Observation:
Hemodynamically stable patients who require at least 6 hours and, for
certain conditions, up to 48 hours of treatment or assessment pending a decision
regarding the need for additional care. Observation level of care services may be
provided in designated observation units or on a hospital floor.
Acute:
Hemodynamically stable patients who require treatment, assessment, or
intervention every 4-8 hours.
Intermediate:
Hemodynamically stable patients who require treatment, assessment, or
intervention every 2-4 hours.
Critical:
Hemodynamically unstable patients (or those with the potential to become
unstable) who require treatment, assessment, or intervention every 1-2 hours.