As Reported by the House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee

134th General Assembly

Regular Session Sub. S. B. No. 6

2021-2022

Senators Roegner, Huffman, S.

Cosponsors: Senators Romanchuk, Antonio, Brenner, Cirino, Craig, Fedor, Gavarone, Hackett, Johnson, Kunze, Lang, Maharath, Manning, McColley, Peterson, Reineke, Rulli, Sykes, Thomas, Wilson, Yuko Representatives Cutrona, Carruthers, Click, John, Schmidt, Troy

A BILL

To amend sections 3721.28, 3721.31, and 3721.32 and to enact sections 4731.11, 4731.111, and 4731.112 of the Revised Code to enter into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, to revise the law governing nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs, and to make an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That sections 3721.28, 3721.31, and 3721.32 be amended and sections 4731.11, 4731.111, and 4731.112 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3721.28. (A)(1) Each nurse aide used by a long-term care facility on a full-time, temporary, per diem, or other basis on July 1, 1989, shall be provided by the facility a competency evaluation program approved by the director of health under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section. Each long-term care facility using a nurse aide on July 1, 1989, shall provide the nurse aide the preparation necessary to complete the competency evaluation program by January 1, 1990.

(2) Each nurse aide used by a long-term care facility on a full-time, temporary, per diem, or other basis on January 1, 1990, who either was not used by the facility on July 1, 1989, or was used by the facility on July 1, 1989, but had not successfully completed a competency evaluation program by January 1, 1990, shall be provided by the facility a competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section. Each long-term care facility using a nurse aide described in division (A)(2) of this section shall provide the nurse aide the preparation necessary to complete the competency evaluation program by October 1, 1990, and shall assist the nurse aide in registering for the program.

(B) Effective June 1, 1990, no long-term care facility shall use an individual as a nurse aide for more than four months unless the individual is competent to provide the services the individual is to provide, the facility has received from the nurse aide registry established under section 3721.32 of the Revised Code the information concerning the individual provided through the registry, and one of the following is the case:

(1) The individual was used by a facility as a nurse aide on a full-time, temporary, per diem, or other basis at any time during the period commencing July 1, 1989, and ending January 1, 1990, and successfully completed, not later than October 1, 1990, a competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section.

(2) The individual has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section or has met the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) or (2) of this section and, in addition, if the training and competency evaluation program or the training, instruction, or education the individual completed in meeting the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) or (2) of this section was conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or if the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, the individual has successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director.

(3) Prior to July 1, 1989, if the long-term care facility is certified as a skilled nursing facility or a nursing facility under Title XVIII or XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, or prior to January 1, 1990, if the facility is not so certified, the individual completed a program that the director determines included a competency evaluation component no less stringent than the competency evaluation programs approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section, and was otherwise comparable to the training and competency evaluation programs being approved by the director under division (A) of that section.

(4) The individual is listed in a nurse aide registry maintained by another state and that state certifies that its program for training and evaluation of competency of nurse aides complies with Titles XVIII and XIX of the "Social Security Act" and regulations adopted thereunder.

(5) Prior to July 1, 1989, the individual was found competent to serve as a nurse aide after the completion of a course of nurse aide training of at least one hundred hours' duration.

(6) The individual is enrolled in a prelicensure program of nursing education approved by the board of nursing or by an agency of another state that regulates nursing education, has provided the long-term care facility with a certificate from the program indicating that the individual has successfully completed the courses that teach basic nursing skills including infection control, safety and emergency procedures, and personal care, and has successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code.

(7) The individual has the equivalent of twelve months or more of full-time employment in the preceding five years as a hospital aide or orderly and has successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code.

(C) Effective June 1, 1990, no long-term care facility shall continue for longer than four months to use as a nurse aide an individual who previously met the requirements of division (B) of this section but since most recently doing so has not performed nursing and nursing-related services for monetary compensation for twenty-four consecutive months, unless the individual successfully completes additional training and competency evaluation by complying with divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section:

(1) Doing one of the following:

(a) Successfully completing a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section;

(b) Successfully completing a training and competency evaluation program described in division (B)(4) of this section;

(2) If the training and competency evaluation program completed under division (C)(1)(a) of this section was conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or if the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, successfully completing a competency evaluation program conducted by the director.

