(A) As used in this section and in section 1345.92 of the Revised Code, "collateral costs" mean expenses incurred by a consumer in connection with the repair of a defect in an assistive device, including sales tax and the cost of shipping.

(B) A manufacturer that enters into a consumer transaction, either directly or through a supplier, shall provide an express written warranty to the consumer covering the full cost of any repair of the assistive device, or the cost, as specified in section 1345.92 of the Revised Code, of the replacement of the assistive device, necessitated by a defect in the assistive device. The warranty shall also cover the consumer's collateral costs associated with repair or replacement. The warranty shall be for a period of not less than one year from the day the consumer first possesses the assistive device. The warranty document shall specify whether the consumer is to return the assistive device to the manufacturer or to the supplier to invoke the warranty. A manufacturer who fails to provide the warranty is deemed to have provided it.

To invoke the warranty, the consumer shall return the assistive device to the manufacturer or supplier, as specified in the warranty document, with an explanation of the nature of the defect. The warranty shall be honored if the assistive device is returned during the warranty period or, if shipping is required, the consumer gives notice of the defect to the manufacturer or supplier during the warranty period, regardless of when repairs are actually made.

(C) A manufacturer or supplier that receives an assistive device under the warranty required by this section that has a defect shall replace or attempt to repair the assistive device. If the manufacturer or supplier chooses to attempt to repair the assistive device, it shall lend the consumer a comparable assistive device for use during the repair period if either of the following applies:

(1) The repair period exceeds twenty-one days, including the day the assistive device is tendered to the manufacturer or supplier for repair;

(2) The defect is the same defect for which the assistive device was returned to the manufacturer or supplier for repair on three or more previous occasions.

(D) A manufacturer's duty to provide a replacement or reimbursement under this section remains in effect for the duration of the warranty period.

Effective Date: 10-31-1996 .