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ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor Ch. 334
(1) in accordance with a court order;
(2) by a representative of a local department OF SOCIAL SERVICES who
states that the representative believes the child is an abused or neglected child; [or]
(3) by a police officer who states that the officer believes that the child is
an abused or neglected child; OR
(4) BY AN INDIVIDUAL REQUIRED UNDER § 5-704 OF THIS SUBTITLE TO
REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT.
(c) If a [physician] PROVIDER examines a child under subsection (b) of this
section and determines that emergency medical treatment OR EXPERT CHILD ABUSE
OR NEGLECT CARE is indicated, the physician may treat the child, with or without the
consent of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(d) A [physician] PROVIDER who examines or treats a child under this section
shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-621 of the Courts and
Judicial Proceedings Article.
(e) (1) In accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of Health
and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shall pay for
emergency medical treatment charges that are incurred on behalf of a child who is
examined or treated under this section.
(2) The child's parent or guardian is liable to the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene for the payments and shall take any steps necessary to secure
health benefits available for the child from a public or private benefit program.
(3) The local department shall:
(i) immediately determine whether a child treated or examined
under this section is eligible for medical assistance payments; and
(ii) secure medical assistance benefits for any eligible child
examined or treated under this section.
(f) To the extent possible, the Governor shall include in the annual State
budget funds for the payment of emergency medical treatment for children examined
or treated under this section.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
(a) The Attorney General, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and
Mental Hygiene and the Secretary of Human Resources, shall convene a workgroup
that consists of the following members:
(1) a State's Attorney with expertise in the prosecution of child abuse
and neglect;
(2) local directors of social services;
(3) local health officers;
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