reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part III - Rabies › Section 18-319 - Vaccinations -- Responsibilities of Veterinarian; Use of Records

(a)    A licensed veterinarian who vaccinates a dog, cat, or ferret against rabies:
(1)    May select the vaccine to be used;
(2)    Shall administer the vaccine in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians;
(3)    Shall issue to the owner of the dog, cat, or ferret a vaccination certificate, on the form that the Department approves; and
(4)    Shall keep a record of the vaccination for a period of 5 years.
(b)    The information in the rabies vaccination record that a licensed veterinarian keeps may not be used:
(1)    To license the dog, cat, or ferret; or
(2)    To tax the owner of the dog, cat, or ferret.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part III - Rabies › Section 18-320 - Animal Quarantine

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an apparently healthy dog, cat, or ferret that has been adequately vaccinated against rabies in accordance with § 18-318 of this subtitle or any other animal that bites a human or otherwise exposes a human to rabies shall be quarantined as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    An animal under quarantine shall be quarantined in a place, which may include the residence of the owner, in the manner designated by the local health officer or the public health veterinarian for a suitable period as determined by the health officer or the public health veterinarian.
(c)    (1)    At any time during the quarantine period, the public health veterinarian or local health officer may order the owner of a biting animal to have the animal monitored for rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
(2)    The owner of the animal shall pay for the cost of any examination or other associated cost.
(d)    An animal under quarantine may not be moved from the place of quarantine without the written permission of the local health officer or public health veterinarian.
(e)    The public health veterinarian or local health officer or the designee of the public health veterinarian or local health officer may order the immediate and humane destruction of a biting animal for rabies testing if:
(1)    It is necessary to preserve human health;
(2)    A licensed veterinarian determines that a quarantined animal is inhumanely suffering; or
(3)    The animal is considered wild and is not claimed by an owner within 24 hours.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part IV - Tuberculosis › Section 18-322 - Tuberculosis Register

(a)    The Secretary shall keep a register of each individual who has tuberculosis.
(b)    The Secretary:
(1)    Shall have exclusive control of the register; and
(2)    May not disclose information in the register about any individual to any person who is not authorized by law to have the information.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part IV - Tuberculosis › Section 18-324 - Control of Communicable Tuberculosis

(a)    The Secretary or a health officer may have an individual examined, if the Secretary or the health officer knows or is notified in writing by a physician that the individual is suspected of having tuberculosis.
(b)    (1)    If, after the examination, the Secretary or the health officer finds that the individual has tuberculosis and that the condition of the individual endangers, or may endanger, the public health of the community, the Secretary or the health officer may order the individual to receive appropriate medical care.
(2)    If the individual fails to comply with the order, the Secretary or the health officer may order the individual to be placed in any of the following types of medical quarantine in order to protect the public health:
(i)    Medical isolation at home;
(ii)    Domiciliary care, nursing home care, or hospital care; or
(iii)    Other medically appropriate living arrangement.
(3)    The order of the Secretary or the health officer may also contain such other conditions as the Secretary or the health officer believes are necessary to protect either the health of the infected individual or the public health.
(c)    The Secretary or a health officer may not require an individual to have a physical examination, other than a chest X–ray and to render sputum samples. The Secretary or a health officer may not restrict the right of the individual to select a treatment method, if the individual:
(1)    In good faith relies on spiritual means through prayer for healing; and
(2)    Complies with the laws, rules, and regulations that relate to sanitation for and quarantine of infectious, contagious, and communicable diseases.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part IV - Tuberculosis › Section 18-325 - Prohibited Acts; Penalty

