4731.34 Unauthorized practice. - Ohio Statutes

4731.34 Unauthorized practice.

(A) A person shall be regarded as practicing medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, within the meaning of this chapter, who does any of the following:

(1) Uses the words or letters, “Dr.,” “Doctor,” “M.D.,” “physician,” “D.O.,” “D.P.M.,” or any other title in connection with the person’s name in any way that represents the person as engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, in any of its branches;

(2) Advertises, solicits, or represents in any way that the person is practicing medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, in any of its branches;

(3) In person or, regardless of the person’s location, through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, does any of the following:

(a) Examines or diagnoses for compensation of any kind, direct or indirect;

(b) Prescribes, advises, recommends, administers, or dispenses for compensation of any kind, direct or indirect, a drug or medicine, appliance, mold or cast, application, operation, or treatment, of whatever nature, for the cure or relief of a wound, fracture or bodily injury, infirmity, or disease.

(B) The treatment of human ills through prayer alone by a practitioner of the Christian Science church, in accordance with the tenets and creed of such church, shall not be regarded as the practice of medicine, provided that sanitary and public health laws shall be complied with, no practices shall be used that may be dangerous or detrimental to life or health, and no person shall be denied the benefits of accepted medical and surgical practices.

(C) The use of words, letters, or titles in any connection or under any circumstances as to induce the belief that the person who uses them is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, in any of its branches, is prima-facie evidence of the intent of such person to represent the person as engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery, in any of its branches.

Effective Date: 04-10-2001