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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 10.07.17.03" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="17" heading="Application Procedure.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A person desiring to convert an existing facility, or to change the classification of an existing hospital to a limited service hospital, shall file an application with the Secretary, on a written or electronic form provided by the Secretary.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An application on behalf of a corporation, association, or governmental unit or agency shall be made by two officers of the corporation, association, or governmental unit or agency. The names of their board members shall be submitted. Ownership of property, real estate, and equipment shall be disclosed if owned by other than the applicant. The names of persons holding 2 percent or more of the stock or assets of the limited service hospital shall be disclosed.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Along with the application, the applicant shall provide:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A statement signed by the applicant that the facility will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A plan describing the services to be provided by the facility, including but not limited to the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Types and scope of services,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A description of staff, including the number and types of health care professionals who will be on duty at all times, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of personnel;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A written description of the facility's quality assurance program which includes, at a minimum:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A description of how the facility will comply with Regulation .06A of this chapter, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The manner in which information will be collected;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Policies and procedures, including but not limited to the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The transfer or referral of patients who require services that are not provided by the facility,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The administration of medicines unique to the needs of the patients,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Infection control procedures,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Development and implementation of a quality assurance program,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Pertinent safety practices, including the control of fire and mechanical hazards, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Preventive maintenance for equipment in the facility;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Protocols for obtaining specialized services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Protocols for emergency situations, including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Procedures for transporting individuals to hospitals or other health care facilities, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Plans to ensure that there will be sufficient nurses and other health professionals with appropriate training on duty to provide advanced life support;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>A statement of the facility's role in the Emergency Medical Services System as approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>A statement that the facility's emergency services are available to all persons regardless of ability to pay.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Fee. An application shall be accompanied by the nonrefundable license fee of $1,000.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Issuance of a License. The Department shall issue a license to a facility that meets the requirements of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>