(a)    An individual may not refuse to comply with the placement ordered under § 18-324 of this subtitle.
(b)    While an individual is in any placement for tuberculosis treatment, the individual may not:
(1)    Behave in a disorderly manner; or
(2)    Leave the placement before being discharged properly.
(c)    An individual who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be imprisoned in a penal institution with facilities for tuberculosis treatment until the Secretary or the Health Department of Baltimore City finds that the condition of the individual no longer endangers the health of the community, or the Secretary obtains a court order that states that the individual:
(1)    Is to be moved to a specified less restrictive setting for continuation of treatment;
(2)    Must comply with the treatment until the Secretary determines the treatment has been completed;
(3)    May not behave in a disorderly manner or leave the placement until the Secretary determines that the individual has completed the treatment; and
(4)    Following a hearing, will be reimprisoned until the Secretary determines that the individual has completed the treatment, if the individual does not comply with the terms of the order.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part V - Pertussis › Section 18-328 - Definitions

(a)    In Part V of this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Health care provider” means any licensed health care professional, organization, or institution, whether public or private, under whose authority pertussis vaccine is administered.
(c)    “Major adverse reaction” means:
(1)    Any serious illness, disability, or impairment of mental, emotional, behavioral, or physical functioning or development, the first manifestation of which appears within 7 days after the date of administration of pertussis vaccine and for which there is reasonable scientific or medical evidence that pertussis vaccine causes, or significantly contributes to, such effect; and
(2)    Any other reaction, which the Department, after consultation with the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, determines by guideline is a basis for not continuing with pertussis vaccine administration.
(d)    “Pertussis vaccine” means any vaccine that contains materials intended to prevent the occurrence of pertussis, whether or not the materials are administered separately or in conjunction with other materials intended to prevent the occurrence of other diseases.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part V - Pertussis › Section 18-329 - Required Information

(a)    (1)    Prior to the administration of pertussis vaccine, the health care provider shall provide to the individual’s parent or guardian written information, satisfying the requirements of this subsection, and by appropriate inquiries attempt to elicit the information necessary to make the determinations required by § 18-332(b) of this subtitle.
(2)    The information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:
(i)    The frequency, severity, and potential long-term effects of pertussis;
(ii)    Possible adverse reactions to pertussis vaccine which, if they occur, should be brought to the immediate attention of the health care provider;
(iii)    A form listing symptoms to be monitored and containing places where information can be recorded to assist in reporting to the health care provider, local health officer, and the Department;
(iv)    Measures parents should take to reduce the risk of, or to respond to, any major adverse reaction;
(v)    Early warning signs or symptoms to which parents should be alert as possible precursors to a major adverse reaction;
(vi)    When and to whom parents should report any major adverse reaction;
(vii)    A summary of the immunization requirements adopted under § 7-403(a) of the Education Article, including those related to pertussis vaccine; and
(viii)    The information required under § 18-332(a)(1) through (3) of this subtitle.
(b)    The Department by guideline and consistent with § 18-331(b) of this subtitle shall prescribe the form and content of the information provided to parents in accordance with this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part V - Pertussis › Section 18-330 - Records

(a)    At the time of administration of pertussis vaccine to an individual, the health care provider shall record in a permanent record to which the patient or the patient’s parent or guardian shall have access on request:
(1)    The date of each vaccination;
(2)    The manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine used for each;
(3)    Any other identifying information on the vaccine used; and
(4)    The name and title of the health care provider.
(b)    Within 24 hours any health care provider who has administered pertussis vaccine to an individual and has reason to believe that the individual has had a major adverse reaction to the vaccine shall:
(1)    Record all relevant information in the individual’s permanent medical record; and
(2)    Report the information, including the manufacturer’s name and lot number, to the local health officer who shall immediately forward the information to the Department. On receipt of the information, the Department shall immediately notify the vaccine manufacturer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part V - Pertussis › Section 18-331 - Collection of Data

(a)    By guideline, the Department shall establish a system, sufficient for the purposes of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, to collect data from the local health officers, from public and private health care providers, and from parents on the incidence of pertussis and major adverse reactions to pertussis vaccine.
(b)    On the basis of information collected under this subsection and of other information available, the Department shall periodically revise and update the information required by § 18–329 of this subtitle and the guidelines adopted under § 18–332 of this subtitle.
(c)    The Department shall report to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all information collected under subsection (a) of this section, including that received under § 18–330(b) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part V - Pertussis › Section 18-332 - Adoption of Guidelines

