Maryland Health Occupations Section 4-508

      (a)      In this section, "Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee" means the committee of the Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association that evaluates and provides assistance to any dental hygienist in need of treatment and rehabilitation for alcoholism, drug abuse, chemical dependency, or other physical, emotional, or mental condition.

      (b)      The Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association shall appoint the members of the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee.

      (c)      The Board shall fund the budget of the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee as provided in § 4-207 of this title.

      (d)      The Legislative Auditor shall audit the accounts and transactions of the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee as provided in § 2-1220 of the State Government Article.

      (e)      (1)      Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the proceedings, records, and files of the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee are not discoverable and are not admissible in evidence in any civil action arising out of matters that are being or have been reviewed and evaluated by the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee.

            (2)      Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to any record or document that is considered by the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee and that otherwise would be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in a civil action.

            (3)      For purposes of this subsection, civil action does not include a proceeding before the Board or judicial review of a proceeding before the Board.

      (f)      A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of jurisdiction of a Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the Dental Hygienist Rehabilitation Committee or for giving information to, participating in, or contributing to the function of the Rehabilitation Committee.