Section 10-616 - Certificates. - Maryland Statutes

§ 10-616. Certificates.
 

(a)  Form.-  

(1) A certificate for involuntary admission of an individual under Part III of this subtitle shall: 

(i) Be based on the personal examination of the physician or psychologist who signs the certificate; and 

(ii) Be in the form that the Secretary adopts, by rule or regulation. 

(2) The rules and regulations shall require the form to include: 

(i) A diagnosis of a mental disorder of the individual; 

(ii) An opinion that the individual needs inpatient care or treatment; and 

(iii) An opinion that admission to a facility or Veterans' Administration hospital is needed for the protection of the individual or another. 

(b)  Time limitations.- A certificate may not be used for admission if the examination on which the certificate is made was done: 

(1) More than 1 week before the certificate is signed; or 

(2) More than 30 days before the facility or the Veterans' Administration hospital receives the application for admission. 

(c)  Limitations on practitioners.- A certificate may not be used for an admission if the physician or psychologist who signed the certificate: 

(1) Has a financial interest, through ownership or compensation, in a proprietary facility and admission to that proprietary facility is sought for the individual whose status is being certified; or 

(2) Is related, by blood or marriage, to the individual or to the applicant. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 59, § 12; 1982, ch. 21, § 2.]