---
kind: "range"
citation: "42 C.F.R. §§ 482.1–482.23"
title: "42"
from: "482.1"
to: "482.23"
count: 9
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/42/482.1..482.23"
---

# §482.1. Basis and scope.

- (a) **Statutory basis.**
  - (1) **Section 1861(e) of the Act provides that—**
    - (i) Hospitals participating in Medicare must meet certain specified requirements; and
    - (ii) The Secretary may impose additional requirements if they are found necessary in the interest of the health and safety of the individuals who are furnished services in hospitals.
  - (2) Section 1861(f) of the Act provides that an institution participating in Medicare as a psychiatric hospital must meet certain specified requirements imposed on hospitals under [section 1861(e)](/cfr/42/1861.md?p=e), must be primarily engaged in providing, by or under the supervision of a physician, psychiatric services for the diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill persons, must maintain clinical records and other records that the Secretary finds necessary, and must meet staffing requirements that the Secretary finds necessary to carry out an active program of treatment for individuals who are furnished services in the hospital. A distinct part of an institution can participate as a psychiatric hospital if the institution meets the specified 1861(e) requirements and is primarily engaged in providing psychiatric services, and if the distinct part meets the records and staffing requirements that the Secretary finds necessary.
  - (3) Sections 1861(k) and 1902(a)(30) of the Act provide that hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid must have a utilization review plan that meets specified requirements.
  - (4) Section 1883 of the Act sets forth the requirements for hospitals that provide long term care under an agreement with the Secretary.
  - (5) Section 1905(a) of the Act provides that “medical assistance” (Medicaid) payments may be applied to various hospital services. Regulations interpreting those provisions specify that hospitals receiving payment under Medicaid must meet the requirements for participation in Medicare (except in the case of medical supervision of nurse-midwife services. See §§ [440.10](/cfr/42/440.10.md) and [440.165](/cfr/42/440.165.md) of this chapter.).
- (b) **Scope.** Except as provided in [subpart A of part 488](/cfr/42/part488-subpartA.md) of this chapter, the provisions of this part serve as the basis of survey activities for the purpose of determining whether a hospital qualifies for a provider agreement under Medicare and Medicaid.

# §482.2. Provision of emergency services by nonparticipating hospitals.

- (a) The services of an institution that does not have an agreement to participate in the Medicare program may, nevertheless, be reimbursed under the program if—
  - (1) The services are emergency services; and
  - (2) **The institution meets the requirements of section 1861(e) (1) through (5) and (7) of the Act.** Rules applicable to emergency services furnished by nonparticipating hospitals are set forth in [subpart G of part 424](/cfr/42/part424-subpartG.md) of this chapter.
- (b) [Section 440.170(e)](/cfr/42/440.170.md?p=e) of this chapter defines emergency hospital services for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement.

# §482.11. Condition of participation: Compliance with Federal, State and local laws.

- (a) The hospital must be in compliance with applicable Federal laws related to the health and safety of patients.
- (b) The hospital must be—
  - (1) Licensed; or
  - (2) Approved as meeting standards for licensing established by the agency of the State or locality responsible for licensing hospitals.
- (c) The hospital must assure that personnel are licensed or meet other applicable standards that are required by State or local laws.

# §482.12. Condition of participation: Governing body.


There must be an effective governing body that is legally responsible for the conduct of the hospital. If a hospital does not have an organized governing body, the persons legally responsible for the conduct of the hospital must carry out the functions specified in this part that pertain to the governing body.

