Section 19-1410.1 - Safe patient lifting. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-1410.1. Safe patient lifting.
 

(a)  Establishment of safe patient lifting workgroup.- On or before December 1, 2008, each nursing home shall establish a safe patient lifting workgroup with equal membership from management and employees. 

(b)  Development of safe patient lifting policy.-  

(1) On or before July 1, 2009, the safe patient lifting workgroup shall develop a safe patient lifting policy for the nursing home. 

(2) The goal of the policy shall be to reduce employee injuries associated with patient lifting. 

(c)  Considerations.- While developing a safe patient lifting policy, the workgroup shall consider, based on the patient population of that nursing home, the appropriateness and effectiveness of: 

(1) Developing or enhancing patient handling hazard assessment processes; 

(2) Enhanced use of mechanical lifting devices; 

(3) Developing specialized lift teams; 

(4) Training programs for safe patient lifting required for all patient care personnel at the nursing home; 

(5) Incorporating physical space and construction design for mechanical lifting devices in any architectural plans for nursing home construction and renovation; and 

(6) Developing an evaluation process to determine the effectiveness of the policy. 
 

[2008, ch. 80.]