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LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 21

SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY WHERE THE FACILITY IS LOCATED; OR

2. IF THE PATIENT IS 65 YEARS OLD OR
OLDER, TO THE DIRECTOR ON AGING.

(3)  THE RECIPIENT OF THE COMPLAINT SHALL:

(I)  IMMEDIATELY GIVE THE ADMINISTRATOR OF
THE FACILITY WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE COMPLAINT, UNLESS THE
ADMINISTRATOR IS THE ALLEGED ABUSER AND THE RECIPIENT
BELIEVES THAT THE NOTICE WOULD AFFECT AN INVESTIGATION
ADVERSELY;

(II)  INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINT, AS
APPROPRIATE; AND

(III)  GIVE THE ALLEGED ABUSER SPECIFIC
NOTICE OF THE ALLEGED ABUSE AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPLY TO
THE CHARGES STATED IN THE COMPLAINT.

(4)  ON REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR ON AGING OR THE
LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, A STATE'S ATTORNEY
SHALL HELP IN THE INVESTIGATION.

(5)  IF, AFTER THE COMPLETION OF AN
INVESTIGATION, THERE IS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE
HAS BEEN AN ABUSE OF FUNDS, THE DIRECTOR ON AGING OR THE
LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES MAY:

(I)  REFER THE MATTER TO THE STATE'S
ATTORNEY FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION; AND

(II)  ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENT, BRING SUIT
TO RECOVER THE MISUSED MONEY, COSTS, AND ATTORNEY FEES.

(6)  A PERSON WHO ACTS IN GOOD FAITH IS NOT
CIVILLY OR CRIMINALLY LIABLE FOR:

(I)  MAKING A COMPLAINT UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION;

(II)  PARTICIPATING IN AN INVESTIGATION
ARISING OUT OF A COMPLAINT UNDER THIS SUBSECTION; OR

(III)  PARTICIPATING IN A JUDICIAL
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF A REPORT UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.

(O) PENALTIES.

(1)  IF THERE IS AN ABUSE OF FUNDS, A PERSON WHO
MISUSED THE MONEY IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ON
CONVICTION IS SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $500.

(2)  ANY OTHER PERSON WHO VIOLATES A ANOTHER
PROVISION OF THIS SECTION IS SUBJECT TO A FINE OF $500.