California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 6 - Supplemental Services
Section 70403 - Acute Respiratory Care Service General Requirements

(a) Written policies and procedures shall be developed and maintained by the person responsible for the service in consultation with other appropriate health professionals and administration. Policies shall be approved by the governing body. Procedures shall be approved by the administration and medical staff where such is appropriate.

(b) The responsibility and accountability of the acute respiratory care service to the medical staff and administration shall be defined.

(c) The unit shall be used primarily for the care of patients with acute respiratory failure. The unit should contain at least four (4) beds and should treat 100 or more patients per year.

(d) Data relating to admissions, mortality and morbidity shall be kept and reviewed by an appropriate committee of the medical staff at least quarterly.

(e) The hospital shall have the capability to perform blood gas analysis and electrolyte determinations at all times.

(f) The unit shall be located to prevent through traffic.

(g) Periodically, an appropriate committee of the medical staff shall evaluate the services provided and make appropriate recommendations to the executive committee of the medical staff and administration.