Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 8-5A-01 - Definitions(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.(b) "Abuse" has the meaning stated in § 4-501(b) of the Family Law Article.(c) "Legal occupant" means an occupant who resides on the premises with the actual knowledge and permission of the landlord.(d) "Offender" means a person who commits an act of abuse.(e) "Peace order" means an enforceable final peace order.(f) "Protective order" means an enforceable final protective order.(g) "Qualified third party" means:(1) A physician who is authorized to practice medicine under the Health Occupations Article;(2) A psychologist who is authorized to practice psychology under the Health Occupations Article;(3) A social worker or caseworker of any public or private health or social services agency or provider; or(4) An advocate from a domestic violence or sexual assault prevention or assistance program.(h) "Report by a qualified third party" means a report based on information received by a qualified third party while acting in a professional capacity that: (1) Indicates that the tenant or a legal occupant is seeking assistance as a result of an act of abuse;(2) Includes the following elements: (i) The name of the tenant or legal occupant;(ii) A statement that the tenant or legal occupant is a victim of abuse;(iii) The date, time, location, and a brief description of the incident;(iv) The name and physical description of the alleged offender, if known;(v) The name and address of the employer of the qualified third party;(vi) The licensing entity and license number of the qualified third party, if the qualified third party is required to be licensed; and(vii) The signature of the qualified third party, under seal of a notary public; and(3) Is signed and acknowledged by the tenant or legal occupant under penalty of perjury.Amended by 2022 Md. Laws, Ch. 34, Sec. 3, eff. 6/1/2022.