- (a) **Standard: Medical staff.** The governing body must:
  - (1) Determine, in accordance with State law, which categories of practitioners are eligible candidates for appointment to the medical staff;
  - (2) Appoint members of the medical staff after considering the recommendations of the existing members of the medical staff;
  - (3) Assure that the medical staff has bylaws;
  - (4) Approve medical staff bylaws and other medical staff rules and regulations;
  - (5) Ensure that the medical staff is accountable to the governing body for the quality of care provided to patients;
  - (6) Ensure the criteria for selection are individual character, competence, training, experience, and judgment; and
  - (7) Ensure that under no circumstances is the accordance of staff membership or professional privileges in the hospital dependent solely upon certification, fellowship, or membership in a specialty body or society.
  - (8) Ensure that, when telemedicine services are furnished to the hospital's patients through an agreement with a distant-site hospital, the agreement is written and that it specifies that it is the responsibility of the governing body of the distant-site hospital to meet the requirements in [paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(7)](#a-1..a-7) of this section with regard to the distant-site hospital's physicians and practitioners providing telemedicine services. The governing body of the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services may, in accordance with [§ 482.22(a)(3)](/cfr/42/482.22.md?p=a-3) of this part, grant privileges based on its medical staff recommendations that rely on information provided by the distant-site hospital.
  - (9) Ensure that when telemedicine services are furnished to the hospital's patients through an agreement with a distant-site telemedicine entity, the written agreement specifies that the distant-site telemedicine entity is a contractor of services to the hospital and as such, in accordance with [§ 482.12(e)](#e), furnishes the contracted services in a manner that permits the hospital to comply with all applicable conditions of participation for the contracted services, including, but not limited to, the requirements in [paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(7)](#a-1..a-7) of this section with regard to the distant-site telemedicine entity's physicians and practitioners providing telemedicine services. The governing body of the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services may, in accordance with [§ 482.22(a)(4)](/cfr/42/482.22.md?p=a-4) of this part, grant privileges to physicians and practitioners employed by the distant-site telemedicine entity based on such hospital's medical staff recommendations; such staff recommendations may rely on information provided by the distant-site telemedicine entity.
  - (10) Consult directly with the individual assigned the responsibility for the organization and conduct of the hospital's medical staff, or his or her designee. At a minimum, this direct consultation must occur periodically throughout the fiscal or calendar year and include discussion of matters related to the quality of medical care provided to patients of the hospital. For a multi-hospital system using a single governing body, the single multi-hospital system governing body must consult directly with the individual responsible for the organized medical staff (or his or her designee) of each hospital within its system in addition to the other requirements of this [paragraph (a)](#a).
- (b) **Standard: Chief executive officer.** The governing body must appoint a chief executive officer who is responsible for managing the hospital.
- (c) **Standard: Care of patients.** In accordance with hospital policy, the governing body must ensure that the following requirements are met:
  - (1) **Every Medicare patient is under the care of—**
    - (i) A doctor of medicine or osteopathy (This provision is not to be construed to limit the authority of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy to delegate tasks to other qualified health care personnel to the extent recognized under State law or a State's regulatory mechanism.);
    - (ii) A doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine who is legally authorized to practice dentistry by the State and who is acting within the scope of his or her license;
    - (iii) A doctor of podiatric medicine, but only with respect to functions which he or she is legally authorized by the State to perform;
    - (iv) A doctor of optometry who is legally authorized to practice optometry by the State in which he or she practices;
    - (v) A chiropractor who is licensed by the State or legally authorized to perform the services of a chiropractor, but only with respect to treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation demonstrated by x-ray to exist; and
    - (vi) A clinical psychologist as defined in [§ 410.71](/cfr/42/410.71.md) of this chapter, but only with respect to clinical psychologist services as defined in [§ 410.71](/cfr/42/410.71.md) of this chapter and only to the extent permitted by State law.
  - (2) Patients are admitted to the hospital only on the recommendation of a licensed practitioner permitted by the State to admit patients to a hospital. If a Medicare patient is admitted by a practitioner not specified in [paragraph (c)(1)](#c-1) of this section, that patient is under the care of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy.
  - (3) **A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is on duty or on call at all times.**
  - (4) A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is responsible for the care of each Medicare patient with respect to any medical or psychiatric problem that—
    - (i) is present on admission or develops during hospitalization; and
    - (ii) Is not specifically within the scope of practice of a doctor of dental surgery, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, or optometry; a chiropractor; or clinical psychologist, as that scope is—
      - (A) Defined by the medical staff;
      - (B) Permitted by State law; and
      - (C) **Limited, under paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this section, with respect to chiropractors.**
- (d) **Standard: Institutional plan and budget.** The institution must have an overall institutional plan that meets the following conditions:
  - (1) The plan must include an annual operating budget that is prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles.
  - (2) The budget must include all anticipated income and expenses. This provision does not require that the budget identify item by item the components of each anticipated income or expense.
  - (3) The plan must provide for capital expenditures for at least a 3-year period, including the year in which the operating budget specified in [paragraph (d)(2)](#d-2) of this section is applicable.
  - (4) The plan must include and identify in detail the objective of, and the anticipated sources of financing for, each anticipated capital expenditure in excess of $600,000 (or a lesser amount that is established, in accordance with section 1122(g)(1) of the Act, by the State in which the hospital is located) that relates to any of the following:
    - (i) Acquisition of land;
    - (ii) Improvement of land, buildings, and equipment; or
    - (iii) **The replacement, modernization, and expansion of buildings and equipment.**
  - (5) The plan must be submitted for review to the planning agency designated in accordance with section 1122(b) of the Act, or if an agency is not designated, to the appropriate health planning agency in the State. (See [part 100 of this title](/cfr/42/part100.md).) A capital expenditure is not subject to [section 1122](/cfr/42/1122.md) review if 75 percent of the health care facility's patients who are expected to use the service for which the capital expenditure is made are individuals enrolled in a health maintenance organization (HMO) or competitive medical plan (CMP) that meets the requirements of section 1876(b) of the Act, and if the Department determines that the capital expenditure is for services and facilities that are needed by the HMO or CMP in order to operate efficiently and economically and that are not otherwise readily accessible to the HMO or CMP because—
    - (i) The facilities do not provide common services at the same site;
    - (ii) The facilities are not available under a contract of reasonable duration;
    - (iii) Full and equal medical staff privileges in the facilities are not available;
    - (iv) Arrangements with these facilities are not administratively feasible; or
    - (v) **The purchase of these services is more costly than if the HMO or CMP provided the services directly.**
  - (6) The plan must be reviewed and updated annually.
  - (7) The plan must be prepared—
    - (i) Under the direction of the governing body; and
    - (ii) By a committee consisting of representatives of the governing body, the administrative staff, and the medical staff of the institution.
- (e) **Standard: Contracted services.** The governing body must be responsible for services furnished in the hospital whether or not they are furnished under contracts. The governing body must ensure that a contractor of services (including one for shared services and joint ventures) furnishes services that permit the hospital to comply with all applicable conditions of participation and standards for the contracted services.
  - (1) The governing body must ensure that the services performed under a contract are provided in a safe and effective manner.
  - (2) The hospital must maintain a list of all contracted services, including the scope and nature of the services provided.
- (f) **Standard: Emergency services.**
  - (1) If emergency services are provided at the hospital, the hospital must comply with the requirements of [§ 482.55](/cfr/42/482.55.md).
  - (2) If emergency services are not provided at the hospital, the governing body must assure that the medical staff has written policies and procedures for appraisal of emergencies, initial treatment, and referral when appropriate.
  - (3) If emergency services are provided at the hospital but are not provided at one or more off-campus departments of the hospital, the governing body of the hospital must assure that the medical staff has written policies and procedures in effect with respect to the off-campus department(s) for appraisal of emergencies and referral when appropriate.

# §482.13. Condition of participation: Patient's rights.


A hospital must protect and promote each patient's rights.

