Maryland Health - General Section 10-705

      (a)      (1)      In this section, "abuse" means cruel or inhumane treatment that causes:

                  (i)      Any physical injury; or

                  (ii)      Any of the following kinds of sexual abuse:

                        1.      A sexual act, as defined in § 3-301 of the Criminal Law Article.

                        2.      Sexual contact, as defined in § 3-301 of the Criminal Law Article.

                        3.      Vaginal intercourse, as defined in § 3-301 of the Criminal Law Article.

            (2)      In this section, "abuse" does not include the performance of an accepted medical procedure that a physician orders in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of this subtitle.

      (b)      (1)      A person who believes that an individual in a facility has been abused shall promptly report the alleged abuse to:

                  (i)      An appropriate law enforcement agency; or

                  (ii)      The administrative head of the facility, who promptly shall report the alleged abuse to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

            (2)      A report:

                  (i)      May be oral or written; and

                  (ii)      Shall contain as much information as the reporter is able to provide.

      (c)      (1)      The law enforcement agency shall:

                  (i)      Investigate thoroughly each report of an alleged abuse; and

                  (ii)      Attempt to insure the protection of the alleged victim.

            (2)      The investigation shall include:

                  (i)      A determination of the nature, extent, and cause of the abuse, if any;

                  (ii)      The identity of the alleged abuser; and

                  (iii)      Any other pertinent fact or matter.

      (d)      As soon as possible, but no later than 10 working days after the completion of the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall submit a written report of its findings to the State's Attorney and the administrative head of the facility.

      (e)      A person shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-626 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article for:

            (1)      Making a report under this section;

            (2)      Participating in an investigation arising out of a report under this section; or

            (3)      Participating in a judicial proceeding arising out of a report under this section.