(D)(1) The four-month periods provided for in divisions (B) and (C) of this section include any time, on or after June 1, 1990, that an individual is used as a nurse aide on a full-time, temporary, per diem, or any other basis by the facility or any other long-term care facility.

(2) During the four-month period provided for in division (B) of this section, during which a long-term care facility may, subject to division (E) of this section, use as a nurse aide an individual who does not have the qualifications specified in divisions (B)(1) to (7) of this section, a facility shall require the individual to comply with divisions (D)(2)(a) and (b) of this section:

(a) Participate in one of the following:

(i) If the individual has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code, and the program was conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, a competency evaluation program conducted by the director;

(ii) If the individual is enrolled in a prelicensure program of nursing education described in division (B)(6) of this section and has completed or is working toward completion of the courses described in that division, or the individual has the experience described in division (B)(7) of this section, a competency evaluation program conducted by the director;

(iii) A training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section.

(b) If the individual participates in or has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program under division (D)(2)(a)(iii) of this section that is conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, participate in a competency evaluation program conducted by the director.

(3) During the four-month period provided for in division (C) of this section, during which a long-term care facility may, subject to division (E) of this section, use as a nurse aide an individual who does not have the qualifications specified in divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section, a facility shall require the individual to comply with divisions (D)(3)(a) and (b) of this section:

(a) Participate in one of the following:

(i) If the individual has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director, and the program was conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, a competency evaluation program conducted by the director;

(iii) A training and competency evaluation program approved or conducted by the director.

(b) If the individual participates in or has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program under division (D)(3)(a)(iii) of this section that is conducted by or in a long-term care facility, or the director pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code so requires, participate in a competency evaluation program conducted by the director.

(E) A long-term care facility shall not permit an individual used by the facility as a nurse aide while participating in a training and competency evaluation program to provide nursing and nursing-related services unless both of the following are the case:

(1) The individual has completed the number of hours of training that must be completed prior to providing services to residents as prescribed by rules that shall be adopted by the director in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code;

(2) The individual is under the personal supervision of a registered or licensed practical nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code.

(F) An individual shall be considered to have satisfied the requirement, under division (B)(2) of this section, of having successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program conducted or approved by the director, if ~~the individual meets both~~ either of the following ~~conditions~~apply:

(1) The individual, as of July 1, 1989, ~~completed~~ met both of the following conditions:

(a) Completed at least sixty hours divided between skills training and classroom instruction in the topic areas described in divisions (B)(1) to (8) of section 3721.30 of the Revised Code;

~~(2) The individual received, as of that date,~~ (b) Received at least the difference between seventy-five hours and the number of hours actually spent in training and competency evaluation in supervised practical nurse aide training or regular in-service nurse aide education.

(2) The individual meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Has completed during the COVID-19 public health emergency declared by the United States secretary of health and human services a minimum of seventy-five hours of training that occurs in a long-term care facility setting, includes on-site observation and work as a nurse aide under a COVID-19 pandemic waiver issued by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services, and addresses all of the required areas specified in 42 C.F.R. 483.152(b), except that if gaps in on-site training are identified, the individual also must complete supplemental training;

(b) Has successfully completed the competency evaluation conducted by the director of health under section 3721.31 of the Revised Code.

(G) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code specifying persons, in addition to the director, who may establish competence of nurse aides under division (B)(5) of this section, and establishing criteria for determining whether an individual meets the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) of this section.

(H) The rules adopted pursuant to divisions (E)(1) and (G) of this section shall be no less stringent than the requirements, guidelines, and procedures established by the United States secretary of health and human services under sections 1819 and 1919 of the "Social Security Act."

Sec. 3721.31. (A)(1) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, the director of health shall approve competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs in accordance with rules adopted under section 3721.30 of the Revised Code and shall periodically review and reapprove programs approved under this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(3) of this section, the director may approve and reapprove programs conducted by or in long-term care facilities, or by any government agency or person, including an employee organization.

(3) The director shall not approve or reapprove a competency evaluation program or training and competency evaluation program conducted by or in a long-term care facility that was determined by the director or the United States secretary of health and human services to have been out of compliance with the requirements of subsection (b), (c), or (d) of section 1819 or 1919 of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, within a two-year period prior to making application for approval or reapproval and shall revoke the approval or reapproval of a program conducted by or in a facility for which such a determination is made.

(4) A long-term care facility, employee organization, person, or government entity seeking approval or reapproval of a competency evaluation program or training and competency evaluation program shall make an application to the director for approval or reapproval of the program and shall provide any documentation requested by the director.

