Sec. 10.52.11.02. Definitions

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

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Assisted living facility" has the meaning for assisted living program stated in Health-General Article, §19-1801, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(2) "Day care center for adults" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §14-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(3) "Freestanding birthing center" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-3B-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(4) "Freestanding medical facility" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-3A-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(5) Health Care Facility.

(a) "Health care facility" means a location where health care is provided, including:

(i) Assisted living facility;

(ii) Day care center for adults;

(iii) Freestanding birthing center;

(iv) Freestanding medical facility;

(v) Health maintenance organization;

(vi) Hospital;

(vii) Managed care organization;

(viii) Nursing home; and

(ix) Related institution.

(b) "Health care facility" does not include a private professional office.

(6) "Health care professional" means an individual who is licensed or certified under one or more of the following titles of Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland:

(a) Title 4 Dentistry;

(b) Title 6 Electrologists;

(c) Title 7 Morticians;

(d) Title 8 Nurses;

(e) Title 14 Physicians;

(f) Title 15 Physician Assistants; and

(g) Title 16 Podiatrists.

(7) "Health care worker" means an individual who is:

(a) A health care professional;

(b) An employee of a health care professional; or

(c) An employee of a health care facility.

(8) "Health maintenance organization" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-701, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(9) "Hospital" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(10) "Managed care organization" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §15-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(11) "Nursing home" means either:

(a) A comprehensive care facility, as defined in COMAR 10.07.02.01B(6); or

(b) An extended care facility, as defined in COMAR 10.07.02.01B(12).

(12) "Patient care activity" means an action performed by a health care worker for a patient which could result in one or more of the following:

(a) Blood or body fluids of the patient touching non-intact skin or mucous membrane of the health care worker;

(b) Blood or body fluids of the health care worker touching nonintact skin or mucous membrane of the patient;

(c) Percutaneous contact of the health care worker with the blood or body fluids of the patient; or

(d) Percutaneous contact of the patient with the blood or body fluids of the health care worker.

(13) "Private professional office" means a location which is not a part of a health care facility where a health care professional provides services to the public on a regular basis.

(14) "Related institution" has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(15) "Universal precautions" has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.06.01.02B(10).