2374

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 642

(2) THE SECRETARY SHALL, BY REGULATION AND IN

CONSULTATION WITH HOSPITALS AND PHYSICIANS PHYSICIANS,

INTERESTED COMMUNITY AND ADVOCACY GROUPS. AND REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE MARYLAND DEFENSE BAR AND PLAINTIFFS' BAR ESTABLISH MINIMUM
STANDARDS FOR A RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WHICH SHALL INCLUDE:

(I)  A BOARD POLICY STATEMENT INDICATING
COMMITMENT TO THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM;

(II)  A REQUIREMENT THAT ONE PERSON BE ASSIGNED
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COORDINATING THE PROGRAM;

(III)  AN INTERNAL STAFF COMMITTEE STRUCTURE TO
CONDUCT ONGOING REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RISK MANAGEMENT
ACTIVITIES;

(IV)  A FORMAL WRITTEN PROGRAM FOR ADDRESSING
PATIENT COMPLAINTS;

(V)  A DOCUMENTED FACILITY-WIDE RISK REPORTING
SYSTEM;

(VI)  ONGOING RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
FOR ALL STAFF; AND

(VII)  DOCUMENTATION THAT THE RISK MANAGEMENT
AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS SHARE RELEVANT INFORMATION.

(3) IF A HOSPITAL FAILS TO ESTABLISH OR MAINTAIN A
RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION, THE
SECRETARY MAY IMPOSE THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES:

(I) DELICENSURE OF THE HOSPITAL; OR

(II) $500 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY THE VIOLATION
CONTINUES.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1986.

Approved May 27, 1986.