HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3433

[(1)] (I) Making a report under this section;

[(2)] (II) Participating in an investigation
arising out of a report under this section; or

[(3)] (III) Participating in a judicial
proceeding arising out of a report under this section.

(2) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT GRANT ANY IMMUNITY
FOR AN ABUSER WHO MAKES A REPORT OR PARTICIPATES IN THE
INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING.

19-347.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the
meanings indicated.

(2) (i) "Abuse" means cruel or inhumane
treatment that causes:

1.  Any physical injury; or

2.  Any neglect that is detrimental
to physical or mental well-being; and

(ii) "Abuse" does not include the
performance of an accepted medical procedure that a
physician orders.

(3)  "Law enforcement agency" means the Maryland
State Police or a police agency of a county or municipal
corporation.

(4)  "Nursing home" means a related institution
that is classified as a nursing home.

(b) (1) A person who believes that a resident of a
nursing home hats been abused promptly shall report the
alleged abuse to an appropriate law enforcement agency and
to the Secretary.

(2) A report:

(i) May be oral or written; and

(ii) Shall contain as much information as
the reporter is able to provide.

(c) (1) The law enforcement agency shall:

(i) Investigate thoroughly each report of
an alleged abuse; and

(ii) Attempt to insure the protection of
the alleged victim.