(a)    The Department shall adopt guidelines, after notice and public hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, setting forth:
(1)    The circumstances under which pertussis vaccine should not be administered;
(2)    The circumstances under which administration of the vaccine should be delayed;
(3)    Any categories of potential recipients who are significantly more vulnerable to major adverse reactions than is the general population; and
(4)    Procedures to notify all physicians of the content of the final guidelines and all updates issued thereafter.
(b)    The administration of pertussis vaccine to an individual may not be required by any provision of law if, in the physician’s medical judgment:
(1)    The circumstances specified under subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section are present; or
(2)    Taking into account the information specified under subsection (a)(3) of this section as well as all other relevant information, the risk to the potential recipient outweighs the benefits both to the potential recipient and to the public in administering the vaccine.
(c)    Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any emergency authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law to protect the public health.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part VI - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome › Section 18-333 - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) Research and Information Program

(a)    (1)    The Secretary shall establish and promote a statewide public information program on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
(2)    The public information program shall:
(i)    Attempt to reach individuals at risk for contracting AIDS;
(ii)    Encourage those individuals at risk for contracting AIDS to take the necessary precautions to prevent transmission of the HTLV-III virus; and
(iii)    Include any other aspects that the Secretary considers appropriate.
(b)    The Secretary shall establish a program to train physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses, and other health professionals in:
(1)    Diagnosing and treating AIDS or other conditions associated with AIDS; and
(2)    Methods to prevent the transmission of the HTLV-III virus.
(c)    To carry out this section, the Secretary:
(1)    On request, shall receive the help of or information from any agency of this State or of a political subdivision; and
(2)    May contract for any necessary services.
(d)    The Secretary may set a sliding fee schedule for services provided under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part VI - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome › Section 18-334 - Donors of Semen, Blood, or Tissue

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “HIV” means the human immunodeficiency virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
(3)    “Institution” means:
(i)    An ambulatory surgical facility or center, as defined in § 19-114 of this article;
(ii)    A health maintenance organization, as defined in § 19-701 of this article;
(iii)    A hospital or related institution, as defined in § 19-301 of this article;
(iv)    A tissue bank; or
(v)    The office of 1 or more physicians.
(4)    “Laboratory” means a public laboratory, medical laboratory, or medical test unit as those terms are defined in Title 17 of this article.
(5)    “Physician” means a person licensed to practice under Title 14 of the Health Occupations Article.
(6)    (i)    “Tissue bank” means an establishment that obtains, stores, processes, distributes, or sells human blood or other human tissue for use in the human body.
(ii)    “Tissue bank” includes a blood bank or sperm bank.
(b)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, an institution that obtains or processes semen, blood, or tissue shall obtain and send a blood sample from each potential donor of semen, blood, or tissue to a laboratory approved by the Department to test for HIV antibodies.
(2)    Before obtaining a blood sample from a potential semen, blood, or tissue donor the institution shall:
(i)    Inform the potential donor, in layman’s terms, that a blood sample of the donor will be tested for HIV antibodies and if the donor’s blood sample tests positive for HIV antibodies the result will be reported to the Department; and
(ii)    Obtain written consent from the potential donor on a form provided by the Department for the administration of the HIV antibody tests and for the disclosure of a positive test result to the Department.
(c)    An institution that obtains a positive HIV antibody test result under subsection (b) of this section shall:
(1)    Notify the potential donor from whom the blood sample was obtained of the positive result;
(2)    Inform the individual of available counseling; and
(3)    Report the result to the Department on the form the Department provides.
(d)    A test result reported by an institution under subsection (c) of this section may not contain any information that identifies the subject of the test.
(e)    An institution may not use a semen, blood, or tissue specimen from a donor with a positive HIV antibody test result obtained under the provisions of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part VI - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome › Section 18-335 - Sale of Condoms by Vending Machines or Other Devices

