This transmittal outlines procedures for obtaining a state medical consultant for cases involving alleged withholding of appropriate nutrition, hydration, medication, or medically indicated treatment (herein after referred to as "alleged withholding") from a disabled infant with life threatening conditions as referenced in Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:2-35-77.
OBTAINING A MEDICAL CONSULTANT
Upon receipt of a report of alleged withholding, the PCSA shall contact the Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS) Children's Protective Services (CPS) Section in order to: (1) review information obtained from the reporter and the health care facility designee; and (2) obtain the name and telephone number of the medical consultant. The following procedures shall be used:
(A)When reports are received Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., the PCSA shall call ODHS at (614) 466-9824 and request to speak with staff designated to respond to such reports.
(B)When reports are received outside of normal business hours, the PCSA shall contact any one of the staff persons designated by ODHS at their home. A list of designated staff persons and their home phone numbers is attached.
(C)The PCSA shall provide all information obtained from the reporter and the health care facility designee to the ODHS designee.
(D)When the ODHS designee has indicated that the report constitutes an alleged of the withholding, the PCSA will be provided with the names and telephone numbers of three medical consultants.
(E)The PCSA shall be responsible for contacting the first medical consultant given by ODHS within one hour of receipt of the report. If this person cannot be reached, the second or third medical consultant shall be contacted. When the PCSA is unable to contact any of the three medical consultants, another call shall be placed to the ODHS designee to request additional names of medical consultants.
(F)When calling the medical consultant, the PCSA may request assistance in conducting required interviews; telephone consultation; medical case review; on-site review of the case; medical examination of the child, or court testimony. The medical consultant may be contacted at any point in the PCSA investigation process, following the initial contact.