Maryland § 19-3A-02

§ 19-3A-02.

    (a)    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)    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.