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