# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 11. Judgments

### Subtitle 8. Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act

#### Section 11-802

(a)

  (1) In this subsection, "legally protected health care" has the meaning stated under Sec. 2-312 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

  (2)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this paragraph, a copy of any foreign judgment authenticated in accordance with an act of Congress or statutes of this State may be filed in the office of the clerk of a circuit court.

    (ii) If the face amount of the judgment is $2,500 or less, the copy shall be filed with the clerk of the District Court.

    (iii) If the face amount of the judgment is not more than a jurisdictional amount described in Sec. 4-401 of this article, but more than $2,500, the copy may be filed either with the clerk of the District Court or in the office of the clerk of a circuit court.

    (iv) Except as required by federal law, a judgment creditor may not file a copy of any foreign judgment under this section if the judgment was issued in connection with any litigation concerning legally protected health care, unless the underlying cause of action is:

      (1) Based in tort, contract, or statute;

      (2) A claim for which a similar or equivalent claim would exist in the State; and

      (3)

        (A) Brought by the patient who received legally protected health care, or the patient's legal representative; or

      (B) Based on conduct that would be prohibited under the laws of this State.

  (3) The clerk shall treat the foreign judgment in the same manner as a judgment of the court in which the foreign judgment is filed.

(b) A filed foreign judgment has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, staying, enforcing, or satisfying as a judgment of the court in which it is filed.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)