The bill seeks to amend the Ohio Revised Code by renaming the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board to the Behavioral Health Professionals Board, thereby broadening its focus to encompass a wider range of mental health services. It mandates the new board to certify peer supporters and qualified mental health professionals, reflecting a modernized approach to behavioral health regulation. The legislation also introduces new definitions and requirements for professionals in the field, ensuring alignment with contemporary practices, and repeals section 4758.52, which is considered unnecessary. Throughout the bill, references to "chemical dependency" are replaced with "behavioral health," emphasizing a more comprehensive understanding of mental health and addiction services.

In addition to the name change, the bill establishes new standards for telehealth services, ensuring they are equivalent to in-person consultations, and outlines specific requirements for initial patient visits before prescribing controlled substances. It also introduces provisions for healthcare professionals to earn continuing education credits through volunteer work, updates terminology related to substance use disorder counseling, and sets forth new qualifications for various mental health certifications. The bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing behavioral health professionals, ensuring equitable treatment within the licensing process and maintaining confidentiality in investigations related to the board's activities. Overall, the legislation reflects a commitment to improving access to mental health services and supporting the ongoing evolution of the behavioral health field in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 107.56, 126.42, 340.04, 4743.09, 4745.04, 4757.41, 4758.01, 4758.02, 4758.03, 4758.10, 4758.11, 4758.12, 4758.13, 4758.15, 4758.16, 4758.17, 4758.20, 4758.21, 4758.22, 4758.221, 4758.23, 4758.24, 4758.25, 4758.26, 4758.27, 4758.28, 4758.29, 4758.30, 4758.31, 4758.32, 4758.35, 4758.36, 4758.39, 4758.40, 4758.41, 4758.42, 4758.43, 4758.44, 4758.45, 4758.46, 4758.47, 4758.48, 4758.51, 4758.54, 4758.55, 4758.56, 4758.57, 4758.59, 4758.62, 4758.63, 4758.64, 4758.70, 4758.72, 4776.01, 4776.20, 5119.94, 5122.15, 4758.52