1738

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 148

14-203.

(A)  THE DIRECTOR MAY CONTRACT WITH ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES.

(B)  THE DIRECTOR MAY NOT CONTRACT WITH ANY OTHER PERSON TO
ACT AS GUARDIAN OF THE PERSON OF A DISABLED INDIVIDUAL.

14-204.

(A)  SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS
SECTION, THE SECRETARY SHALL ESTABLISH A FEE SCHEDULE BASED ON
FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PAY UNDER WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL WHO RECEIVES
PROTECTIVE SERVICES, OR THE INDIVIDUAL'S LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE
RELATIVE SHALL REIMBURSE THE FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED.

(B)  AN INDIVIDUAL MAY NOT BE CHARGED A FEE FOR PROTECTIVE
SERVICES IF:

(1)  FEDERAL LAW OR FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT AN
INCOME ELIGIBILITY TEST FOR THE PROTECTIVE SERVICE; OR

(2)  THE RECIPIENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR CONTINUING
FINANCIAL AID UNDER:

(I)  THE FEDERAL PROGRAM OF SUPPLEMENTAL
SECURITY INCOME;

(II)  THE FEDERAL-STATE PROGRAM OF AID TO
FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN; OR

(III)  THE STATE PROGRAM OF GENERAL PUBLIC
ASSISTANCE.

14-205.

THE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM SHALL BE FUNDED AS
PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET.

SUBTITLE 3. INVESTIGATION PROVISIONS

14-301.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE DO NOT LIMIT THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO ENFORCE THE LAWS OF
THIS STATE OR PRECLUDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FROM REPORTING
AND INVESTIGATING ALLEGED CRIMINAL CONDUCT.

14-302.

(A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LAW ON PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS,
EACH HEALTH PRACTITIONER, POLICE OFFICER, OR HUMAN SERVICE WORKER
WHO CONTACTS, EXAMINES, ATTENDS, OR TREATS AN ALLEGED VULNERABLE
ADULT, AND WHO HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE ALLEGED VULNERABLE