1. (1) Prior to accepting patients, a specialty hospital must have in place a signed transfer of care agreement with a hospital capable of providing emergency care services appropriate to the patient's medical needs. A specialty hospital must also have written policies that result in medically appropriate transfers.

2. (2) Prior to transferring a patient from a specialty hospital, the specialty hospital must:

   1. (a) notify the receiving hospital before the patient is transferred and receive confirmation from the receiving hospital that services necessary to treat the patient are available;
   2. (b) use medically appropriate life support measures to stabilize the patient before the transfer and to sustain the patient during the transfer;
   3. (c) transfer all necessary records for continuing the care for the patient; and
   4. (d) in cases of nonemergent care services ensure that the patient or legally responsible person acting on the patient's behalf are informed of the risk and benefit of transfer.

Authorizing statute(s): 50-5-103, 50-5-245, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 50-5-122, 50-5-245, MCA

History: NEW, 2013 MAR p. 54, Eff. 1/18/13.