Maryland Health - General Section 19-3A-02

      (a)      On or before January 1, 2006, the Department shall adopt regulations for licensing a freestanding medical facility that uses in its title or advertising the word "emergency" or other language indicating to the public that medical treatment for immediately life-threatening medical conditions is available at that freestanding medical facility.

      (b)      The regulations shall require the freestanding medical facility to:

            (1)      Be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

            (2)      Have available at all times:

                  (i)      At least 1 physician who is credentialed in emergency medicine by the hospital of which the freestanding medical facility is an administrative part;

                  (ii)      A sufficient number of registered nurses and other health care professionals to provide advanced life support;

                  (iii)      Basic diagnostic and laboratory facilities and technicians;

                  (iv)      Resuscitation supplies and equipment, including monitors, defibrillators, cardiac medications, intubation equipment, and intravenous line equipment;

                  (v)      A commercial ambulance for transport of individuals in need of hospitalization or other emergency care; and

                  (vi)      Emergency services to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay;

            (3)      Comply with all Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems emergency transport protocols established for the freestanding medical facility;

            (4)      (i)      Comply, except in a life-threatening emergency in which compliance is not feasible or practicable, with the federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines on universal precautions; and

                  (ii)      Display the notice developed under § 1-207 of the Health Occupations Article that explains the federal Centers for Disease Control's guidelines on universal precautions at the entrance to the freestanding medical facility;

            (5)      Refrain from use of the words "emergency department", "emergency room", or "hospital"; and

            (6)      Meet any other standard that the Secretary deems necessary to ensure the quality and safety of services provided by a freestanding medical facility.