Section 173.24. Protection for disciplinary or retaliatory action

(A) As used in this section, "employee" and "employer" have the same meanings as in section 4113.51 of the Revised Code.

(B) An employee providing information to or participating in good faith in registering a complaint with the office of the state long-term care ombudsman program or participating in the investigation of a complaint or in administrative or judicial proceedings resulting from a complaint registered with the office shall have the full protection against disciplinary or retaliatory action provided by division (G) of section 3721.17 and by sections 4113.51 to 4113.53 of the Revised Code.

(C) No long-term care provider, person employed by a long-term care provider, other entity, or employee of such other entity shall subject any resident or recipient to any form of retaliation, reprisal, discipline, or discrimination for providing information to the office or for participating in registering a complaint with the office, in the investigation of a complaint or in administrative or judicial proceedings resulting from a complaint registered with the office. Retaliatory actions include, but are not limited to, physical, mental, or verbal abuse; change of room assignment; the withholding of services; and failure to provide care in a timely manner.

Effective Date: 06-12-1990