638

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 21

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language added to
avoid confusion over the scope of the term
"article" as it appears in the Compact and over
the possible applicability of the definitions
appearing in § 1-101 of this article. The
Compact contains its own definitions in Article
II of the Compact.

11-102. COMPACT ENACTED INTO LAW AND ENTERED INTO.

THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH IS ENACTED INTO
LAW AND ENTERED INTO WITH ALL OTHER STATES JOINING IN IT IN
THE FORM SUBSTANTIALLY AS IT APPEARS IN § 11-103 OF THIS
TITLE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly appeared as
Article 41, § 319.

The only changes are in style.

Defined term: "State" § 1-101

11-103. TEXT OF THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH.

THE CONTRACTING STATES SOLEMNLY AGREE THAT:

ARTICLE I

THE PARTY STATES FIND THAT THE PROPER AND EXPEDITIOUS
TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY ILL AND MENTALLY DEFICIENT CAN BE
FACILITATED BY COOPERATIVE ACTION, TO THE BENEFIT OF THE
PATIENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. FURTHER,
THE PARTY STATES FIND THAT THE NECESSITY OF AND DESIRABILITY
FOR FURNISHING SUCH CARE AND TREATMENT BEAR NO PRIMARY
RELATION TO THE RESIDENCE OR CITIZENSHIP OF THE PATIENT BUT
THAT, ON THE CONTRARY, THE CONTROLLING FACTORS OF COMMUNITY
SAFETY AND HUMANITARIANISM REQUIRE THAT FACILITIES AND
SERVICES BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALL WHO ARE IN NEED OF THEM.
CONSEQUENTLY, IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMPACT AND OF THE
PARTY STATES TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY LEGAL BASIS FOR THE
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OR OTHER APPROPRIATE CARE AND TREATMENT
OF THE MENTALLY ILL AND MENTALLY DEFICIENT UNDER A SYSTEM
THAT RECOGNIZES THE PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT WELFARE
AND TO ESTABLISH THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTY STATES IN
TERMS OF SUCH WELFARE.

ARTICLE II

AS USED IN THIS COMPACT:

(1) "SENDING STATE" SHALL MEAN A PARTY STATE FROM
WHICH A PATIENT IS TRANSPORTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
THE COMPACT OR FROM WHICH IT IS CONTEMPLATED THAT A PATIENT
MAY BE SO SENT.