(5) The director may conduct inspections and examinations of approved competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs, competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs for which an application for approval has been submitted under division (A)(4) of this section, and the sites at which they are or will be conducted. The director may conduct inspections of long-term care facilities in which individuals who have participated in approved competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs are being used as nurse aides.

(B) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director may do the following:

(1) Deny, suspend, or revoke approval or reapproval of any of the following that is not in compliance with this section and section 3721.30 of the Revised Code and rules adopted thereunder:

(a) A competency evaluation program;

(b) A training and competency evaluation program;

(d) A training program for evaluators for competency evaluation programs.

(2) Deny a request that the director determine any of the following for the purposes of division (B) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code:

(a) That a program completed prior to the dates specified in division (B)(3) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code included a competency evaluation component no less stringent than the competency evaluation programs approved or conducted by the director under this section, and was otherwise comparable to the training and competency evaluation programs being approved under this section;

(b) That an individual satisfies division (B)(5) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code;

(c) That an individual meets the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) or (2) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code.

(C) The director may develop and conduct a competency evaluation program for individuals used by long-term care facilities as nurse aides at any time during the period commencing July 1, 1989, and ending January 1, 1990, and individuals who participate in training and competency evaluation programs conducted in or by long-term care facilities. The director also may conduct other competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs. When conducting competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs, the director may use a nurse aide competency evaluation prepared by a testing service, and may contract with the service to administer the evaluation pursuant to section 3701.044 of the Revised Code.

(D) The director may approve or conduct programs to train instructors and coordinators for training and competency evaluation programs and evaluators for competency evaluation programs. The director may conduct inspections and examinations of those programs that have been approved by the director or for which an application for approval has been submitted, and the sites at which the programs are or will be conducted.

(E) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section and division (C) of section 3721.30 of the Revised Code, the director, in the director's discretion, may decline to approve any competency evaluation programs. The director may require all individuals used by long-term care facilities as nurse aides after June 1, 1990, who have completed a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of this section or who have met the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) or (2) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code to complete a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of this section. The director also may require all individuals used as nurse aides by long-term care facilities after June 1, 1990, who were used by a facility at any time during the period commencing July 1, 1989, and ending January 1, 1990, to complete a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of this section rather than a competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of this section.

(F) The test materials, examinations, or evaluation tools used in any competency evaluation program or training and competency evaluation program that the director conducts or approves under this section are subject to the confidentiality provisions of section 3701.044 of the Revised Code.

(G) The director shall impose fees prescribed by rules adopted under section 3721.30 of the Revised Code for both of the following:

(1) Making application for approval or reapproval of either of the following:

(a) A competency evaluation program or a training and competency evaluation program;

(b) A training program for instructors or coordinators for training and competency evaluation programs, or evaluators for competency evaluation programs;

(2) Participation in any competency evaluation program, training and competency evaluation program, or other program conducted by the director under this section.

Sec. 3721.32. (A) The director of health shall establish a state nurse aide registry listing all individuals who have done any of the following:

(1) Were used by a long-term care facility as nurse aides on a full-time, temporary, per diem, or other basis at any time during the period commencing July 1, 1989, and ending January 1, 1990, and successfully completed, not later than October 1, 1990, a competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or conducted by the director under division (C) of that section;

(2) Successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program approved by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code or met the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) or (2) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code, and, if the training and competency evaluation program or the training, instruction, or education the individual completed in meeting the conditions specified in division ~~(F)~~(F)(1) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code was conducted in or by a long-term care facility, or if the director so required pursuant to division (E) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code, has successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director;

(3) Successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code;

(4) Successfully completed, prior to July 1, 1989, a program that the director has determined under division (B)(3) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code included a competency evaluation component no less stringent than the competency evaluation programs approved or conducted by the director under section 3721.31 of the Revised Code, and was otherwise comparable to the training and competency evaluation program being approved by the director under section 3721.31 of the Revised Code;

(5) Are listed in a nurse aide registry maintained by another state that certifies that its program for training and evaluation of competency of nurse aides complies with Titles XVIII and XIX of the "Social Security Act," 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 U.S.C.A. 301, as amended, or regulations adopted thereunder;

(6) Were found competent, as provided in division (B)(5) of section 3721.28 of the Revised Code, prior to July 1, 1989, after the completion of a course of nurse aide training of at least one hundred hours' duration;

