Emergency Service - Pediatric Patients

(A) All hospitals providing emergency care for pediatric patients, as defined by 105 CMR 130.700, shall meet the following requirements: (1) At least one physician with training in pediatric resuscitation shall be on duty in the emergency room at all times. (2) A pediatrician or a general or family practitioner who regularly sees pediatric patients of all ages shall be on call 24 hours a day and available for consultation in the emergency room within 30 minutes. (3) The hospital shall develop and implement a policy providing for consultation and/or referral from the emergency room to an appropriate pediatric inpatient service. (4) Equipment and medication necessary for pediatric emergency resuscitation shall be readily available in the emergency room. (5) Radiology and laboratory services, including appropriately board-certified physicians and technicians, shall be available on call 24 hours a day. (6) The emergency service shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for the management of pediatric problems. (B) Emergency services in hospitals having a tertiary pediatric service (Level III) as defined by 105 CMR 130.705, shall meet the requirements of 105 CMR 130.761(A) and in addition the following requirements: (1) At least one physician experienced in pediatric emergency care shall be on duty in the emergency care area at all times. (2) There shall be board certified or board eligible physician coverage on call to provide care for any critically injured or ill pediatric patient at all times. This coverage shall include but not necessarily be limited to pediatrics, surgery, and anesthesiology. (3) Social services and psychiatric services shall be available on call 24 hours a day.