Section 53F Requests for additional assistance for deteriorating patients

Section 53F. The department shall require acute care hospitals to have a suitable method for health care staff members, patients and families to request additional assistance directly from a specially-trained individual if the patient’s condition appears to be deteriorating. The acute care hospital shall have an early recognition and response method most suitable for the hospital’s needs and resources, such as a rapid response team. The method shall be available 24 hours per day.