SECTION 310:667-40-5. Governing body

(a)   General. The EH shall have an effective governing body legally responsible for all services and the quality of patient care provided.

(b)   Organization. The governing body may be an organized board or owner designated individual(s). The method for appointment, terms, officers required, meeting requirements, duties, and responsibilities shall be established in written bylaws which shall be available at the EH. The governing body shall meet at established intervals and maintain minutes of meetings. Meetings may be conducted by teleconference if not otherwise prohibited by law.

(c)   Responsibilities. The governing body's responsibilities shall include at least the following:

(1)   Appointment and reappointment of members of the medical and professional staff by methods established in approved bylaws. These appointments shall be made based on recommendations received from the medical and professional staff and be consistent with state law.

(2)   Approval of medical and professional staff bylaws, rules and regulations.

(3)   Approval or denial of physician and practitioner privilege delineations recommended by the medical and professional staff.

(4)   Consideration of reports received from the EH concerning the quality of care provided. The governing body shall require corrective actions as necessary when inadequate patient care is identified.

(5)   Ensure patients are admitted and discharged for inpatient stabilization or observational care by a physician or licensed independent practitioner.

(6)   Ensure a physician or licensed independent practitioner is available to communicate with EH staff at all times. A physician or licensed independent practitioner shall be physically available if necessary as specified by EH policy.

(7)   Ensure adequate EH staff are physically available on-site to provide required emergency, stabilization, and observational services.

(8)   Designation of an administrator who shall be responsible for managing the facility. This person may have duties in addition to management responsibilities.

(9)   Ensure the EH is constructed, arranged, and maintained to ensure the safety of the patient, and to provide facilities for emergency, stabilization, and observational care provided.

(10)   Ensure the EH is operated under an approved budget.

[Source: Added at 20 Ok Reg 1664, eff 6-12-03]