Sec. 10.07.21.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Attending physician" means the physician having the most significant role in the determination and delivery of the hospice patient's medical care.

(2) Bereavement Services.

(a) "Bereavement services" means counseling services provided to the patient's family after the patient's death.

(b) "Bereavement services" includes:

(i) Personal contacts with the family by hospice employees or volunteers;

(ii) Support groups; and

(iii) Referrals to other service providers.

(3) "Department" means the Maryland Department of Health.

(4) "Family" means a group of two or more individuals related by legal status or affection who consider themselves a family.

(5) "General hospice care program" means a coordinated, interdisciplinary program of hospice care services designed to meet the special physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of dying individuals and their families, by providing palliative and supportive medical, nursing, and other health-related services during illness and bereavement through home or inpatient care.

(6) "Home-based hospice services" means hospice care services provided to a patient in the patient's permanent or temporary residence.

(7) Hospice Care Program.

(a) "Hospice care program" means a coordinated, interdisciplinary program of hospice care services.

(b) "Hospice care program" includes a general or limited hospice care program.

(8) "Inpatient care services" means services provided by a general hospice care program for the purpose of pain control, symptom management, or respite.

(9) "License" means a license issued by the Secretary to operate a general or limited hospice care program.

(10) "Limited hospice care program" means a coordinated, interdisciplinary program of hospice care services designed to meet the special physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of dying individuals and their families, by providing palliative and supportive nonskilled services during illness and bereavement through a home-based hospice care program.

(11) "Physician" means an individual who is licensed to practice medicine in this State under Health Occupations Article, Title 14, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(12) "Representative" means an individual with legal authority to make health care decisions on behalf of the patient as set forth in Regulation .20 of this chapter.

(13) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health.

(14) "Skilled services" means services that may be provided by an individual licensed under the Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(15) "Social worker" means an individual licensed to practice in this State under Health Occupations Article, Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland.