§19–1408.

    (a)    (1)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall make a site visit and conduct a full survey of each licensed nursing home at least once per calendar year.

        (2)    Unless otherwise required by federal law, all surveys shall be unannounced.

    (b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department shall initiate an investigation of a nursing home complaint alleging actual harm within 10 business days after receiving the complaint.

        (2)    If the Department receives a complaint against a nursing home alleging immediate jeopardy to a resident, the Department:

            (i)    Shall make every effort to investigate the complaint within 24 hours after receiving the complaint; and

            (ii)    Shall investigate the complaint not later than 48 hours after receiving the complaint.

    (c)    If ownership of a licensed nursing home is transferred to a person that does not own or operate another nursing home in the State at the time of the transfer, the Department shall conduct:

        (1)    The first full survey of the licensed nursing home as required under subsection (a) of this section within 3 months after the date of transfer; and

        (2)    An unannounced, on–site follow–up survey of the licensed nursing home that covers any deficiencies noted in the full survey within 120 days after the full survey was completed.