Ohio Code 5123.21 – Transfers
The director of developmental disabilities may transfer or authorize the transfer of an involuntary resident or a consenting voluntary resident from one public institution to another or to an institution other than a public institution or other facility, if the director determines that it would be consistent with the habilitation needs of the resident to do so.
Terms Used In Ohio Code 5123.21
- Another: when used to designate the owner of property which is the subject of an offense, includes not only natural persons but also every other owner of property. See Ohio Code 1.02
- Court: means the probate division of the court of common pleas. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- 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.
- Habilitation: means the process by which the staff of the institution assists the resident in acquiring and maintaining those life skills that enable the resident to cope more effectively with the demands of the resident's own person and of the resident's environment and in raising the level of the resident's physical, mental, social, and vocational efficiency. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- Institution: means a public or private facility, or a part of a public or private facility, that is licensed by the appropriate state department and is equipped to provide residential habilitation, care, and treatment for persons with intellectual disabilities. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- Managing officer: means a person who is appointed by the director of developmental disabilities to be in executive control of an institution under the jurisdiction of the department of developmental disabilities. See Ohio Code 5123.01
- Person: includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, and association. See Ohio Code 1.59
- Resident: means , subject to division (T)(2) of this section, a person who is admitted either voluntarily or involuntarily to an institution or other facility pursuant to section 2945. See Ohio Code 5123.01
Before an involuntary resident may be transferred to a more restrictive setting, the managing officer of the institution shall file a motion with the court requesting the court to amend its order of placement issued under section 5123.76 of the Revised Code. At the resident’s request, the court shall hold a hearing on the motion at which the resident has the same rights as at a full hearing under section 5123.76 of the Revised Code.
Whenever a resident is transferred, the director shall give written notice of the transfer to the resident’s legal guardian, parents, spouse, and counsel, or, if none is known, to the resident’s nearest known relative or friend. If the resident is a minor, the director before making such a transfer shall make a minute of the order for the transfer and the reason for it upon its record and shall send a certified copy at least seven days prior to the transfer to the person shown by its record to have had the care or custody of the minor immediately prior to the minor’s commitment. Whenever a consenting voluntary resident is transferred, the notification shall be given only at the resident’s request. The managing officer shall advise a voluntary resident who is being transferred that the patient may decide if such a notification shall be given. In all such transfers, due consideration shall be given to the relationship of the resident to the resident’s family, legal guardian, or friends, so as to maintain relationships and encourage visits beneficial to the resident.