Rule Numbers
The rule-numbering system is the practical means by which the Ohio Administrative Code is organized. All rules must be numbered in conformity with the numbering system. A rule number is comprised of the following parts:
Agency Number
The agency number is the first tool for numerically organizing an agency's rules into the Administrative Code. When possible, it corresponds to the Revised Code chapter from which an agency principally derives its rule-making authority.
Division Number
Some agencies have separate divisions within the agency that are vested with rule-making authority of their own. In this case, a division is assigned a division number for the purpose of organizing the division's rules into the Administrative Code. This number follows the agency number and is preceded by a colon.
Chapter Number
A chapter contains the individual rules that pertain to a particular subject. Each chapter is assigned a number, typically a one- or two-digit number, which follows the agency or division number and is preceded by a hyphen. (Chapters one to nine are numbered as -1, -2, and so forth.)
Rule Number
Individual rules contain the text of the law as drafted by an agency. Individual rules are assigned a two- and sometimes three- or higher-digit number following the chapter number and are preceded by a hyphen. (Unlike chapter numbers, rules one to nine are numbered as -01, -02, and so forth.)
Principal Rule Number
Two- and sometimes three-digit rules are called "principal rules."
Supplemental Rule Number
A rule is assigned an additional digit when it is a "supplemental rule," meaning the rule amplifies or elaborates upon the provisions of a principal rule. In this case, the supplemental rule is given the principal rule number plus an additional number preceded by a decimal. (For example, -01.1 would be a supplemental rule to -01.)