Maryland Health - General Section 19-334

      (a)      In addition to any other power set forth in this article or the Health Occupations Article, the Secretary may file a petition for appointment of a receiver for a nursing home or community program defined in this subtitle if, after investigation of the Secretary or after investigation at the request of the Secretary of Aging, the Secretary reasonably believes that:

            (1)      A person is operating the nursing home or community program without a license for it;

            (2)      The nursing home or community program will be closed within 30 days and arrangements to relocate its residents have not been approved by the Secretary;

            (3)      The nursing home or community program or its residents have been abandoned; or

            (4)      A situation, physical condition, practice, or method of operation presents an imminent danger of death or serious mental or physical harm to the individuals.

      (b)      A petition under this section shall be filed with the circuit court for the county where the nursing home or community program is located.