2020 Maryland Statutes
Health - General
Title 20 - Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 1 - Consent Provisions
Part I - Minors
Section 20-104 - Mental or Emotional Disorder

    (a)    In this section, “health care provider” means an individual who is:

        (1)    Licensed under the Health Occupations Article; and

        (2)    Acting within the scope of the individual’s license to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.

    (b)    (1)    A minor who is 16 years old or older has the same capacity as an adult to consent to consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of a mental or emotional disorder by a health care provider or a clinic.

        (2)    The capacity of a minor to consent to consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of a mental or emotional disorder by a health care provider or a clinic under paragraph (1) of this subsection does not include the capacity to refuse consultation, diagnosis, or treatment for a mental or emotional disorder for which a parent, guardian, or custodian of the minor has given consent.

    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, without the consent of or over the express objection of a minor, the health care provider or, on advice or direction of the health care provider, a member of the medical staff of a hospital or public clinic may, but need not, give a parent, guardian, or custodian of the minor or the spouse of the parent information about treatment needed by the minor or provided to the minor under this section.

        (2)    If a health care provider is on a treatment team for a minor that is headed by a physician, the physician heading the treatment team shall decide whether a parent, guardian, or custodian of the minor or the spouse of the parent should receive information about treatment needed by the minor or provided to the minor under this section.

    (d)    Unless the parent, guardian, or custodian of a minor consents to consultation, diagnosis, or treatment of the minor, the parent, guardian, or custodian is not liable for any costs of the consultation, diagnosis, or treatment of the minor under this section.