§ 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

l 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 and Prevention 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 and Prevention’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.