Maryland Statutes
Part I - Definitions; General Provisions
Section 19-307 - Classifications of Hospitals and Related Institutions

(a)    (1)    A hospital shall be classified:
            (i)    As a general hospital if the hospital at least has the facilities and provides the services that are necessary for the general medical and surgical care of patients;
            (ii)    As a special hospital if the hospital:
                1.    Defines a program of specialized services, such as obstetrics, mental health, tuberculosis, orthopedy, chronic disease, or communicable disease;
                2.    Admits only patients with medical or surgical needs within the program; and
                3.    Has the facilities for and provides those specialized services;
            (iii)    As a special rehabilitation hospital if the hospital meets the requirements of this subtitle and Subtitle 12 of this title; or
            (iv)    As a limited service hospital if the health care facility:
                1.    Is licensed as a hospital on or after January 1, 1999;
                2.    Changes the type or scope of services offered by eliminating the capability to admit or retain individuals for overnight hospitalization;
                3.    Retains an emergency or urgent care center; and
                4.    Complies with the regulations adopted by the Secretary under § 19-307.1 of this subtitle.
        (2)    The Secretary may set, by rule or regulation, other reasonable classifications for hospitals.
    (b)    A related institution shall be classified:
        (1)    As a care home if the related institution provides care to individuals who, because of advanced age or physical or mental disability, require domiciliary care or personal care in a protective environment; or
        (2)    As a nursing home if the related institution:
            (i)    Provides nursing care for chronically ill or convalescent patients; or
            (ii)    Offers to provide 24-hour a day nursing care of patients in a home-type facility such as:
                1.    A convalescent home;
                2.    A nursing unit of a home for the aged;
                3.    A psychiatric nursing home;
                4.    A nursing facility for individuals with disabilities;
                5.    A home for alcoholics; or
                6.    A halfway house.