- (a) **Standard: Notice of rights.**
  - (1) A hospital must inform each patient, or when appropriate, the patient's representative (as allowed under State law), of the patient's rights, in advance of furnishing or discontinuing patient care whenever possible.
  - (2) The hospital must establish a process for prompt resolution of patient grievances and must inform each patient whom to contact to file a grievance. The hospital's governing body must approve and be responsible for the effective operation of the grievance process and must review and resolve grievances, unless it delegates the responsibility in writing to a grievance committee. The grievance process must include a mechanism for timely referral of patient concerns regarding quality of care or premature discharge to the appropriate Utilization and Quality Control Quality Improvement Organization. At a minimum:
    - (i) The hospital must establish a clearly explained procedure for the submission of a patient's written or verbal grievance to the hospital.
    - (ii) The grievance process must specify time frames for review of the grievance and the provision of a response.
    - (iii) In its resolution of the grievance, the hospital must provide the patient with written notice of its decision that contains the name of the hospital contact person, the steps taken on behalf of the patient to investigate the grievance, the results of the grievance process, and the date of completion.
- (b) **Standard: Exercise of rights.**
  - (1) The patient has the right to participate in the development and implementation of his or her plan of care.
  - (2) The patient or his or her representative (as allowed under State law) has the right to make informed decisions regarding his or her care. The patient's rights include being informed of his or her health status, being involved in care planning and treatment, and being able to request or refuse treatment. This right must not be construed as a mechanism to demand the provision of treatment or services deemed medically unnecessary or inappropriate.
  - (3) The patient has the right to formulate advance directives and to have hospital staff and practitioners who provide care in the hospital comply with these directives, in accordance with [§ 489.100](/cfr/42/489.100.md) of this part (Definition), [§ 489.102](/cfr/42/489.102.md) of this part (Requirements for providers), and [§ 489.104](/cfr/42/489.104.md) of this part (Effective dates).
  - (4) The patient has the right to have a family member or representative of his or her choice and his or her own physician notified promptly of his or her admission to the hospital.
- (c) **Standard: Privacy and safety.**
  - (1) **The patient has the right to personal privacy.**
  - (2) **The patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting.**
  - (3) **The patient has the right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.**
- (d) **Standard: Confidentiality of patient records.**
  - (1) **The patient has the right to the confidentiality of his or her clinical records.**
  - (2) The patient has the right to access their medical records, including current medical records, upon an oral or written request, in the form and format requested by the individual, if it is readily producible in such form and format (including in an electronic form or format when such medical records are maintained electronically); or, if not, in a readable hard copy form or such other form and format as agreed to by the facility and the individual, and within a reasonable time frame. The hospital must not frustrate the legitimate efforts of individuals to gain access to their own medical records and must actively seek to meet these requests as quickly as its record keeping system permits.
- (e) **Standard: Restraint or seclusion.** All patients have the right to be free from physical or mental abuse, and corporal punishment. All patients have the right to be free from restraint or seclusion, of any form, imposed as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by staff. Restraint or seclusion may only be imposed to ensure the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others and must be discontinued at the earliest possible time.
  - (1) **Definitions.**
    - (i) **A <I>restraint</I> is—**
      - (A) Any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his or her arms, legs, body, or head freely; or
      - (B) A drug or medication when it is used as a restriction to manage the patient's behavior or restrict the patient's freedom of movement and is not a standard treatment or dosage for the patient's condition.
      - (C) A restraint does not include devices, such as orthopedically prescribed devices, surgical dressings or bandages, protective helmets, or other methods that involve the physical holding of a patient for the purpose of conducting routine physical examinations or tests, or to protect the patient from falling out of bed, or to permit the patient to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm (this does not include a physical escort).
    - (ii) **Seclusion—** is the involuntary confinement of a patient alone in a room or area from which the patient is physically prevented from leaving. Seclusion may only be used for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior.
  - (2) Restraint or seclusion may only be used when less restrictive interventions have been determined to be ineffective to protect the patient a staff member or others from harm.
  - (3) The type or technique of restraint or seclusion used must be the least restrictive intervention that will be effective to protect the patient, a staff member, or others from harm.
  - (4) The use of restraint or seclusion must be—
    - (i) In accordance with a written modification to the patient's plan of care; and
    - (ii) Implemented in accordance with safe and appropriate restraint and seclusion techniques as determined by hospital policy in accordance with State law.
  - (5) The use of restraint or seclusion must be in accordance with the order of a physician or other licensed practitioner who is responsible for the care of the patient and authorized to order restraint or seclusion by hospital policy in accordance with State law.
  - (6) Orders for the use of restraint or seclusion must never be written as a standing order or on an as needed basis (PRN).
  - (7) The attending physician must be consulted as soon as possible if the attending physician did not order the restraint or seclusion.
  - (8) Unless superseded by State law that is more restrictive—
    - (i) Each order for restraint or seclusion used for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior that jeopardizes the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others may only be renewed in accordance with the following limits for up to a total of 24 hours:
      - (A) 4 hours for adults 18 years of age or older;
      - (B) 2 hours for children and adolescents 9 to 17 years of age; or
      - (C) 1 hour for children under 9 years of age; and
    - (ii) After 24 hours, before writing a new order for the use of restraint or seclusion for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior, a physician or other licensed practitioner who is responsible for the care of the patient and authorized to order restraint or seclusion by hospital policy in accordance with State law must see and assess the patient.
    - (iii) Each order for restraint used to ensure the physical safety of the non-violent or non-self-destructive patient may be renewed as authorized by hospital policy.
  - (9) Restraint or seclusion must be discontinued at the earliest possible time, regardless of the length of time identified in the order.
  - (10) The condition of the patient who is restrained or secluded must be monitored by a physician, other licensed practitioner, or trained staff that have completed the training criteria specified in [paragraph (f)](#f) of this section at an interval determined by hospital policy.
  - (11) Physician and other licensed practitioner training requirements must be specified in hospital policy. At a minimum, physicians and other licensed practitioners authorized to order restraint or seclusion by hospital policy in accordance with State law must have a working knowledge of hospital policy regarding the use of restraint or seclusion.
