Statutes, codes, and regulations
Georgia Administrative Code
Department 111 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTHChapter 111-8 - HEALTHCARE FACILITY REGULATION
Subject 111-8-40 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR HOSPITALS
Rule 111-8-40-.32 - Outpatient Services

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-40-.32

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Current through Rules and Regulations filed through October 17, 2024
Rule 111-8-40-.32 - Outpatient Services

Outpatient services offered by the hospital, including but not limited to ambulatory care services and off-campus clinics, shall be integrated with other hospital services and systems and shall be provided in accordance with applicable rules in this Chapter for the specific service.

(a)Organization of Outpatient Services.
1. The hospital shall develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that outpatient care provided meets the needs of patients in accordance with generally accepted standards of practice.
2. Each outpatient service shall be staffed with sufficient qualified personnel to promptly, safely, and effectively meet the care needs of patients. Staff providing care to outpatients shall meet the same qualification requirements as staff providing similar services to inpatients of the hospital.
3. The hospital shall assign responsibility for the periodic assessment of the quality and effectiveness of the outpatient services provided, and this assessment shall be a part of the hospital's quality management program.
(b)Outpatient Service Delivery.
1. Hospital services for outpatients shall be provided only on the order of a licensed physician, dentist, osteopath, physician's assistant, or advanced practice nurse as permitted by law in accordance with the system of accountability established by the medical staff.
2. Outpatient services shall be provided in a manner which ensures the privacy of each patient and the confidentiality of the patient's disclosures. Private rooms or cubicles shall be provided for the use of outpatients and staff for consultation purposes, as appropriate to the needs of the service.
3. Hospitals shall provide waiting areas for outpatients with sufficient seating for the expected volume of patients.
4. Each outpatient shall have an outpatient record, which shall be maintained and stored in a manner to be available for subsequent outpatient or inpatient hospital visits.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-40-.32

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-2.1.

Original Rule entitled "Outpatient Services" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.