# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 10. Mental Health Law

### Subtitle 6. Admission Provisions

#### Section 10-616

(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.

---

Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)