Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 3A - Freestanding Medical Facilities
Section 19-3A-02 - Licensing -- Regulations and Requirements

(a)    On or before January 1, 2006, the Department shall adopt regulations for licensing a freestanding medical facility that uses in its title or advertising the word “emergency” or other language indicating to the public that medical treatment for immediately life-threatening medical conditions is available at that freestanding medical facility.
    (b)    The regulations shall require the freestanding medical facility to:
        (1)    Be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
        (2)    Have available at all times:
            (i)    At least 1 physician who is credentialed in emergency medicine by the hospital of which the freestanding medical facility is an administrative part;
            (ii)    A sufficient number of registered nurses and other health care professionals to provide advanced life support;
            (iii)    Basic diagnostic and laboratory facilities and technicians;
            (iv)    Resuscitation supplies and equipment, including monitors, defibrillators, cardiac medications, intubation equipment, and intravenous line equipment;
            (v)    A commercial ambulance for transport of individuals in need of hospitalization or other emergency care; and
            (vi)    Emergency services to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay;
        (3)    Comply with all Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems emergency transport protocols established for the freestanding medical facility;
        (4)    (i)    Comply, except in a life–threatening emergency in which compliance is not feasible or practicable, with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on universal precautions; and
            (ii)    Display the notice developed under § 1–207 of the Health Occupations Article that explains the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on universal precautions at the entrance to the freestanding medical facility;
        (5)    Refrain from use of the words “emergency department”, “emergency room”, or “hospital”; and
        (6)    Meet any other standard that the Secretary deems necessary to ensure the quality and safety of services provided by a freestanding medical facility.