1. A. A freestanding birthing center shall have a written procedure for the transfer of patients to a nearby hospital when care beyond the capabilities of the facility is required.

2. B. Procedures for emergency transfer to a hospital shall include, at minimum:

   1. (1) Written clinical practice guidelines related to emergency transfer procedures;
   2. (2) A mechanism for notifying the hospital of a pending emergency case;
   3. (3) A mechanism for arranging appropriate transportation to the hospital; and
   4. (4) Protocols for transmitting a copy of the patient’s medical record to the hospital.
3. C. A freestanding birthing center shall conduct a transfer drill with staff that may be involved in patient transfers at least once a year.

Authority: Health-General Article, §19-3B-01 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: August 23, 1999 (26:17 Md. R. 1322)

Chapter revised effective February 15, 2016 (43:3 Md. R. 272)

Regulation .01B amended effective December 8, 2016 (43:24 Md. R. 1350)

Regulation .06A amended effective December 8, 2016 (43:24 Md. R. 1350)

Chapter revised effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1000)