Maryland Health - General Section 19-1415

      (a)      In this section, "change in condition" means a significant change in the resident's physical, mental, or psychological status including:

            (1)      Life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke;

            (2)      Clinical complications such as:

                  (i)      Development of a pressure sore;

                  (ii)      Onset of recurrent periods of delirium;

                  (iii)      Onset of recurrent urinary tract infection;

                  (iv)      Onset of depression; or

                  (v)      Onset of aggressive or inappropriate behavior;

            (3)      The need to discontinue a medication or treatment because of:

                  (i)      Adverse consequences; or

                  (ii)      The need to begin a new form of treatment;

            (4)      Evaluation at or admission to a hospital; and

            (5)      Accidents that result in injury having the potential for requiring a physician's intervention.

      (b)      Consistent with State and federal confidentiality laws and in a timely manner, a nursing home shall notify a resident and, if applicable, the resident's representative or interested family member of any:

            (1)      Change in condition;

            (2)      Adverse event that may result in a change in condition;

            (3)      Outcome or care that results in an unanticipated consequence; or

            (4)      Corrective action, if appropriate.

      (c)      If the Department determines that a nursing home failed to notify a resident, resident's representative, or interested family member under subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall require as part of a plan of correction that the nursing home notify the resident, the resident's representative, or interested family member as soon as possible.