Definitions Applicable to 105 CMR 130.720 Through 130.761

Terms used in 105 CMR 130.720 through 130.761 shall be interpreted as set forth in 105 CMR 130.700. General Pediatric Service (Level II). A service that provides care for pediatric patients with medical and surgical problems who do not require the specialized pediatric intensive care and/or comprehensive specialized services found on a tertiary pediatric service (Level III). A Level II service must have a pediatric unit with suitable personnel and access to subspecialty consultation, supportive laboratory facilities, and ancillary services necessary to provide for the level of care offered. Pediatric Patient. Any inpatient from birth through 21 years of age, other than an infant in a newborn nursery, an intermediate or special care nursery, or a neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatric patients younger than 15 years old must be admitted to a pediatric service. Pediatric patients 15 years of age or older may, at the option of the admitting physician, be cared for on a service other than the pediatric service. Pediatric Specialty Service. A hospital or a unit of a hospital that limits the pediatric care it provides to a class of diseases or a subdivision of a department of medicine or surgery. Pediatric Service. The combination of personnel, programs, and space needed to provide care for the diagnosis, treatment, and support of pediatric patients. Pediatric Unit. The discrete area and equipment designated for the use of pediatric patients. Tertiary Pediatric Services (Level III). A service that includes Level II pediatric care, pediatric intensive care, and comprehensive specialized services. A Level III service must have a wide range of pediatric specialists and subspecialists, 24-hour in-hospital medical coverage by physicians at a minimum in a pediatric residency program, appropriate pediatric laboratory facilities, and a medical school affiliation. Uncomplicated Pediatric Service (Level I). A service that provides care and/or stabilization for pediatric patients with uncomplicated medical and surgical problems who do not require the specialized pediatric intensive care and/or comprehensive specialized services found on a tertiary pediatric service (Level III). A Level I service may perform emergency and selected elective pediatric surgical procedures requiring general or spinal anesthesia in accordance with guidelines developed by the Department. A Level I service need not have a pediatric unit but it must admit all pediatric patients younger than 15 years old to a room or rooms designated primarily for the use of pediatric patients.