This letter transmits an amendment to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 5101:2-33-70.  This rule will be effective 10/1/2022.  The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC 5101:2-33-70 entitled Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Access provides guidance to agencies on how to obtain access to Ohio SACWIS and details what information is to be entered into SACWIS. Additionally, the rule states who may be granted access to Ohio SACWIS, and the responsibility of those with access to maintain confidentiality of the information within Ohio SACWIS.

Requirements were added for data entry into the residential treatment information system (RTIS) within Ohio SACWIS. Ohio START staff were also given permission to access Ohio SACWIS for the purpose of program implementation. The rule also prohibits employees or contractors from entering or viewing data when a conflict of interest exists. The rule also allows for a corrective action plan to be put in place if it is found that there has been a violation of the rule and the JFS 07078 "Code of Responsibility."  Additionally, language allowing the Ombudsman office to be granted access to Ohio SACWIS was added to implement this program that was established by Substitute House Bill 4 of the 134th General Assembly (HB 4), as signed on February 28, 2022, and effective May 30, 2022. Lastly the new title of this rule is Ohio Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) Access.

INSTRUCTIONS:  The following chart indicates the material that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the materials that are to be inserted in the FCASM.