§ 10–616
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 10-616 (2026)
Title 10. Mental Health Law
Subtitle 6. Admission Provisions
§ 10–616LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A certificate for involuntary admission of an individual under this part shall:
(i)
Be based on the personal examination of the physician, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed certified social worker–clinical, or licensed clinical professional counselor who signs the certificate; and
(ii)
Be in the form that the Secretary adopts, by rule or regulation.
(2)
The rules and regulations shall require the form to include:
(i)
A diagnosis of a mental disorder of the individual;
(ii)
An opinion that the individual needs inpatient care or treatment; and
(iii)
An opinion that admission to a facility or Veterans’ Administration hospital is needed for the protection of the individual or another.
(b)
A certificate may not be used for admission if the examination on which the certificate is made was done:
(1)
More than 1 week before the certificate is signed; or
(2)
More than 30 days before the facility or the Veterans’ Administration hospital receives the application for admission.
(c)
A certificate may not be used for an admission if the physician, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed certified social worker–clinical, or licensed clinical professional counselor who signed the certificate:
(1)
Has a financial interest, through ownership or compensation, in a proprietary facility and admission to that proprietary facility is sought for the individual whose status is being certified; or
(2)
Is related, by blood or marriage, to the individual or to the applicant.