2238

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 377

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1972 Replacement Volume and 1974 Supplement)

BY repealing and re-enacting, with amendments,

Article 59A - Mental Retardation

Section 24

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1972 Replacement Volume and 1974 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 43 - Health

Section 601

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1971 Replacement Volume and 1974 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 59A — Mental Retardation

Section 25A

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1972 Replacement Volume and 1974 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That Section 601 of Article 43 - Health, of the
Annotated Code of Maryland (1971 Replacement Volume and
1974 Supplement) be and it is hereby repealed:

Article 43 - Health

[601.

(a)    The unit for investigating the financial
condition of the patient and his family, and for
determining claims for the patient's care, all under this
section and any applicable laws, rules and regulations,
is the State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the
collection of delinquent accounts and debts shall be
handled by the central collection unit created within the
Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning.

(b)    For the purpose of determining the amount to
be paid for chronic disease center care, it shall be the
duty of the investigation unit to investigate the
financial condition of such person and also the financial
condition of any relative or other person who may be
legally chargeable with his or her care, in order to