Source: State of Ohio Medical Board
On December 20, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill (SB) 109 into law, which enables the State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) to hold licensees accountable when they engage in sexual misconduct or commit sexual crimes.
SB 109 took effect on March 21, 2025, and makes many changes to Ohio law.
Key Changes:
- Board licensees must report known or suspected criminal conduct or sexual misconduct of another Board licensee within 30 days. Anyone, including Board licensees, can be charged with failure to report a crime in instances when an individual knows a licensed medical provider has committed a sexual offense against a patient.
- Board licensees are now required to self-report criminal charges within 30 days of being filed.
- Board licensees may be required to provide written disclosure to patients if they are placed on probation related to sexual misconduct or patient harm.
- Board licensees may be issued a summary suspension if charged with a felony and the conduct charged constitutes a disciplinary violation under Ohio law.
- Healthcare facilities must report a formal disciplinary action, including for sexual misconduct, taken against a Medical Board licensee within 30 days of it being imposed.
- Healthcare facilities and professional associations are required to report a licensee’s violation of Board law or rule within 30 days.
In addition to these changes, SB 109 makes significant changes to Ohio’s criminal code and the State Medical Board of Ohio’s (SMBO) regulatory operations.
To learn more about all of the changes implemented, view SB 109. The SMBO has also created a Frequently Asked Questions, a resource page , and a virtual training on this new law.