  - (12) When restraint or seclusion is used for the management of violent or self-destructive behavior that jeopardizes the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others, the patient must be seen face-to-face within 1 hour after the initiation of the intervention—
    - (i) **By a—**
      - (A) **Physician or other licensed practitioner.**
      - (B) Registered nurse who has been trained in accordance with the requirements specified in [paragraph (f)](#f) of this section.
    - (ii) **To evaluate—**
      - (A) The patient's immediate situation;
      - (B) The patient's reaction to the intervention;
      - (C) The patient's medical and behavioral condition; and
      - (D) **The need to continue or terminate the restraint or seclusion.**
  - (13) States are free to have requirements by statute or regulation that are more restrictive than those contained in [paragraph (e)(12)(i)](#e-12-i) of this section.
  - (14) If the face-to-face evaluation specified in [paragraph (e)(12)](#e-12) of this section is conducted by a trained registered nurse, the trained registered nurse must consult the attending physician or other licensed practitioner who is responsible for the care of the patient as soon as possible after the completion of the 1-hour face-to-face evaluation.
  - (15) All requirements specified under this paragraph are applicable to the simultaneous use of restraint and seclusion. Simultaneous restraint and seclusion use is only permitted if the patient is continually monitored—
    - (i) Face-to-face by an assigned, trained staff member; or
    - (ii) **By trained staff using both video and audio equipment.** This monitoring must be in close proximity to the patient.
  - (16) When restraint or seclusion is used, there must be documentation in the patient's medical record of the following:
    - (i) The 1-hour face-to-face medical and behavioral evaluation if restraint or seclusion is used to manage violent or self-destructive behavior;
    - (ii) A description of the patient's behavior and the intervention used;
    - (iii) Alternatives or other less restrictive interventions attempted (as applicable);
    - (iv) The patient's condition or symptom(s) that warranted the use of the restraint or seclusion; and
    - (v) The patient's response to the intervention(s) used, including the rationale for continued use of the intervention.
- (f) **Standard: Restraint or seclusion: Staff training requirements.** The patient has the right to safe implementation of restraint or seclusion by trained staff.
  - (1) **Training intervals.** Staff must be trained and able to demonstrate competency in the application of restraints, implementation of seclusion, monitoring, assessment, and providing care for a patient in restraint or seclusion—
    - (i) Before performing any of the actions specified in this paragraph;
    - (ii) As part of orientation; and
    - (iii) **Subsequently on a periodic basis consistent with hospital policy.**
  - (2) **Training content.** The hospital must require appropriate staff to have education, training, and demonstrated knowledge based on the specific needs of the patient population in at least the following:
    - (i) Techniques to identify staff and patient behaviors, events, and environmental factors that may trigger circumstances that require the use of a restraint or seclusion.
    - (ii) **The use of nonphysical intervention skills.**
    - (iii) Choosing the least restrictive intervention based on an individualized assessment of the patient's medical, or behavioral status or condition.
    - (iv) The safe application and use of all types of restraint or seclusion used in the hospital, including training in how to recognize and respond to signs of physical and psychological distress (for example, positional asphyxia);
    - (v) Clinical identification of specific behavioral changes that indicate that restraint or seclusion is no longer necessary.
    - (vi) Monitoring the physical and psychological well-being of the patient who is restrained or secluded, including but not limited to, respiratory and circulatory status, skin integrity, vital signs, and any special requirements specified by hospital policy associated with the 1-hour face-to-face evaluation.
    - (vii) The use of first aid techniques and certification in the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including required periodic recertification.
  - (3) **Trainer requirements.** Individuals providing staff training must be qualified as evidenced by education, training, and experience in techniques used to address patients' behaviors.
  - (4) **Training documentation.** The hospital must document in the staff personnel records that the training and demonstration of competency were successfully completed.
- (g) **Standard: Death reporting requirements—** Hospitals must report deaths associated with the use of seclusion or restraint.
  - (1) With the exception of deaths described under [paragraph (g)(2)](#g-2) of this section, the hospital must report the following information to CMS by telephone, facsimile, or electronically, as determined by CMS, no later than the close of business on the next business day following knowledge of the patient's death:
    - (i) **Each death that occurs while a patient is in restraint or seclusion.**
    - (ii) **Each death that occurs within 24 hours after the patient has been removed from restraint or seclusion.**
    - (iii) Each death known to the hospital that occurs within 1 week after restraint or seclusion where it is reasonable to assume that use of restraint or placement in seclusion contributed directly or indirectly to a patient's death, regardless of the type(s) of restraint used on the patient during this time. “Reasonable to assume” in this context includes, but is not limited to, deaths related to restrictions of movement for prolonged periods of time, or death related to chest compression, restriction of breathing, or asphyxiation.
  - (2) When no seclusion has been used and when the only restraints used on the patient are those applied exclusively to the patient's wrist(s), and which are composed solely of soft, non-rigid, cloth-like materials, the hospital staff must record in an internal log or other system, the following information:
    - (i) **Any death that occurs while a patient is in such restraints.**
    - (ii) **Any death that occurs within 24 hours after a patient has been removed from such restraints.**
  - (3) The staff must document in the patient's medical record the date and time the death was:
    - (i) Reported to CMS for deaths described in [paragraph (g)(1)](#g-1) of this section; or
    - (ii) **Recorded in the internal log or other system for deaths described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section.**
  - (4) For deaths described in [paragraph (g)(2)](#g-2) of this section, entries into the internal log or other system must be documented as follows:
    - (i) Each entry must be made not later than seven days after the date of death of the patient.
    - (ii) Each entry must document the patient's name, date of birth, date of death, name of attending physician or other licensed practitioner who is responsible for the care of the patient, medical record number, and primary diagnosis(es).
    - (iii) The information must be made available in either written or electronic form to CMS immediately upon request.
- (h) **Standard: Patient visitation rights.** A hospital must have written policies and procedures regarding the visitation rights of patients, including those setting forth any clinically necessary or reasonable restriction or limitation that the hospital may need to place on such rights and the reasons for the clinical restriction or limitation. A hospital must meet the following requirements:
  - (1) Inform each patient (or support person, where appropriate) of his or her visitation rights, including any clinical restriction or limitation on such rights, when he or she is informed of his or her other rights under this section.
  - (2) Inform each patient (or support person, where appropriate) of the right, subject to his or her consent, to receive the visitors whom he or she designates, including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend, and his or her right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time.
  - (3) Not restrict, limit, or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.
  - (4) Ensure that all visitors enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences.

