2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
§ 2-107 - Duty to semiconscious or unconscious suspects

§2-107.

(a) (1) Before a law enforcement officer may charge with a crime a person who is found by the law enforcement officer in a semiconscious or unconscious condition, the law enforcement officer shall make a diligent effort to determine whether the person:

(i) suffers from epilepsy, diabetes, a cardiac condition, or another type of illness that causes semiconsciousness or unconsciousness; and

(ii) is carrying the identification bracelet, tag, or card described in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) If the law enforcement officer determines that the person suffers from an illness that causes semiconsciousness or unconsciousness, and the person is carrying the identification bracelet, tag, or card described in subsection (b) of this section, the law enforcement officer shall:

(i) notify the person’s physician immediately; or

(ii) have the person immediately transported to:

1. a physician; or

2. a facility where the services of a physician are available.

(b) A person who suffers from epilepsy, diabetes, a cardiac condition, or other type of illness that causes temporary blackouts, semiconscious periods, or complete unconsciousness may wear an identification bracelet or metal tag or carry an identification card that is engraved, stamped, or imprinted with the person’s name, type of illness, physician’s name, and required medication.

(c) (1) A person may not willfully and knowingly falsify identification described in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) A person may not deliberately misrepresent an illness that causes blackouts, semiconsciousness, or unconsciousness as described in subsection (b) of this section.

(3) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.