(7) Are enrolled in a prelicensure program of nursing education approved by the board of nursing or by an agency of another state that regulates nursing education, have provided the long-term care facility with a certificate from the program indicating that the individual has successfully completed the courses that teach basic nursing skills including infection control, safety and emergency procedures, and personal care, and have successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (A) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code;

(8) Have the equivalent of twelve months or more of full-time employment in the five years preceding listing in the registry as a hospital aide or orderly and have successfully completed a competency evaluation program conducted by the director under division (C) of section 3721.31 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to the list of individuals required by division (A) of this section, the registry shall include both of the following:

(1) The statement required by section 3721.23 of the Revised Code detailing findings by the director under that section regarding alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident or misappropriation of resident property;

(2) Any statement provided by an individual under section 3721.23 of the Revised Code disputing the director's findings.

Whenever an inquiry is received as to the information contained in the registry concerning an individual about whom a statement required by section 3721.23 of the Revised Code is included in the registry, the director shall disclose the statement or a summary of the statement together with any statement provided by the individual under section 3721.23 or a clear and accurate summary of that statement.

(C) The director may by rule specify additional information that must be provided to the registry by long-term care facilities and persons or government agencies conducting approved competency evaluation programs and training and competency evaluation programs.

(D) Information contained in the registry is a public record for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code, and is subject to inspection and copying under section 1347.08 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4731.11. The "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact" is hereby ratified, enacted into law, and entered into by the state of Ohio as a party to the compact with any other state that has legally joined in the compact as follows:

INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

In order to strengthen access to health care, and in recognition of the advances in the delivery of health care, the member states of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact have allied in common purpose to develop a comprehensive process that complements the existing licensing and regulatory authority of state medical boards, provides a streamlined process that allows physicians to become licensed in multiple states, thereby enhancing the portability of a medical license and ensuring the safety of patients. The Compact creates another pathway for licensure and does not otherwise change a state's existing Medical Practice Act. The Compact also adopts the prevailing standard for licensure and affirms that the practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located at the time of the physician-patient encounter, and therefore, requires the physician to be under the jurisdiction of the state medical board where the patient is located. State medical boards that participate in the Compact retain the jurisdiction to impose an adverse action against a license to practice medicine in that state issued to a physician through the procedures in the Compact.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

In this compact:

(a) "Bylaws" means those bylaws established by the Interstate Commission pursuant to Section 11.

(b) "Commissioner" means the voting representative appointed by each member board pursuant to Section 11.

(c) "Conviction" means a finding by a court that an individual is guilty of a criminal offense through adjudication, or entry of a plea of guilt or no contest to the charge by the offender. Evidence of an entry of a conviction of a criminal offense by the court shall be considered final for purposes of disciplinary action by a member board.

(d) "Expedited License" means a full and unrestricted medical license granted by a member state to an eligible physician through the process set forth in the Compact.

(e) "Interstate Commission" means the interstate commission created pursuant to Section 11.

(f) "License" means authorization by a member state for a physician to engage in the practice of medicine, which would be unlawful without authorization.

(g) "Medical Practice Act" means laws and regulations governing the practice of allopathic and osteopathic medicine within a member state.

(h) "Member Board" means a state agency in a member state that acts in the sovereign interests of the state by protecting the public through licensure, regulation, and education of physicians as directed by the state government.

(i) "Member State" means a state that has enacted the Compact.

(j) "Practice of Medicine" means that clinical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of human disease, injury, or condition requiring a physician to obtain and maintain a license in compliance with the Medical Practice Act of a member state.

(k) "Physician" means any person who:

1) Is a graduate of a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, or a medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory or its equivalent;

2) Passed each component of the United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) within three attempts, or any of its predecessor examinations accepted by a state medical board as an equivalent examination for licensure purposes;

3) Successfully completed graduate medical education approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association;

4) Holds specialty certification or a time-unlimited specialty certificate recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association's Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists;

5) Possesses a full and unrestricted license to engage in the practice of medicine issued by a member board;

6) Has never been convicted, received adjudication, deferred adjudication, community supervision, or deferred disposition for any offense by a court of appropriate jurisdiction;

7) Has never held a license authorizing the practice of medicine subjected to discipline by a licensing agency in any state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction, excluding any action related to non-payment of fees related to a license;

8) Has never had a controlled substance license or permit suspended or revoked by a state or the United States Drug Enforcement Administration; and

9) Is not under active investigation by a licensing agency or law enforcement authority in any state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction.

