Off-hour Coverage

Each clinic shall make arrangements for the delivery of the services it provides during the hours when it is not open, at least through an answering service or, with the exception of clinics providing mental health services, a recorded message referring patients to another provider of the same services as geographically close as possible and open at those hours. (1) Mental Health clinics must provide an answering service after hours, in accordance with 105 CMR 140.520(E). (2) A limited services clinic may provide a taped message directing patients to a toll-free number that will enable the patient to speak directly with a practitioner. These arrangements shall be reflected in a written policy provided to all the clinic’s patients.