<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 10.07.16.09" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="16" heading="Complaint Investigations.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>To resolve expeditiously a complaint that alleges the existence of any non-life-threatening deficiency:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Department shall refer the complaint directly to the facility; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The facility shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Conduct an internal investigation into the complaint; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Submit the investigation and supportive evidence to the Department within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If the Department determines that the facility has not satisfactorily addressed the referred complaint or if the complaint alleges the existence of a serious or life-threatening deficiency, the Department shall conduct an independent investigation using the standards:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Of the Joint Commission; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Adopted by the Secretary under this subtitle.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Issues relating to the practice of medicine or the licensure or conduct of a health professional shall be referred to the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Facility; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Appropriate licensure board for resolution.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>