(l) "Offense" means a felony, gross misdemeanor, or crime of moral turpitude.

(m) "Rule" means a written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated pursuant to Section 12 of the Compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the Compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Interstate Commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule.

(n) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States.

(o) "State of Principal License" means a member state where a physician holds a license to practice medicine and which has been designated as such by the physician for purposes of registration and participation in the Compact.

SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY

(a) A physician must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section 2(k) to receive an expedited license under the terms and provisions of the Compact.

(b) A physician who does not meet the requirements of Section 2(k) may obtain a license to practice medicine in a member state if the individual complies with all laws and requirements, other than the Compact, relating to the issuance of a license to practice medicine in that state.

SECTION 4. DESIGNATION OF STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE

(a) A physician shall designate a member state as the state of principal license for purposes of registration for expedited licensure through the Compact if the physician possesses a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in that state, and the state is:

1) The state of principal residence for the physician, or

2) The state where at least 25% of the practice of medicine occurs, or

3) The location of the physician's employer, or

4) If no state qualifies under subsection (1), subsection (2), or subsection (3), the state designated as state of residence for purpose of federal income tax.

(b) A physician may redesignate a member state as state of principal license at any time, as long as the state meets the requirements of subsection (a).

(c) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules to facilitate redesignation of another member state as the state of principal license.

SECTION 5. APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE OF EXPEDITED LICENSURE

(a) A physician seeking licensure through the Compact shall file an application for an expedited license with the member board of the state selected by the physician as the state of principal license.

(b) Upon receipt of an application for an expedited license, the member board within the state selected as the state of principal license shall evaluate whether the physician is eligible for expedited licensure and issue a letter of qualification, verifying or denying the physician's eligibility, to the Interstate Commission.

1) Static qualifications, which include verification of medical education, graduate medical education, results of any medical or licensing examination, and other qualifications as determined by the Interstate Commission through rule, shall not be subject to additional primary source verification where already primary source verified by the state of principal license.

2) The member board within the state selected as the state of principal license shall, in the course of verifying eligibility, perform a criminal background check of an applicant, including the use of the results of fingerprint or other biometric data checks compliant with the requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the exception of federal employees who have suitability determination in accordance with 5 C.F.R. §731.202.

3) Appeal on the determination of eligibility shall be made to the member state where the application was filed and shall be subject to the law of that state.

(c) Upon verification in subsection (b), physicians eligible for an expedited license shall complete the registration process established by the Interstate Commission to receive a license in a member state selected pursuant to subsection (a), including the payment of any applicable fees.

(d) After receiving verification of eligibility under subsection (b) and any fees under subsection (c), a member board shall issue an expedited license to the physician. This license shall authorize the physician to practice medicine in the issuing state consistent with the Medical Practice Act and all applicable laws and regulations of the issuing member board and member state.

(e) An expedited license shall be valid for a period consistent with the licensure period in the member state and in the same manner as required for other physicians holding a full and unrestricted license within the member state.

(f) An expedited license obtained through the Compact shall be terminated if a physician fails to maintain a license in the state of principal licensure for a non disciplinary reason, without redesignation of a new state of principal licensure.

(g) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules regarding the application process, including payment of any applicable fees, and the issuance of an expedited license.

SECTION 6. FEES FOR EXPEDITED LICENSURE

(a) A member state issuing an expedited license authorizing the practice of medicine in that state may impose a fee for a license issued or renewed through the Compact.

(b) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules regarding fees for expedited licenses.

SECTION 7. RENEWAL AND CONTINUED PARTICIPATION

(a) A physician seeking to renew an expedited license granted in a member state shall complete a renewal process with the Interstate Commission if the physician:

1) Maintains a full and unrestricted license in a state of principal license;

2) Has not been convicted, received adjudication, deferred adjudication, community supervision, or deferred disposition for any offense by a court of appropriate jurisdiction;

3) Has not had a license authorizing the practice of medicine subject to discipline by a licensing agency in any state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction, excluding any action related to non-payment of fees related to a license; and

4) Has not had a controlled substance license or permit suspended or revoked by a state or the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

(b) Physicians shall comply with all continuing professional development or continuing medical education requirements for renewal of a license issued by a member state.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall collect any renewal fees charged for the renewal of a license and distribute the fees to the applicable member board.

