The Law
What it means to you
Maryland Statute
Article - Health - General § 19-1415

      (a)     In this section, "change in condition" means a significant change in the resident's physical, mental, or psychological status including:

           (1)     Life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke;

           (2)     Clinical complications such as:

                (i)     Development of a pressure sore;

                (ii)     Onset of recurrent periods of delirium;

                (iii)     Onset of recurrent urinary tract infection;

                (iv)     Onset of depression; or

                (v)     Onset of aggressive or inappropriate behavior;

           (3)     The need to discontinue a medication or treatment because of:

                (i)     Adverse consequences; or

                (ii)     The need to begin a new form of treatment;

           (4)     Evaluation at or admission to a hospital; and

           (5)     Accidents that result in injury having the potential for requiring a physician's intervention.

      (b)     Consistent with State and federal confidentiality laws and in a timely manner, a nursing home shall notify a resident and, if applicable, the resident's representative or interested family member of any:

           (1)     Change in condition;

           (2)     Adverse event that may result in a change in condition;

           (3)     Outcome or care that results in an unanticipated consequence; or

           (4)     Corrective action, if appropriate.

      (c)      If the Department determines that a nursing home failed to notify a resident, resident's representative, or interested family member under subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall require as part of a plan of correction that the nursing home notify the resident, the resident's representative, or interested family member as soon as possible.


Basically, this law says that if there is a change in your loved one in a nursing home, that nursing home must notify you.  



This law further defines some, but not all of the changes in conditions that you must be notified about.
















Here is the requirement that you be notified of any changes in medications.  The resident or the person holding a POA for the resident has the right to refuse these changes or to ask for further information and/or clarifications before they are initiated.