Md. Code Regs. 30.09.09.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 30.09.09.05 - Inspections and Investigations

A. SOCALR may inspect a commercial ambulance service or commercial ambulance and investigate compliance by a commercial ambulance crew member to:

(1) Decide whether to issue a license;

(2) Ensure the health, safety, or welfare of the persons who utilize commercial ambulance services; or

(3) Respond to a complaint.

B. SOCALR may inspect the following to verify eligibility or continued compliance with this subtitle:

(1) All premises designated on the application;

(2) All commercial ambulances;

(3) All required equipment and supplies;

(4) The manner of use of required equipment;

(5) The manner of operation of the commercial ambulance service;

(6) The driver's licenses and health care certification or license issued by MIEMSS for each crew member; and

(7) All records regarding the operation of the commercial ambulance service relating to this subtitle, including patient medical records when appropriate.

C. SOCALR may conduct confidential conferences with staff or patients during any inspection or investigation.

D. Upon request by SOCALR, a commercial ambulance service, and its owners, management, employees, or agents, shall, at reasonable times and without delay, allow SOCALR to enter all premises designated on the application or used in the operation of a commercial ambulance service, and all commercial ambulances used by the commercial ambulance service, for the purpose of an inspection or investigation necessary to ensure compliance with this subtitle.

E. Inspections to evaluate eligibility of a commercial ambulance service or a commercial ambulance for a license shall be scheduled with the management of the commercial ambulance service at least 24 hours before the inspection unless otherwise mutually agreed.

F. Inspections to ensure continued compliance with this subtitle do not require advance notice.

G. Inspection Procedure. SOCALR shall:

(1) Identify itself at the inspection site;

(2) Inform the commercial ambulance service representative of the purpose for the inspection; and

(3) Inform the commercial ambulance service representative when the inspection has been completed.

H. SOCALR may inspect a commercial ambulance vehicle at any reasonable time, including whenever it is present at a health care facility or other place of medical care or when picking up, transporting, or discharging any patient.

I. Inspections shall be conducted without impeding patient care or unreasonably delaying patient transport unless, in the judgment of SOCALR, the patient care being rendered is detrimental or is reasonably likely to be detrimental to the patient's health, safety, or welfare.

J. No one may impede SOCALR in conducting lawful inspections necessary to evaluate compliance with this subtitle.

K. SOCALR may, with written permission from a commercial ambulance service's owner, which may include a hold harmless clause, ride on commercial ambulance service calls for the purpose of evaluating compliance with this subtitle.

L. SOCALR may conduct surveys of patients served by a commercial ambulance service to evaluate compliance with this subtitle.

M. SOCALR may take photographs or videos during an inspection or investigation under this subtitle.

N. After the initial investigation, SOCALR may dismiss a complaint or terminate an investigation if it finds the complaint or alleged violation to be:

(1) Frivolous;

(2) Made in bad faith;

(3) Legally or factually insufficient; or

(4) Fully resolved to the satisfaction of the SOCALR.

Md. Code Regs. 30.09.09.05

Regulations .05, BLS Service, repealed effective January 10, 2000 (26:27 Md. R. 2017)
Regulations .05, Enforcement, adopted effective January 10, 2000 (26:27 Md. R. 2017)