(d) Upon receipt of any renewal fees collected in subsection (c), a member board shall renew the physician's license.

(e) Physician information collected by the Interstate Commission during the renewal process will be distributed to all member boards.

(f) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules to address renewal of licenses obtained through the Compact.

SECTION 8. COORDINATED INFORMATION SYSTEM

(a) The Interstate Commission shall establish a database of all physicians licensed, or who have applied for licensure, under Section 5.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, member boards shall report to the Interstate Commission any public action or complaints against a licensed physician who has applied or received an expedited license through the Compact.

(c) Member boards shall report disciplinary or investigatory information determined as necessary and proper by rule of the Interstate Commission.

(d) Member boards may report any non-public complaint, disciplinary, or investigatory information not required by subsection (c) to the Interstate Commission.

(e) Member boards shall share complaint or disciplinary information about a physician upon request of another member board.

(f) All information provided to the Interstate Commission or distributed by member boards shall be confidential, filed under seal, and used only for investigatory or disciplinary matters.

(g) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules for mandated or discretionary sharing of information by member boards.

SECTION 9. JOINT INVESTIGATIONS

(a) Licensure and disciplinary records of physicians are deemed investigative.

(b) In addition to the authority granted to a member board by its respective Medical Practice Act or other applicable state law, a member board may participate with other member boards in joint investigations of physicians licensed by the member boards.

(d) Member boards may share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiate under the Compact.

(e) Any member state may investigate actual or alleged violations of the statutes authorizing the practice of medicine in any other member state in which a physician holds a license to practice medicine.

SECTION 10. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

(a) Any disciplinary action taken by any member board against a physician licensed through the Compact shall be deemed unprofessional conduct which may be subject to discipline by other member boards, in addition to any violation of the Medical Practice Act or regulations in that state.

(b) If a license granted to a physician by the member board in the state of principal license is revoked, surrendered or relinquished in lieu of discipline, or suspended, then all licenses issued to the physician by member boards shall automatically be placed, without further action necessary by any member board, on the same status. If the member board in the state of principal license subsequently reinstates the physician's license, a license issued to the physician by any other member board shall remain encumbered until that respective member board takes action to reinstate the license in a manner consistent with the Medical Practice Act of that state.

(c) If disciplinary action is taken against a physician by a member board not in the state of principal license, any other member board may deem the action conclusive as to matter of law and fact decided, and:

1) Impose the same or lesser sanction(s) against the physician so long as such sanctions are consistent with the Medical Practice Act of that state; or

2) Pursue separate disciplinary action against the physician under its respective Medical Practice Act, regardless of the action taken in other member states.

(d) If a license granted to a physician by a member board is revoked, surrendered or relinquished in lieu of discipline, or suspended, then any license(s) issued to the physician by any other member board(s) shall be suspended, automatically and immediately without further action necessary by the other member board(s), for ninety (90) days upon entry of the order by the disciplining board, to permit the member board(s) to investigate the basis for the action under the Medical Practice Act of that state. A member board may terminate the automatic suspension of the license it issued prior to the completion of the ninety (90) day suspension period in a manner consistent with the Medical Practice Act of that state.

SECTION 11. INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT COMMISSION

(a) The member states hereby create the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission".

(b) The purpose of the Interstate Commission is the administration of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which is a discretionary state function.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth in the Compact, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of the Compact.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall consist of two voting representatives appointed by each member state who shall serve as Commissioners. In states where allopathic and osteopathic physicians are regulated by separate member boards, or if the licensing and disciplinary authority is split between separate member boards, or if the licensing and disciplinary authority is split between multiple member boards within a member state, the member state shall appoint one representative from each member board. A Commissioner shall be a(n):

1) Allopathic or osteopathic physician appointed to a member board;

2) Executive director, executive secretary, or similar executive of a member board; or

3) Member of the public appointed to a member board.

(e) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. A portion of this meeting shall be a business meeting to address such matters as may properly come before the Commission, including the election of officers. The chairperson may call additional meetings and shall call for a meeting upon the request of a majority of the member states.

(f) The bylaws may provide for meetings of the Interstate Commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication.

