<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 10.07.08.16" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="08" heading="Transfer of Patients.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The freestanding medical facility shall have pre-arranged transfer agreements with facilities that are capable of providing definitive care appropriate for the nature and severity of the patient's illness or injury.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Patient transfers shall be consistent with the Interhospital Transfer Guidelines published by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>When transfer by ambulance is medically necessary the facility shall transfer the patient via:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A hospital owned and operated ambulance service;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A contracted ambulance service; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An ambulance service through an agreement with the local emergency medical system (EMS) jurisdictional program.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The level of care and medical interventions provided by an ambulance during transfer shall be appropriate for the patient's condition.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Before transfer, the patient shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Be assessed by a physician or licensed independent practitioner; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Receive stabilizing medical treatment consistent with that of the freestanding medical facility's ability to treat.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The freestanding medical facility shall provide the emergency medical system and the receiving facility with the patient's medical records necessary for ongoing care, including:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>All treatment provided to the patient;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Medications administered to the patient;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Diagnostic procedures performed for the patient; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The patient's response to the care at the time of transfer.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>