# §482.15. Condition of participation: Emergency preparedness.


The hospital must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness requirements. The hospital must develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness program that meets the requirements of this section, utilizing an all-hazards approach. The emergency preparedness program must include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

- (a) **Emergency plan.** The hospital must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed, and updated at least every 2 years. The plan must do the following:
  - (1) Be based on and include a documented, facility-based and community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach.
  - (2) **Include strategies for addressing emergency events identified by the risk assessment.**
  - (3) Address patient population, including, but not limited to, persons at-risk; the type of services the hospital has the ability to provide in an emergency; and continuity of operations, including delegations of authority and succession plans.
  - (4) Include a process for cooperation and collaboration with local, tribal, regional, State, and Federal emergency preparedness officials' efforts to maintain an integrated response during a disaster or emergency situation.
- (b) **Policies and procedures.** The hospital must develop and implement emergency preparedness policies and procedures, based on the emergency plan set forth in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, risk assessment at [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section, and the communication plan at [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:
  - (1) The provision of subsistence needs for staff and patients, whether they evacuate or shelter in place, include, but are not limited to the following:
    - (i) **Food, water, medical, and pharmaceutical supplies.**
    - (ii) **Alternate sources of energy to maintain the following—**
      - (A) **Temperatures to protect patient health and safety and for the safe and sanitary storage of provisions.**
      - (B) **Emergency lighting.**
      - (C) **Fire detection, extinguishing, and alarm systems.**
      - (D) **Sewage and waste disposal.**
  - (2) A system to track the location of on-duty staff and sheltered patients in the hospital's care during an emergency. If on-duty staff and sheltered patients are relocated during the emergency, the hospital must document the specific name and location of the receiving facility or other location.
  - (3) Safe evacuation from the hospital, which includes consideration of care and treatment needs of evacuees; staff responsibilities; transportation; identification of evacuation location(s); and primary and alternate means of communication with external sources of assistance.
  - (4) A means to shelter in place for patients, staff, and volunteers who remain in the facility.
  - (5) A system of medical documentation that preserves patient information, protects confidentiality of patient information, and secures and maintains the availability of records.
  - (6) The use of volunteers in an emergency and other emergency staffing strategies, including the process and role for integration of State and Federally designated health care professionals to address surge needs during an emergency.
  - (7) The development of arrangements with other hospitals and other providers to receive patients in the event of limitations or cessation of operations to maintain the continuity of services to hospital patients.
  - (8) The role of the hospital under a waiver declared by the Secretary, in accordance with section 1135 of the Act, in the provision of care and treatment at an alternate care site identified by emergency management officials.
- (c) **Communication plan.** The hospital must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with Federal, State, and local laws and must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years. The communication plan must include all of the following:
  - (1) **Names and contact information for the following—**
    - (i) **Staff.**
    - (ii) **Entities providing services under arrangement.**
    - (iii) **Patients' physicians.**
    - (iv) Other hospitals and CAHs
    - (v) **Volunteers.**
  - (2) **Contact information for the following—**
    - (i) **Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness staff.**
    - (ii) **Other sources of assistance.**
  - (3) Primary and alternate means for communicating with the following:
    - (i) **Hospital's staff.**
    - (ii) **Federal, State, tribal, regional, and local emergency management agencies.**
  - (4) A method for sharing information and medical documentation for patients under the hospital's care, as necessary, with other health care providers to maintain the continuity of care.
  - (5) A means, in the event of an evacuation, to release patient information as permitted under [45 CFR 164.510(b)(1)(ii)](/cfr/45/164.510.md?p=b-1-ii).
  - (6) A means of providing information about the general condition and location of patients under the facility's care as permitted under [45 CFR 164.510(b)(4)](/cfr/45/164.510.md?p=b-4).
  - (7) A means of providing information about the hospital's occupancy, needs, and its ability to provide assistance, to the authority having jurisdiction, the Incident Command Center, or designee.
- (d) **Training and testing.** The hospital must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness training and testing program that is based on the emergency plan set forth in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, risk assessment at [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section, policies and procedures at [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, and the communication plan at [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section. The training and testing program must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years.
  - (1) **Training program.** The hospital must do all of the following:
    - (i) Initial training in emergency preparedness policies and procedures to all new and existing staff, individuals providing services under arrangement, and volunteers, consistent with their expected role.
    - (ii) **Provide emergency preparedness training at least every 2 years.**
    - (iii) **Maintain documentation of the training.**
    - (iv) **Demonstrate staff knowledge of emergency procedures.**
    - (v) If the emergency preparedness policies and procedures are significantly updated, the hospital must conduct training on the updated policies and procedures.
  - (2) **Testing.** The hospital must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least twice per year. The hospital must do all of the following:
    - (i) Participate in an annual full-scale exercise that is community-based; or
      - (A) When a community-based exercise is not accessible, conduct an annual individual, facility-based functional exercise; or.
      - (B) If the hospital experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the hospital is exempt from engaging in its next required full-scale community-based exercise or individual, facility-based functional exercise following the onset of the emergency event.
    - (ii) Conduct an additional annual exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following:
      - (A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or an individual, facility-based functional exercise; or
      - (B) A mock disaster drill; or
      - (C) A tabletop exercise or workshop that is led by a facilitator and includes a group discussion, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan.
    - (iii) Analyze the hospital's response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the hospital's emergency plan, as needed.
- (e) **Emergency and standby power systems.** The hospital must implement emergency and standby power systems based on the emergency plan set forth in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section and in the policies and procedures plan set forth in paragraphs [(b)(1)(i)](#b-1-i) and [(ii)](#b-1-ii) of this section.
  - (1) **Emergency generator location.** The generator must be located in accordance with the location requirements found in the Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99 and Tentative Interim Amendments TIA 12-2, TIA 12-3, TIA 12-4, TIA 12-5, and TIA 12-6), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101 and Tentative Interim Amendments TIA 12-1, TIA 12-2, TIA 12-3, and TIA 12-4), and NFPA 110, when a new structure is built or when an existing structure or building is renovated.
  - (2) **Emergency generator inspection and testing.** The hospital must implement the emergency power system inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements found in the Health Care Facilities Code, NFPA 110, and Life Safety Code.
  - (3) **Emergency generator fuel.** Hospitals that maintain an onsite fuel source to power emergency generators must have a plan for how it will keep emergency power systems operational during the emergency, unless it evacuates.
- (f) **Integrated healthcare systems.** If a hospital is part of a healthcare system consisting of multiple separately certified healthcare facilities that elects to have a unified and integrated emergency preparedness program, the hospital may choose to participate in the healthcare system's coordinated emergency preparedness program. If elected, the unified and integrated emergency preparedness program must—
  - (1) Demonstrate that each separately certified facility within the system actively participated in the development of the unified and integrated emergency preparedness program.
  - (2) Be developed and maintained in a manner that takes into account each separately certified facility's unique circumstances, patient populations, and services offered.
  - (3) Demonstrate that each separately certified facility is capable of actively using the unified and integrated emergency preparedness program and is in compliance with the program.
  - (4) Include a unified and integrated emergency plan that meets the requirements of paragraphs [(a)(2)](#a-2), [(3)](#a-3), and [(4)](#a-4) of this section. The unified and integrated emergency plan must also be based on and include the following:
    - (i) **A documented community-based risk assessment, utilizing an all-hazards approach.**
    - (ii) A documented individual facility-based risk assessment for each separately certified facility within the health system, utilizing an all-hazards approach.
  - (5) Include integrated policies and procedures that meet the requirements set forth in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, a coordinated communication plan and training and testing programs that meet the requirements of paragraphs [(c)](#c) and [(d)](#d) of this section, respectively.
- (g) **Transplant hospitals.** If a hospital has one or more transplant programs (as defined in [§ 482.70](/cfr/42/482.70.md))—
  - (1) A representative from each transplant program must be included in the development and maintenance of the hospital's emergency preparedness program; and
  - (2) The hospital must develop and maintain mutually agreed upon protocols that address the duties and responsibilities of the hospital, each transplant program, and the OPO for the DSA where the hospital is situated, unless the hospital has been granted a waiver to work with another OPO, during an emergency.
- (h) The standards incorporated by reference in this section are approved for incorporation by reference by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. [552(a)](/usc/5/552.md?p=a) and [1](/usc/5/1.md) CFR [part 51](/cfr/42/part51.md). You may obtain the material from the sources listed below. You may inspect a copy at the CMS Information Resource Center, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. If any changes in this edition of the Code are incorporated by reference, CMS will publish a document in the Federal Register to announce the changes.
  - (1) National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, www.nfpa.org, 1.617.770.3000.
    - (i) **NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, 2012 edition, issued August 11, 2011.**
    - (ii) **Technical interim amendment (TIA) 12-2 to NFPA 99, issued August 11, 2011.**
    - (iii) **TIA 12-3 to NFPA 99, issued August 9, 2012.**
    - (iv) **TIA 12-4 to NFPA 99, issued March 7, 2013.**
    - (v) **TIA 12-5 to NFPA 99, issued August 1, 2013.**
    - (vi) **TIA 12-6 to NFPA 99, issued March 3, 2014.**
    - (vii) **NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2012 edition, issued August 11, 2011.**
    - (viii) **TIA 12-1 to NFPA 101, issued August 11, 2011.**
    - (ix) **TIA 12-2 to NFPA 101, issued October 30, 2012.**
    - (x) **TIA 12-3 to NFPA 101, issued October 22, 2013.**
    - (xi) **TIA 12-4 to NFPA 101, issued October 22, 2013.**
    - (xii) NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2010 edition, including TIAs to chapter 7, issued August 6, 2009.
  - (2) [Reserved]

# §482.21. Condition of participation: Quality assessment and performance improvement program.


The hospital must develop, implement, and maintain an effective, ongoing, hospital-wide, data-driven quality assessment and performance improvement program. The hospital's governing body must ensure that the program reflects the complexity of the hospital's organization and services; involves all hospital departments and services (including those services furnished under contract or arrangement); and focuses on indicators related to improved health outcomes and the prevention and reduction of medical errors. The hospital must maintain and demonstrate evidence of its QAPI program for review by CMS.

