Maryland Health - General Section 19-307

      (a)      (1)      A hospital shall be classified:

                  (i)      As a general hospital if the hospital at least has the facilities and provides the services that are necessary for the general medical and surgical care of patients;

                  (ii)      As a special hospital if the hospital:

                        1.      Defines a program of specialized services, such as obstetrics, mental health, tuberculosis, orthopedy, chronic disease, or communicable disease;

                        2.      Admits only patients with medical or surgical needs within the program; and

                        3.      Has the facilities for and provides those specialized services;

                  (iii)      As a special rehabilitation hospital if the hospital meets the requirements of this subtitle and Subtitle 12 of this title; or

                  (iv)      As a limited service hospital if the health care facility:

                        1.      Is licensed as a hospital on or after January 1, 1999;

                        2.      Changes the type or scope of services offered by eliminating the capability to admit or retain individuals for overnight hospitalization;

                        3.      Retains an emergency or urgent care center; and

                        4.      Complies with the regulations adopted by the Secretary under § 19-307.1 of this subtitle.

            (2)      The Secretary may set, by rule or regulation, other reasonable classifications for hospitals.

      (b)      A related institution shall be classified:

            (1)      As a care home if the related institution provides care to individuals who, because of advanced age or physical or mental disability, require domiciliary care or personal care in a protective environment; or

            (2)      As a nursing home if the related institution:

                  (i)      Provides nursing care for chronically ill or convalescent patients; or

                  (ii)      Offers to provide 24-hour a day nursing care of patients in a home-type facility such as:

                        1.      A convalescent home;

                        2.      A nursing unit of a home for the aged;

                        3.      A psychiatric nursing home;

                        4.      A nursing facility for individuals with disabilities;

                        5.      A home for alcoholics; or

                        6.      A halfway house.