Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 3-532

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 3-532 - Wellness check
(a)
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Interested party" means a health care practitioner, as defined in § 19-144(3) of the Health - General Article, or another interested person who has sufficient information to inform a law enforcement agency of another individual's health-related condition or circumstance that represents a safety concern of the individual.
(3) "Qualified request" means an oral or written request that includes credible information regarding a specific safety concern .
(4) "Wellness check" means an in-person visit by a law enforcement officer concerning the well-being of an individual.
(b)
(1) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a law enforcement agency receives a qualified request from an interested party for a wellness check of an individual located in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction, the law enforcement agency shall conduct a wellness check of the individual without unreasonable delay.
(2) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a law enforcement agency receives a qualified request from an interested party for a wellness check of an individual who is not located in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction, the law enforcement agency shall submit a request to the relevant law enforcement agency in the State or another state to conduct a wellness check of the individual without unreasonable delay.
(c) If the interested party states in the qualified request that there is a concern for a life-threatening condition, then a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity shall conduct the wellness check simultaneously with the law enforcement agency.
(d) A law enforcement agency and, if applicable, a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity, that receives a qualified request under this section shall meet the requirements of this section regardless of where the interested party making the qualified request is located.

Md. Code, PS § 3-532

Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 743,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.