Bill > HB566

This bill, named the Break the Silence Act, requires the Ohio Director of Health to develop comprehensive protocols for health care professionals in hospitals and urgent care facilities to identify, address, and support patients experiencing domestic violence. The bill defines health care professionals broadly, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, mental health assistants, and various medical staff performing patient assessments. The protocols mandate that these professionals: identify potential domestic violence victims during medical screenings, conduct separate interviews with patients and family members, document patient injuries with detailed medical records and photographs when possible, and provide patients with referral lists for community support services like domestic violence shelters, legal services, and hotlines. Additionally, the bill requires the Director of Health to develop and offer training within one year to health care professionals on recognizing domestic violence and supporting victims, with the training to be developed by an organization experienced in domestic violence victim advocacy. The bill applies to various types of healthcare facilities, including general hospitals, mental health hospitals, and urgent care centers, and requires these facilities to adopt domestic violence response protocols within 90 days of the act's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb566