Maryland Health - General Section 10-616

      (a)      (1)      A certificate for involuntary admission of an individual under Part III of this subtitle shall:

                  (i)      Be based on the personal examination of the physician or psychologist 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 or psychologist 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.