Md. Code Regs. 10.07.21.26

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024
Section 10.07.21.26 - Inpatient Hospice Care
A. In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, when a hospice care program delivers inpatient care, the hospice care program shall provide nursing services 24 hours a day in a manner sufficient to meet the total nursing needs identified in the patient's plan of care. A registered nurse shall be on duty during each shift.
B. The hospice care program shall design and equip all areas for the comfort and privacy of patients and family members. Specifically, the hospice care program shall:
(1) Provide accommodation for family members to remain with the patient throughout the night;
(2) Provide an adequate supply of hot water at all times for patient use;
(3) Have available at all times a quantity of linen sufficient for proper care and comfort of patients;
(4) Make provisions for isolating patients with infectious diseases; and
(5) Provide privacy for patient/family visitation and accommodations for the family's privacy immediately after a patient's death.
C. The hospice care program shall provide food services designed to meet the nutritional needs of the patients, in accordance with physician orders and the following guidelines:
(1) At least three meals shall be served each day with not more than 14 hours between the evening meal and breakfast, unless otherwise prescribed by the patient's physician;
(2) All foods shall be stored, prepared, and served as required by COMAR 10.15.03; and
(3) Medically prescribed special diets shall be planned by a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist.
D. In addition to all other State and federal requirements, all medications shall be labeled, stored, and administered in accordance with the following:
(1) All medications shall be ordered by a physician;
(2) All medications shall be administered by a licensed nurse or physician;
(3) All medications shall be labeled in accordance with Health-General Article, §21-221(a), Annotated Code of Maryland, 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. and 801 et seq.;
(4) All medications shall be stored in locked compartments under proper temperature control and all schedule II drugs shall be maintained separately from other medications and secured by use of two different locks; and
(5) All medications no longer needed by the patient shall be destroyed in the presence of two witnesses authorized by the hospice care program.

Md. Code Regs. 10.07.21.26

Regulations .26 adopted effective August 10, 1998 (25:16 Md. R. 1274)