<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 10.07.22.17" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="22" heading="Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The hospice house shall develop and implement policies and procedures prohibiting abuse, neglect, and exploitation of hospice house patients.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Reports of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation. An employee of the hospice house who believes that a patient has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall report the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation within 24 hours to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The appropriate local Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services office, or Child Protective Services; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>One of the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A local law enforcement agency; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The Office of Health Care Quality.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Investigations. The hospice house shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Thoroughly investigate all allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and maintain on-site written documentation of the investigation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Take appropriate action to prevent further incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation while the investigation is in progress.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Immunity from Civil Liability; An individual who, acting in good faith, makes a report under this regulation has immunity from liability as described in Health-General Article, §19-347(g), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Notice. The hospice house shall post signs that set forth the reporting requirements stated in §B of this regulation, conspicuously in the employee and public areas of the facility.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>