Section 4778.21. Practice without a license

The attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of any county in which the offense was committed or the offender resides, the state medical board, or any other person having knowledge of a person engaged either directly or by complicity in practicing as a genetic counselor without having first obtained under this chapter a license to practice as a genetic counselor, may, in accordance with provisions of the Revised Code governing injunctions, maintain an action in the name of the state to enjoin any person from engaging either directly or by complicity in unlawfully practicing as a genetic counselor by applying for an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Prior to application for an injunction, the secretary of the state medical board shall notify the individual allegedly engaged either directly or by complicity in the unlawful practice by registered mail that the secretary has received information indicating that this individual is so engaged. The individual shall answer the secretary within thirty days showing that the individual is either properly licensed for the stated activity or that the individual is not in violation of this chapter. If the answer is not forthcoming within thirty days after notice by the secretary, the secretary shall request that the attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the offense was committed or the offender resides, or the state medical board proceed as authorized in this section.

Upon the filing of a verified petition in court, the court shall conduct a hearing on the petition and shall give the same preference to this proceeding as is given all proceedings under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, irrespective of the position of the proceeding on the calendar of the court.

Injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this chapter.

Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.120, HB 292, §1, eff. 9/6/2012.