The facility shall:

1. A. If an acute care hospital, maintain a stroke unit that meets the requirements of this regulation which:

   1. (1) Has designated beds for the care of patients not eligible for fibrinolytic therapy or endovascular therapy through qualified clinical staff who meet the requirements in Regulation .10 of this chapter;
   2. (2) Develops a standardized process originating in clinical practice guidelines or evidence-based practice to deliver or facilitate the delivery of clinical care;
   3. (3) Develops an individualized plan of care that is based on the patient’s assessed needs and reflects coordination of care with other programs, as determined by patient comorbidities; and

   4. (4) Maintains written documentation delineating the function of the stroke unit including:

      1. (a) Admission criteria;
      2. (b) Discharge criteria;
      3. (c) Stroke care protocols;
      4. (d) Patient census;
      5. (e) Rehabilitation in the hospital;
      6. (f) Rehabilitation after discharge; and
      7. (g) Outcomes data; or

2. B. If not an acute care hospital, have a written transfer agreement with a hospital which:

   1. (1) Meets the requirements of this chapter;
   2. (2) Has an inpatient stroke unit that meets the requirements of this regulation; and
   3. (3) Can admit the patient after initial treatment and stabilization.

Authority: Education Article, §13-509, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 1, 2021 (48:9 Md. R. 360)

Regulation effective July 21, 2025 (52:14 Md. R. 714)