Section 250.2010  Definition

a)         The chronic disease hospital shall be a "hospital" as defined in Section 3 (A) of the Act.

b)         Its primary purpose, as demonstrated by its stated program, its facilities, equipment, and staff, and its patient care as reflected in its medical records, shall be the diagnosis, treatment and care of persons admitted for overnight stay or longer in order to obtain medical care of chronic disease.

c)         It is not a "hospital," whatever called, if its primary purpose as reflected in either its stated program, its facilities, equipment, staff, or patient care as reflected in its medical records is to provide chiefly skilled nursing care under medical direction, other nursing care, or maintenance and personal care.  Such places are "nursing homes," homes for the aged, or sheltered care homes and subject to appropriate licensing.

d)         The chronic disease hospital shall further be defined as a facility for the medical diagnosis and treatment of chronic illness, including the degenerative diseases, and in which is provided an organized medical staff and the definitive diagnostic and treatment procedures normally available in the general hospital, including surgery, and including continuing care services and such additional services as physical therapy, occupational therapy, social services, recreational activities, and rehabilitation services.

e)        

1)         Chronic diseases include long-term illnesses and permanent impairments including: arthritis and rheumatism, cancer, diseases of the heart and circulation, diseases of the nervous system, nephritis and other kidney diseases, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and the like.

2)         The chronic disease hospital shall function primarily for definitive diagnosis and care and treatment for acute phases of long-term illness. Such hospitals may also operate or affiliate with nursing homes for those requiring chiefly skilled nursing care under medical supervision or other facilities for those requiring chiefly custodial or domiciliary facilities.  Affiliation agreements are recommended to promote coordination and continuity of patient care.