Sec. 10.30.01.02. Definitions

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

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Abusive and dangerous patient" means a patient who is physically or verbally threatening to the patient's person, facility staff, or other patients.

(2) "Acute dialysis" means dialysis employed in the treatment of temporary renal failure, with the expectation that dialysis may be necessary for 4 weeks or less because recovery of kidney function is anticipated.

(3) "Administrator" means an individual appointed by the governing body who is responsible for the facility's daily operations and the duties set forth in COMAR 10.30.02.03F.

(4) "Certified nursing assistant-dialysis technician" means an individual licensed by the Maryland Board of Nursing to perform nursing tasks delegated by a licensed nurse in the dialysis facility.

(5) "Certified patient" means a patient who is certified by the Commission on Kidney Disease and is eligible for benefits from the Kidney Disease Program.

(6) "Chief executive officer" means an individual who meets the requirements set forth in 42 CFR §494.180, which is incorporated by reference;

(7) "Chronic dialysis" means dialysis employed to compensate for the severe and irreversible loss of renal function and is a permanent treatment modality unless replaced by renal transplantation.

(8) "Chronic peritoneal dialysis" means dialysis performed repetitively by exchanging large volumes of solution within the peritoneal cavity.

(9) "Commission" means the Commission on Kidney Disease.

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

(11) Dialysis.

(a) "Dialysis" means the process of filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood of a patient with severely compromised kidney function.

(b) "Dialysis" includes the terms hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

(12) "Governing body" means an identifiable individual or individuals who are designated in writing with full legal authority and responsibility for the governance and operation of the facility.

(13) "Home dialysis" means chronic hemodialysis or chronic peritoneal dialysis performed regularly in the home by the patient and an assistant, if necessary.

(14) "Home training dialysis" means:

(a) Chronic peritoneal dialysis, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis; or

(b) Instructional chronic hemodialysis.

(15) “In-center hemodialysis” means a hemodialysis treatment that:

(a) Lasts 3 to 5 hours;

(b) Is performed on a routine basis, usually three times a week, to treat a chronic condition; and

(c) Is provided in a kidney dialysis facility center during daytime hours.

(16) “In-center nocturnal hemodialysis” means a hemodialysis treatment that:

(a) Lasts 6 to 9 hours;

(b) Is performed on a routine basis, usually three times a week, to treat a chronic condition; and

(c) Is provided in a kidney dialysis facility.

(17) "Monitoring individual" means an individual who is a direct patient care provider.

(18) "Nurse manager" means an individual who is responsible for nursing services and provides oversight and direction to all direct care staff that provide dialysis and nursing care in the facility including:

(a) Input into hiring; and

(b) Evaluating staff.