Section 5101.621 | Memorandum of understanding related to responsibilities in cases of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Effective: March 20, 2019
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 158 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Each county department of job and family services shall prepare a memorandum of understanding that is signed by all of the following:

(1) The director of the county department of job and family services;

(2) If the county department has entered into an agreement or contract with a private or government entity pursuant to section 5101.652 of the Revised Code, the director of the entity;

(3) The county peace officer;

(4) The chief peace officer of the largest municipality within the county;

(5) Other law enforcement officers handling adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases in the county;

(6) The prosecuting attorney of the county;

(7) The coroner of the county.

(B) The memorandum of understanding shall set forth the procedures to be followed by the persons listed in division (A) of this section in the execution of their respective responsibilities related to cases of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The memorandum of understanding shall establish all of the following:

(1) An interdisciplinary team to coordinate efforts related to the prevention, reporting, and treatment of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults;

(2) The roles and responsibilities for handling cases that have been referred by the county department to another agency pursuant to section 5101.64 of the Revised Code;

(3) The roles and responsibilities for filing criminal charges against persons alleged to have abused, neglected, or exploited adults.

Failure to follow the procedure set forth in the memorandum of understanding is not grounds for, and shall not result in, the dismissal of any charge or complaint arising from a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation or the suppression of any evidence obtained as a result of a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and does not give any rights or grounds for appeal or post-conviction relief to any person.

(C) The memorandum of understanding may, in addition, be signed by any of the following persons who are also members of the interdisciplinary team described in division (B)(1) of this section:

(1) A representative of the area agency on aging, as defined in section 173.14 of the Revised Code;

(2) A representative of the regional long-term care ombudsman program;

(3) A representative of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services;

(4) A representative of the board of health of a city or general health district;

(5) A representative of the county board of developmental disabilities;

(6) A representative of a victim assistance program;

(7) A representative of a local housing authority;

(8) Any other person whose participation furthers the goals of the memorandum of understanding.

Available Versions of this Section

• September 29, 2015 – House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly
• March 20, 2019 – Amended by Senate Bill 158 - 132nd General Assembly