Ohio

Overview

Ohio identifies supported decision-making in a statute concerning nondiscrimination in organ transplantation. Ohio has pending legislation that would establish supported decision-making as a nonrestrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities. We are not aware of any case law denying petitions for guardianship (or terminating existing guardianships) in favor of supported decision-making.

Guardianship Laws

View Information

Ohio. Rev. Code. Ann. 2111.10 to .51; 5123.55 to .59

Supported Decision-Making

State Legislation

Enacted

H.B. 332, 132nd Gen. Assem., Reg. Sess. (Ohio 2017)
- Description: Incorporates “SDM Services” in the medical context with respect to non-discrimination in access to organ transplantation. However, the listed definition of “SDM Services” does not correspond with the true concept of SDM (e.g., focuses on communications with substitute decision-makers)
- Status: Effective September 28, 2018

Pending

S.B. 213, 135th Gen. Assem. (Ohio 2023)
- Description: Establishing supported decision-making as a nonrestrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Status: Referred to Judiciary committe on January 24, 2024.
S.B. 213, 135th Gen. Assem. (Ohio 2023)
- Description: Establishing supported decision-making as a nonrestrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Status: The bill remains in committee with no current action as of July 2025.

Previously Introduced

None found