To properly ensure the quality and effectiveness of condoms sold by means of a vending machine or other automatic devices, the Secretary shall adopt regulations:
(1)    To protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public; and
(2)    To provide for the enforcement of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part VI - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome › Section 18-337 - Positive Test Results

(a)    In this section, “health care provider” means a physician, a physician’s designee, or a designee of a health care facility licensed or otherwise authorized to provide health care services.
(b)    If an individual informed of the individual’s HIV positive status under § 18-336 of this subtitle refuses to notify the individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners, the individual’s physician may inform the local health officer and/or the individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners of:
(1)    The individual’s identity; and
(2)    The circumstances giving rise to the notification.
(c)    When the local health officer is notified, the health officer shall enforce the provisions of §§ 18-208 through 18-213.1 of this title:
(1)    Within a reasonable time; and
(2)    To the extent feasible.
(d)    Each local health officer shall refer the infected individual and any known sexual or needle-sharing partners of the individual to appropriate services for the care, support, and treatment for HIV infected individuals.
(e)    A physician acting in good faith to provide notification in accordance with this section may not be held liable in any cause of action related to a breach of patient confidentiality.
(f)    A physician acting in good faith may not be held liable in any cause of action for choosing not to disclose information related to a positive test result for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus to an individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners.
(g)    A hospital or any other health care provider acting in good faith pursuant to a physician’s order to perform or interpret a test for the presence of HIV may not be held liable in any cause of action related to:
(1)    A breach of patient confidentiality; or
(2)    A physician’s decision to disclose or not to disclose information related to a positive test result to a local health officer and/or an individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 3 - Specific Diseases › Part VI - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome › Section 18-338.2 - Pregnant Women

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Health care facility” means a facility or office where health or medical care is provided to patients by a health care provider, including:
(i)    A hospital as defined in § 19–301 of this article;
(ii)    A facility operated by the Department or a health officer; and
(iii)    The office of a health care provider.
(3)    “Health care provider” means a physician, nurse, licensed direct–entry midwife, or designee of a health care facility.
(4)    “HIV” means the human immunodeficiency virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
(5)    “Prenatal care” means obstetric and gynecologic services performed as part of a prenatal care program, including:
(i)    Screening;
(ii)    Physical examination;
(iii)    Laboratory and diagnostic testing procedures and interpretation; and
(iv)    Counseling.
(b)    The Department, in consultation with stakeholders, shall adopt regulations establishing requirements for prenatal HIV testing.
(c)    (1)    A health care provider who provides prenatal medical care shall
follow the requirements for prenatal HIV testing that are adopted by the Department.
(2)    The Department shall provide the requirements established under subsection (b) of this section to:
(i)    Hospitals that offer obstetric services;
(ii)    The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists;
(iii)    The American College of Nurse Midwives; and
(iv)    The Association of Independent Midwives of Maryland.
(d)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the record of an HIV test performed under this section is confidential and not discoverable or admissible in evidence in any criminal, civil, or administrative action.
(2)    Provided that the identity or any other information that could readily be associated with the identity of the pregnant woman is not disclosed, the results of an HIV test performed under this section may be introduced into evidence in any criminal, civil, or administrative action, including the adjudication of a workers’ compensation claim.
(e)    A health care provider may not be subject to disciplinary action by the professional licensing board that licenses the health care provider for following the requirements for prenatal HIV testing established by the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 18-401 - Drugs and Vaccines

(a)    A person lawfully administering a drug or vaccine shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-629(b) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
(b)    If the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary finds that a proposed immunization project would conform to good medical and public health practice and gives written approval for the project to be administered in this State, a physician, nurse, or other person participating in the project shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-629(c) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 18-402 - Liabilities and Warranties for Human Blood, Tissue, Organs, or Bones

A legally authorized person who obtains, processes, stores, distributes, or uses whole human blood, tissue, organs, or bones or any substance derived from human blood, tissue, organs, or bones shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-630 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 18-403 - Religious Exemption

(a)    Unless the Secretary declares an emergency or disease epidemic, the Department may not require the immunization of an individual if:
(1)    The individual objects to immunization because it conflicts with the individual’s bona fide religious beliefs and practices; or
(2)    The individual is a minor and the individual’s parent or guardian objects to immunization because it conflicts with the parent or guardian’s bona fide religious beliefs and practices.
(b)    The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations for religious exemptions under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4A - Consent to Immunization of Minors › Section 18-4A-01 - "Parent" Defined

In this subtitle, “parent” means:
(1)    A natural or adoptive parent of a minor;
(2)    A guardian of a minor; or
(3)    Any other person who, under court order, is authorized to give consent for a minor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4A - Consent to Immunization of Minors › Section 18-4A-02 - Delegation of Parent's Authority to Consent to Immunization of Minor

(a)    Subject to the provisions of this section, a parent may delegate verbally or in writing the parent’s authority to consent to the immunization of a minor to any of the following individuals, not in order of priority:
(1)    A grandparent;
(2)    An adult brother or sister;
(3)    An adult aunt or uncle;
(4)    A stepparent; or
(5)    Any other adult who has care and control of the minor.
(b)    If a parent verbally delegates the parent’s authority to consent to the immunization of a minor under this subtitle, the person delegated the authority shall confirm the verbal delegation in writing and the written confirmation shall be included in the minor’s medical record.
(c)    A grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult aunt or uncle, or stepparent of a minor who is the primary caregiver of the minor and who may consent to the immunization of the minor under subsection (a) of this section may delegate the authority to consent to immunization of the minor to another adult in the manner permitted under subsection (b) of this section.
(d)    A health care provider may rely on a notarized document from another state or country that contains substantially the same information as is required in any immunization consent regulations of the Department if the document is presented for consent by a person listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(e)    A person who consents to immunization of a minor under this subtitle shall provide the health care provider with sufficient and accurate health information about the minor for whom the consent is given and, if necessary, sufficient and accurate health information about the minor’s family to enable the person providing the consent and the health care provider to determine adequately the risks and benefits inherent in the proposed immunization and determine whether the immunization is advisable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4A - Consent to Immunization of Minors › Section 18-4A-03 - Consent to Immunization if Parent Not Reasonably Available

(a)    Subject to the provisions of this section, the following individuals, not in order of priority, may consent to the immunization of a minor if a parent is not reasonably available and the authority to consent is not denied under subsection (b) or (c) of this section:
(1)    A grandparent;
(2)    An adult brother or sister;
(3)    An adult aunt or uncle;
(4)    A stepparent;
(5)    Any other adult who has care and control of the minor;
(6)    A court that has jurisdiction of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship of which the minor is the subject;
(7)    An adult who has care and control of the minor under an order of a court or by commitment by a court to the care of an agency of the State or county if the adult reasonably believes the minor needs immunization; or
(8)    For minors in its care and custody, the Department of Juvenile Services.
(b)    A person may not consent to the immunization of a minor under subsection (a) of this section if:
(1)    The person has actual knowledge that the parent has expressly refused to give consent to the immunization; or
(2)    The parent has told the person that the person may not consent to the immunization of the minor or, in the case of a written authorization, has withdrawn the authorization in writing.
(c)    When a parent has been contacted and requested to consent to the immunization of a minor, the Department of Juvenile Services may consent to the immunization of a minor in its care and custody if the parent:
(1)    Has not acted on the request; and
(2)    Has not expressly denied to the Department of Juvenile Services the authority to consent to the immunization of the minor.
(d)    For purposes of this section, a person is not reasonably available if:
(1)    The location of the person is unknown;
(2)    (i)    A reasonable effort made by a person listed in subsection (a) of this section to locate and communicate with the parent for the purpose of obtaining consent has failed; and
(ii)    Not more than 90 days have passed since the date that the effort was made; or
(3)    The parent has been contacted by a person listed in subsection (a) of this section and requested to consent to the immunization of the minor, and the parent:
(i)    Has not acted on the request; and
(ii)    Has not expressly denied authority to the person listed in subsection (a) of this section to consent to immunization of the minor.
(e)    A person authorized to consent to the immunization of a minor under this section shall confirm that the parent is not reasonably available in writing and the written confirmation shall be included in the minor’s medical record.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4A - Consent to Immunization of Minors › Section 18-4A-04 - Health Care Provider's Responsibility to Provide Information

