Section 19-377 - General consideration. - Maryland Statutes

§ 19-377. General consideration.
 

(a)  "Safe patient lifting" defined.- In this section, "safe patient lifting" means the use of mechanical lifting devices by hospital employees, instead of manual lifting, to lift, transfer, and reposition patients. 

(b)  Committees established by hospitals.- On or before December 1, 2007, each hospital shall establish a safe patient lifting committee with equal membership from management and employees. 

(c)  Policy.-  

(1) On or before July 1, 2008, the safe patient lifting committee shall develop a safe patient lifting policy for the hospital. 

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

(d)  Considerations.- While developing a safe patient lifting policy, the committee shall consider, based on the patient population of that hospital, 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 hospital; 

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

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

[2007, chs. 56, 57.]