Thompson v. Community Mental Health Centers of Warren County, Inc.

The question certified by the court of appeals is “ * * * whether the term ‘malpractice’ should, for purposes of determining the statute of limitations set forth in R.C. 2305.11(A), be defined narrowly as at common law or broadly to encompass other types of professional negligence.” The issue we decide is whether the negligent acts of a nonphysician who provides mental health care constitute malpractice under R.C. 2305.11(A).

It is well-established common law of Ohio that malpractice is limited to the negligence of physicians and attorneys. Thirty years ago we recognized the distinction…