Section 5119.93. [Renumbered from 3793.34] Initiation of proceedings; petition

(A) A person may initiate proceedings for treatment for an individual suffering from alcohol and other drug abuse by filing a verified petition in the probate court and paying a filing fee in the same amount, if any, that is charged for the filing under section 5122.11 of the Revised Code of an affidavit seeking the hospitalization of a person. The petition and all subsequent court documents shall be entitled: "In the interest of (name of respondent)." A spouse, relative, or guardian of the individual concerning whom the petition is filed shall file the petition.

(B) A petition filed under division (A) of this section shall set forth all of the following:

(1) The petitioner's relationship to the respondent;

(2) The respondent's name, residence address, and current location, if known;

(3) The name and residence of the respondent's parents, if living and if known, or of the respondent's legal guardian, if any and if known;

(4) The name and residence of the respondent's spouse, if any and if known;

(5) The name and residence of the person having custody of the respondent, if any, or if no such person is known, the name and residence of a near relative or a statement that the person is unknown;

(6) The petitioner's belief, including the factual basis for the belief, that the respondent is suffering from alcohol and other drug abuse and presents an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others if not treated for alcohol or other drug abuse.

(C)

(1) Any petition filed pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be accompanied by a certificate of a physician who has examined the respondent within two days prior to the day that the petition is filed in the probate court. The physician shall be authorized to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code. The physician's certificate shall set forth the physician's findings in support of the need to treat the respondent for alcohol or other drug abuse. The certificate shall indicate if the respondent presents an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others if not treated. Further, the certificate shall indicate the type and length of treatment required and if the respondent can reasonably benefit from treatment. If the physician's certificate indicates that inpatient treatment is required, the certificate shall identify any inpatient facilities known to the physician that are able and willing to provide the recommended inpatient treatment.

If the respondent refuses to undergo an examination with a physician concerning the respondent's possible need for treatment for alcohol or other drug abuse, the petition shall state that the respondent has refused all requests made by the petitioner to undergo a physician's examination. In that case, the petitioner shall not be required to provide a physician's certificate with the petition.

(2) Any petition filed pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall contain a statement that the petitioner has arranged for treatment of the respondent. Further, the petition shall be accompanied by a statement from the person or facility who has agreed to provide the treatment that verifies that the person or facility has agreed to provide the treatment and the estimated cost of the treatment.

(D) Any petition filed pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section shall be accompanied by both of the following:

(1) A security deposit to be deposited with the clerk of the probate court that will cover half of the estimated cost of treatment of the respondent;

(2) A guarantee, signed by the petitioner or another person authorized to file the petition obligating the guarantor to pay the costs of the examinations of the respondent conducted by the physician and qualified health professional under division (B)(5) of section 5119.94 of the Revised Code, the costs of the respondent that are associated with a hearing conducted in accordance with section 5119.94 of the Revised Code and that the court determines to be appropriate, and the costs of any treatment ordered by the court.

Renumbered from § 3793.34 by 130th General Assembly File No. 25, HB 59, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2013.

Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.65, SB 117, §1, eff. 3/22/2012.