- (a) **Standard: Program scope.**
  - (1) The program must include, but not be limited to, an ongoing program that shows measurable improvement in indicators for which there is evidence that it will improve health outcomes and identify and reduce medical errors.
  - (2) The hospital must measure, analyze, and track quality indicators, including adverse patient events, and other aspects of performance that assess processes of care, hospital service and operations.
- (b) **Standard: Program data.**
  - (1) The program must incorporate quality indicator data including patient care data, and other relevant data such as data submitted to or received from Medicare quality reporting and quality performance programs, including but not limited to data related to hospital readmissions and hospital-acquired conditions.
  - (2) The hospital must use the data collected to—
    - (i) Monitor the effectiveness and safety of services and quality of care; and
    - (ii) Identify opportunities for improvement and changes that will lead to improvement.
  - (3) The frequency and detail of data collection must be specified by the hospital's governing body.
  - (4) Effective January 1, 2027, for hospitals that offer obstetrical services, the hospital must utilize its quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) program to assess and improve health outcomes and disparities among obstetrical patients on an ongoing basis. At a minimum, the hospital must:
    - (i) Analyze data and quality indicators collected for the QAPI program by diverse subpopulations as identified by the hospital among obstetrical patients.
    - (ii) Measure, analyze, and track data, measures, and quality indicators on patient outcomes and disparities in processes of care, services and operations among obstetrical patients.
    - (iii) Analyze and prioritize patient health outcomes and disparities, develop and implement actions to improve patient health outcomes and disparities, measure results, and track performance to ensure improvements are sustained among obstetrical patients.
    - (iv) Conduct at least one measurable performance improvement project focused on improving health outcomes and disparities among the hospital's population(s) of obstetrical patients annually.
- (c) **Standard: Program activities.**
  - (1) The hospital must set priorities for its performance improvement activities that—
    - (i) Focus on high-risk, high-volume, or problem-prone areas;
    - (ii) Consider the incidence, prevalence, and severity of problems in those areas; and
    - (iii) **Affect health outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care.**
  - (2) Performance improvement activities must track medical errors and adverse patient events, analyze their causes, and implement preventive actions and mechanisms that include feedback and learning throughout the hospital.
  - (3) The hospital must take actions aimed at performance improvement and, after implementing those actions, the hospital must measure its success, and track performance to ensure that improvements are sustained.
- (d) **Standard: Performance improvement projects.** As part of its quality assessment and performance improvement program, the hospital must conduct performance improvement projects.
  - (1) The number and scope of distinct improvement projects conducted annually must be proportional to the scope and complexity of the hospital's services and operations.
  - (2) A hospital may, as one of its projects, develop and implement an information technology system explicitly designed to improve patient safety and quality of care. This project, in its initial stage of development, does not need to demonstrate measurable improvement in indicators related to health outcomes.
  - (3) The hospital must document what quality improvement projects are being conducted, the reasons for conducting these projects, and the measurable progress achieved on these projects.
  - (4) A hospital is not required to participate in a QIO cooperative project, but its own projects are required to be of comparable effort.
- (e) **Standard: Maternal health QAPI activities.** Effective January 1, 2027, for hospitals that offer obstetrical services, the following additional QAPI requirements apply:
  - (1) Obstetrical services leadership must engage in QAPI as specified in this section for obstetrical services, including but not limited to participating in data collection and monitoring as specified in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section.
  - (2) If a maternal mortality review committee (MMRC) is available at the State, Tribal, or local jurisdiction in which the hospital is located, the facility leadership, obstetrical services leadership, or their designate(s) must further have a process for incorporating publicly available MMRC(s) data and recommendations into the hospital QAPI program as specified in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section.
- (f) **Standard: Executive responsibilities.** The hospital's governing body (or organized group or individual who assumes full legal authority and responsibility for operations of the hospital), medical staff, and administrative officials are responsible and accountable for ensuring the following:
  - (1) That an ongoing program for quality improvement and patient safety, including the reduction of medical errors, is defined, implemented, and maintained.
  - (2) That the hospital-wide quality assessment and performance improvement efforts address priorities for improved quality of care and patient safety; and that all improvement actions are evaluated.
  - (3) **That clear expectations for safety are established.**
  - (4) That adequate resources are allocated for measuring, assessing, improving, and sustaining the hospital's performance and reducing risk to patients.
  - (5) **That the determination of the number of distinct improvement projects is conducted annually.**
- (g) **Standard: Unified and integrated QAPI program for multi-hospital systems.** If a hospital is part of a hospital system consisting of multiple separately certified hospitals using a system governing body that is legally responsible for the conduct of two or more hospitals, the system governing body can elect to have a unified and integrated QAPI program for all of its member hospitals after determining that such a decision is in accordance with all applicable State and local laws. The system governing body is responsible and accountable for ensuring that each of its separately certified hospitals meets all of the requirements of this section. Each separately certified hospital subject to the system governing body must demonstrate that:
  - (1) The unified and integrated QAPI program is established in a manner that takes into account each member hospital's unique circumstances and any significant differences in patient populations and services offered in each hospital; and
  - (2) The unified and integrated QAPI program establishes and implements policies and procedures to ensure that the needs and concerns of each of its separately certified hospitals, regardless of practice or location, are given due consideration, and that the unified and integrated QAPI program has mechanisms in place to ensure that issues localized to particular hospitals are duly considered and addressed.

# §482.22. Condition of participation: Medical staff.


The hospital must have an organized medical staff that operates under bylaws approved by the governing body, and which is responsible for the quality of medical care provided to patients by the hospital.

