Section 10-204 - Interference with access to or egress from a medical facility. - Maryland Statutes

§ 10-204. Interference with access to or egress from a medical facility.
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(2) (i) "Medical facility" means: 

1. a facility as defined in § 10-101 of the Health-General Article; or 

2. a health care facility as defined in § 19-114 of the Health-General Article. 

(ii) "Medical facility" includes an agency, clinic, or office operated under the direction of the local health officer or under the regulatory authority of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

(b)  Scope of section.-  

(1) This section does not apply to: 

(i) the chief executive officer of the medical facility; 

(ii) a designee of the chief executive officer of the medical facility; 

(iii) an agent of the medical facility; or 

(iv) a law enforcement officer. 

(2) This section does not prohibit: 

(i) speech; or 

(ii) picketing in connection with a labor dispute as defined in § 4-301 of the Labor and Employment Article. 

(c)  Prohibited.- A person may not intentionally act, alone or with others, to prevent another from entering or exiting a medical facility by physically: 

(1) detaining the other; or 

(2) obstructing, impeding, or hindering the other's passage. 

(d)  Penalty.- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 577B; 2002, ch. 26, § 2.]