The responsibility of a health care provider to provide information to a person consenting to the immunization of a minor under § 18-4A-02 or § 18-4A-03 of this subtitle is the same as the health care provider’s responsibility to a parent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 4A - Consent to Immunization of Minors › Section 18-4A-05 - Liability; Damages

(a)    In the absence of willful misconduct or gross negligence, a health care provider who accepts the health history and other information given by a person who is delegated the authority to consent to the immunization of a minor under § 18-4A-02 or § 18-4A-03 of this subtitle is not liable for an adverse reaction related to an immunization of the minor resulting from factual errors in the health history or information given by the person to the health care provider.
(b)    Except for acts of willful misconduct or gross negligence, a person who consents to the immunization of a minor under § 18-4A-02 or § 18-4A-03 of this subtitle, a health care provider licensed to practice in the State, or a medical facility is not liable for damages arising from an immunization administered to a minor as authorized under § 18-4A-02 or § 18-4A-03 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-501 - Intent of Subtitle

The intent of this subtitle is:
(1)    To educate parents and physicians regarding homozygous sickle cell anemia;
(2)    To monitor each affected infant’s health in that regard; and
(3)    To provide resources for detecting sickle cell disease and supporting individuals with sickle cell disease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-502 - Test; Prenatal Education Program

(a)    After securing the written approval of one of the parents or guardian of an infant at risk, the person in charge of the institution in which the infant is born, or the person who is required to prepare and register the certificate of birth for an infant born outside an institution, shall have administered a test for sickle cell anemia to the infant at risk.
(b)    In addition to testing, the Department shall undertake a prenatal education program for pregnant females in the population group at risk on the subject of sickle cell anemia and related diseases.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-503 - Notice Requirements; Confirmatory Test

(a)    On determination of the presence of sickle cell anemia, the Department shall:
(1)    Notify in writing:
(i)    The physician of record or the institution at which the child is born; and
(ii)    The parents or guardian of the infant;
(2)    Provide the parents or guardian of the infant and the physician of record with educational materials; and
(3)    Offer referral for genetic counseling.
(b)    Within 2 months after a positive finding of sickle cell anemia, a confirmatory test shall be administered and the results of this test shall be reported to the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-504 - Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information

(a)    The Department and all persons shall maintain and treat all information derived from testing as confidential medical records as provided in § 13-109 of this article.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the Department may disclose confidential information, obtained pursuant to this title, to the Department of the Environment, as determined to be appropriate and necessary by the Secretary and consistent with the statutory responsibilities vested in the Secretary of the Environment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-505 - Blood Testing Procedure

(a)    The Department shall designate any type of blood test for sickle cell anemia to be administered under this subtitle.
(b)    The blood shall be tested only by a licensed laboratory that periodically undergoes standard proficiency testing for quality assurance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-506 - Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

(a)    In this section, “Steering Committee” means the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.
(b)    There is a Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.
(c)    The Steering Committee shall include representatives from:
(1)    Local and national groups that advocate for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(2)    Interest and support groups for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(3)    Community and consumer groups;
(4)    Academic and private clinical settings with knowledge and experience caring for adults with sickle cell disease;
(5)    Area hospitals caring for individuals with sickle cell disease; and
(6)    Pediatric clinics that care for children with sickle cell disease.
(d)    The Steering Committee shall:
(1)    Establish institution and community partnerships;
(2)    Establish a statewide network of stakeholders who care for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(3)    Educate individuals with sickle cell disease, the public, and health care providers about the State options for care of sickle cell disease; and
(4)    Identify funding sources for implementing or supporting the actions, studies, policies, regulations, or laws recommended by the Steering Committee, including funding from:
(i)    State, federal, and local government sources; and
(ii)    Private sources.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-507 - Power to Provide Services

