Section 19-308.8 - Discharge or transfer of patients. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-308.8. Discharge or transfer of patients.
 

(a)  In general.- A hospital may discharge a patient: 

(1) Entirely; 

(2) To another level of care, treatment, or services; 

(3) To different health professionals; or 

(4) To settings for continued services. 

(b)  Process based on patient's needs.- A hospital's process for transfer or discharge shall be based on a patient's assessed needs. 

(c)  Facilitating transfer or discharge process.- To facilitate discharge or transfer, the hospital shall: 

(1) Assess a patient's needs; 

(2) Plan for discharge or transfer; 

(3) Facilitate the discharge or transfer process; 

(4) Give the patient or person responsible for providing continuing care to the patient written discharge instructions in a form the patient can understand; and 

(5) Help to ensure that continuity of care, treatment, and services is maintained. 

(d)  Penalties.- If a hospital fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the Secretary may impose a civil money penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each failure to comply. 

(e)  Appeal.- A hospital may appeal a civil money penalty imposed under subsection (c) of this section in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. 
 

[2005, ch. 296.]