§ 19-1415. Change in Condition Notification Law

  • (a) In this section, “change in condition” means a significant change in the resident’s physical, mental, or psychological status including:
    • (1) Life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke;
    • (2) Clinical complications such as:
      • (i) Development of a pressure sore;
      • (ii) Onset of recurrent periods of delirium;
      • (iii) Onset of recurrent urinary tract infection;
      • (iv) Onset of depression; or
      • (v) Onset of aggressive or inappropriate behavior;
    • (3) The need to discontinue a medication or treatment because of:
      • (i) Adverse consequences; or
      • (ii) The need to begin a new form of treatment;
    • (4) Evaluation at or admission to a hospital; and
    • (5) Accidents that result in injury having the potential for requiring a physician’s intervention. 
  • (b) Consistent with State and federal confidentiality laws and in a timely manner, a nursing home shall notify a resident and, if applicable, the resident’s representative or interested family member of any:
    • (1) Change in condition;
    • (2) Adverse event that may result in a change in condition;
    • (3) Outcome or care that results in an unanticipated consequence; orresident, resident’s representative, or interested family member under subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall require as part of a plan of correction that the nursing home notify the resident, the resident’s representative, or interested family member as soon as possible.