- (a) **Standard: Eligibility and process for appointment to medical staff.** The medical staff must be composed of doctors of medicine or osteopathy. In accordance with State law, including scope-of-practice laws, the medical staff may also include other categories of physicians (as listed at [§ 482.12(c)(1)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=c-1)) and non-physician practitioners who are determined to be eligible for appointment by the governing body.
  - (1) The medical staff must periodically conduct appraisals of its members.
  - (2) The medical staff must examine the credentials of all eligible candidates for medical staff membership and make recommendations to the governing body on the appointment of these candidates in accordance with State law, including scope-of-practice laws, and the medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations. A candidate who has been recommended by the medical staff and who has been appointed by the governing body is subject to all medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations, in addition to the requirements contained in this section.
  - (3) When telemedicine services are furnished to the hospital's patients through an agreement with a distant-site hospital, the governing body of the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services may choose, in lieu of the requirements in paragraphs [(a)(1)](#a-1) and [(a)(2)](#a-2) of this section, to have its medical staff rely upon the credentialing and privileging decisions made by the distant-site hospital when making recommendations on privileges for the individual distant-site physicians and practitioners providing such services, if the hospital's governing body ensures, through its written agreement with the distant-site hospital, that all of the following provisions are met:
    - (i) **The distant-site hospital providing the telemedicine services is a Medicare-participating hospital.**
    - (ii) The individual distant-site physician or practitioner is privileged at the distant-site hospital providing the telemedicine services, which provides a current list of the distant-site physician's or practitioner's privileges at the distant-site hospital.
    - (iii) The individual distant-site physician or practitioner holds a license issued or recognized by the State in which the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services is located.
    - (iv) With respect to a distant-site physician or practitioner, who holds current privileges at the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services, the hospital has evidence of an internal review of the distant-site physician's or practitioner's performance of these privileges and sends the distant-site hospital such performance information for use in the periodic appraisal of the distant-site physician or practitioner. At a minimum, this information must include all adverse events that result from the telemedicine services provided by the distant-site physician or practitioner to the hospital's patients and all complaints the hospital has received about the distant-site physician or practitioner.
  - (4) When telemedicine services are furnished to the hospital's patients through an agreement with a distant-site telemedicine entity, the governing body of the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services may choose, in lieu of the requirements in paragraphs [(a)(1)](#a-1) and [(a)(2)](#a-2) of this section, to have its medical staff rely upon the credentialing and privileging decisions made by the distant-site telemedicine entity when making recommendations on privileges for the individual distant-site physicians and practitioners providing such services, if the hospital's governing body ensures, through its written agreement with the distant-site telemedicine entity, that the distant-site telemedicine entity furnishes services that, in accordance with [§ 482.12(e)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=e), permit the hospital to comply with all applicable conditions of participation for the contracted services. The hospital's governing body must also ensure, through its written agreement with the distant-site telemedicine entity, that all of the following provisions are met:
    - (i) The distant-site telemedicine entity's medical staff credentialing and privileging process and standards at least meet the standards at [§ 482.12(a)(1) through (a)(7)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=a-1..a-7) and [§ 482.22(a)(1) through (a)(2)](#a-1..a-2).
    - (ii) The individual distant-site physician or practitioner is privileged at the distant-site telemedicine entity providing the telemedicine services, which provides the hospital with a current list of the distant-site physician's or practitioner's privileges at the distant-site telemedicine entity.
    - (iii) The individual distant-site physician or practitioner holds a license issued or recognized by the State in which the hospital whose patients are receiving such telemedicine services is located.
    - (iv) With respect to a distant-site physician or practitioner, who holds current privileges at the hospital whose patients are receiving the telemedicine services, the hospital has evidence of an internal review of the distant-site physician's or practitioner's performance of these privileges and sends the distant-site telemedicine entity such performance information for use in the periodic appraisal of the distant-site physician or practitioner. At a minimum, this information must include all adverse events that result from the telemedicine services provided by the distant-site physician or practitioner to the hospital's patients, and all complaints the hospital has received about the distant-site physician or practitioner.
- (b) **Standard: Medical staff organization and accountability.** The medical staff must be well organized and accountable to the governing body for the quality of the medical care provided to patients.
  - (1) The medical staff must be organized in a manner approved by the governing body.
  - (2) If the medical staff has an executive committee, a majority of the members of the committee must be doctors of medicine or osteopathy.
  - (3) The responsibility for organization and conduct of the medical staff must be assigned only to one of the following:
    - (i) **An individual doctor of medicine or osteopathy.**
    - (ii) A doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine, when permitted by State law of the State in which the hospital is located.
    - (iii) A doctor of podiatric medicine, when permitted by State law of the State in which the hospital is located.
  - (4) If a hospital is part of a hospital system consisting of multiple separately certified hospitals and the system elects to have a unified and integrated medical staff for its member hospitals, after determining that such a decision is in accordance with all applicable State and local laws, each separately certified hospital must demonstrate that:
    - (i) The medical staff members of each separately certified hospital in the system (that is, all medical staff members who hold specific privileges to practice at that hospital) have voted by majority, in accordance with medical staff bylaws, either to accept a unified and integrated medical staff structure or to opt out of such a structure and to maintain a separate and distinct medical staff for their respective hospital;
    - (ii) The unified and integrated medical staff has bylaws, rules, and requirements that describe its processes for self-governance, appointment, credentialing, privileging, and oversight, as well as its peer review policies and due process rights guarantees, and which include a process for the members of the medical staff of each separately certified hospital (that is, all medical staff members who hold specific privileges to practice at that hospital) to be advised of their rights to opt out of the unified and integrated medical staff structure after a majority vote by the members to maintain a separate and distinct medical staff for their hospital;
    - (iii) The unified and integrated medical staff is established in a manner that takes into account each member hospital's unique circumstances and any significant differences in patient populations and services offered in each hospital; and
    - (iv) The unified and integrated medical staff establishes and implements policies and procedures to ensure that the needs and concerns expressed by members of the medical staff, at each of its separately certified hospitals, regardless of practice or location, are given due consideration, and that the unified and integrated medical staff has mechanisms in place to ensure that issues localized to particular hospitals are duly considered and addressed.
- (c) **Standard: Medical staff bylaws.** The medical staff must adopt and enforce bylaws to carry out its responsibilities. The bylaws must:
  - (1) **Be approved by the governing body.**
  - (2) Include a statement of the duties and privileges of each category of medical staff (e.g., active, courtesy, etc.)
  - (3) **Describe the organization of the medical staff.**
  - (4) Describe the qualifications to be met by a candidate in order for the medical staff to recommend that the candidate be appointed by the governing body.
  - (5) **Include a requirement that—**
    - (i) A medical history and physical examination be completed and documented for each patient no more than 30 days before or 24 hours after admission or registration, but prior to surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia services, and except as provided under [paragraph (c)(5)(iii)](#c-5-iii) of this section. The medical history and physical examination must be completed and documented by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of the Act), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or other qualified licensed individual in accordance with State law and hospital policy.
    - (ii) An updated examination of the patient, including any changes in the patient's condition, be completed and documented within 24 hours after admission or registration, but prior to surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia services, when the medical history and physical examination are completed within 30 days before admission or registration, and except as provided under [paragraph (c)(5)(iii)](#c-5-iii) of this section. The updated examination of the patient, including any changes in the patient's condition, must be completed and documented by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of the Act), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or other qualified licensed individual in accordance with State law and hospital policy.
    - (iii) An assessment of the patient (in lieu of the requirements of paragraphs [(c)(5)(i)](#c-5-i) and [(ii)](#c-5-ii) of this section) be completed and documented after registration, but prior to surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia services, when the patient is receiving specific outpatient surgical or procedural services and when the medical staff has chosen to develop and maintain a policy that identifies, in accordance with the requirements at [paragraph (c)(5)(v)](#c-5-v) of this section, specific patients as not requiring a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, or any update to it, prior to specific outpatient surgical or procedural services. The assessment must be completed and documented by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of the Act), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or other qualified licensed individual in accordance with State law and hospital policy.
    - (iv) The medical staff develop and maintain a policy that identifies those patients for whom the assessment requirements of [paragraph (c)(5)(iii)](#c-5-iii) of this section would apply. The provisions of paragraphs [(c)(5)(iii)](#c-5-iii), [(iv)](#c-5-iv), and [(v)](#c-5-v) of this section do not apply to a medical staff that chooses to maintain a policy that adheres to the requirements of paragraphs of (c)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section for all patients.
    - (v) The medical staff, if it chooses to develop and maintain a policy for the identification of specific patients to whom the assessment requirements in [paragraph (c)(5)(iii)](#c-5-iii) of this section would apply, must demonstrate evidence that the policy applies only to those patients receiving specific outpatient surgical or procedural services as well as evidence that the policy is based on:
      - (A) Patient age, diagnoses, the type and number of surgeries and procedures scheduled to be performed, comorbidities, and the level of anesthesia required for the surgery or procedure.
      - (B) Nationally recognized guidelines and standards of practice for assessment of specific types of patients prior to specific outpatient surgeries and procedures.
      - (C) **Applicable state and local health and safety laws.**
  - (6) Include criteria for determining the privileges to be granted to individual practitioners and a procedure for applying the criteria to individuals requesting privileges. For distant-site physicians and practitioners requesting privileges to furnish telemedicine services under an agreement with the hospital, the criteria for determining privileges and the procedure for applying the criteria are also subject to the requirements in § [482.12(a)(8)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=a-8) and [(a)(9)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=a-9), and § [482.22(a)(3)](#a-3) and [(a)(4)](#a-4).