(a)    The Department may, in consultation with the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease, provide services relating to sickle cell disease, including:
(1)    Educational programs on sickle cell disease for individuals affected by the disease, including:
(i)    Individuals with sickle cell disease;
(ii)    Families of individuals with sickle cell disease;
(iii)    Caregivers of individuals with sickle cell disease;
(iv)    Employees at primary and secondary schools; and
(v)    Health care providers;
(2)    Social services support to individuals with sickle cell disease, including support from social workers and community health workers to provide information on services that may be available to the individual;
(3)    Testing;
(4)    Genetic counseling;
(5)    Assistance with any available reimbursement for medical expenses related to sickle cell disease;
(6)    Education and counseling services after the receipt of sickle cell trait test results from the State’s Newborn Screening Program; and
(7)    Any other programs or services that are necessary to decrease the use of acute care services by individuals who have sickle cell disease.
(b)    The Department shall provide the services in subsection (a) of this section through community–based organizations to the extent practicable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-508 - Information Provided by Department on Sickle Cell Trait and Thalassemia Trait -- Information Included

(a)    The Department, in consultation with the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease, shall establish and implement a system of providing information on the sickle cell trait or the thalassemia trait to:
(1)    An individual who has the sickle cell trait or the thalassemia trait, including as determined through a newborn screening under § 18–502 of this subtitle; and
(2)    If the individual is a minor, the individual’s family.
(b)    The Department shall include the following in the information provided under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    How the sickle cell trait or the thalassemia trait impacts the health of an individual with the trait; and
(2)    How the sickle cell trait or the thalassemia trait is passed from a parent to a child.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 5 - Sickle Cell Anemia › Section 18-509 - Posting List of Resources Regarding Sickle Cell Disease

The Department shall maintain in a conspicuous location on its website a list of resources for health care practitioners to use to improve their understanding and clinical treatment of individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait, including information on the health impacts of carrying the sickle cell trait.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 18-601 - Exposure of Other Individuals -- by Infected Individual Generally

(a)    An individual who has an infectious disease that endangers public health may not willfully:
(1)    Be in a public place without taking proper precautions against exposing other individuals to the disease; or
(2)    Transfer to another individual any article that has been exposed to the disease without thoroughly disinfecting the article.
(b)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 18-601.1 - Exposure of Other Individuals -- by Individual With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(a)    An individual who has the human immunodeficiency virus may not knowingly transfer or attempt to transfer the human immunodeficiency virus to another individual.
(b)    A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties › Section 18-602 - Exposure of Other Individuals -- by Other Person

(a)    A person may not:
(1)    Willfully or knowingly take an individual who has an infectious disease that endangers public health to the home of another individual;
(2)    Carelessly expose an individual to another who has an infectious disease that endangers public health; or
(3)    Permit a child who has an infectious disease that endangers public health to be in a public place while in charge of the child.
(b)    A person who violates any provision of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Advisory Council” means the Advisory Council to the Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire.
(c)    “Center” means the Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-704 - Duties Generally

The Center shall:
(1)    Study the long and short term health effects of exposure to fire;
(2)    Gather and analyze information concerning the morbidity and mortality of fire-related injury or death;
(3)    Establish and maintain a registry of individuals who suffer fire-related injury or death;
(4)    Establish a computerized data base concerning injuries and health effects of fire;
(5)    Be a common repository for information routinely collected concerning fires;
(6)    Communicate with national data bases of scientific literature in toxicology, chemistry, epidemiology, and other related scientific disciplines;
(7)    Establish and maintain communication and collaboration with existing agencies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, involved in programs related to the health effects of fire;
(8)    Encourage and facilitate interest in fire-related issues at the educational institutions located in the State;
(9)    In accordance with the State budget, provide funding for pilot studies addressing issues or factors affecting injuries or health effects of fire;
(10)    Apply for federal or private research grants to investigate issues relating to the health effects of fire;
(11)    Solicit and follow the recommendations of the Advisory Council concerning future activities or projects of the Center; and
(12)    Provide staff support to the Advisory Council, as needed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-705 - Information Collected Confidential, Not Discoverable or Admissible

