A freestanding medical facility (FMF) is a facility that is established and operated by a licensed and accredited Maryland hospital that provides medical and health services, including emergency services, and is in a location that is physically separate from the affiliated hospital or the affiliated hospital's campus.  Freestanding medical facilities do not have inpatient beds, but may keep patients overnight for observation.  Freestanding medical facilities may be eligible for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement under the certification of the affiliated hospital. 

OHCQ is responsible for oversight of FMFs, including initial licensing and complaint investigations.  Note, urgent care centers are not freestanding medical facilities and are not regulated by OHCQ. (Urgent Care Centers and Clinics Fact Sheet)

Regulations related to freestanding medical facilities are found in COMAR 10.07.08. To order copies of COMAR regulations, contact Tarshia Neal at the Maryland Division of State Documents at 410-260-3874 or [email protected].  Regulations are also available at public libraries - Find your nearest public library.

Hospitals desiring to establish a freestanding medical facility (FMF) must apply to the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) for a Certificate of Need (CON) or, if the hospital qualifies under the statute, for a waiver for the CON requirement.  To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, the hospital must also complete CMS Form 855 and apply to Novitas to obtain provider-based status for CMS reimbursement.  A license application must be filed with OHCQ. In order to complete the application, please download a copy to your device.  Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader or another *.PDF application are required to complete the application.  It is recommended that you save your progress throughout the process. Questions, comments or concerns regarding this application and its completion, can be referred to the associated program/unit within OHCQ. Submit the licensure application and all supporting documents to OHCQ through the Submit a License Application link. OHCQ conducts an initial licensure survey prior to the issuance of a license.  After a completed application and all requested information is received by OHCQ, a license can usually be issued within three months of the issuance of the Certificate of Need and receipt of a complete application unless the facility is still under construction.

Licensed freestanding medical facilities report changes in their contact information to OHCQ via the Change Form​.   
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