(g) Each Commissioner participating at a meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of Commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission. A Commission shall not delegate a vote to another Commissioner. In the absence of its Commissioner, a member state may delegate voting authority for a specified meeting to another person from that state who shall meet the requirements of subsection (d).

(h) The Interstate Commission shall provide public notice of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public. The Interstate Commission may close a meeting, in full or in portion, where it determines by a two-thirds vote of the Commissioners present that an open meeting would be likely to:

1) Relate solely to the internal personnel practice and procedures of the Interstate Commission;

2) Discuss matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal statute;

3) Discuss trade secrets, commercial, or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

4) Involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person;

5) Discuss information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

6) Discuss investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; or

7) Specifically relate to the participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.

(i) The Interstate Commission shall keep minutes which shall fully describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, including record of any roll call votes.

(j) The Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records, to the extent not otherwise designated in the Compact or by its rules, available to the public for inspection.

(k) The Interstate Commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include officers, members, and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission, with the exception of rulemaking, during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session. When acting on behalf of the Interstate Commission, the executive committee shall oversee the administration of the Compact including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the Compact, its bylaws and rules, and other such duties as necessary.

(l) The Interstate Commission shall establish other committees for governance and administration of the Compact.

SECTION 12. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(a) Oversee and maintain the administration of the Compact;

(b) Promulgate rules which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Compact;

(c) Issue, upon the request of a member state or member board, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the Compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions;

(d) Enforce compliance with Compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process;

(e) Establish and appoint committees including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Section 11, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties;

(f) Pay, or provide for the payment of the expenses related to the establishment, organization, and ongoing activities of the Interstate Commission;

(g) Establish and maintain one or more offices;

(h) Borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel;

(i) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

(j) Employ an executive director who shall have such powers to employ, select or appoint employees, agents, or consultants, and to determine their qualifications, define their duties, and fix their compensation;

(k) Establish personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel;

(l) Accept donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it in a manner consistent with the conflict of interest policies established by the Interstate Commission;

(m) Lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed;

(n) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;

(o) Establish a budget and make expenditures;

(p) Adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission;

(q) Report annually to the legislatures and governors of the member states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include reports of financial audits and any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission;

(r) Coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the Compact, its implementation, and its operation;

(s) Maintain records in accordance with the bylaws;

(t) Seek and obtain trademarks, copyrights, and patents; and

(u) Perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purpose of the Compact.

SECTION 13. FINANCE POWERS

(a) The Interstate Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff. The total assessment must be sufficient to cover the annual budget approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall not pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by, and with the authority of, the member state.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall be subject to a yearly financial audit conducted by a certified or licensed accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

SECTION 14. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(a) The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of Commissioners present and voting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Compact within twelve (12) months of the first Interstate Commission meeting.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall elect or appoint annually from among its Commissioners a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson, or in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice-chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission.

(d) The officers and employees of the Interstate Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of, or relating to, an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.

(e) The liability of the executive director and employees of the Interstate Commission or representatives of the Interstate Commission, acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person's state, may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. The Interstate Commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purpose of any such action. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.

(f) The Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director, its employees, and subject to the approval of the attorney general or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an Interstate Commission representative, shall defend such Interstate Commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.

(g) To the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the Interstate Commission, the representatives or employees of the Interstate Commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgement, including attorney's fees and costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of the Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.

SECTION 15. RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(a) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Interstate Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the Compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Interstate Commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.

(b) Rules deemed appropriate for the operations of the Interstate Commission shall be made pursuant to a rulemaking process that substantially conforms to the "Model State Administrative Procedure Act" of 2010, and subsequent amendments thereto.

(c) Not later than thirty (30) days after a rule is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices, provided that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the Interstate Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the authority granted to the Interstate Commission.

SECTION 16. OVERSIGHT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT

(a) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce the Compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of the Compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law but shall not override existing state authority to regulate the practice of medicine.

(b) All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of the Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Interstate Commission.

(c) The Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive all services of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Interstate Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Interstate Commission, the Compact, or promulgated rules.

SECTION 17. ENFORCEMENT OF INTERSTATE COMPACT

(a) The Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of the Compact.

(b) The Interstate Commission may, by majority vote of the Commissioners, initiate legal action in the United States Court for the District of Columbia, or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact, and its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member state in default. The relief sought may including both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney's fees.

(c) The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or regulation of a profession.

