1. (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.

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

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

   2. (2) Have available at all times:

      1. (i) At least 1 physician who is credentialed in emergency medicine by the hospital of which the freestanding medical facility is an administrative part;
      2. (ii) A sufficient number of registered nurses and other health care professionals to provide advanced life support;
      3. (iii) Basic diagnostic and laboratory facilities and technicians;
      4. (iv) Resuscitation supplies and equipment, including monitors, defibrillators, cardiac medications, intubation equipment, and intravenous line equipment;
      5. (v) A commercial ambulance for transport of individuals in need of hospitalization or other emergency care; and
      6. (vi) Emergency services to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay;
   3. (3) Comply with all Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems emergency transport protocols established for the freestanding medical facility;

   4. (4)

      1. (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
      2. (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. (5) Refrain from use of the words “emergency department”, “emergency room”, or “hospital”; and
   6. (6) Meet any other standard that the Secretary deems necessary to ensure the quality and safety of services provided by a freestanding medical facility.

Added by Acts 1985, c. 178, § 1, eff. July 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1992, c. 154, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992; Acts 2005, c. 25, § 13, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2005, c. 549, § 1, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2005, c. 550, § 1, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2010, c. 72, § 1, eff. April 13, 2010.