Sec. 10.21.15.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Consultant" means a physician, licensed by the State, who is not a salaried staff member of the emergency facility and who is authorized by the emergency facility to perform an examination of an emergency evaluee.

(2) "Department" means the Maryland Department of Health.

(3) "Designated emergency facility" means a health care organization currently identified by the Department to perform the functions identified in Health-General Article, §10-624, Annotated Code of Maryland, or this chapter, or both.

(4) "Emergency evaluee" means an individual who has been referred to a designated emergency facility on the basis of a petition for emergency evaluation.

(5) "Emergency service" means the service rendered as a direct result of the execution of a valid petition.

(6) "Emergency vehicle" means:

(a) A vehicle operated by a law enforcement officer; or

(b) An ambulance regulated according to COMAR 14.22.01-14.22.12.

(7) "Examination" means a face-to-face diagnostic interview and examination by a consultant physician that includes a medical history, an assessment of mental status, a neurological examination, an assessment of dangerousness, and a written report outlining the consultant physician's findings and conclusions.

(8) "Inpatient facility" means an inpatient institution that provides evaluation, care, or treatment for individuals who have mental disorders.

(9) "Petition" means a petition for emergency evaluation that is made by an individual who has reason to believe that the emergency evaluee has a mental disorder and that there is danger of the emergency evaluee's doing bodily harm to the petitioner or another individual.

(10) "Provider" means an individual, an association, a partnership, an incorporated or unincorporated group, or a hospital that renders health care service to an emergency evaluee.