A person who, in good faith, relies on or takes action in reliance on a power of attorney created under section 3109.52 of the Revised Code is immune from any criminal or civil liability for injury, death, or loss to persons or property that might otherwise be incurred or imposed solely as a result of the person’s reliance or action. The person is not subject to any disciplinary action from an entity that licenses or certifies the person.

Terms Used In Ohio Code 3109.61

  • Child: includes child by adoption. See Ohio Code 1.59
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, and association. See Ohio Code 1.59
  • Power of attorney: A written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney. The power of attorney may be for a definite, specific act, or it may be general in nature. The terms of the written power of attorney may specify when it will expire. If not, the power of attorney usually expires when the person granting it dies. Source: OCC
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Ohio Code 1.59

Any medical, psychological, or dental treatment provided to a child in reliance on a power of attorney created under section 3109.52 of the Revised Code shall be considered to have been provided in good faith if the person providing the treatment had no actual knowledge of opposition by the parent, guardian, or custodian.

This section does not provide immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person for actions that are wanton, reckless, or inconsistent with the ordinary standard of care required to be exercised by anyone acting in the same capacity as the person.