Information collected by the Center and intended for use in a research project or study is:
(1)    Confidential; and
(2)    Not discoverable or admissible in evidence in a civil or criminal action to determine:
(i)    Cause of death; or
(ii)    Liability for injury or death.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-707 - Advisory Council -- Members

(a)    (1)    The Advisory Council consists of 7 members.
(2)    (i)    The Secretary shall appoint the members from a list submitted to the Secretary by:
1.    Appropriate academic or research facilities having expertise in this area;
2.    The Chief Medical Examiner; and
3.    The Secretary of the Department of the Environment.
(ii)    The number of names on the list shall be 3 times the number of vacancies.
(b)    Each member shall be an individual with demonstrated scientific and technical expertise in the field of toxicology, epidemiology, or occupational medicine.
(c)    (1)    The term of a member is 5 years.
(2)    The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Council on July 1, 1988.
(3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(d)    The Secretary may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-709 - Advisory Council -- Meetings; Compensation

(a)    The Advisory Council shall determine the times and places of its meetings.
(b)    A member of the Advisory Council:
(1)    May not receive compensation; but
(2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 7 - Center for the Study of the Health Effects of Fire › Section 18-710 - Advisory Council -- Duties

The Advisory Council shall:
(1)    Review the work of the Center;
(2)    Advise the Director of the Center concerning the scientific evaluation of the information collected by the Center; and
(3)    Assist the Center in setting priorities concerning issues to be researched.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 8 - Oral Health Program › Section 18-802 - Oral Cancer Educational Programs

(a)    In consultation with dental care providers, the Secretary shall develop and implement ongoing oral cancer educational programs in the State:
(1)    To train health care providers to screen and properly refer patients with oral cancers; and
(2)    To promote smoking cessation with a primary focus of meeting the needs of high-risk underserved populations.
(b)    The programs developed and implemented under subsection (a) of this section shall address:
(1)    The risk factors that lead to oral cancer;
(2)    The signs and symptoms of oral cancer;
(3)    The high-risk behaviors that may lead to oral cancer; and
(4)    The accessibility of screening to detect oral cancer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 9 - Catastrophic Health Emergency Disease Surveillance and Response Program › Section 18-901 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Catastrophic health emergency” has the meaning stated in § 14-3A-01 of the Public Safety Article.
(c)    “Deadly agent” has the meaning stated in § 14-3A-01 of the Public Safety Article.
(d)    “Exposure to a deadly agent” has the meaning stated in § 14-3A-01 of the Public Safety Article.
(e)    “Health care facility” has the meaning stated in § 19–114(d)(1) of this article.
(f)    (1)    “Health care practitioner” has the meaning stated in § 19–114(e) of this article.
(2)    “Health care practitioner” includes an individual licensed or certified as an emergency medical services provider under § 13–516 of the Education Article.
(g)    “Health care provider” means:
(1)    A health care facility; or
(2)    A health care practitioner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Health - General › Title 18 - Disease Prevention › Subtitle 9 - Catastrophic Health Emergency Disease Surveillance and Response Program › Section 18-902 - Authority of Secretary; Investigation and Prevention of Actual or Potential Exposure

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may exercise the authority granted in this subtitle to:
(1)    Continuously evaluate and modify existing disease surveillance procedures in order to detect a catastrophic health emergency;
(2)    Investigate actual or potential exposures to a deadly agent; and
(3)    Treat, prevent, or reduce the spread of the disease or outbreak believed to have been caused by the exposure to a deadly agent.