SECTION 310:641-11-21. Transfer protocols

(a)   As the specialty care license is limited to interfacility transfers only for specific patients, the agency shall designate as part of their protocols, the destinations to which the agency will transport to, and which facilities are within a reasonable distance.

(b)   All specialty care agencies transferring patients from hospitals outside regions seven and eight to hospitals in those regions shall contact the Department approved referral center in accordance with the regional and state plans. The center shall maintain a record of the transfers for regional continuous quality improvement activities.

(c)   Each patient or legal guardian of a patient has the right to refuse treatment or transportation from a specialty care agency.

(d)   Each specialty care agency shall ensure that the care of each patient is transferred appropriately to the receiving facility's licensed staff. The transfer of care will include verbal and written reports summarizing the assessment and treatment of the patient by the ambulance service.

(e)   All specialty care agencies are required to participate in the regional and statewide systems established through statute and administered by the Department to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate facility in a timely manner to receive appropriate care.

[Source: Added at 33 Ok Reg 1529, eff 9-11-16]