HARRY HUGHES, Governor

1131

(b) The Court [shall have power] MAY, subject to the
provisions of this article, [to] adopt [such] reasonable
rules of procedure relating to pleadings, notices, hearings,
and arguments [as it may deem proper]. AFTER JUNE 30, 1980,
THE COURT MAY NOT ADOPT ANY NEW RULES OF PROCEDURE, EXCEPT
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURE ACT.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1980.

Approved May 6, 1980.

CHAPTER 284

(Senate Bill 87)

AN ACT concerning

Resident Abuse - Mentally Retarded Persons
in Certain Facilities

FOR the purpose of altering the definition of mental health
facility; providing for the reporting and investigation
of abuse of mentally retarded persons in mental-health
certain facilities; providing immunity from civil
liability for certain persons; providing certain
penalties for the violation of this Act; and generally
relating to the abuse of mentally retarded persons in
mental health certain facilities.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 59 - Mental Hygiene

Section 52A(a)(3)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1972 Replacement Volume and 1979 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 59A - Mental Retardation

Section 12A

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1972 Replacement Volume and 1979 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 59 - Mental Hygiene