3394

VETOES

135A.

(a)  A minor who has attained the age of [16] 14
years and who has or professes to have a mental or emotional
disorder may consent to diagnosis and [consultation]
TREATMENT of the disorder by a physician, HOSPITAL [, or
clinic] LICENSED TO PRACTICE MEDICINE. Consent given under
this section shall have in all respects the same effect as
if the minor had reached majority.

(b)  [Upon the advice and direction of a treating
physician or if more than one, any one of them, member of
the medical staff of a clinic, HOSPITAL, or ]THE LICENSED
physician [licensed to practice medicine,] may but shall not
be obligated to, inform the spouse, parent, custodian or
guardian of any such minor in the circumstances as
enumerated in subsection (a) hereof, as to the treatment
given or needed, and such information may be given to, or
withheld from the spouse, parent, custodian or guardian
without the consent of the minor patient and even over the
express refusal of the minor patient providing such
information, the providing or withholding of such
information to rest in the sole discretion of[ a member of
the medical staff of a clinic, HOSPITAL, or] the LICENSED
physician [licensed to practice medicine, as the case may
be]. HOWEVER, IF THE MINOR HAS VOLUNTARILY BEEN ADMITTED TO
A HOSPITAL AS AN INPATIENT, THE HOSPITAL SHALL MAKE A
REASONABLE EFFORT TO NOTIFY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE THE
MINOR'S PARENT, CUSTODIAN, OR GUARDIAN THAT THE MINOR HAS
BEEN ADMITTED.

(c)  The parent, custodian, or guardian of a minor
consenting to diagnosis and treatment under this section
shall not be liable for any costs, fees, or other expenses
on account of such diagnosis and treatment unless the
parent, custodian, or guardian consents thereto.

(D) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, TREATMENT FOR A
MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL DISORDER DOES NOT INCLUDE ABORTION OR
STERILIZATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1981.

May 19, 1981
The Honorable James Clark, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 436.