§ 19-308.8. Discharge or transfer of patients.

   (a) In general. -- A hospital may discharge a patient:

   (1) Entirely;

   (2) To another level of care, treatment, or services;

   (3) To different health professionals; or

   (4) To settings for continued services.

(b) Process based on patient's needs. -- A hospital's process for transfer or discharge shall be based on a patient's assessed needs.

(c) Facilitating transfer or discharge process. -- To facilitate discharge or transfer, the hospital shall:

   (1) Assess a patient's needs;

   (2) Plan for discharge or transfer;

   (3) Facilitate the discharge or transfer process;

   (4) Give the patient or person responsible for providing continuing care to the patient written discharge instructions in a form the patient can understand; and

   (5) Help to ensure that continuity of care, treatment, and services is maintained.

(d) Penalties. -- If a hospital fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the Secretary may impose a civil money penalty not to exceed $ 10,000 for each failure to comply.

(e) Appeal. -- A hospital may appeal a civil money penalty imposed under subsection (c) of this section in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.

HISTORY: 2005, ch. 296.