SECTION 18. DEFAULT PROCEDURES

(a) The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a member state to perform such obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by the Compact, or the rules and bylaws of the Interstate Commission promulgated under the Compact.

(b) If the Interstate Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under the Compact, or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission shall:

1) Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states, of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default, and any action taken by the Interstate Commission. The Interstate Commission shall specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default; and

2) Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.

(c) If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Commissioners and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by the Compact shall terminate on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default.

(d) Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to terminate shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and each of the member states.

(e) The Interstate Commission shall establish rules and procedures to address licenses and physicians that are materially impacted by the termination of a member state, or the withdrawal of a member state.

(f) The member state which has been terminated is responsible for all due, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

(g) The Interstate Commission shall not bear any costs relating to any state that has been found to be in default or which has been terminated from the Compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state.

(h) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the Interstate Commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney's fees.

SECTION 19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(a) The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes which are subject to the Compact and which may arise among member states or member boards.

(b) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate rules providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution as appropriate.

SECTION 20. MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT

(a) Any state is eligible to become a member of the Compact.

(b) The Compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the Compact into law by no less than seven (7) states. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding on a state upon enactment of the Compact into law by that state.

(c) The governors of non-member states, or their designees, shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a non-voting basis prior to adoption of the Compact by all states.

(d) The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the Compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.

SECTION 21. WITHDRAWAL

(a) Once effective, the Compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every member state; provided that a member state may withdraw from the Compact by specifically repealing the statute which enacted the Compact into law.

(b) Withdrawal from the Compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until one (1) year after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other member state.

(c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing the Compact in the withdrawing state.

(d) The Interstate Commission shall notify the other member states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty (60) days of its receipt of notice provided under subsection (c).

(e) The withdrawing state is responsible for all dues, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

(f) Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing date reenacting the Compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.

(g) The Interstate Commission is authorized to develop rules to address the impact of the withdrawal of a member state on licenses granted in other member states to physicians who designated the withdrawing member state as the state of principal license.

SECTION 22. DISSOLUTION

(a) The Compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state which reduces the membership of the Compact to one (1) member state.

(b) Upon the dissolution of the Compact, the Compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded, and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

SECTION 23. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION

(a) The provisions of the Compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the Compact shall be enforceable.

(b) The provisions of the Compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

(c) Nothing in the Compact shall be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the member states are members.

SECTION 24. BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

(a) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the Compact.

(b) All laws in a member state in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

(c) All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the member states.

(d) All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.

(e) In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

Sec. 4731.111. Not later than thirty days after the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact" is entered into under section 4731.11 of the Revised Code, the state medical board, in accordance with section 11 of the compact, shall select two individuals to serve as commissioners to the interstate medical licensure compact commission created under the compact. The board shall fill any vacancy in either or both of the positions not later than thirty days after such a vacancy occurs.

Sec. 4731.112. As part of performing a criminal background check of an applicant as set forth in section 5(b)(2) of the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact" entered into under section 4731.11 of the Revised Code, the state medical board may require the applicant to comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code.

Section 2. That existing sections 3721.28, 3721.31, and 3721.32 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section 3. All items in this act are hereby appropriated as designated out of any moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the designated fund. For all operating appropriations made in this act, those in the first column are for fiscal year 2022 and those in the second column are for fiscal year 2023. The operating appropriations made in this act are in addition to any other operating appropriations made for the FY 2022-FY 2023 biennium.

Section 4.

	1	2	3	4	5
A	MED STATE MEDICAL BOARD
B	Dedicated Purpose Fund Group
C	5C60	883609	Operating Expenses	$140,000	$0
D	TOTAL DPF Dedicated Purpose Fund Group			$140,000	$0
E	TOTAL ALL BUDGET FUND GROUPS			$140,000	$0

Section 5. Within the limits set forth in this act, the Director of Budget and Management shall establish accounts indicating the 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 operating appropriations contained in this act shall be accounted for as though made in the main operating appropriations act of the 134th General Assembly. The operating appropriations made in this act are subject to all provisions of the main operating appropriations act of the 134th General Assembly that are generally applicable to such appropriations.

Section 6. Not later than one year after the effective date of this section, the State Medical Board shall begin accepting and evaluating applications for expedited licenses and issuing expedited licenses in accordance with the "Interstate Medical Licensure Compact" entered into under section 4731.11 of the Revised Code.