§ 19–308.8
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 19-308.8 (2026)
Title 19. Health Care Facilities
Subtitle 3. Hospitals and Related Institutions
§ 19–308.8LinkCopy Citation
(a)
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)
A hospital’s process for transfer or discharge shall be based on a patient’s assessed needs.
(c)
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)
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)
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.