1270

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 310

(C) THE ADMINISTRATOR OF A RELATED INSTITUTION THAT CARES
FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD IS LIABLE FOR A
CIVIL PENALTY OF NOT LESS THAN $5,000, IF THE ADMINISTRATOR:

(1) FAILS TO REPORT ALLEGED ABUSE OF A RESIDENT AT
THE INSTITUTION WITHIN 3 DAYS AFTER LEARNING OF THE ALLEGED
ABUSE; AND

(2) RECEIVES NOTICE AND HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE
HEARD.

(C) ANY PERSON EMPLOYEE OF A RELATED INSTITUTION WHO IS
REQUIRED TO REPORT ALLEGED ABUSE UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS
SECTION, AND WHO FAILS TO REPORT THE ALLEGED ABUSE WITHIN 3 DAYS
AFTER LEARNING OF THE ALLEGED ABUSE, IS LIABLE FOR A CIVIL
PENALTY OF NOT MORE THAN $1,000.

[(c)] (D) (1) Unless otherwise provided, the law
enforcement agency, with the assistance of the Secretary, shall:

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

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

(2)  The investigation shall include:

(i) A determination of the nature, extent, and
cause of the abuse;

(ii) The identity of the alleged abuser; and

(iii) Any other pertinent fact or matter.

(3)  Within 10 working days after the completion of
the investigation, the law enforcement agency shall submit a
written report of its findings to:

(i) The State's Attorney;

(ii) The Secretary;

(iii) The local ombudsman as designated by the
State Director on Aging; [and]

(iv) Unless the administrator is the alleged
abuser, the administrator of the related institution; AND

(V) THE DIVISION OF LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE.

[(d)] (E) The law enforcement agency: