall send the results of a check requested under any of the other listed sections to the licensing board specified by the individual in the request.

(14) On receipt of a request pursuant to section 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1733.47, or 1761.26 of the Revised Code, a completed form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section, and a set of fingerprint impressions obtained in the manner described in division (C)(2) of this section, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall conduct a criminal records check in the manner described in division (B) of this section to determine whether any information exists that indicates that the person who is the subject of the request previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense under any existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States.

(15) Not later than thirty days after the date the superintendent receives a request of a type described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (14) of this section, the completed form, and the fingerprint impressions, the superintendent shall send the person, board, or entity that made the request any information, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law, the superintendent determines exists with respect to the person who is the subject of the request that indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense listed or described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (14) of this section, as appropriate. The superintendent shall send the person, board, or entity that made the request a copy of the list of offenses specified in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (14) of this section, as appropriate. If the request was made under section 3701.881 of the Revised Code with regard to an applicant who may be both responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child and involved in providing direct care to an older adult, the superintendent shall provide a list of the offenses specified in divisions (A)(4) and (6) of this section.

Not later than thirty days after the superintendent receives a request for a criminal records check pursuant to section 113.041 of the Revised Code, the completed form, and the fingerprint impressions, the superintendent shall send the treasurer of state any information, other than information the dissemination of which is prohibited by federal law, the superintendent determines exist with respect to the person who is the subject of the request that indicates that the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state.

(B) The superintendent shall conduct any criminal records check requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code as follows:

(1) The superintendent shall review or cause to be reviewed any relevant information gathered and compiled by the bureau under division (A) of section 109.57 of the Revised Code that relates to the person who is the subject of the request, including, if the criminal records check was requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1321.37, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4763.05, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code, any relevant information contained in records that have been sealed under section 2953.32 of the Revised Code;

(2) If the request received by the superintendent asks for information from the federal bureau of investigation, the superintendent shall request from the federal bureau of investigation any information it has with respect to the person who is the subject of the request, including fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases as described in 42 U.S.C. 671 if the request is made pursuant to section 2151.86, 5104.012, or 5104.013 of the Revised Code or if any other Revised Code section requires fingerprint-based checks of that nature, and shall review or cause to be reviewed any information the superintendent receives from that bureau.

(3) The superintendent or the superintendent's designee may request criminal history records from other states or the federal government pursuant to the national crime prevention and privacy compact set forth in section 109.571 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The superintendent shall prescribe a form to obtain the information necessary to conduct a criminal records check from any person for whom a criminal records check is requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or required by section 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. The form that the superintendent prescribes pursuant to this division may be in a tangible format, in an electronic format, or in both tangible and electronic formats.

(2) The superintendent shall prescribe standard impression sheets to obtain the fingerprint impressions of any person for whom a criminal records check is requested under section 113.041 of the Revised Code or required by section 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. Any person for whom a records check is requested under or required by any of those sections shall obtain the fingerprint impressions at a county sheriff's office, municipal police department, or any other entity with the ability to make fingerprint impressions on the standard impression sheets prescribed by the superintendent. The office, department, or entity may charge the person a reasonable fee for making the impressions. The standard impression sheets the superintendent prescribes pursuant to this division may be in a tangible format, in an electronic format, or in both tangible and electronic formats.

(3) Subject to division (D) of this section, the superintendent shall prescribe and charge a reasonable fee for providing a criminal records check requested under section 113.041, 121.08, 173.27, 173.394, 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1322.03, 1322.031, 1733.47, 1761.26, 2151.86, 3301.32, 3301.541, 3319.39, 3701.881, 3712.09, 3721.121, 3722.151, 4701.08, 4715.101, 4717.061, 4725.121, 4725.501, 4729.071, 4730.101, 4730.14, 4730.28, 4731.081, 4731.15, 4731.171, 4731.222, 4731.281, 4731.296, 4731.531, 4732.091, 4734.202, 4740.061, 4741.10, 4749.03, 4749.06, 4755.70, 4757.101, 4759.061, 4760.032, 4760.06, 4761.051, 4762.031, 4762.06, 4763.05, 4779.091, 5104.012, 5104.013, 5111.032, 5111.033, 5111.034, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5126.281, or 5153.111 of the Revised Code. The person making a criminal records request under any of those sections shall pay the fee prescribed pursuant to this division. A person making a request under section 3701.881 of the Revised Code for a criminal records check for an applicant who may be both responsible for the care, custody, or control of a child and involved in providing direct care to an older adult shall pay one fee for the request. In the case of a request under section 1121.23, 1155.03, 1163.05, 1315.141, 1733.47, 1761.26, or 5111.032 of the Revised Code, the fee shall be paid in the manner specified in that section.

(4) The superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation may prescribe methods of forwarding fingerprint impressions and information necessary to conduct a criminal records check, which methods shall include, but not be limited to, an electronic method.

(D) A determination whether any information exists that indicates that a person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense listed or described in division (A)(1)(a) or (b), (A)(2)(a) or (b), (A)(3)(a) or (b), (A)(4)(a) or (b), (A)(5)(a) or (b), (A)(6)(a) or (b), (A)(7), (A)(8)(a) or (b), (A)(9)(a) or (b), (A)(10)(a) or (b), (A)(12), or (A)(14) of this section, or that indicates that a person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense in this state or any other state regarding a criminal records check of a type described in division (A)(13) of this section, and that is made by the superintendent with respect to information considered in a criminal records check in accordance with this section is valid for the person who is the subject of the criminal records check for a period of one year from the date upon which the superintendent makes the determination. During the period in which the determination in regard to a person is valid, if another request under this section is made for a criminal records check for that person, the superintendent shall provide the information that is the basis for the superintendent's initial determination at a lower fee than the fee prescribed for the initial criminal records check.

(E) As used in this section:

(1) "Criminal records check" means any criminal records check conducted by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with division (B) of this section.

(2) "Minor drug possession offense" has the same meaning as in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Older adult" means a person age sixty or older.

(4) "OVI or OVUAC violation" means a violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to section 4511.19 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2929.12.  (A) Unless otherwise required by section 2929.13 or 2929.14 of the Revised Code or unless a specific sanction is required to be imposed or is precluded from being imposed by any provision of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code, a court that imposes a sentence under this chapter upon an offender for a felony has discretion to determine the most effective way to comply with the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in section 2929.11 of the Revised Code. In exercising that discretion, the court shall consider the factors set forth in divisions (B) and (C) of this section relating to the seriousness of the conduct and the factors provided in divisions (D) and (E) of this section relating to the likelihood of the offender's recidivism and, in addition, may consider any other factors that are relevant to achieving those purposes and principles of sentencing.

(B) The sentencing court shall consider all of the following that apply regarding the offender, the offense, or the victim, and any other relevant factors, as indicating that the offender's conduct is more serious than conduct normally constituting the offense:

(1) The physical or mental injury suffered by the victim of the offense due to the conduct of the offender was exacerbated because of the physical or mental condition or age of the victim.

(2) The victim of the offense suffered serious physical, psychological, or economic harm as a result of the offense.

(3) The offender held a public office or position of trust in the community, and the offense related to that office or position.

(4) The offender's occupation, elected office, or profession obliged the offender to prevent the offense or bring others committing it to justice.

(5) The offender's professional reputation or occupation, elected office, or profession was used to facilitate the offense or is likely to influence the future conduct of others.

(6) The offender's relationship with the victim facilitated the offense.

(7) The offender committed the offense for hire or as a part of an organized criminal activity.

(8) In committing the offense, the offender was motivated by prejudice based on race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

(9) If the offense is a violation of section 2919.25 or a violation of section 2903.11, 2903.12, or 2903.13 of the Revised Code involving a person who was a family or household member at the time of the violation, the offender committed the offense in the vicinity of one or more children who are not victims of the offense, and the offender or the victim of the offense is a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in loco parentis of one or more of those children.

(C) The sentencing court shall consider all of the following that apply regarding the offender, the offense, or the victim, and any other relevant factors, as indicating that the offender's conduct is less serious than conduct normally constituting the offense:

(1) The victim induced or facilitated the offense.

(2) In committing the offense, the offender acted under strong provocation.

(3) In committing the offense, the offender did not cause or expect to cause physical harm to any person or property.

(4) There are substantial grounds to mitigate the offender's conduct, although the grounds are not enough to constitute a defense.

(D) The sentencing court shall consider all of the following that apply regarding the offender, and any other relevant factors, as factors indicating that the offender is likely to commit future crimes:

(1) At the time of committing the offense, the offender was under release from confinement before trial or sentencing, under a sanction imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the Revised Code, or under post-release control pursuant to section 2967.28 or any other provision of the Revised Code for an earlier offense or had been unfavorably terminated from post-release control for a prior offense pursuant to division (B) of section 2967.16 or section 2929.141 of the Revised Code.

(2) The offender previously was adjudicated a delinquent child pursuant to Chapter 2151. of the Revised Code prior to January 1, 2002, or pursuant to Chapter 2152. of the Revised Code, or the offender has a history of criminal convictions.

(3) The offender has not been rehabilitated to a satisfactory degree after previously being adjudicated a delinquent child pursuant to Chapter 2151. of the Revised Code prior to January 1, 2002, or pursuant to Chapter 2152. of the Revised Code, or the offender has not responded favorably to sanctions previously imposed for criminal convictions.

(4) The offender has demonstrated a pattern of drug or alcohol abuse that is related to the offense, and the offender refuses to acknowledge that the offender has demonstrated that pattern, or the offender refuses treatment for the drug or alcohol abuse.

(5) The offender shows no genuine remorse for the offense.

(E) The sentencing court shall consider all of the following that apply regarding the offender, and any other relevant factors, as factors indicating that the offender is not likely to commit future crimes:

(1) Prior to committing the offense, the offender had not been adjudicated a delinquent child.

(2) Prior to committing the offense, the offender had not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a criminal offense.

(3) Prior to committing the offense, the offender had led a law-abiding life for a significant number of years.

(4) The offense was committed under circumstances not likely to recur.

(5) The offender shows genuine remorse for the offense.

Sec. 2929.22.  (A) Unless a mandatory jail term is required to be imposed by division (G) of section 1547.99, division (B) of section 4510.14, division (G) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code, or any other provision of the Revised Code or unless a specific sanction is required to be imposed or is precluded from being imposed by any provision of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code, a court that imposes a sentence under this chapter upon an offender for a misdemeanor or minor misdemeanor has discretion to determine the most effective way to achieve the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in section 2929.21 of the Revised Code.

Unless a specific sanction is required to be imposed or is precluded from being imposed by the section setting forth an offense or the penalty for an offense or, by any provision of sections 2929.23 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, or by any provision of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code, a court that imposes a sentence upon an offender for a misdemeanor may impose on the offender any sanction or combination of sanctions under sections 2929.24 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code. The court shall not impose a sentence that imposes an unnecessary burden on local government resources.

(B)(1) In determining the appropriate sentence for a misdemeanor, the court shall consider all of the following factors:

(a) The nature and circumstances of the offense or offenses;

(b) Whether the circumstances regarding the offender and the offense or offenses indicate that the offender has a history of persistent criminal activity and that the offender's character and condition reveal a substantial risk that the offender will commit another offense;

(c) Whether the circumstances regarding the offender and the offense or offenses indicate that the offender's history, character, and condition reveal a substantial risk that the offender will be a danger to others and that the offender's conduct has been characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive, or aggressive behavior with heedless indifference to the consequences;

(d) Whether the victim's youth, age, disability, or other factor made the victim particularly vulnerable to the offense or made the impact of the offense more serious;

(e) Whether the offender is likely to commit future crimes in general, in addition to the circumstances described in divisions (B)(1)(b) and (c) of this section.

(2) In determining the appropriate sentence for a misdemeanor, in addition to complying with division (B)(1) of this section, the court may consider any other factors that are relevant to achieving the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in section 2929.21 of the Revised Code.

(C) Before imposing a jail term as a sentence for a misdemeanor, a court shall consider the appropriateness of imposing a community control sanction or a combination of community control sanctions under sections 2929.25, 2929.26, 2929.27, and 2929.28 of the Revised Code. A court may impose the longest jail term authorized under section 2929.24 of the Revised Code only upon offenders who commit the worst forms of the offense or upon offenders whose conduct and response to prior sanctions for prior offenses demonstrate that the imposition of the longest jail term is necessary to deter the offender from committing a future crime.

(D)(1) A sentencing court shall consider any relevant oral or written statement made by the victim, the defendant, the defense attorney, or the prosecuting authority regarding sentencing for a misdemeanor. This division does not create any rights to notice other than those rights authorized by Chapter 2930. of the Revised Code.

(2) At the time of sentencing for a misdemeanor or as soon as possible after sentencing, the court shall notify the victim of the offense of the victim's right to file an application for an award of reparations pursuant to sections 2743.51 to 2743.72 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2951.041.  (A)(1) If an offender is charged with a criminal offense and the court has reason to believe that drug or alcohol usage by the offender was a factor leading to the offender's criminal behavior, the court may accept, prior to the entry of a guilty plea, the offender's request for intervention in lieu of conviction. The request shall include a waiver of the defendant's right to a speedy trial, the preliminary hearing, the time period within which the grand jury may consider an indictment against the offender, and arraignment, unless the hearing, indictment, or arraignment has already occurred. The court may reject an offender's request without a hearing. If the court elects to consider an offender's request, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the offender is eligible under this section for intervention in lieu of conviction and shall stay all criminal proceedings pending the outcome of the hearing. If the court schedules a hearing, the court shall order an assessment of the offender for the purpose of determining the offender's eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction and recommending an appropriate intervention plan. Intervention in lieu of conviction under this section is separate from, and independent of, drug treatment intervention under sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code.

(2) The victim notification provisions of division (C) of section 2930.08 of the Revised Code apply in relation to any hearing held under division (A)(1) of this section.

(B) An offender is eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section if the court finds all of the following:

(1) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony, previously has not been through intervention in lieu of conviction under this section or any similar regimen, and is charged with a felony for which the court, upon conviction, would impose sentence under division (B)(2)(b) of section 2929.13 of the Revised Code or with a misdemeanor.

(2) The offense is not a felony of the first, second, or third degree, is not an offense of violence, is not a violation of division (A)(1) or (2) of section 2903.06 of the Revised Code, is not a violation of division (A)(1) of section 2903.08 of the Revised Code, is not a violation of division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to that division, and is not an offense for which a sentencing court is required to impose a mandatory prison term, a mandatory term of local incarceration, or a mandatory term of imprisonment in a jail.

(3) The offender is not charged with a violation of section 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, or 2925.06 of the Revised Code and is not charged with a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is a felony of the first, second, or third degree.

(4) The offender is not charged with a violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is a felony of the fourth degree, or the offender is charged with a violation of that section that is a felony of the fourth degree and the prosecutor in the case has recommended that the offender be classified as being eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section.

(5) The offender has been assessed by an appropriately licensed provider, certified facility, or licensed and credentialed professional, including, but not limited to, a program licensed by the department of alcohol and drug addiction services pursuant to section 3793.11 of the Revised Code, a program certified by that department pursuant to section 3793.06 of the Revised Code, a public or private hospital, the United States department of veterans affairs, another appropriate agency of the government of the United States, or a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, independent social worker, professional counselor, or chemical dependency counselor for the purpose of determining the offender's eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section and recommending an appropriate intervention plan.

(6) The offender's drug or alcohol usage was a factor leading to the criminal offense with which the offender is charged, intervention in lieu of conviction under this section would not demean the seriousness of the offense, and intervention would substantially reduce the likelihood of any future criminal activity.

(7) The alleged victim of the offense was not sixty-five years of age or older, permanently and totally disabled, under thirteen years of age, or a peace officer engaged in the officer's official duties at the time of the alleged offense.

(8) If the offender is charged with a violation of section 2925.24 of the Revised Code, the alleged violation did not result in physical harm to any person, and the offender previously has not been treated for drug abuse.

(9) The offender is willing to comply with all terms and conditions imposed by the court pursuant to division (D) of this section.

(10) If the offender is charged with an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, as defined in section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, the offender has not made a request for drug treatment intervention under that section regarding that offense.

(C) At the conclusion of a hearing held pursuant to division (A) of this section, the court shall enter its determination as to whether the offender is eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section and as to whether to grant the offender's request. If the court finds under division (B) of this section that the offender is eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section and grants the offender's request, the court shall accept the offender's plea of guilty and waiver of the defendant's right to a speedy trial, the preliminary hearing, the time period within which the grand jury may consider an indictment against the offender, and arraignment, unless the hearing, indictment, or arraignment has already occurred. In addition, the court then may stay all criminal proceedings and order the offender to comply with all terms and conditions imposed by the court pursuant to division (D) of this section. If the court finds that the offender is not eligible or does not grant the offender's request, the criminal proceedings against the offender shall proceed as if the offender's request for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section had not been made.

(D) If the court grants an offender's request for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section, the court shall place the offender under the general control and supervision of the county probation department, the adult parole authority, or another appropriate local probation or court services agency, if one exists, as if the offender was subject to a community control sanction imposed under section 2929.15, 2929.18, or 2929.25 of the Revised Code. The court shall establish an intervention plan for the offender. The terms and conditions of the intervention plan shall require the offender, for at least one year from the date on which the court grants the order of intervention in lieu of conviction under this section, to abstain from the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, to participate in treatment and recovery support services, and to submit to regular random testing for drug and alcohol use and may include any other treatment terms and conditions, or terms and conditions similar to community control sanctions, which may include community service or restitution, that are ordered by the court.

(E) If the court grants an offender's request for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section and the court finds that the offender has successfully completed the intervention plan for the offender, including the requirement that the offender abstain from using drugs and alcohol for a period of at least one year from the date on which the court granted the order of intervention in lieu of conviction and all other terms and conditions ordered by the court, the court shall dismiss the proceedings against the offender. Successful completion of the intervention plan and period of abstinence under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is not a criminal conviction for purposes of any disqualification or disability imposed by law and upon conviction of a crime, and the court may order the sealing of records related to the offense in question in the manner provided in sections 2953.31 to 2953.36 of the Revised Code.

(F) If the court grants an offender's request for intervention in lieu of conviction under this section and the offender fails to comply with any term or condition imposed as part of the intervention plan for the offender, the supervising authority for the offender promptly shall advise the court of this failure, and the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether the offender failed to comply with any term or condition imposed as part of the plan. If the court determines that the offender has failed to comply with any of those terms and conditions, it shall enter a finding of guilty and shall impose an appropriate sanction under Chapter 2929. of the Revised Code. If the court sentences the offender to a prison term, the court, after consulting with the department of rehabilitation and correction regarding the availability of services, may order continued court-supervised activity and treatment of the offender during the prison term and, upon consideration of reports received from the department concerning the offender's progress in the program of activity and treatment, may consider judicial release under section 2929.20 of the Revised Code.

(G) As used in this section:

(1) "Community control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means any court-supervised activity that complies with this section.

(3) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2951.042. (A) As used in sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Controlled substance" has the same meaning as in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "First- or second-time offender" means any of the following:

(a) A person who, on or after the effective date of this section, is charged with, has been convicted of, or has pleaded guilty to an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense and who is not a repeat offender.

(b) A person who, on the effective date of this section, is out of custody and on probation or under a community control sanction for an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, who is not a repeat offender as determined in relation to that illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, and who, on or after the effective date of this section, commits a drug-related violation of the terms or conditions of the probation or sanction.

(3) "Illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense" means a violation of a provision of the Revised Code or a municipal ordinance that prohibits any of the following:

(a) Having, holding, controlling, obtaining, or storing a quantity of a controlled substance that the court with jurisdiction over the charge of the violation determines to be consistent with personal consumption or use;

(b) Consuming, using, or being under the influence of a controlled substance;

(c) Any other act not described in division (A)(3)(a) or (b) of this section that is incidental to drug possession or use and that does not involve causing or threatening to cause physical harm to another, including possession of drug paraphernalia, purchase of a controlled substance, or transportation of a controlled substance, when the other act is merely an extension of possession for personal use.

(4) "Not amenable to treatment" means that one or more of the following apply to a person:

(a) The person has repeatedly committed serious violations of treatment program rules that inhibit the person's ability to function in the treatment program.

(b) The person has continually refused to participate in a treatment program.

(c) The person has asked to be removed from a treatment plan adopted by the court.

(5) "Objective data" means confidential drug and alcohol treatment information that is specific and quantified, such as attendance records, drug test results, and progress reports. "Objective data" does not include confidential communications made by a patient to a treatment provider or program in the course of diagnosis, treatment, or referral for treatment for drug or alcohol abuse.

(6) "Offender" means any of the following:

(a) A person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense;

(b) A person who has been charged with an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, but who has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to that offense;

(c) A person who is out of custody and on probation or under a community control sanction for an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense and who commits a drug-related violation of the terms or conditions of the probation or sanction.

(7) "Preliminary confidentiality waiver" means an offender's written consent for limited disclosure of information to the involved court by a qualified treatment professional to be designated by the court, as necessary to and as provided for in (C)(4) of this section for the assessment of the offender and the creation of a treatment plan for the offender, which written consent shall be governed by, and in a form that satisfies the requirements of, federal and state laws and regulations protecting the confidentiality of drug and alcohol abuse treatment information.

(8) "Qualified treatment professional" means an individual who is appropriately credentialed by certification or licensing, who has specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, or addiction therapy, and who has the expertise needed to conduct the addiction and life skills assessments necessary to determine an offender's suitability to one or more forms of treatment and to recommend an appropriate treatment plan or serve as an independent monitor of an offender's treatment plan.

(9) "Repeat offender" means a person who, on or after the effective date of this section, is charged with, has been convicted of, or has pleaded guilty to an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense and to whom one or both of the following apply:

(a) Within five years of the offense, the person previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offenses.

(b) Within five years of the offense, the person previously has participated in two or more courses of treatment under this section and sections 2951.043 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code.

(10) "Request for drug treatment intervention" or "request" means a motion filed by an offender under this section that satisfies all of the criteria specified in division (C) of this section.

(11) "Treatment program" and "treatment" mean a treatment program, rehabilitation program, or treatment and rehabilitation program, or set of programs, designed to reduce or eliminate substance abuse or drug dependency and to increase employability and that is appropriately licensed, certified, or licensed and certified. The program or set of programs may include outpatient treatment, half-way house treatment, sober living environments, narcotic replacement therapy, drug education or prevention courses, or limited inpatient or residential drug treatment as needed to address special detoxification or relapse situations or severe dependence. The program or set of programs shall include, as the involved court determines appropriate, access to vocational training, literacy training, family counseling, mental health services, or similar support services. A United States veterans' administration treatment facility may serve as a treatment program for an appropriate offender, irrespective of state licensure or certification. "Treatment program" and "treatment" do not include programs offered to a person in a prison or jail facility or in another form of incarceration.

(12) "Treatment provider" means an appropriately licensed, certified, or licensed and certified provider or facility, or an appropriately licensed and credentialed professional, that is recognized by the lead agency and that provides a treatment program or treatment.

(13) "Violent felony" means any felony that includes as one or more elements of the offense that the offender has caused or threatened to cause physical harm to any person.

(14) "Community-based correctional facility," "community control sanction," "halfway house," "jail," "jail term," "prison," and "prison term" have the same meanings as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(15) "Municipal OVI offense" has the same meaning as in section 4511.181 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) A first- or second-time offender is eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section if the court finds all of the following:

(a) The offender is charged with an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense.

(b) The offender has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or served a jail term or prison term for a violent felony within five years of committing the current offense.

(c) The offender has not been sentenced to a jail term, prison term, or community control sanction that would interfere with the offender's participation in the treatment plan.

(d) In the same proceeding in which the offender requests the drug treatment intervention under this section, the offender is not charged with, is not convicted of, and does not plead guilty to any of the following:

(i) Any felony other than an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, any misdemeanor offense involving theft, or any misdemeanor offense that involved causing or threatening to cause physical harm to another;

(ii) A violation of a section of the Revised Code or a municipal ordinance that involved the trafficking, sale, or manufacture of a controlled substance;

(iii) A violation of a section of the Revised Code or a municipal ordinance that involved the possession of a controlled substance and either the intent to traffic in, sell, or manufacture a controlled substance or the purpose of trafficking in, selling, or manufacturing a controlled substance;

(iv) A violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a municipal OVI offense.

(2) A repeat offender is eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section if the court finds both of the following:

(a) The offender satisfies all of the eligibility requirements of division (B)(1) of this section.

(b) Treatment is in the best interests of the offender and the public.

(3) If an offender does not qualify under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section for drug treatment intervention under this section solely due to the offender's failure to satisfy the eligibility requirement of division (B)(1)(d)(i) of this section, the court nonetheless may find the offender eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section if the court finds all of the following:

(a) The offense or offenses that disqualify the offender under division (B)(1)(d)(i) of this section do not include a violent felony or a misdemeanor offense that involved causing or threatening to cause physical harm to another.

(b) The offense or offenses that disqualify the offender under division (B)(1)(d)(i) of this section resulted from the offender's drug abuse or addiction.

(c) Treatment of the offender is in the best interests of the offender and the public.

(d) The prosecuting attorney has not proved that the offender poses a danger to the safety of others.

(C)(1) An offender who is charged with an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense may file a request for drug treatment intervention under this section. An offender who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, but upon whom sentence has not yet been imposed, also may file a request for drug treatment intervention under this section. The request shall include a waiver of the offender's right to a speedy trial and a waiver of the offender's right to a preliminary hearing, the time period within which the grand jury may consider an indictment against the offender, and arraignment unless the hearing, indictment, or arraignment already has occurred.

(2) Upon receiving from an offender a request for drug treatment intervention under this section, the court shall stay all criminal proceedings related to the involved illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense pending the court's entry of its final determination as to whether the offender is eligible under this section for treatment. The court shall make an initial determination as to whether the offender is eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section within three days of receiving the request. The court may make this initial determination with or without a hearing.

(3) If the court makes an initial determination under division (C)(2) of this section that an offender is not eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section and makes the determination without a hearing, the offender, within three days of that initial determination, may request a hearing to be conducted before the determination becomes final. If the offender requests a hearing, the court shall conduct a hearing within seven days of the request and within three days after the conclusion of the hearing shall enter its final determination as to whether the offender is eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section. If the offender does not request a hearing within three days of the initial determination, the initial determination becomes final.

(4) If the court makes a final determination under division (C)(3) of this section that an offender is eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section, the court shall demand from the offender a written commitment to proceed with an assessment by a qualified treatment professional and a preliminary confidentiality waiver executed by the offender. A preliminary confidentiality document executed by an offender is nonrevocable. After the court makes the demand, one of the following applies:

(a) If the offender provides the documents demanded by the court, the court shall do all of the following:

(i) Accept the offender's request;

(ii) Stay all criminal proceedings, including sentencing, that relate to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense;

(iii) Order the release of the offender if the offender is in custody due to the stayed criminal proceedings, provided that the court may order this release into a residential treatment facility for a period not to exceed seven days for the purpose of conducting the assessment of the offender under division (C)(4)(a)(iv) of this section. No court that accepts an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under this section shall sentence the offender to a jail term, prison term, residential community control sanction, or term of incarceration unless the offender is removed from treatment under division (B) of section 2951.044 of the Revised Code.

(iv) Designate a qualified treatment professional and order that designated professional to assess the offender for the purposes of determining the offender's addiction severity and treatment needs, determining the types of drug treatment and social services that might be appropriate for the offender, and recommending an appropriate treatment plan. The qualified treatment professional shall report the results of the assessment and make the recommendations to the court within seven days of the order, except that, if the qualified treatment professional notifies the court that additional time is required, the court may grant the qualified treatment professional additional time to report the results and make the recommendations.

(b) If the offender fails to provide the documents demanded by the court within a reasonable period of time as determined by the court, the offender's request for drug treatment intervention under this section may be deemed withdrawn, and the criminal proceedings against the offender may resume. If an offender is determined to be eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section but the offender's request is withdrawn pursuant to this division, and if the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, the offender shall be sentenced for that offense, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, to a jail term or term in a community-based correctional facility of not more than ninety days.

(5) If the court makes a final determination under division (C)(3) of this section that the offender is not eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section, the court shall resume the criminal proceedings against the offender as if the offender's request for drug treatment intervention had not been made, except that both of the following shall apply:

(a) The time within which the trial must be conducted is tolled for a number of days equal to the number of days between the day the request was made and the day the court's determination that the offender is not eligible becomes final.

(b) If the offender is a repeat offender who satisfies all of the eligibility requirements of division (B)(1) of this section and if the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, the court shall not sentence the offender to a prison term for that offense and may sentence the offender for that offense to a jail term or term in a community-based corrections facility that shall not exceed ninety days.

(D)(1) Nothing in this section or in sections 2951.043 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code limits or prohibits the application of any other provision of law regarding treatment, treatment in lieu of conviction, or intervention in lieu of conviction for persons who are not otherwise eligible for drug treatment intervention under this section.

(2) If a person who files a request for drug treatment intervention under this section has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to, or subsequently is convicted of or pleads guilty to, an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense that is the basis of the request, nothing in this section or in sections 2951.043 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code limits or prohibits a court that is sentencing the person for that offense from imposing upon the person a financial sanction or a nonresidential community control sanction under sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, unless the sanction clearly is inconsistent with the provisions of this section or sections 2951.043 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2951.043. If the court grants an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:

(A) The qualified treatment professional designated by the court under division (C)(4) of section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, after conducting an assessment of the offender, shall do all of the following:

(1) Prepare and submit to the court a treatment plan that does all of the following:

(a) Proposes the type and duration of the treatment program or programs that the offender shall receive, which duration shall not exceed twelve months;

(b) Proposes methods of monitoring the offender's progress while in treatment.

(2) Submit with the court, along with the treatment plan submitted under division (A)(1) of this section, a list of treatment providers capable of administering the proposed treatment program or programs.

(B) The court shall review the treatment plan submitted under division (A) of this section and shall adopt the treatment plan as submitted if the court finds that the plan complies with this section and otherwise is satisfactory. If the treatment plan as submitted is found to not comply with this section or to be otherwise unsatisfactory, the court shall request the designated qualified treatment professional to submit to the court a revised treatment plan.

(C) From the list of treatment providers submitted by the qualified treatment professional under division (A)(2) of this section, the court shall designate an appropriate treatment provider to administer the treatment plan. The treatment provider so designated shall provide all services called for in the treatment plan, or ensure access to any such services that the provider does not offer. The court may appoint the qualified treatment professional who submitted the treatment plan as the treatment provider only if no other treatment provider is available to administer the treatment plan.

(D) The court shall designate a qualified treatment professional to serve in a continuing role as an independent monitor of the offender's progress in treatment. The independent monitor designated under this division may be the same qualified treatment professional who assessed the offender. The independent monitor so designated shall communicate with the offender, the treatment provider designated under division (C) of this section, and the court as necessary to do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that the offender is receiving treatment and rehabilitation services called for in the treatment plan;

(2) Evaluate progress;

(3) Make recommendations to the court on possible changes to the treatment plan for the offender;

(4) Ensure the appropriate and effective implementation of the treatment plan.

(E) The court may add reasonable conditions to the offender's terms of release to ensure compliance with the treatment plan and other court orders.

(F) The court may require an offender to pay the portion of the cost of the offender's participation in a treatment plan that the offender is reasonably able to pay. But, no payment required under this division shall be so burdensome as to make participation in a treatment plan inaccessible or be excessive or punitive in nature.

(G) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the court shall not require an offender to waive confidentiality of medical or treatment information as a condition for participating in a treatment plan. The court may require the offender to give written consent for the treatment provider to disclose to the court drug and alcohol abuse treatment information, including objective data generated during treatment but not including confidential communications. This written consent is in addition to the preliminary confidentiality waiver given by the offender under division (C) of section 2951.042 of the Revised Code regarding the assessment of the offender under that division and the creation of a treatment plan for the offender. Any written consent given under this division is irrevocable and shall be in a form that complies with the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of drug and alcohol abuse treatment information.

(H) If the offender does not agree to the treatment plan and the terms and conditions imposed by the court or if, during the course of the treatment plan, the offender requests to be withdrawn from the treatment plan, the court may consider the offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code withdrawn and may resume the criminal proceedings against the offender as if the offender's request had not been made, except that all of the following shall apply:

(1) The time within which the trial must be conducted is tolled for a number of days equal to the number of days between the day the request was made and the day the offender's request is considered to be withdrawn.

(2) No person may use otherwise confidential drug or alcohol abuse treatment information made available to the court under division (C) of section 2951.042 of the Revised Code and this section in any civil or criminal proceeding without the offender's prior written consent.

(3) If an offender's request for drug treatment intervention is withdrawn pursuant to this division, and if the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, the court shall sentence the offender for that offense, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, to a jail term or term in a community-based correctional facility of not more than ninety days.

(I) The court shall order the offender to participate in and cooperate with the treatment program or programs of the designated treatment provider for the period of time designated in the treatment plan. The court may extend this period of time only if, based on information provided by a qualified treatment professional who has assessed the individual, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that an extension of the period is necessary for treatment to be successful. The court shall not extend the period of time designated for the treatment plan more than six months. In no case shall the total length of treatment required under an extended treatment plan exceed a total of eighteen months, and in no case shall court supervision of any offender extend more than ninety days after the end of treatment.

(J) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the court shall order the offender to appear for treatment according to the treatment plan not later than fourteen days after the court has determined the offender to be eligible for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code. Because of lack of space or other good cause shown, the court may authorize an extension of the date for entry into treatment.

Sec. 2951.044. (A)(1)(a) If the court grants an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, the treatment provider designated under division (C) of section 2951.043 of the Revised Code or division (A)(1) or (2) of this section shall notify the court and the qualified treatment professional designated as the independent monitor of the offender's treatment plan under division (D) of section 2951.043 of the Revised Code if the treatment provider determines either of the following at any time during the course of the offender's treatment:

(i) That the treatment being provided is unsuitable for the offender;

(ii) That it is impractical for the treatment provider to continue to administer the treatment plan.

(b) Upon receiving the notice described in division (A)(1)(a) of this section at any time during the course of treatment, the court, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and subject to the recommendation of a qualified treatment professional, may modify the terms of the treatment plan, designate a new or additional treatment provider, or modify the terms and designate a new or additional provider to ensure that the offender receives an alternative treatment program or related programs. If the court does not modify the treatment plan, the court may request that the originally designated treatment provider resume care for the offender.

(2)(a) If the court grants an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, the qualified treatment professional designated as the independent monitor of the offender's treatment plan under division (D) of section 2951.043 of the Revised Code shall notify the court if the qualified treatment professional so designated determines either of the following at any time during the course of the offender's treatment:

(i) That the treatment being provided is unsuitable for the offender;

(ii) That necessary services are not being provided or will not be provided as called for in the treatment plan.

(b) Upon receiving the notice described in division (A)(2)(a) of this section at any time during the course of treatment, the court, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and subject to the recommendation of a qualified treatment professional, may modify the terms of the treatment plan, designate a new or additional treatment provider, or modify the terms and designate a new or additional treatment provider to ensure that the offender receives an alternative treatment program or related programs as necessary to address the problems or deficiencies reported by the qualified treatment professional designated as the independent monitor. If the court does not modify the treatment plan, the court may order the originally designated treatment provider to resume care for the offender.

(3) Nothing in sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code requires, or shall be construed as requiring, a treatment provider to retain in the treatment program an offender who commits a major violation of the program's rules or who repeatedly fails to make required payments. If a treatment provider expels an offender, the treatment provider shall notify the court of the expulsion.

(B) If an offender participates in a treatment plan under this section and violates the terms of that treatment plan either by committing an offense that is not an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense or by violating a condition for that treatment set by the court that is not drug-related, the court shall conduct a hearing to consider evidence of the offense or violation and to determine whether the offender should be removed from treatment, have the level of care increased, or otherwise be sanctioned. In making its determination under this division, all of the following apply to the court:

(1) If the offender has been convicted of a new offense that is not an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, the court may remove the offender from the treatment plan if the court also finds by a preponderance of the evidence either or both of the following:

(a) The severity of the offense justifies removal.

(b) The offense indicates that the individual poses a danger to the safety of others.

(2) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender violated a condition of the treatment plan set by the court that is not drug-related, the court may remove the offender from the treatment plan if the court also finds by clear and convincing evidence either or both of the following:

(a) The severity of the offense justifies removal.

(b) The offense indicates that the individual poses a danger to the safety of others.

(3) If the court does not remove the offender from treatment after finding that an offense or violation occurred, the court may amend the offender's treatment plan to modify or intensify the form of treatment and to extend the period of treatment, subject to the recommendations of a qualified treatment professional. The court also may impose proportionate sanctions for the offense or violation.

(C) If an offender participates in a treatment plan under this section and is alleged to have committed a severe drug-related violation or multiple drug-related violations of the plan, the court may hold a hearing to consider evidence of the violation or violations and necessary responses, including sanctions, amendment of the treatment plan to modify or increase the level of care, or removal of the offender from treatment. If, at the hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender committed the violation or violations alleged, and the court finds this conduct to be a serious disruption of the treatment plan, the court shall proceed as follows:

(1) If the court has not previously found the offender to have committed a serious disruption of the treatment plan during the current course of treatment, the court shall consider evidence that the offender poses a danger to the safety of others. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender poses a danger to the safety of others, the court may remove the offender from treatment. If the court does not find by clear and convincing evidence that the offender poses a danger to the safety of others, the court may amend the offender's treatment plan to modify or intensify the form of treatment and to extend the period of treatment, subject to the recommendations of a qualified treatment professional, and may impose proportionate sanctions for the serious disruption of the treatment plan. These sanctions shall not include a jail term, prison term, residential community control sanction, or term of incarceration.

(2) If the court once previously found the offender to have committed a serious disruption of the treatment plan during the current course of treatment, the court shall consider evidence that the offender poses a danger to the safety of others or is not amenable to treatment. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offender either poses a danger to the safety of others or is not amenable to treatment, the court may remove the offender from treatment. If the court does not find by clear and convincing evidence that the offender either poses a danger to the safety of others or is not amenable to treatment, the court may amend the offender's treatment plan to modify or intensify the form of treatment and to extend the period of treatment, subject to the recommendations of a qualified treatment professional, and may impose proportionate sanctions for the serious disruption of the treatment plan. These sanctions shall not include a jail term, prison term, residential community control sanction, or term of incarceration.

(3) If the court two or more times previously found the offender to have committed a serious disruption of the treatment plan during the current course of treatment, the court may remove the offender from treatment. If the court does not remove the offender from treatment, the court may amend the offender's treatment plan to modify or intensify the form of treatment and to extend the period of treatment, subject to the recommendations of a qualified treatment professional, and may impose proportionate sanctions for the serious disruption of the treatment plan.

(4) If the court extends the period of treatment pursuant to division (C)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the total period of treatment required shall not exceed eighteen months.

(D)(1) If an offender who has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense that gave rise to the request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code is removed from a treatment plan pursuant to division (B) or (C) of this section, the court may continue with the criminal proceedings against the offender. If the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to that offense, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, the court may sentence the offender for the offense to a jail term or a term in a community-based correctional facility or halfway house that shall not exceed ninety days.

(2) If an offender who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense that gave rise to the request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code is removed from a treatment plan pursuant to division (B) or (C) of this section, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2929.11 to 2929.28 of the Revised Code, the court may sentence the offender for that offense to a jail term or a term in a community-based correctional facility or halfway house that shall not exceed ninety days.

(3) If an offender is removed from a treatment plan pursuant to division (B) or (C) of this section and has had criminal charges or proceedings stayed by the court, other than the charges of the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense that gave rise to the request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, the court may continue with the proceedings related to those other charges, without limitation by the provisions of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2951.045. (A) Subject to division (B) of this section, if the court grants an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code and the treatment provider appointed under division (C) of section 2951.043 or division (A)(1) or (2) of section 2951.044 of the Revised Code notifies the court that the offender has successfully completed the treatment plan or the treatment plan as modified, the court shall do one of the following:

(1) If the offender had not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, the court shall dismiss the stayed proceedings against the offender. The successful completion and the dismissal shall be without an adjudication of guilt and are not a criminal conviction for purposes of any disqualification or disability imposed by law and upon conviction of a crime. Notwithstanding the dismissal, the court may order continued supervision of the offender for up to ninety days. Court supervision shall not extend more than ninety days.

(2) If the offender had been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense, the court shall dismiss the stayed proceedings against the offender without imposing sentence. Notwithstanding the dismissal, the court may order continued supervision of the offender for up to ninety days. Court supervision shall not extend more than ninety days.

(B) If the court grants an offender's request for drug treatment intervention under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code and the treatment provider notifies the court that the period of time designated in the treatment plan, or the treatment plan as modified, has expired, but that, in the opinion of the treatment provider, the offender has not successfully completed the treatment plan, the court, after consulting the treatment provider and the qualified treatment professional who has served as the independent monitor of the offender's treatment plan, may do any of the following:

(1) Issue an order that modifies the treatment plan and extends the period of treatment, provided that the total required treatment period, including any extension, shall not exceed eighteen months;

(2) Issue an order that dismisses the stayed proceedings, terminates the treatment plan, and continues supervision of the offender for a period of up to ninety days. The continued supervision shall not extend more than ninety days and shall not include a jail term, prison term, or community residential sanction.

(3) Issue an order that dismisses the stayed proceedings and terminates the treatment plan with a finding that the offender either has successfully completed the treatment plan or has completed the treatment plan without a determination of successful completion.

(C)(1) Notwithstanding section 2953.32 of the Revised Code, any person who is the subject of an order described in division (A) of this section may apply to the court that issued the order for the sealing of records pertaining to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense. The application may be filed at any time after ninety days subsequent to the date the court issues the order described in division (A) of this section. Upon receiving the motion, the court shall consult with the treatment provider designated under division (C) of section 2951.043 or division (A)(1) or (2) of section 2951.044 of the Revised Code and, in the court's discretion, the qualified treatment professional who served as the independent monitor of the offender's treatment plan, to determine whether the offender has successfully completed treatment. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the offender successfully completed treatment, the court shall order all official records pertaining to the illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense sealed. Subject to division (C)(2) of this section, the court shall order the sealing of records in the manner provided in sections 2953.31 to 2953.36 of the Revised Code. Subject to division (C)(2) of this section, all law enforcement records of sealed records of illegal possession or use offenses shall be confidential and not subject to any disclosure.

(2) Notwithstanding the sealing of records related to the offense in question, law enforcement agencies shall keep records of offenders' arrests, convictions, and referrals to treatment for any illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense. The records shall be maintained exclusively for the following purposes:

(a) Enabling prosecutors and the courts to have information about the number of prior illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offenses for a person who subsequently is charged with, or is convicted of or pleads guilty to, an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense;

(b) To conduct criminal record checks for persons applying for a position as a law enforcement officer.

(3) Neither the successful completion of the treatment plan nor the sealing of records under this section relieve an offender of the obligation to disclose the arrest and any sealed or expunged conviction in response to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for a position as a law enforcement officer.

Sec. 3719.121.  (A) Except as otherwise provided in section 4723.28, 4723.35, 4730.25, 4731.22, 4734.39, or 4734.41 of the Revised Code, the license, certificate, or registration of any dentist, chiropractor, physician, podiatrist, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, physician assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy intern, optometrist, or veterinarian who is or becomes addicted to the use of controlled substances shall be suspended by the board that authorized the person's license, certificate, or registration until the person offers satisfactory proof to the board that the person no longer is addicted to the use of controlled substances.

(B) If the board under which a person has been issued a license, certificate, or evidence of registration determines that there is clear and convincing evidence that continuation of the person's professional practice or method of prescribing or personally furnishing controlled substances presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to others, the board may suspend the person's license, certificate, or registration without a hearing. Except as otherwise provided in sections 4715.30, 4723.281, 4729.16, 4730.25, 4731.22, and 4734.36 of the Revised Code, the board shall follow the procedure for suspension without a prior hearing in section 119.07 of the Revised Code. The suspension shall remain in effect, unless removed by the board, until the board's final adjudication order becomes effective, except that if the board does not issue its final adjudication order within ninety days after the hearing, the suspension shall be void on the ninety-first day after the hearing.

(C) On receiving notification pursuant to section 2929.42 or 3719.12 of the Revised Code, the board under which a person has been issued a license, certificate, or evidence of registration immediately shall suspend the license, certificate, or registration of that person on a plea of guilty to, a finding by a jury or court of the person's guilt of, or conviction of a felony drug abuse offense; a finding by a court of the person's eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code; a plea of guilty to, or a finding by a jury or court of the person's guilt of, or the person's conviction of an offense in another jurisdiction that is essentially the same as a felony drug abuse offense; or a finding by a court of the person's eligibility for treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction in another jurisdiction under a provision similar to section 2951.041 of the Revised Code. The board shall notify the holder of the license, certificate, or registration of the suspension, which shall remain in effect until the board holds an adjudicatory hearing under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 3719.70.  (A) When testimony, information, or other evidence in the possession of a person who uses, possesses, or trafficks in any drug of abuse appears necessary to an investigation by law enforcement authorities into illicit sources of any drug of abuse, or appears necessary to successfully institute, maintain, or conclude a prosecution for any drug abuse offense, as defined in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code, a judge of the court of common pleas may grant to that person immunity from prosecution for any offense based upon the testimony, information, or other evidence furnished by that person, other than a prosecution of that person for giving false testimony, information, or other evidence.

(B)(1) When a person is convicted of any misdemeanor drug abuse offense, the court, in determining whether to place the person under a community control sanction pursuant to section 2929.25 of the Revised Code, shall take into consideration whether the person truthfully has revealed all information within the person's knowledge concerning illicit traffic in or use of drugs of abuse and, when required, has testified as to that information in any proceeding to obtain a search or arrest warrant against another or to prosecute another for any offense involving a drug of abuse. The information shall include, but is not limited to, the identity and whereabouts of accomplices, accessories, aiders, and abettors, if any, of the person or persons from whom any drug of abuse was obtained or to whom any drug of abuse was distributed, and of persons known or believed to be drug dependent persons, together with the location of any place or places where and the manner in which any drug of abuse is illegally cultivated, manufactured, sold, possessed, or used. The information also shall include all facts and circumstances surrounding any illicit traffic in or use of drugs of abuse of that nature.

(2) If a person otherwise is eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction and being ordered to a period of rehabilitation under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code but the person has failed to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing them with the types of information described in division (B)(1) of this section, the person's lack of cooperation may be considered by the court under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code in determining whether to stay all criminal proceedings and order the person to a requested period of intervention.

(C) In the absence of a competent and voluntary waiver of the right against self-incrimination, no information or testimony furnished pursuant to division (B) of this section shall be used in a prosecution of the person furnishing it for any offense other than a prosecution of that person for giving false testimony, information, or other evidence.

Sec. 4715.30.  (A) The holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter is subject to disciplinary action by the state dental board for any of the following reasons:

(1) Employing or cooperating in fraud or material deception in applying for or obtaining a license or certificate;

(2) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;

(3) Advertising services in a false or misleading manner or violating the board's rules governing time, place, and manner of advertising;

(4) Conviction of a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice or of any felony;

(5) Engaging in lewd or immoral conduct in connection with the provision of dental services;

(6) Selling, prescribing, giving away, or administering drugs for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes, or conviction of violating any law of this state or the federal government regulating the possession, distribution, or use of any drug;

(7) Providing or allowing dental hygienists, expanded function dental auxiliaries, or other practitioners of auxiliary dental occupations working under the certificate or license holder's supervision, or a dentist holding a temporary limited continuing education license under division (C) of section 4715.16 of the Revised Code working under the certificate or license holder's direct supervision, to provide dental care that departs from or fails to conform to accepted standards for the profession, whether or not injury to a patient results;

(8) Inability to practice under accepted standards of the profession because of physical or mental disability, dependence on alcohol or other drugs, or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs;

(9) Violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder;

(10) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4715.03 of the Revised Code;

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

(12) Advertising that the certificate or license holder will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers dental services, would otherwise be required to pay.

(B) A manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor of a dental facility shall be subject to disciplinary action if any dentist, dental hygienist, expanded function dental auxiliary, or qualified personnel providing services in the facility is found to have committed a violation listed in division (A) of this section and the manager, proprietor, operator, or conductor knew of the violation and permitted it to occur on a recurring basis.

(C) Subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may take one or more of the following disciplinary actions if one or more of the grounds for discipline listed in divisions (A) and (B) of this section exist:

(1) Censure the license or certificate holder;

(2) Place the license or certificate on probationary status for such period of time the board determines necessary and require the holder to:

(a) Report regularly to the board upon the matters which are the basis of probation;

(b) Limit practice to those areas specified by the board;

(c) Continue or renew professional education until a satisfactory degree of knowledge or clinical competency has been attained in specified areas.

(3) Suspend the certificate or license;

(4) Revoke the certificate or license.

Where the board places a holder of a license or certificate on probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section, the board may subsequently suspend or revoke the license or certificate if it determines that the holder has not met the requirements of the probation or continues to engage in activities that constitute grounds for discipline pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section.

Any order suspending a license or certificate shall state the conditions under which the license or certificate will be restored, which may include a conditional restoration during which time the holder is in a probationary status pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section. The board shall restore the license or certificate unconditionally when such conditions are met.

(D) If the physical or mental condition of a license or certificate holder is at issue in a disciplinary proceeding, the board may order the license or certificate holder to submit to reasonable examinations by an individual designated or approved by the board and at the board's expense. The physical examination may be conducted by any individual authorized by the Revised Code to do so, including a physician assistant, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife. Any written documentation of the physical examination shall be completed by the individual who conducted the examination.

Failure to comply with an order for an examination shall be grounds for summary suspension of a license or certificate under division (E) of this section.

(E) If the board has reason to believe that the holder represents a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety if the holder is allowed to continue to practice, or if the holder has failed to comply with an order under division (D) of this section, the board may apply to the court of common pleas of the county in which the holder resides for an order temporarily suspending the holder's license or certificate, without a prior hearing being afforded by the board, until the board conducts an adjudication hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If the court temporarily suspends a holder's license or certificate, the board shall give written notice of the suspension personally or by certified mail to the license or certificate holder. Such notice shall include specific facts and reasons for finding a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety and shall inform the license or certificate holder of the right to a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) Any holder of a certificate or license issued under this chapter who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in this state under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code for aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary, or who has pleaded guilty to, has been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for something similar to treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the holder in another jurisdiction for any substantially equivalent criminal offense, is automatically suspended from practice under this chapter in this state and any certificate or license issued to the holder under this chapter is automatically suspended, as of the date of the guilty plea, conviction, or judicial finding, whether the proceedings are brought in this state or another jurisdiction. Continued practice by an individual after the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division shall be considered practicing without a certificate or license. The board shall notify the suspended individual of the suspension of the individual's certificate or license under this division by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose certificate or license is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudicatory hearing, the board shall enter a final order revoking the individual's certificate or license.

(G) Notwithstanding divisions (A)(11) and (12) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments:

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

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

Sec. 4717.05.  (A) Any person who desires to be licensed as an embalmer shall apply to the board of embalmers and funeral directors on a form provided by the board. The applicant shall include with the application an initial license fee as set forth in section 4717.07 of the Revised Code and evidence, verified by oath and satisfactory to the board, that the applicant meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The applicant is at least eighteen years of age and of good moral character.

(2) If the applicant has pleaded guilty to, has been found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for treatment intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the applicant in this state for aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary, or has pleaded guilty to, has been found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for something similar to intervention or treatment in lieu of conviction entered against the applicant in another jurisdiction for a substantially equivalent offense, at least five years has elapsed since the applicant was released from incarceration, a community control sanction, a post-release control sanction, parole, or treatment in connection with the offense.

(3) The applicant holds at least a bachelor's degree from a college or university authorized to confer degrees by the Ohio board of regents or the comparable legal agency of another state in which the college or university is located and submits an official transcript from that college or university with the application.

(4) The applicant has satisfactorily completed at least twelve months of instruction in a prescribed course in mortuary science as approved by the board and has presented to the board a certificate showing successful completion of the course. The course of mortuary science college training may be completed either before or after the completion of the educational standard set forth in division (A)(3) of this section.

(5) The applicant has registered with the board prior to beginning an embalmer apprenticeship.

(6) The applicant has satisfactorily completed at least one year of apprenticeship under an embalmer licensed in this state and has assisted that person in embalming at least twenty-five dead human bodies.

(7) The applicant, upon meeting the educational standards provided for in divisions (A)(3) and (4) of this section and completing the apprenticeship required in division (A)(6) of this section, has completed the examination for an embalmer's license required by the board.

(B) Upon receiving satisfactory evidence verified by oath that the applicant meets all the requirements of division (A) of this section, the board shall issue the applicant an embalmer's license.

(C) Any person who desires to be licensed as a funeral director shall apply to the board on a form provided by the board. The application shall include an initial license fee as set forth in section 4717.07 of the Revised Code and evidence, verified by oath and satisfactory to the board, that the applicant meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (D) of this section, the applicant has satisfactorily met all the requirements for an embalmer's license as described in divisions (A)(1) to (4) of this section.

(2) The applicant has registered with the board prior to beginning a funeral director apprenticeship.

(3) The applicant, following mortuary science college training described in division (A)(4) of this section, has satisfactorily completed a one-year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director in this state and has assisted that person in directing at least twenty-five funerals.

(4) The applicant has satisfactorily completed the examination for a funeral director's license as required by the board.

(D) In lieu of mortuary science college training required for a funeral director's license under division (C)(1) of this section, the applicant may substitute a satisfactorily completed two-year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director in this state assisting that person in directing at least fifty funerals.

(E) Upon receiving satisfactory evidence that the applicant meets all the requirements of division (C) of this section, the board shall issue to the applicant a funeral director's license.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Community control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Post-release control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4717.14.  (A) The board of embalmers and funeral directors may refuse to grant or renew, or may suspend or revoke, any license issued under this chapter for any of the following reasons:

(1) The license was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation either in the application or in passing the examination.

(2) The applicant or licensee has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude.

(3) The applicant or licensee has purposely violated any provision of sections 4717.01 to 4717.15 or a rule adopted under any of those sections; division (A) or (B) of section 4717.23; division (B)(1) or (2), (C)(1) or (2), (D), (E), or (F)(1) or (2), or divisions (H) to (K) of section 4717.26; division (D)(1) of section 4717.27; or divisions (A) to (C) of section 4717.28 of the Revised Code; any rule or order of the department of health or a board of health of a health district governing the disposition of dead human bodies; or any other rule or order applicable to the applicant or licensee.

(4) The applicant or licensee has committed immoral or unprofessional conduct.

(5) The applicant or licensee knowingly permitted an unlicensed person, other than a person serving an apprenticeship, to engage in the profession or business of embalming or funeral directing under the applicant's or licensee's supervision.

(6) The applicant or licensee has been habitually intoxicated, or is addicted to the use of morphine, cocaine, or other habit-forming or illegal drugs.

(7) The applicant or licensee has refused to promptly submit the custody of a dead human body upon the express order of the person legally entitled to the body.

(8) The licensee loaned the licensee's own license, or the applicant or licensee borrowed or used the license of another person, or knowingly aided or abetted the granting of an improper license.

(9) The applicant or licensee transferred a license to operate a funeral home, embalming facility, or crematory from one owner or operator to another, or from one location to another, without notifying the board.

(10) The applicant or licensee mislead the public by using false or deceptive advertising.

(B)(1) The board of embalmers and funeral directors shall refuse to grant or renew, or shall suspend or revoke, an embalmer's, funeral director's, funeral home, or embalming facility license only in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(2) The board shall send to the crematory review board written notice that it proposes to refuse to issue or renew, or proposes to suspend or revoke, a license to operate a crematory facility. If, after the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing on the matter conducted under division (E) of section 4717.03 of the Revised Code, the board of embalmers and funeral directors finds that any of the circumstances described in divisions (A)(1) to (10) of this section apply to the person named in its proposed action, the board may issue a final order under division (E) of section 4717.03 of the Revised Code refusing to issue or renew, or suspending or revoking, the person's license to operate a crematory facility.

(C) If the board of embalmers and funeral directors determines that there is clear and convincing evidence that any of the circumstances described in divisions (A)(1) to (10) of this section apply to the holder of a license issued under this chapter and that the licensee's continued practice presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, the board may suspend the licensee's license without a prior adjudicatory hearing. The executive director of the board shall prepare written allegations for consideration by the board.

The board, after reviewing the written allegations, may suspend a license without a prior hearing.

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. Such an order is not subject to suspension by the court during the pendency of any appeal filed under section 119.12 of the Revised Code. If the holder of an embalmer's, funeral director's, funeral home, or embalming facility license 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 licensee has requested a hearing, unless the board and the licensee agree to a different time for holding the hearing.

Upon issuing a written order of suspension to the holder of a license to operate a crematory facility, the board of embalmers and funeral directors shall send written notice of the issuance of the order to the crematory review board. The crematory review board shall hold an adjudicatory hearing on the order under division (E) of section 4717.03 of the Revised Code within fifteen days, but not earlier than seven days, after the issuance of the order, unless the crematory review board and the licensee agree to a different time for holding the adjudicatory hearing.

Any summary suspension imposed under this division shall remain in effect, unless reversed on appeal, until a final adjudicatory order issued by the board of embalmers and funeral directors pursuant to this division and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, or division (E) of section 4717.03 of the Revised Code, as applicable, becomes effective. The board of embalmers and funeral directors shall issue its final adjudicatory order within sixty days after the completion of its hearing or, in the case of the summary suspension of a license to operate a crematory facility, within sixty days after completion of the adjudicatory hearing by the crematory review board. A failure to issue the order within that time results in the dissolution of the summary suspension order, but does not invalidate any subsequent final adjudicatory order.

(D) If the board of embalmers and funeral directors suspends or revokes a license held by a funeral director or a funeral home for any reason identified in division (A) of this section, the board may file a complaint with the court of common pleas in the county where the violation occurred requesting appointment of a receiver and the sequestration of the assets of the funeral home that held the suspended or revoked license or the licensed funeral home that employs the funeral director that held the suspended or revoked license. If the court of common pleas is satisfied with the application for a receivership, the court may appoint a receiver.

The board or a receiver may employ and procure whatever assistance or advice is necessary in the receivership or liquidation and distribution of the assets of the funeral home, and, for that purpose, may retain officers or employees of the funeral home as needed. All expenses of the receivership or liquidation shall be paid from the assets of the funeral home and shall be a lien on those assets, and that lien shall be a priority to any other lien.

(E) Any holder of a license issued under this chapter who has pleaded guilty to, has been found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for treatment intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the individual in this state for aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, or aggravated burglary, or who has pleaded guilty to, has been found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or has had a judicial finding of eligibility for something similar to treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction entered against the individual in another jurisdiction for any substantially equivalent criminal offense, is hereby suspended from practice under this chapter by operation of law, and any license issued to the individual under this chapter is hereby suspended by operation of law as of the date of the guilty plea, verdict or finding of guilt, or judicial finding of eligibility for treatment intervention in lieu of conviction or for something similar to treatment or intervention in lieu of conviction in the other jurisdiction, regardless of whether the proceedings are brought in this state or another jurisdiction. The board shall notify the suspended individual of the suspension of the individual's license by the operation of this division by certified mail or in person in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If an individual whose license is suspended under this division fails to make a timely request for an adjudicatory hearing, the board shall enter a final order revoking the license.

(F) No person whose license has been suspended or revoked under or by the operation of this section shall practice embalming or funeral directing or operate a funeral home, embalming facility, or crematory facility until the board has reinstated the person's license.

(G) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4723.28.  (A) The board of nursing, by a vote of a quorum, may revoke or may refuse to grant a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate to a person found by the board to have committed fraud in passing an examination required to obtain the license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate or to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing any nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued by the board.

(B) Subject to division (N) of this section, the board of nursing, by a vote of a quorum, may impose one or more of the following sanctions: deny, revoke, suspend, or place restrictions on any nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued by the board; reprimand or otherwise discipline a holder of a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate; or impose a fine of not more than five hundred dollars per violation. The sanctions may be imposed for any of the following:

(1) Denial, revocation, suspension, or restriction of authority to practice a health care occupation, including nursing or practice as a dialysis technician, for any reason other than a failure to renew, in Ohio or another state or jurisdiction;

(2) Engaging in the practice of nursing or engaging in practice as a dialysis technician, having failed to renew a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter, or while a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate is under suspension;

(3) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice;

(4) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, any felony or of any crime involving gross immorality or moral turpitude;

(5) Selling, giving away, or administering drugs or therapeutic devices for other than legal and legitimate therapeutic purposes; or conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, violating any municipal, state, county, or federal drug law;

(6) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in another jurisdiction that would constitute a felony or a crime of moral turpitude in Ohio;

(7) Conviction of, a plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for, an act in the course of practice in another jurisdiction that would constitute a misdemeanor in Ohio;

(8) Self-administering or otherwise taking into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for that individual;

(9) Habitual indulgence in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice;

(10) Impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of habitual or excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances that impair the ability to practice;

(11) Impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability;

(12) Assaulting or causing harm to a patient or depriving a patient of the means to summon assistance;

(13) Obtaining or attempting to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;

(14) Adjudication by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent. The board may restore the person's nursing license or dialysis technician certificate upon adjudication by a probate court of the person's restoration to competency or upon submission to the board of other proof of competency.

(15) The suspension or termination of employment by the department of defense or the veterans administration of the United States for any act that violates or would violate this chapter;

(16) Violation of this chapter or any rules adopted under it;

(17) Violation of any restrictions placed on a nursing license or dialysis technician certificate by the board;

(18) Failure to use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by rules adopted under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code;

(19) Failure to practice in accordance with acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care or safe dialysis care;

(20) In the case of a registered nurse, engaging in activities that exceed the practice of nursing as a registered nurse;

(21) In the case of a licensed practical nurse, engaging in activities that exceed the practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse;

(22) In the case of a dialysis technician, engaging in activities that exceed those permitted under section 4723.72 of the Revised Code;

(23) Aiding and abetting a person in that person's practice of nursing without a license or practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued under this chapter;

(24) In the case of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner, except as provided in division (M) of this section, either of the following:

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

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

(25) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of participation in the chemical dependency monitoring program established under section 4723.35 of the Revised Code;

(26) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions required under the practice intervention and improvement program established under section 4723.282 of the Revised Code;

(27) In the case of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner:

(a) Engaging in activities that exceed those permitted for the nurse's nursing specialty under section 4723.43 of the Revised Code;

(b) Failure to meet the quality assurance standards established under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code.

(28) In the case of a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner, failure to maintain a standard care arrangement in accordance with section 4723.431 of the Revised Code or to practice in accordance with the standard care arrangement;

(29) In the case of a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who holds a certificate to prescribe issued under section 4723.48 of the Revised Code, failure to prescribe drugs and therapeutic devices in accordance with section 4723.481 of the Revised Code;

(30) Prescribing any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise performing or inducing an abortion;

(31) Failure to establish and maintain professional boundaries with a patient, as specified in rules adopted under section 4723.07 of the Revised Code;

(32) Regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engaging with a patient other than the spouse of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician in any of the following:

(a) Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.

(33) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) Disciplinary actions taken by the board under divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be taken pursuant to an adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that in lieu of a hearing, the board may enter into a consent agreement with an individual to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by a vote of a quorum, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the agreement shall be of no effect.

(D) The hearings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board may appoint a hearing examiner, as provided in section 119.09 of the Revised Code, to conduct any hearing the board is authorized to hold under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

In any instance in which the board is required under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to give notice of an opportunity for a hearing and the applicant or license holder does not make a timely request for a hearing in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, the board is not required to hold a hearing, but may adopt, by a vote of a quorum, a final order that contains the board's findings. In the final order, the board may order any of the sanctions listed in division (A) or (B) of this section.

(E) If a criminal action is brought against a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician for an act or crime described in divisions (B)(3) to (7) of this section and the action is dismissed by the trial court other than on the merits, the board shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act on which the action was based. If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act, or if the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician fails to participate in the adjudication, the board may take action as though the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician had been convicted of the act.

If the board takes action on the basis of a conviction, plea, or a judicial finding as described in divisions (B)(3) to (7) of this section that is overturned on appeal, the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician may, on exhaustion of the appeal process, petition the board for reconsideration of its action. On receipt of the petition and supporting court documents, the board shall temporarily rescind its action. If the board determines that the decision on appeal was a decision on the merits, it shall permanently rescind its action. If the board determines that the decision on appeal was not a decision on the merits, it shall conduct an adjudication to determine whether the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed the act on which the original conviction, plea, or judicial finding was based. If the board determines on the basis of the adjudication that the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician committed such act, or if the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician does not request an adjudication, the board shall reinstate its action; otherwise, the board shall permanently rescind its action.

Notwithstanding the provision of division (C)(2) of section 2953.32 of the Revised Code specifying that if records pertaining to a criminal case are sealed under that section the proceedings in the case shall be deemed not to have occurred, sealing of the records of a conviction on which the board has based an action under this section shall have no effect on the board's action or any sanction imposed by the board under this section.

The board shall not be required to seal, destroy, redact, or otherwise modify its records to reflect the court's sealing of conviction records.

(F) The board may investigate an individual's criminal background in performing its duties under this section.

(G) During the course of an investigation conducted under this section, the board may compel any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician or applicant under this chapter to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by the board and at the expense of the individual, if the board finds reason to believe that the individual under investigation may have a physical or mental impairment that may affect the individual's ability to provide safe nursing care. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed constitutes an admission of the allegations, unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence.

If the board finds that an individual is impaired, the board shall require the individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment approved or designated by the board, as a condition for initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed authority to practice. The individual shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board that the individual can begin or resume the individual's occupation in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care under the provisions of the individual's authority to practice.

For purposes of this division, any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician or applicant under this chapter shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board, and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.

(H) The board shall investigate evidence that appears to show that any person has violated any provision of this chapter or any rule of the board. Any person may report to the board any information the person may have that appears to show a violation of any provision of this chapter or rule of the board. In the absence of bad faith, any person who reports such information or who testifies before the board in any adjudication conducted under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of the report or testimony.

(I) All of the following apply under this chapter with respect to the confidentiality of information:

(1) Information received by the board pursuant to an investigation is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action, except that the board may disclose information to law enforcement officers and government entities investigating a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or dialysis technician or a person who may have engaged in the unauthorized practice of nursing. No law enforcement officer or government entity with knowledge of any information disclosed by the board pursuant to this division shall divulge the information to any other person or government entity except for the purpose of an adjudication by a court or licensing or registration board or officer to which the person to whom the information relates is a party.

(2) If an investigation requires a review of patient records, the investigation and proceeding shall be conducted in such a manner as to protect patient confidentiality.

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

(4) Any board activity that involves continued monitoring of an individual as part of or following any disciplinary action taken under this section shall be conducted in a manner that maintains the individual's confidentiality. Information received or maintained by the board with respect to the board's monitoring activities is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action.

(J) Any action taken by the board under this section resulting in a suspension from practice shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the person may be reinstated to practice.

(K) When the board refuses to grant a license or certificate to an applicant, revokes a license or certificate, or refuses to reinstate a license or certificate, the board may specify that its action is permanent. An individual subject to permanent action taken by the board is forever ineligible to hold a license or certificate of the type that was refused or revoked and the board shall not accept from the individual an application for reinstatement of the license or certificate or for a new license or certificate.

(L) No unilateral surrender of a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter shall be effective unless accepted by majority vote of the board. No application for a nursing license, certificate of authority, or dialysis technician certificate issued under this chapter may be withdrawn without a majority vote of the board. The board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section is not removed or limited when an individual has a license or certificate classified as inactive or fails to renew a license or certificate.

(M) Sanctions shall not be imposed under division (B)(24) of this section against any licensee who waives deductibles and copayments as follows:

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

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

(N)(1) Any person who enters a prelicensure nursing education program on or after June 1, 2003, and who subsequently applies under division (A) of section 4723.09 of the Revised Code for licensure to practice as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse and any person who applies under division (B) of that section for license by endorsement to practice nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse shall submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the bureau to conduct a criminal records check of the applicant and to send the results to the board, in accordance with section 4723.09 of the Revised Code.

The board shall refuse to grant a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse under section 4723.09 of the Revised Code to a person who entered a prelicensure nursing education program on or after June 1, 2003, and applied under division (A) of section 4723.09 of the Revised Code for the license or a person who applied under division (B) of that section for the license, if the criminal records check performed in accordance with division (C) of that section indicates that the person has pleaded guilty to, been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of guilt for violating section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.11, 2905.01, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.02, 2911.01, or 2911.11 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar law of another state, the United States, or another country.

(2) Any person who enters a dialysis training program on or after June 1, 2003, and who subsequently applies for a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician shall submit a request to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the bureau to conduct a criminal records check of the applicant and to send the results to the board, in accordance with section 4723.75 of the Revised Code.

The board shall refuse to issue a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician under section 4723.75 of the Revised Code to a person who entered a dialysis training program on or after June 1, 2003, and whose criminal records check performed in accordance with division (C) of that section indicates that the person has pleaded guilty to, been convicted of, or has had a judicial finding of guilt for violating section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.11, 2905.01, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.02, 2911.01, or 2911.11 of the Revised Code or a substantially similar law of another state, the United States, or another country.

(O) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4730.14.  (A) A certificate to practice as a physician assistant shall expire biennially and may be renewed in accordance with this section. A person seeking to renew a certificate to practice as a physician assistant 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 furnish. Each application shall be accompanied by a biennial renewal fee of one hundred dollars. The board shall deposit the fees in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds for refusing to issue a certificate to practice under section 4730.25 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 under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code, since last signing an application for a certificate to practice as a physician assistant.

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

(1) That the physician assistant has maintained certification by the national commission on certification of physician assistants or a successor organization that is recognized by the board by meeting the standards to hold current certification from the commission or its successor, including completion of continuing medical education requirements and passing periodic recertification examinations;

(2) Except as provided in division (F) of this section and section 5903.12 of the Revised Code, that the physician assistant has completed during the current certification period not less than one hundred hours of continuing medical education acceptable to the board.

(C) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying the types of continuing medical education that must be completed to fulfill the board's requirements under division (B)(2) of this section. Except when additional continuing medical education is required to renew a certificate to prescribe, as specified in section 4730.49 of the Revised Code, the board shall not adopt rules that require a physician assistant to complete in any certification period more than one hundred hours of continuing medical education acceptable to the board. In fulfilling the board's requirements, a physician assistant may use continuing medical education courses or programs completed to maintain certification by the national commission on certification of physician assistants or a successor organization that is recognized by the board if the standards for acceptable courses and programs of the commission or its successor are at least equivalent to the standards established by the board.

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

(E) The board may require a random sample of physician assistants to submit materials documenting certification by the national commission on certification of physician assistants or a successor organization that is recognized by the board and completion of the required number of hours of continuing medical education.

(F) The board shall provide for pro rata reductions by month of the number of hours of continuing education that must be completed for individuals who are in their first certification period, who have been disabled due to illness or accident, or who have been absent from the country. The board shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, as necessary to implement this division.

(G)(1) A certificate to practice that is not renewed on or before its expiration date is automatically suspended on its expiration date. Continued practice after suspension of the certificate shall be considered as practicing in violation of division (A) of section 4730.02 of the Revised Code.

(2) If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to division (G)(1) of this section for two years or less, it may be reinstated. The board shall reinstate a certificate suspended for failure to renew upon an applicant's submission of a renewal application, the biennial renewal fee, and any applicable monetary penalty.

If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to division (G)(1) of this division section for more than two years, it may be restored. In accordance with section 4730.28 of the Revised Code, the board may restore a certificate suspended for failure to renew upon an applicant's submission of a restoration application, the biennial renewal fee, and any applicable monetary penalty and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore to an applicant a certificate to practice as a physician assistant 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 4730.12 of the Revised Code.

The penalty for reinstatement shall be fifty dollars and the penalty for restoration shall be one hundred dollars. The board shall deposit penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

(H) If an individual certifies that the individual has completed the number of hours and type of continuing medical education required for renewal or reinstatement of a certificate to practice as a physician assistant, and the board finds through a random sample conducted under division (E) of this section or through any other means that the individual did not complete the requisite continuing medical education, the board may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars. The board's finding shall be made pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members.

A civil penalty imposed under this division may be in addition to or in lieu of any other action the board may take under section 4730.25 of the Revised Code. The board shall deposit civil penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4730.25.  (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as a physician assistant or a certificate to prescribe to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.

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

(1) Failure to practice in accordance with the conditions under which the supervising physician's supervision agreement with the physician assistant was approved, including the requirement that when practicing under a particular supervising physician, the physician assistant must practice only according to the physician supervisory plan the board approved for that physician or the policies of the health care facility in which the supervising physician and physician assistant are practicing;

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

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

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

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

(6) Administering drugs for purposes other than those authorized under this chapter;

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in soliciting or advertising for employment as a physician assistant; in connection with any solicitation or advertisement for patients; in relation to the practice of medicine as it pertains to physician assistants; or in securing or attempting to secure a certificate to practice as a physician assistant, a certificate to prescribe, or approval of a supervision agreement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(19) A departure from, or failure to conform to, minimal standards of care of similar physician assistants under the same or similar circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to a patient is established;

(20) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate to practice as a physician assistant, a certificate to prescribe, a physician supervisory plan, or supervision agreement;

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

(22) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4730.26 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

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

(24) Prescribing any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise performing or inducing an abortion.

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

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

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

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

(1) In enforcing division (B)(4) of this section, the board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who holds a certificate issued under this chapter or who has applied for a certificate pursuant to this chapter to submit to a mental examination, physical examination, including an HIV test, or both a mental and physical examination. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Failure to submit to a mental or physical examination or consent to an HIV test ordered by the board constitutes an admission of the allegations against the individual unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the individual's control, and a default and final order may be entered without the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence. If the board finds a physician assistant unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in division (B)(4) of this section, the board shall require the physician assistant to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the board, as a condition for an initial, continued, reinstated, or renewed certificate. An individual affected under this division shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume practicing in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of care.

(2) For purposes of division (B)(5) of this section, if the board has reason to believe that any individual who holds a certificate issued under this chapter or any applicant for a certificate suffers such impairment, the board may compel the individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both. The expense of the examination is the responsibility of the individual compelled to be examined. Any mental or physical examination required under this division shall be undertaken by a treatment provider or physician qualified to conduct such examination and chosen by the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) An application made under this chapter for a certificate, approval of a physician supervisory plan, or approval of a supervision agreement may not be withdrawn without approval of the board.

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate in accordance with section 4730.14 or section 4730.48 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

(N) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4730.31.  (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor:

(1) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate 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 practicing as a physician assistant, the prosecutor in the case shall, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, promptly notify the board of the conviction. Within thirty days of receipt of such 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 4730.25 of the Revised Code.

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

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

(2) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or judicial finding or eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice, or a case where 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 judicial finding of guilt of, or judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a case where 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. 4730.48. (A) Except in the case of a provisional certificate to prescribe, a physician assistant's certificate to prescribe expires on the same date as the physician assistant's certificate to practice as a physician assistant, as provided in section 4730.14 of the Revised Code. The certificate to prescribe may be renewed in accordance with this section.

A person seeking to renew a certificate to prescribe 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. The notice may be sent as part of the notice sent for renewal of the certificate to practice.

Applications for renewal shall be submitted to the board on forms the board shall prescribe and furnish. An application for renewal of a certificate to prescribe may be submitted in conjunction with an application for renewal of a certificate to practice.

Each application for renewal of a certificate to prescribe shall be accompanied by a biennial renewal fee of fifty dollars. The board shall deposit the fees in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds under section 4730.25 of the Revised Code for refusing to issue a certificate to prescribe 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 under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code, since last signing an application for a certificate to prescribe.

(B) The board shall review all renewal applications received. If an applicant submits a complete renewal application and meets the requirements for renewal specified in section 4730.49 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue to the applicant a renewed certificate to prescribe.

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

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

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

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

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

(4) Willfully betraying a professional confidence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(39) Failure to supervise a 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The disposition of the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4731.223.  (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor:

(1) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate 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, or for a second or subsequent time pleads guilty to, or is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, a violation of section 2919.123 of the Revised Code, the prosecutor in the case, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall promptly notify the board of the conviction or guilty plea. 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 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(C) The prosecutor in any case against any person holding a valid certificate 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. 4731.281.  (A) On or before the deadline established under division (B) of this section for applying for renewal of a certificate of registration, each person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery shall certify to the state medical board that in the preceding two years the person has completed one hundred hours of continuing medical education. The certification shall be made upon the application for biennial registration submitted pursuant to division (B) of this section. The board shall adopt rules providing for pro rata reductions by month of the number of hours of continuing education required for persons who are in their first registration period, who have been disabled due to illness or accident, or who have been absent from the country.

In determining whether a course, program, or activity qualifies for credit as continuing medical education, the board shall approve all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice medicine and surgery that is certified by the Ohio state medical association, all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery that is certified by the Ohio osteopathic association, and all continuing medical education taken by persons holding a certificate to practice podiatric medicine and surgery that is certified by the Ohio podiatric medical association. Each person holding a certificate to practice under this chapter shall be given sufficient choice of continuing education programs to ensure that the person has had a reasonable opportunity to participate in continuing education programs that are relevant to the person's medical practice in terms of subject matter and level.

The board may require a random sample of persons holding a certificate to practice under this chapter to submit materials documenting completion of the continuing medical education requirement during the preceding registration period, but this provision shall not limit the board's authority to investigate pursuant to section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Every person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery wishing to renew that certificate shall apply to the board for a certificate of registration upon an application furnished by the board, and pay to the board at the time of application a fee of three hundred five dollars, according to the following schedule:

(a) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "A" through "B," on or before April 1, 2001, and the first day of April of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(b) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "C" through "D," on or before January 1, 2001, and the first day of January of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(c) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "E" through "G," on or before October 1, 2000, and the first day of October of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(d) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "H" through "K," on or before July 1, 2000, and the first day of July of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(e) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "L" through "M," on or before April 1, 2000, and the first day of April of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(f) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "N" through "R," on or before January 1, 2000, and the first day of January of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(g) Persons whose last name begins with the letter "S," on or before October 1, 1999, and the first day of October of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(h) Persons whose last name begins with the letters "T" through "Z," on or before July 1, 1999, and the first day of July of every odd-numbered year thereafter.

The board shall deposit the fee in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code, except that the board shall deposit twenty dollars of the fee into the state treasury to the credit of the physician loan repayment fund created by section 3702.78 of the Revised Code.

(2) The board shall mail or cause to be mailed to every person registered to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, a notice of registration renewal addressed to the person's last known address or may cause the notice to be sent to the person through the secretary of any recognized medical, osteopathic, or podiatric society, according to the following schedule:

(a) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "A" through "B," on or before January 1, 2001, and the first day of January of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(b) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "C" through "D," on or before October 1, 2000, and the first day of October of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(c) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "E" through "G," on or before July 1, 2000, and the first day of July of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(d) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "H" through "K," on or before April 1, 2000, and the first day of April of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(e) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "L" through "M," on or before January 1, 2000, and the first day of January of every even-numbered year thereafter;

(f) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "N" through "R," on or before October 1, 1999, and the first day of October of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(g) To persons whose last name begins with the letter "S," on or before July 1, 1999, and the first day of July of every odd-numbered year thereafter;

(h) To persons whose last name begins with the letters "T" through "Z," on or before April 1, 1999, and the first day of April of every odd-numbered year thereafter.

Failure of any person to receive a notice of renewal from the board shall not excuse the person from the requirements contained in this section.

The notice shall inform the applicant of the renewal procedure. The board shall provide the application for registration renewal in a form determined by the board. The applicant shall provide in the application the applicant's full name, principal practice address and residence address, the number of the applicant's certificate to practice, and any other information required by the board. The applicant shall include with the application a list of the names and addresses of any clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, or certified nurse practitioners with whom the applicant is currently collaborating, as defined in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code. The applicant shall execute and deliver the application to the board in a manner prescribed by the board. Every person registered under this section shall give written notice to the board of any change of principal practice address or residence address or in the list within thirty days of the change.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense to which the applicant has pleaded guilty, of which the applicant has been found guilty, or for which the applicant has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code, since last filing an application for a certificate of registration.

(C) The board shall issue to any person holding a certificate under this chapter to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, upon application and qualification therefor in accordance with this section, a certificate of registration under the seal of the board. A certificate of registration shall be valid for a two-year period.

(D) Failure of any certificate holder to register and comply with this section shall operate automatically to suspend the holder's certificate to practice. Continued practice after the suspension of the certificate to practice shall be considered as practicing in violation of section 4731.41, 4731.43, or 4731.60 of the Revised Code. If the certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for two years or less, it may be reinstated. The board shall reinstate a certificate to practice suspended for failure to register upon an applicant's submission of a renewal application, the biennial registration fee, and the applicable monetary penalty. The penalty for reinstatement shall be fifty dollars. If the certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for more than two years, it may be restored. Subject to section 4731.222 of the Revised Code, the board may restore a certificate to practice suspended for failure to register 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 to an applicant 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 4731.14, 4731.56, or 4731.57 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration shall be one hundred dollars. The board shall deposit the penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

(E) If an individual certifies completion of the number of hours and type of continuing medical education required to receive a certificate of registration or reinstatement of a certificate to practice, and the board finds through the random samples it conducts under this section or through any other means that the individual did not complete the requisite continuing medical education, the board may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars. The board's finding shall be made pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members.

A civil penalty imposed under this division may be in addition to or in lieu of any other action the board may take under section 4731.22 of the Revised Code. The board shall deposit civil penalties in accordance with section 4731.24 of the Revised Code.

(F) The state medical board may obtain information not protected by statutory or common law privilege from courts and other sources concerning malpractice claims against any person holding a certificate to practice under this chapter or practicing as provided in section 4731.36 of the Revised Code.

(G) Each mailing sent by the board under division (B)(2) of this section to a person registered to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery shall inform the applicant of the reporting requirement established by division (H) of section 3701.79 of the Revised Code. At the discretion of the board, the information may be included on the application for registration or on an accompanying page.

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

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

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

(2) Reprimand or censure a license holder;

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

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

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

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

(C) The board may take the actions specified in division (B) of this section for any of the following reasons:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(38) Failure to supervise an acupuncturist in accordance with the provisions of section 4762.11 of the Revised Code that are applicable to the supervising chiropractor of an acupuncturist.

(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.

(H) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4760.06.  (A) A person seeking to renew a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant 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 of registration under section 4760.13 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 under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code, since last signing an application for a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant.

(B) To be eligible for renewal, an anesthesiologist assistant must certify to the board that the assistant has maintained certification by the national commission for the certification of anesthesiologist assistants.

(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 of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant.

(D) A certificate of registration 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 4760.04 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration is fifty dollars.

Sec. 4760.13.  (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate of registration as an anesthesiologist assistant to a person found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

(8) Making a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in securing or attempting to secure a certificate of registration to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(18) Violation of the conditions placed by the board on a certificate of registration;

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

(20) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4760.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(21) Failure to comply with any code of ethics established by the national commission for the certification of anesthesiologist assistants;

(22) Failure to notify the state medical board of the revocation or failure to maintain certification from the national commission for certification of anesthesiologist assistants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(I) The certificate of registration of an anesthesiologist assistant and the assistant's practice in this state are automatically suspended as of the date the anesthesiologist assistant pleads guilty to, is found by a judge or jury to be guilty of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction in this state or something similar to treatment of 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 of registration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate of registration in accordance with section 4760.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

(N) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4760.15.  (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor:

(1) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate 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 4760.13 of the Revised Code.

(C) The prosecutor in any case against any person holding a valid certificate of registration 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. 4761.09.  (A) The Ohio respiratory care board may refuse to issue or renew a license or a limited permit, may issue a reprimand, may suspend or permanently revoke a license or limited permit, or may place a license or limited permit holder on probation, on any of the following grounds:

(1) A plea of guilty to, a judicial finding of guilt of, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code for an offense involving moral turpitude or of a felony, in which case a certified copy of the court record shall be conclusive evidence of the matter;

(2) Violating any provision of this chapter or an order or rule of the board;

(3) Assisting another person in that person's violation of any provision of this chapter or an order or rule of the board;

(4) Obtaining a license or limited permit by means of fraud, false or misleading representation, or concealment of material facts or making any other material misrepresentation to the board;

(5) Being guilty of negligence or gross misconduct in the practice of respiratory care;

(6) Violating the standards of ethical conduct adopted by the board, in the practice of respiratory care;

(7) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;

(8) Using any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, or alcohol to the extent that the use impairs the ability to practice respiratory care at an acceptable level of competency;

(9) Practicing respiratory care while mentally incompetent;

(10) Accepting commissions, rebates, or other forms of remuneration for patient referrals;

(11) Practicing in an area of respiratory care for which the person is clearly untrained or incompetent or practicing in a manner that conflicts with section 4761.17 of the Revised Code;

(12) Employing, directing, or supervising a person who is not authorized to practice respiratory care under this chapter in the performance of respiratory care procedures;

(13) Misrepresenting educational attainments or authorized functions for the purpose of obtaining some benefit related to the practice of respiratory care;

(14) Assisting suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.

Before the board may take any action under this section, other than issuance of a summary suspension order under division (C) of this section, the executive director of the board shall prepare and file written charges with the board. Disciplinary actions taken by the board under this section shall be taken pursuant to an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that in lieu of an adjudication, the board may enter into a consent agreement to resolve an allegation of a violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under it. A consent agreement, when ratified by the board, shall constitute the findings and order of the board with respect to the matter addressed in the agreement. If the board refuses to ratify a consent agreement, the admissions and findings contained in the consent agreement shall be of no effect.

(B) If the board orders a license or limited permit holder placed on probation, the order shall be accompanied by a written statement of the conditions under which the person may be restored to practice.

The person may reapply to the board for original issuance of a license after one year following the date the license was denied.

A person may apply to the board for the reinstatement of a license or limited permit after one year following the date of suspension or refusal to renew. The board may accept or refuse the application for reinstatement and may require that the applicant pass a reexamination as a condition of eligibility for reinstatement.

(C) If the president and secretary of the board determine that there is clear and convincing evidence that a license or limited permit holder has committed an act that is grounds for board action under division (A) of this section and that continued practice by the license or permit holder presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public, the president and secretary may recommend that the board suspend the license or limited permit without a prior hearing. The president and secretary shall submit in writing to the board the allegations causing them to recommend the suspension.

On review of the allegations, the board, by a vote of not less than seven of its members, may suspend a license or limited permit without a prior hearing. The board may review the allegations and vote on the suspension by a telephone conference call.

If the board votes to suspend a license or limited permit under this division, the board shall issue a written order of summary suspension to the license or limited permit holder in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the license or limited permit holder requests a hearing by the board, the board shall conduct the hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding section 119.12 of the Revised Code, a court of common pleas shall not grant a suspension of the board's order of summary suspension pending determination of an appeal filed under that section.

Any order of summary suspension issued under this division shall remain in effect until a final adjudication order issued by the board pursuant to division (A) of this section becomes effective. The board shall issue its final adjudication order regarding an order of summary suspension issued under this division not later than sixty days after completion of its hearing. Failure to issue the order within sixty days shall result in immediate dissolution of the suspension order, but shall not invalidate any subsequent, final adjudication order.

Sec. 4762.06.  (A) A person seeking to renew a 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 under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code, since last signing an application for a certificate to practice as an acupuncturist.

(B) To be eligible for renewal, an acupuncturist must certify to the board that the acupuncturist has maintained the acupuncturist's designation as a diplomate in acupuncture by the national certification commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(N) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4762.15.  (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor:

(1) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2950.041 of the Revised Code.

(2) "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 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. 4765.112.  (A) The state board of emergency medical services, by an affirmative vote of the majority of its members, may suspend without a prior hearing a certificate to practice issued under this chapter if the board determines that there is clear and convincing evidence that continued practice by the certificate holder presents a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public and that the certificate holder has done any of the following:

(1) Furnished false, fraudulent, or misleading information to the board;

(2) Engaged in activities that exceed those permitted by the individual's certificate;

(3) In a court of this or any other state or federal court been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been the subject of a judicial finding of guilt of, a judicial finding of guilt resulting from a plea of no contest to, or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code for, a felony or for a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice or involving gross immorality or moral turpitude.

(B) Immediately following the decision to impose a summary suspension, the board, in accordance with section 119.07 of the Revised Code, shall issue a written order of suspension, cause it to be delivered to the certificate holder, and notify the certificate holder of the opportunity for a hearing. If timely requested by the certificate holder, a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with section 4765.115 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4774.06. (A) An individual seeking to renew a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant shall, on or before the thirty-first day of January of each even-numbered year, apply for renewal of the certificate. The state medical board shall send renewal notices at least one month prior to the expiration date.

Renewal applications shall be submitted to the board in a manner prescribed by the board. Each application shall be accompanied by a biennial renewal fee specified by the board in rules adopted under section 4774.11 of the Revised Code.

The applicant shall report any criminal offense that constitutes grounds for refusing to issue a certificate under section 4774.13 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 under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code, since last signing an application for a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant.

(B) To be eligible for renewal, a radiologist assistant shall certify to the board that the assistant has maintained both of the following:

(1) A license as a radiographer under Chapter 4773. of the Revised Code;

(2) Certification as a registered radiologist assistant from the American registry of radiologic technologists by meeting the registry's requirements for annual registration, including completion of the continuing education requirements established by the registry.

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

(D) A certificate to practice that is not renewed on or before its expiration date is automatically suspended on its expiration date, subject to the provisions of section 119.06 of the Revised Code specifying that an applicant who appropriately files a renewal application is not required to discontinue practicing merely because the board has failed to act on the application. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for two years or less, the board shall reinstate the certificate upon an applicant's submission of a renewal application, the biennial renewal fee, and the applicable monetary penalty. The penalty for reinstatement is twenty-five dollars. If a certificate has been suspended pursuant to this division for more than two years, it may be restored upon an applicant's submission of a restoration application, the biennial renewal fee, and the applicable monetary penalty and compliance with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The board shall not restore a certificate unless the board, in its discretion, decides that the results of the criminal records check do not make the applicant ineligible for a certificate issued pursuant to section 4774.04 of the Revised Code. The penalty for restoration is fifty dollars.

Sec. 4774.13. (A) The state medical board, by an affirmative vote of not fewer than six members, may revoke or may refuse to grant a certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant to an individual found by the board to have committed fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing the certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(7) Willfully betraying a professional confidence;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(20) Failure to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the board under section 4774.14 of the Revised Code, including failure to comply with a subpoena or order issued by the board or failure to answer truthfully a question presented by the board at a deposition or in written interrogatories, except that failure to cooperate with an investigation shall not constitute grounds for discipline under this section if a court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order that either quashes a subpoena or permits the individual to withhold the testimony or evidence in issue;

(21) Failure to maintain a license as a radiographer under Chapter 4773. of the Revised Code;

(22) Failure to maintain certification as a registered radiologist assistant from the American registry of radiologic technologists, including revocation by the registry of the assistant's certification or failure by the assistant to meet the registry's requirements for annual registration, or failure to notify the board that the certification as a registered radiologist assistant has not been maintained;

(23) Failure to comply with any of the rules of ethics included in the standards of ethics established by the American registry of radiologic technologists, as those rules apply to an individual who holds the registry's certification as a registered radiologist assistant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3) Failure by an individual to renew a certificate to practice in accordance with section 4774.06 of the Revised Code shall not remove or limit the board's jurisdiction to take disciplinary action under this section against the individual.

(N) As used in this section, "intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4774.15. (A) As used in this section, "prosecutor:

(1) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Prosecutor" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Whenever any person holding a valid certificate to practice as a radiologist assistant issued under this chapter pleads guilty to, is subject to a judicial finding of guilt of, or is subject to a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a violation of Chapter 2907., 2925., or 3719. of the Revised Code or of any substantively comparable ordinance of a municipal corporation in connection with the person's practice, the prosecutor in the case, on forms prescribed and provided by the state medical board, shall promptly notify the board of the conviction. Within thirty days of receipt of that information, the board shall initiate action in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to determine whether to suspend or revoke the certificate under section 4774.13 of the Revised Code.

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 5111.032. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Department" includes a designee of the department of job and family services.

(3) "Owner" means a person who has an ownership interest in a provider in an amount designated by the department of job and family services in rules adopted under this section.

(4) "Provider" means a person, institution, or entity that has a provider agreement with the department of job and family services pursuant to Title XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 State. 620 (1965), 42 U.S.C. 1396, as amended.

(5) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section, the department of job and family services may require that any provider, applicant to be a provider, employee or prospective employee of a provider, owner or prospective owner of a provider, officer or prospective officer of a provider, or board member or prospective board member of a provider submit to a criminal records check as a condition of obtaining a provider agreement, continuing to hold a provider agreement, being employed by a provider, having an ownership interest in a provider, or being an officer or board member of a provider. The department may designate the categories of persons who are subject to the criminal records check requirement. The department shall designate the times at which the criminal records checks must be conducted.

(2) The section does not apply to providers, applicants to be providers, employees of a provider, or prospective employees of a provider who are subject to criminal records checks under section 5111.033 or 5111.034 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The department shall inform each provider or applicant to be a provider whether the provider or applicant is subject to a criminal records check requirement under division (B) of this section. For providers, the information shall be given at times designated in rules adopted under this section. For applicants to be providers, the information shall be given at the time of initial application. When the information is given, the department shall specify which of the provider's or applicant's employees or prospective employees, owners or prospective owners, officers or prospective officers, or board members or prospective board members are subject to the criminal records check requirement.

(2) At times designated in rules adopted under this section, a provider that is subject to the criminal records check requirement shall inform each person specified by the department under division (C)(1) of this section that the person is required, as applicable, to submit to a criminal records check for final consideration for employment in a full-time, part-time, or temporary position; as a condition of continued employment; or as a condition of becoming or continuing to be an officer, board member or owner of a provider.

(D)(1) If a provider or applicant to be a provider is subject to a criminal records check under this section, the department shall require the conduct of a criminal records check by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation. If a provider or applicant to be a provider for whom a criminal records check is required does not present proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period immediately prior to the date the criminal records check is requested or provide evidence that within that five-year period the superintendent has requested information about the individual from the federal bureau of investigation in a criminal records check, the department shall require the provider or applicant to request that the superintendent obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check of the provider or applicant. Even if a provider or applicant for whom a criminal records check request is required presents proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period, the department may require that the provider or applicant request that the superintendent obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation and include it in the criminal records check of the provider or applicant.

(2) A provider shall require the conduct of a criminal records check by the superintendent with respect to each of the persons specified by the department under division (C)(1) of this section. If the person for whom a criminal records check is required does not present proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period immediately prior to the date the criminal records check is requested or provide evidence that within that five-year period the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation has requested information about the individual from the federal bureau of investigation in a criminal records check, the individual shall request that the superintendent obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check of the individual. Even if an individual for whom a criminal records check request is required presents proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period, the department may require the provider to request that the superintendent obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation and include it in the criminal records check of the person.

(E)(1) Criminal records checks required under this section for providers or applicants to be providers shall be obtained as follows:

(a) The department shall provide each provider or applicant information about accessing and completing the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and the standard fingerprint impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section.

(b) The provider or applicant shall submit the required form and one complete set of fingerprint impressions directly to the superintendent for purposes of conducting the criminal records check using the applicable methods prescribed by division (C) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The applicant or provider shall pay all fees associated with obtaining the criminal records check.

(c) The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The provider or applicant shall instruct the superintendent to submit the report of the criminal records check directly to the director of job and family services.

(2) Criminal records checks required under this section for persons specified by the department under division (C)(1) of this section shall be obtained as follows:

(a) The provider shall give to each person subject to criminal records check requirement information about accessing and completing the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and the standard fingerprint impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section.

(b) The person shall submit the required form and one complete set of fingerprint impressions directly to the superintendent for purposes of conducting the criminal records check using the applicable methods prescribed by division (C) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The person shall pay all fees associated with obtaining the criminal records check.

(c) The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The person subject to the criminal records check shall instruct the superintendent to submit the report of the criminal records check directly to the provider. The department may require the provider to submit the report to the department.

(F) If a provider or applicant to be a provider is given the information specified in division (E)(1)(a) of this section but fails to obtain a criminal records check, the department shall, as applicable, terminate the provider agreement or deny the application to be a provider.

If a person is given the information specified in division (E)(2)(a) of this section but fails to obtain a criminal records check, the provider shall not, as applicable, permit the person to be an employee, owner, officer, or board member of the provider.

(G) Except as provided in rules adopted under division (J) of this section, the department shall terminate the provider agreement of a provider or the department shall not issue a provider agreement to an applicant if the provider or applicant is subject to a criminal records check under this section and the provider or applicant has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following:

(1) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2913.51, 2917.11, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.13, 2921.36, 2923.02, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2923.32, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.14, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date;

(2) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (G)(1) of this section.

(H)(1)(a) Except as provided in rules adopted under division (J) of this section and subject to division (H)(2) of this section, no provider shall permit a person to be an employee, owner, officer, or board member of the provider if the person is subject to a criminal records check under this section and the person has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses specified in division (G)(1) or (2) of this section.

(b) No provider shall employ a person who has been excluded from participating in the medicaid program, the medicare program operated pursuant to Title XVIII of the "Social Security Act," or any other federal health care program.

(2)(a) A provider may employ conditionally a person for whom a criminal records check is required under this section prior to obtaining the results of a criminal records check regarding the person, but only if the person submits a request for a criminal records check not later than five business days after the individual begins conditional employment.

(b) A provider that employs a person conditionally under authority of division (H)(2)(a) of this section shall terminate the person's employment if the results of the criminal records check request are not obtained within the period ending sixty days after the date the request is made. Regardless of when the results of the criminal records check are obtained, if the results indicate that the individual has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses specified in division (G)(1) or (2) of this section, the provider shall terminate the person's employment unless the provider chooses to employ the individual pursuant to division (J) of this section.

(I) The report of a criminal records check conducted pursuant to this section is not a public record for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be made available to any person other than the following:

(1) The person who is the subject of the criminal records check or the person's representative;

(2) The director of job and family services and the staff of the department in the administration of the medicaid program;

(3) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary individual involved in a case dealing with the denial or termination of a provider agreement;

(4) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary individual involved in a case dealing with a person's denial of employment, termination of employment, or employment or unemployment benefits.

(J) The department may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules may specify circumstances under which the department may continue a provider agreement or issue a provider agreement to an applicant when the provider or applicant has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses specified in division (G)(1) or (2) of this section. The rules may also specify circumstances under which a provider may permit a person to be an employee, owner, officer, or board member of the provider, when the person has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses specified in division (G)(1) or (2) of this section.

Sec. 5111.033.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Applicant" means a person who is under final consideration for employment or, after September 26, 2003, an existing employee with a waiver agency in a full-time, part-time, or temporary position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to a person with disabilities. "Applicant" also means an existing employee with a waiver agency in a full-time, part-time, or temporary position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to a person with disabilities after September 26, 2003.

(2) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Waiver agency" means a person or government entity that is not certified under the medicare program and is accredited by the community health accreditation program or the joint commission on accreditation of health care organizations or a company that provides home and community-based waiver services to persons with disabilities through department of job and family services administered home and community-based waiver programs.

(4) "Home and community-based waiver services" means services furnished under the provision of 42 C.F.R. 441, subpart G, that permit individuals to live in a home setting rather than a nursing facility or hospital. Home and community-based waiver services are approved by the centers for medicare and medicaid for specific populations and are not otherwise available under the medicaid state plan.

(5) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The chief administrator of a waiver agency shall require each applicant to request that the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation conduct a criminal records check with respect to the applicant. If an applicant for whom a criminal records check request is required under this division does not present proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period immediately prior to the date the criminal records check is requested or provide evidence that within that five-year period the superintendent has requested information about the applicant from the federal bureau of investigation in a criminal records check, the chief administrator shall require the applicant to request that the superintendent obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check of the applicant. Even if an applicant for whom a criminal records check request is required under this division presents proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period, the chief administrator may require the applicant to request that the superintendent include information from the federal bureau of investigation in the criminal records check.

(2) The chief administrator shall provide the following to each applicant for whom a criminal records check request is required under division (B)(1) of this section:

(a) Information about accessing, completing, and forwarding to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and the standard fingerprint impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section;

(b) Written notification that the applicant is to instruct the superintendent to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the chief administrator.

(3) An applicant given information and notification under divisions (B)(2)(a) and (b) of this section who fails to access, complete, and forward to the superintendent the form or the standard fingerprint impression sheet, or who fails to instruct the superintendent to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the chief administrator, shall not be employed in any position in a waiver agency for which a criminal records check is required by this section.

(C)(1) Except as provided in rules adopted by the department of job and family services in accordance with division (F) of this section and subject to division (C)(2) of this section, no waiver agency shall employ a person in a position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to persons with disabilities if the person has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following:

(a) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2913.51, 2917.11, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.13, 2921.36, 2923.02, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2923.32, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.14, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date;

(b) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (C)(1)(a) of this section.

(2)(a) A waiver agency may employ conditionally an applicant for whom a criminal records check request is required under division (B) of this section prior to obtaining the results of a criminal records check regarding the individual, provided that the agency shall require the individual to request a criminal records check regarding the individual in accordance with division (B)(1) of this section not later than five business days after the individual begins conditional employment.

(b) A waiver agency that employs an individual conditionally under authority of division (C)(2)(a) of this section shall terminate the individual's employment if the results of the criminal records check request under division (B) of this section, other than the results of any request for information from the federal bureau of investigation, are not obtained within the period ending sixty days after the date the request is made. Regardless of when the results of the criminal records check are obtained, if the results indicate that the individual has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in division (C)(1) of this section, the agency shall terminate the individual's employment unless the agency chooses to employ the individual pursuant to division (F) of this section.

