Maryland Family Law Section 5-509

      (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be licensed by the Administration as a child care institution before the person may operate an institution for the care, custody, or control of a minor child.

      (b)      This section does not apply:

            (1)      to an institution or facility that is operated by an agency of this State or any political subdivision of this State;

            (2)      to a child care home that has a license under this subtitle or under Article 83C, § 2-123 of the Code; or

            (3)      to an institution that accepts only children placed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Department of Juvenile Services.