(A) The Ohio occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic trainers board shall appoint an orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics advisory council for the purpose of advising the board on issues relating to the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics and the investigation of complaints regarding the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.

The advisory council shall consist of not more than five individuals knowledgeable in the area of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. A majority of the council members shall be individuals actively engaged in the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics who meet the requirements for licensure under Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code.

The Ohio orthotics and prosthetics association, or its successor organization, may nominate the names of up to three qualified individuals for consideration by the board in making appointments for each vacancy on the council.

(B) Not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section, the board shall make initial appointments to the council. Members shall serve three-year staggered terms of office in accordance with rules adopted by the board. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. A council member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until a successor is appointed and takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Each council member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed.

(C) With approval from the director of administrative services, members may receive an amount fixed under division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day the member is performing the member's official duties and be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing those duties.

(D) The council shall meet at least four times per year and at such other times as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

(E) The council shall submit to the board recommendations concerning all of the following:

(1) Requirements for issuing a license to practice orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics, including the educational and experience requirements that must be met to receive a license;

(2) Existing and proposed rules pertaining to the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics and the administration and enforcement of this chapter;

(3) Standards for the approval of educational programs required to qualify for licensure and continuing education programs for licensure renewal;

(4) Procedures for the issuance and renewal of licenses;

(5) Fees for the issuance and renewal of a license to practice orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics;

(6) Standards of practice and ethical conduct in the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics;

(7) Complaints concerning alleged violation of Chapter 4779. of the Revised Code or grounds for the suspension, revocation, refusal to issue, or issuance of probationary licenses;

(8) The safe and effective practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.

Added by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 49, §130.11, eff. 1/21/2018.