OH HB602

Each public hospital must designate at least five percent of its inpatient capacity for persons seeking voluntary admission under section 5122.02 of the Revised Code, with capacity available either immediately or within twenty-four hours of request.

Persons admitted to the designated capacity may receive up to twenty-four hours of stabilization and up to seventy-two hours for observation, diagnosis, care, or treatment, as determined appropriate by the hospital's chief clinical officer.

The requirement does not apply if the public hospital is at capacity and critical patients need care during a public health emergency, mass casualty event, or similar emergency.

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall review the license of any public hospital alleged to violate this section and require submission of a correction plan.

The Department may take further action under section 5119.33 of the Revised Code after a correction plan is submitted.