# §482.23. Condition of participation: Nursing services.


The hospital must have an organized nursing service that provides 24-hour nursing services. The nursing services must be furnished or supervised by a registered nurse.

- (a) **Standard: Organization.** The hospital must have a well-organized service with a plan of administrative authority and delineation of responsibilities for patient care. The director of the nursing service must be a licensed registered nurse. He or she is responsible for the operation of the service, including determining the types and numbers of nursing personnel and staff necessary to provide nursing care for all areas of the hospital.
- (b) **Standard: Staffing and delivery of care.** The nursing service must have adequate numbers of licensed registered nurses, licensed practical (vocational) nurses, and other personnel to provide nursing care to all patients as needed. There must be supervisory and staff personnel for each department or nursing unit to ensure, when needed, the immediate availability of a registered nurse for the care of any patient.
  - (1) The hospital must provide 24-hour nursing services furnished or supervised by a registered nurse, and have a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse on duty at all times, except for rural hospitals that have in effect a 24-hour nursing waiver granted under [§ 488.54(c)](/cfr/42/488.54.md?p=c) of this chapter.
  - (2) The nursing service must have a procedure to ensure that hospital nursing personnel for whom licensure is required have valid and current licensure.
  - (3) A registered nurse must supervise and evaluate the nursing care for each patient.
  - (4) The hospital must ensure that the nursing staff develops and keeps current a nursing care plan for each patient that reflects the patient's goals and the nursing care to be provided to meet the patient's needs. The nursing care plan may be part of an interdisciplinary care plan.
  - (5) A registered nurse must assign the nursing care of each patient to other nursing personnel in accordance with the patient's needs and the specialized qualifications and competence of the nursing staff available.
  - (6) All licensed nurses who provide services in the hospital must adhere to the policies and procedures of the hospital. The director of nursing service must provide for the adequate supervision and evaluation of the clinical activities of all nursing personnel which occur within the responsibility of the nursing service, regardless of the mechanism through which those personnel are providing services (that is, hospital employee, contract, lease, other agreement, or volunteer).
  - (7) The hospital must have policies and procedures in place establishing which outpatient departments, if any, are not required under hospital policy to have a registered nurse present. The policies and procedures must:
    - (i) Establish the criteria such outpatient departments must meet, taking into account the types of services delivered, the general level of acuity of patients served by the department, and the established standards of practice for the services delivered;
    - (ii) Establish alternative staffing plans;
    - (iii) Be approved by the director of nursing;
    - (iv) **Be reviewed at least once every 3 years.**
- (c) **Standard: Preparation and administration of drugs.**
  - (1) Drugs and biologicals must be prepared and administered in accordance with Federal and State laws, the orders of the practitioner or practitioners responsible for the patient's care, and accepted standards of practice.
    - (i) Drugs and biologicals may be prepared and administered on the orders of other practitioners not specified under [§ 482.12(c)](/cfr/42/482.12.md?p=c) only if such practitioners are acting in accordance with State law, including scope-of-practice laws, hospital policies, and medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations.
    - (ii) Drugs and biologicals may be prepared and administered on the orders contained within pre-printed and electronic standing orders, order sets, and protocols for patient orders only if such orders meet the requirements of [§ 482.24(c)(3)](/cfr/42/482.24.md?p=c-3).
  - (2) All drugs and biologicals must be administered by, or under supervision of, nursing or other personnel in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations, including applicable licensing requirements, and in accordance with the approved medical staff policies and procedures.
  - (3) With the exception of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, which may be administered per physician-approved hospital policy after an assessment of contraindications, orders for drugs and biologicals must be documented and signed by a practitioner who is authorized to write orders in accordance with State law and hospital policy, and who is responsible for the care of the patient.
    - (i) If verbal orders are used, they are to be used infrequently.
    - (ii) When verbal orders are used, they must only be accepted by persons who are authorized to do so by hospital policy and procedures consistent with Federal and State law.
    - (iii) Orders for drugs and biologicals may be documented and signed by other practitioners only if such practitioners are acting in accordance with State law, including scope-of-practice laws, hospital policies, and medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations.
  - (4) Blood transfusions and intravenous medications must be administered in accordance with State law and approved medical staff policies and procedures.
  - (5) There must be a hospital procedure for reporting transfusion reactions, adverse drug reactions, and errors in administration of drugs.
  - (6) The hospital may allow a patient (or his or her caregiver/support person where appropriate) to self-administer both hospital-issued medications and the patient's own medications brought into the hospital, as defined and specified in the hospital's policies and procedures.
    - (i) If the hospital allows a patient to self-administer specific hospital-issued medications, then the hospital must have policies and procedures in place to:
      - (A) Ensure that a practitioner responsible for the care of the patient has issued an order, consistent with hospital policy, permitting self-administration.
      - (B) Assess the capacity of the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate) to self-administer the specified medication(s).
      - (C) Instruct the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate) in the safe and accurate administration of the specified medication(s).
      - (D) **Address the security of the medication(s) for each patient.**
      - (E) Document the administration of each medication, as reported by the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate), in the patient's medical record.
    - (ii) If the hospital allows a patient to self-administer his or her own specific medications brought into the hospital, then the hospital must have policies and procedures in place to:
      - (A) Ensure that a practitioner responsible for the care of the patient has issued an order, consistent with hospital policy, permitting self-administration of medications the patient brought into the hospital.
      - (B) Assess the capacity of the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate) to self-administer the specified medication(s), and also determine if the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate) needs instruction in the safe and accurate administration of the specified medication(s).
      - (C) **Identify the specified medication(s) and visually evaluate the medication(s) for integrity.**
      - (D) **Address the security of the medication(s) for each patient.**
      - (E) Document the administration of each medication, as reported by the patient (or the patient's caregiver/support person where appropriate), in the patient's medical record.