§ 19-3A-02. Licensing -- Regulations and requirements.

   (a) In general. -- On or before January 1, 2006, the Department shall adopt regulations for licensing a freestanding medical facility that uses in its title or advertising the word "emergency" or other language indicating to the public that medical treatment for immediately life-threatening medical conditions is available at that freestanding medical facility.

(b) Requirements. -- The regulations shall require the freestanding medical facility to:

   (1) Be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

   (2) Have available at all times:

      (i) At least 1 physician who is credentialed in emergency medicine by the hospital of which the freestanding medical facility is an administrative part;

      (ii) A sufficient number of registered nurses and other health care professionals to provide advanced life support;

      (iii) Basic diagnostic and laboratory facilities and technicians;

      (iv) Resuscitation supplies and equipment, including monitors, defibrillators, cardiac medications, intubation equipment, and intravenous line equipment;

      (v) A commercial ambulance for transport of individuals in need of hospitalization or other emergency care; and

      (vi) Emergency services to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay;

   (3) Comply with all Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems emergency transport protocols established for the freestanding medical facility;

   (4) (i) Comply, except in a life-threatening emergency in which compliance is not feasible or practicable, with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on universal precautions; and

      (ii) Display the notice developed under § 1-207 of the Health Occupations Article that explains the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines on universal precautions at the entrance to the freestanding medical facility;

   (5) Refrain from use of the words "emergency department", "emergency room", or "hospital"; and

   (6) Meet any other standard that the Secretary deems necessary to ensure the quality and safety of services provided by a freestanding medical facility.

HISTORY: 1985, ch. 178; 1992, ch. 154, § 1; 2005, ch. 25, § 13; chs. 549, 550; 2010, ch. 72.