Question:
Can CMAs in Ohio sign off with another CMA to destroy narcotics in an Assisted Living community?
Answer:
No. Even though CMAs in Ohio Assisted Living communities are permitted to administer controlled substances, they cannot sign off on the destruction or wasting of narcotics. Controlled substance destruction falls under drug accountability rules, which are governed by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, not the CMA regulations.
CMA authority is limited to medication administration under OAC 4723‑27. Narcotic destruction is a separate regulated act that requires two licensed individuals, such as:
CMAs are not licensed clinicians, and therefore cannot legally witness, verify, or co‑sign the disposal of controlled substances — either with another CMA or with a nurse.
Bottom line:
CMAs may administer controlled substances in Ohio Assisted Living communities, but they cannot participate in or sign off on narcotic waste or destruction. Only licensed nursing personnel may do so.
Question:
We have a private pay resident that is transitioning to the Medicaid Waiver program. Do we need to move this resident to a Medicaid certified room for them to be considered for approval for the waiver?
Answer:
No, Ohio's Assisted Living Waiver allows an existing private-pay resident in an RCF to transition to waiver status if the resident becomes eligible, and a designated waiver unit is available. The rules are generally structured around the availability of an approved/designated unit, not around a requirement that the resident must have already been occupying a Medicaid-certified unit before becoming waiver eligible.
In the drop down, you will choose ANTHEM BCBS (OHIO MYCARE).
What can we as an RCF charge for record requests?
Answer:
MEDICAL RECORD ACCESS REQUIREMENTS (OHIO LAW)
1. Turnaround Time
Ohio law requires facilities to provide medical records “within a reasonable time.” The statute does not specify an exact number of days, but Ohio providers and legal guidance consistently interpret this as within 30 days, consistent with HIPAA.
Policy language: Records must be provided within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days.
2. Fees for Medical Records
Statute: ORC 3701.714 (current law)
Ohio uses two different fee systems depending on who is requesting the records.
A. When the Resident, Personal Representative, or POA Requests the Records
Statute: ORC 3701.714(B)(1)(a) and (b)
These individuals do not pay the higher “third‑party” fee schedule.
Instead, the law requires:
Maximum per‑page caps for residents/POA (paper records):
Summary: Residents and their representatives pay HIPAA cost‑based fees, capped by Ohio’s per‑page limits, with a $50 maximum for electronic records.
B. When a Third Party Requests the Records
(Examples: attorneys, insurance companies, outside agencies) Statute: ORC 3701.714(B)(2)
Third parties pay the full Ohio fee schedule, which includes:
Summary: Third parties pay the statutory search fee plus the full per‑page schedule.
C. Required Free Copies
Statute: ORC 3701.714(C)
Facilities must provide one free copy of the medical record when requested by:
3. Applicability to Assisted Living and SNFs
Both ORC 3701.74 (turnaround time) and ORC 3701.714 (fees) apply to all health care providers, including:
There is no separate statute for SNFs. The requirements are identical for both settings.
4. Summary for Policy