Maryland Health - General Section 8-403

      (a)      In this section, "alcohol abuse and drug abuse treatment program":

            (1)      Means any individual or organization that provides treatment, care, or rehabilitation for individuals who show the effects of drug abuse or alcohol abuse, and represents or advertises itself as an alcohol abuse or drug abuse treatment program; and

            (2)      Includes a program or facility that is owned or operated by this State or any of its political subdivisions.

      (b)      Except as otherwise provided in this section, an alcohol abuse and drug abuse treatment program shall be certified by the Department before program services may be provided in this State.

      (c)      This section does not apply to:

            (1)      A health professional licensed under the Health Occupations Article who is treating patients within the scope of the professional's practice and who does not advertise the practice as an alcohol abuse or drug abuse program;

            (2)      Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, transitional housing programs, or other similar organizations, if the organization holds meetings or provides support services to help individuals who show the effects of drug abuse or alcohol abuse; or

            (3)      An employees' assistance program of a business entity.

      (d)      Unless requested, the certification requirements of this section do not apply to a hospital as defined in § 19-301 of this article accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals with a separately accredited alcohol and drug abuse program.

      (e)      An intermediate care facility, alcoholic (type C or D), shall be certified as an intermediate care alcohol abuse and drug abuse treatment facility.