§ 8–1407
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-1407 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 14
§ 8–1407LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, within 48 hours of being notified of a pediatric overstay patient, the coordinators shall convene a Rapid Response Placement Team.
(2)
If the coordinators are notified of a pediatric overstay patient on a Friday, the coordinators shall convene a Placement Team within 72 hours of being notified or earlier if possible.
(3)
Nothing in this subsection prevents the coordinators from taking steps to secure a placement for a pediatric overstay patient before holding the initial meeting required under subsection (e) of this section.
(b)
The Placement Team shall consist of:
(1)
the Senior Advisor, in an advisory capacity;
(2)
the coordinators, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article; and
(3)
if applicable, the following members who have knowledge of the child, designated by the coordinators:
(i)
a representative of the local department of social services; and
(ii)
a representative of the hospital where the child is considered a pediatric hospital overstay patient.
(c)
The Placement Team shall:
(1)
develop a plan for the appropriate placement of a pediatric hospital overstay patient; and
(2)
arrange for a temporary placement in a licensed setting when a placement has been identified, but a bed is not immediately available.
(d)
The Placement Team may:
(1)
conduct immediate clinical and placement assessments;
(2)
override local department decisions, if necessary to place the child in a clinically appropriate, least restrictive environment;
(3)
secure immediate placement in appropriate and least restrictive available licensed settings; and
(4)
(i)
authorize the Department of Human Services to execute an emergency procurement under § 13–108 of the State Finance and Procurement Article with an in–State or out–of–state provider by providing the justification for the use of emergency procurement method;
(ii)
require out–of–state placements only when no in–State provider offers the required care needed by the child; and
(iii)
require any out–of–state provider to maintain communication with the parent or guardian regarding treatment and care of the child.
(e)
(1)
The Placement Team shall hold an initial in–person or virtual meeting immediately with all members of the Placement Team and have daily communication with all members of the Placement Team until a placement for the child is secured.
(2)
Once convened, the Placement Team shall hold at least one in–person or virtual meeting per week.
(f)
The Department of Human Services shall be deemed to be compliant with the prohibition on the use of an inpatient unit or emergency department for a pediatric overstay patient established under § 5–525(c)(2) of the Family Law Article, if the Department is actively searching for a placement for the child.