Am. Sub. S.B. No. 258 Summary

• Enters Ohio into the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to regulate telepsychology practice and temporary in-person psychology services across state lines.

• Modifies competency evaluation procedures in criminal cases by allowing evaluations to be conducted through electronic means and establishing time limits for treatment based on offense severity (ranging from 30 days to 1 year).

• Changes massage therapy licensing requirements to allow individuals licensed under various health professions (nursing, medicine, chiropractic, occupational therapy, etc.) to provide massage therapy within their scope of practice, eliminating separate massage therapist licensing requirements.

• Establishes standardized affidavit forms and procedures for civil commitment of mentally ill persons subject to court order, with special provisions for defendants found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity.

• Creates notification requirements between probate courts and criminal courts regarding termination of jurisdiction over defendants in mental health commitment proceedings.