(D)(1) The fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check conducted pursuant to a request made under division (B) of this section shall be paid to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation by the applicant or the waiver agency.

(2) If a waiver agency pays the fee, it may charge the applicant a fee not exceeding the amount the agency pays under division (D)(1) of this section. An agency may collect a fee only if the agency notifies the person at the time of initial application for employment of the amount of the fee and that, unless the fee is paid, the person will not be considered for employment.

(E) The report of any criminal records check conducted pursuant to a request made under this section is not a public record for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be made available to any person other than the following:

(1) The individual who is the subject of the criminal records check or the individual's representative;

(2) The chief administrator of the agency requesting the criminal records check or the administrator's representative;

(3) An administrator at the department;

(4) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary individual involved in a case dealing with a denial of employment of the applicant or dealing with employment or unemployment benefits of the applicant.

(F) The department shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules shall specify circumstances under which a waiver agency may employ a person who has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for an offense listed or described in division (C)(1) of this section.

(G) The chief administrator of a waiver agency shall inform each person, at the time of initial application for a position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to a person with a disability, that the person is required to provide a set of fingerprint impressions and that a criminal records check is required to be conducted if the person comes under final consideration for employment.

(H)(1) A person who, on September 26, 2003, is an employee of a waiver agency in a full-time, part-time, or temporary position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to a person with disabilities shall comply with this section within sixty days after September 26, 2003, unless division (H)(2) of this section applies.

(2) This section shall not apply to a person to whom all of the following apply:

(a) On September 26, 2003, the person is an employee of a waiver agency in a full-time, part-time, or temporary position that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to a person with disabilities.

(b) The person previously had been the subject of a criminal background check relating to that position;

(c) The person has been continuously employed in that position since that criminal background check had been conducted.

Sec. 5111.034.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Anniversary date" means the later of the effective date of the provider agreement relating to the independent provider or sixty days after September 26, 2003.

(2) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Department" includes a designee of the department of job and family services.

(4) "Independent provider" means a person who is submitting an application for a provider agreement or who has a provider agreement as an independent provider in a department of job and family services administered home and community-based services program providing home and community-based waiver services to consumers with disabilities.

(5) "Home and community-based waiver services" has the same meaning as in section 5111.033 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The department of job and family services shall inform each independent provider, at the time of initial application for a provider agreement that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to consumers with disabilities, that the independent provider is required to provide a set of fingerprint impressions and that a criminal records check is required to be conducted if the person is to become an independent provider in a department administered home and community-based waiver program.

(2) Beginning on September 26, 2003, the department shall inform each enrolled medicaid independent provider on or before time of the anniversary date of the provider agreement that involves providing home and community-based waiver services to consumers with disabilities that the independent provider is required to provide a set of fingerprint impressions and that a criminal records check is required to be conducted.

(C)(1) The department shall require the independent provider to complete a criminal records check prior to entering into a provider agreement with the independent provider and at least annually thereafter. If an independent provider for whom a criminal records check is required under this division does not present proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period immediately prior to the date the criminal records check is requested or provide evidence that within that five-year period the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation has requested information about the independent provider from the federal bureau of investigation in a criminal records check, the department shall request that the independent provider obtain through the superintendent a criminal records request from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check of the independent provider. Even if an independent provider for whom a criminal records check request is required under this division presents proof of having been a resident of this state for the five-year period, the department may request that the independent provider obtain information through the superintendent from the federal bureau of investigation in the criminal records check.

(2) The department shall provide the following to each independent provider for whom a criminal records check request is required under division (C)(1) of this section:

(a) Information about accessing, completing, and forwarding to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the form prescribed pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and the standard fingerprint impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of that section;

(b) Written notification that the independent provider is to instruct the superintendent to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the department.

(3) An independent provider given information and notification under divisions (C)(2)(a) and (b) of this section who fails to access, complete, and forward to the superintendent the form or the standard fingerprint impression sheet, or who fails to instruct the superintendent to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the department, shall not be approved as an independent provider.

(D) Except as provided in rules adopted by the department in accordance with division (G) of this section, the department shall not issue a new provider agreement to, and shall terminate an existing provider agreement of, an independent provider if the person has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following:

(1) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.041, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.16, 2903.21, 2903.34, 2905.01, 2905.02, 2905.05, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.07, 2907.08, 2907.09, 2907.21, 2907.22, 2907.23, 2907.24, 2907.25, 2907.31, 2907.32, 2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.40, 2913.43, 2913.47, 2913.48, 2913.49, 2913.51, 2917.11, 2919.12, 2919.22, 2919.24, 2919.25, 2921.13, 2921.36, 2923.02, 2923.12, 2923.13, 2923.161, 2923.32, 2925.02, 2925.03, 2925.04, 2925.05, 2925.06, 2925.11, 2925.13, 2925.14, 2925.22, 2925.23, or 3716.11 of the Revised Code, felonious sexual penetration in violation of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code, a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, a violation of section 2919.23 of the Revised Code that would have been a violation of section 2905.04 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996, had the violation been committed prior to that date;

(2) An existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses listed in division (D)(1) of this section.

(E) Each independent provider shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check conducted pursuant to a request made under division (C) of this section.

(F) The report of any criminal records check conducted by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code and pursuant to a request made under division (C) of this section is not a public record for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be made available to any person other than the following:

(1) The person who is the subject of the criminal records check or the person's representative;

(2) An administrator at the department or the administrator's representative;

(3) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary individual involved in a case dealing with a denial or termination of a provider agreement related to the criminal records check.

(G) The department shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this section. The rules shall specify circumstances under which the department may either issue a provider agreement to an independent provider or allow an independent provider to maintain an existing provider agreement when the independent provider has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for an offense listed or described in division (C)(1) of this section.

Section 2. That existing sections 109.572, 2929.12, 2929.22, 2951.041, 3719.121, 3719.70, 4715.30, 4717.05, 4717.14, 4723.28, 4730.14, 4730.25, 4730.31, 4730.48, 4731.22, 4731.223, 4731.281, 4734.31, 4760.06, 4760.13, 4760.15, 4761.09, 4762.06, 4762.13, 4762.15, 4765.112, 4774.06, 4774.13, 4774.15, 5111.032, 5111.033, and 5111.034 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section 3. (A) Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect on January 1, 2010.

(B) Sections 109.572, 2929.12, 2929.22, 2951.041, 2951.042, 2951.043, 2951.044, 2951.045, 3719.121, 3719.70, 4715.30, 4717.05, 4717.14, 4723.28, 4730.14, 4730.25, 4730.31, 4730.48, 4731.22, 4731.223, 4731.281, 4734.31, 4760.06, 4760.13, 4760.15, 4761.09, 4762.06, 4762.13, 4762.15, 4765.112, 4774.06, 4774.13, 4774.15, 5111.032, 5111.033, and 5111.034 of the Revised Code, as amended or enacted by Sections 1 and 2 of this act, shall apply to all charges of an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense and all proceedings involving an illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense in which sentence has yet to be imposed that are before a court on or after January 1, 2010. As used in this Section, "illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offense" has the same meaning as in section 2951.042 of the Revised Code, as enacted in Section 1 of this act.

Section 4. The General Assembly hereby states that its purposes and intent in enacting this act are as follows:

(A) To break the cycle of drug use, addiction, and crime as early as possible by guaranteeing the opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation services to nonviolent drug users entering the criminal justice system;

(B) To halt the wasteful expenditure of millions of dollars each year on the incarceration and re-incarceration of nonviolent drug users who would be better served by more cost-effective treatment and rehabilitation and to promote medical and public health responses to drug abuse that reject incarceration for non-violent defendants charged with a drug possession or use offense;

(C) To provide substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs to nonviolent defendants charged with a drug possession or use offense, in order to reduce or eliminate substance abuse and addiction and increase the employability of such persons;

(D) To enhance public safety by reducing drug use-related crime and by preserving jail and prison cells for serious and violent offenders and to improve public health by reducing drug abuse and dependence through professionally supervised drug treatment programs;

(E) To rest responsibility for the treatment and supervision of nonviolent defendants charged with a drug possession or use offense with qualified treatment professionals, with appropriate links to the criminal justice system, and to ensure that drug testing is used as a treatment tool, with relapse understood to often be a part of the process of recovery signaling the need for a consequence or increase in the level of care, and not discontinuation of treatment;

(F) To maintain existing efforts in Ohio to prevent drug use and to provide treatment and rehabilitation to substance users and abusers, regardless of whether they are involved in the criminal justice system, without reducing funding for such efforts in order to pay for treatment programs made necessary by this act.

Section 5. (A) As used in this Section, "lead agency" means the department of alcohol and drug addiction services.

(B) The lead agency shall promulgate regulations for the implementation of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code, as enacted in Section 1 of this act, and this Section consistent with their purposes and intent. The lead agency shall ensure that recipient counties or multi-county regional bodies provide a diversity of treatment programs to ensure the availability of a continuum of services from low-threshold to residential drug treatment, as well as services designed for the special needs of women and parents, pregnant women, and culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

(C)(1) There is hereby created in the state treasury the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund. The Fund shall be used for carrying out the purposes of sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code and this Section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this Section, the director of the lead agency shall distribute annually all moneys appropriated to the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund to the department's affiliated agencies or bodies in counties or multi-county regions. These moneys shall be used to pay for the costs of providing treatment programs for offenders granted a request for treatment under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code and for persons placed in treatment as a result of a drug-related violation of the terms of judicial release or supervised release from prison.

(3) The director of the lead agency shall establish a fair and equitable distribution formula for estimating the need for funds of the various counties and multicounty regions. The formula shall include factors such as population, the number of arrests for illegal possession or use of a controlled substance offenses, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services caseload, the need for infrastructure and professional development to provide treatment and rehabilitative services, and any other factor the director of the lead agency deems appropriate. The director of the lead agency shall use this formula to determine the allocation of the moneys in the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund among each of the counties and multi-county regions. The lead agency also may reserve up to five per cent of the moneys available in the Fund to pay the lead agency's administrative costs associated with implementing sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code and this Section. The lead agency also may reserve up to one per cent of the moneys available in the Fund to pay for a long-term study of the offender populations and treatment programs affected by sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code and this Section.

(D) Each county or multi-county region shall spend at least eighty-five per cent of the moneys it receives pursuant to division (C) of this section on the provision of community-based treatment and rehabilitation services to offenders granted a request for treatment under section 2951.042 of the Revised Code or persons who commit drug-related violations of the terms of judicial release or supervised release from prison. No county or multi-county region shall devote, in any fiscal year, more than fifteen per cent of the funds the region receives under division (C) of this Section to expenses other than treatment necessitated by sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code and this Section, including, but not limited to, administration costs for treatment providers, transportation for offenders to treatment, additional probation department costs, and court costs. The director of the lead agency may stipulate permissible uses of non-treatment funds and may annually set the percentage of available moneys that may be used for treatment of persons on judicial release or supervised release from prison.

(E) Each county or multi-county regional body receiving funds under division (C) of this Section shall submit to the lead agency annual reports, or more frequent reports required by the director of the lead agency under this division, detailing the use of funds so provided. The reports shall be subject to annual audits by the auditor of state. The director of the lead agency may require more frequent reports.

(F)(1) The lead agency shall collect and publish annually data to evaluate the effectiveness and financial impact of the treatment programs implemented under sections 2951.042 to 2951.045 of the Revised Code and this Section. The study shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(a) A review of the implementation process;

(b) Case dispositions for offenders found eligible for treatment under those provisions;

(c) Any changes in overall drug-related costs of probation, incarceration, and supervised release;

(d) Changes in recidivism rates for nonviolent drug offenders;

(e) Reductions in crime;

(f) Reductions in prison and jail construction;

(g) Changes in health outcomes for drug users;

(h) Reduced welfare costs;

(i) Employment levels for persons completing treatment funded under division (C) of this Section;

(j) Comparisons of treatment modalities;

(k) The adequacy of funds appropriated;

(l) Other impacts or issues identified by the lead agency.

(2) The lead agency also shall seek to collect data on the race, gender, and age of drug offenders, and demographic information on types and numbers of controlled substances arrests, prosecutions, diversions to treatment, and completion of treatment.

Section 6. The General Assembly expresses its intention to do all of the following:

(A) Maintain its prior efforts to provide substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation during at least the first six fiscal years following the effective date of this act;

(B) During the six-year period described in division (A) of this section, have the funding relative to substance abuse treatment appropriated in Section 7 of this act, and funding relative to such treatment similarly appropriated in subsequent acts during that period, supplement, not supplant, funding for other substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and other rehabilitation programs and support services, such as vocational training, literacy training, family counseling, and mental health services operating prior to the enactment of this act;

(C) During the six-year period described in division (A) of this section, continue to appropriate funds for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and other related rehabilitation programs in amounts equal to or greater than the amounts appropriated for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and other rehabilitation programs in fiscal year 2007, in constant 2008 dollars, without taking into account any funds from the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund.

Section 7. All items in this section are hereby appropriated as designated out of any moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the General Revenue Fund. For all appropriations made in this act, those in the first column are for fiscal year 2010 and those in the second column are for fiscal year 2011. The appropriations made in this act are in addition to any other appropriations made for the 2009-2011 biennium.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FUND

The foregoing appropriation item 911-412, Substance Abuse Treatment Fund, shall be transferred with the approval of the Controlling Board to the Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, which is specified as the "lead agency" pursuant to Section 5 of this act, to assist state and local governments in paying for the costs of implementing the treatment programs required under this act.

Within the limits set forth in this act, the Director of Budget and Management shall establish accounts indicating source and amount of funds for each appropriation made in this act and shall determine the form and manner in which appropriation accounts shall be maintained. Expenditures from appropriations contained in this act shall be accounted for as though made in the main operating appropriations act of the 127th General Assembly.

The appropriations made in this act are subject to all provisions of the main operating appropriations act of the 128th General Assembly that are generally applicable to such appropriations.

Section 8. The codified and uncodified sections of law contained in this act, and the items of law of which the codified and uncodified sections of law contained in this act are composed, are not subject to the referendum. Therefore, under Ohio Constitution, Article II, Section 1d and section 1.471 of the Revised Code, the codified and uncodified sections of law contained in this act, and the items of law of which the codified and uncodified sections of law contained in this act are composed, go into immediate effect when this act becomes law.

Section 9. Section 109.572 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by Sub. H.B. 195, Sub. H.B. 545, and Sub. S.B. 247, all of the 127th General Assembly. Section 4731.22 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by Am. Sub. H.B. 280, Sub. H.B. 525, and Sub. S.B. 229 of the 127th 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 composites are the resulting versions of the sections in effect prior to the effective date of the sections as presented in this act.