Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 14 - Nursing Homes
Section 19-1415 - Notice of Change of Condition of Resident

(a)    In this section, “change in condition” means a significant change in the resident’s physical, mental, or psychological status including:
        (1)    Life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke;
        (2)    Clinical complications such as:
            (i)    Development of a pressure sore;
            (ii)    Onset of recurrent periods of delirium;
            (iii)    Onset of recurrent urinary tract infection;
            (iv)    Onset of depression; or
            (v)    Onset of aggressive or inappropriate behavior;
        (3)    The need to discontinue a medication or treatment because of:
            (i)    Adverse consequences; or
            (ii)    The need to begin a new form of treatment;
        (4)    Evaluation at or admission to a hospital; and
        (5)    Accidents that result in injury having the potential for requiring a physician’s intervention.
    (b)    Consistent with State and federal confidentiality laws and in a timely manner, a nursing home shall notify a resident and, if applicable, the resident’s representative or interested family member of any:
        (1)    Change in condition;
        (2)    Adverse event that may result in a change in condition;
        (3)    Outcome or care that results in an unanticipated consequence; or
        (4)    Corrective action, if appropriate.
    (c)    If the Department determines that a nursing home failed to notify a resident, resident’s representative, or interested family member under subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall require as part of a plan of correction that the nursing home notify the resident, the resident’s representative, or interested family member as soon as possible.