<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 10.07.04.17" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="04" heading="Complaint Investigations.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, residential treatment centers shall be open to inspections by the Department to investigate and resolve any complaint concerning:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Resident care;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Safety;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Medical and nursing supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Physical environment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Sanitation; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Dietary matters.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Complaints.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>To expeditiously resolve a complaint that alleges the existence of any non-life-threatening deficiency, the Department may refer the complaint directly to the residential treatment center.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If appropriate, issues relating to the practice of medicine or the licensure or conduct of a health professional may be referred to the residential treatment center and to the appropriate health occupation licensing board for resolution.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the Department determines that the center has not satisfactorily addressed the referred complaint or if the complaint alleges the existence of a potentially serious or life-threatening deficiency, the Department shall conduct an independent investigation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>When conducting its independent investigation of an accredited residential treatment center, the Department shall use the standards of the accreditation organization that accredits the residential treatment center and this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>