Sec. 10.27.19.01. Definitions

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

B. Terms Defined.

(1) Abandonment.

(a) “Abandonment” means:

(i) Termination by a nurse of a client assignment which had been accepted by the nurse, without reasonable notification to the immediate supervisor to allow for the continuation of the client’s care;

(ii) In the case of a natural disaster or a federal, State, county, or city declaration of an emergency, refusal by a nurse of an assignment, mandatory overtime, or both; or

(iii) In the case of a private duty assignment or hospice, if the nurse is the sole provider of care, failure to report for assigned duty or leaving the client unattended at the end of the assigned shift without prior notification to the nursing supervisor, the cognitive capable adult client, or the client’s designated representative.

(b) "Abandonment" does not include the declining by a nurse of employer-stipulated mandatory overtime.

(2) “Accepting a client assignment” means a nurse has arrived on duty and assumed responsibility for client care based on the nurse’s reasonable and prudent professional judgment and the standards of nursing practice.

(3) "Board" means the Board of Nursing.

(4) “Client” means a patient, resident, or recipient of care.

(5) “Electronic devices” means, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(a) Telephones with recording and picture-taking ability;

(b) Digital cameras or any other device that can record pictures and data;

(c) Facsimile machines, photocopiers, and scanners for copying; and

(d) Recording devices.

(6) “Multistate licensure privilege” has the meaning set forth in COMAR 10.27.01.01B.

(7) “Nurse” means a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse as defined in Health Occupations Article, §8-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(8) “Social media” means any form of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, communication by use of websites for social networking and blogging through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content such as videos.