Affiliations, communications and agreements

(a) Affiliations. The CAH shall be affiliated with at least one (1) general medical surgical hospital to facilitate appropriate referrals and adequate support services. The affiliation shall be through a written agreement, contract for services, network affiliation, lease or through direct ownership by the supporting general medical surgical hospital. (b) Communications. Direct communications shall be established between the CAH and any facility providing support services. These communications shall include the electronic sharing of patient data which may include telemetry and diagnostic imaging if local telecommunications have this capability. As a minimum, the CAH shall be able to send and receive patient information by facsimile and/or computer modem. (c) Agreements. The CAH shall have a written agreement with an emergency medical service to accept and receive emergency transfers. This agreement shall provide arrangements for emergency and non- emergency transfers to and from the CAH and stipulate the stabilizing and treatment services available at the CAH. Direct communications shall be established between the emergency medical service and the CAH which allow the emergency medical service to directly contact the on-call physician or licensed independent practitioner and the on-call or on- site registered nurse providing emergency services.