Ch. 395

LAWS OF MARYLAND

CHAPTER 395

(House Bill 232)

AN ACT concerning

Child Abuse and Neglect - Definition

FOR the purpose of altering the definitions of child abuse and
neglect; providing that "abuse" means either a physical
injury to a child by certain persons under certain
circumstances, or sexual abuse; providing that neglect is
the failure by certain persons under certain circumstances
to provide proper care and attention to a child; providing
for a certain exceptions exception; and generally relating
to child abuse and neglect.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article - Family Law
Section 5-701(b) and (n)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1984 Volume and 1988 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Family Law

5-701.

(b) (1) "Abuse" means:

(1) (I) the [sustaining of] physical injury [by] OF a
child [as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result
of a malicious act] by any parent or other person who has
permanent or temporary care or' custody or responsibility for
supervision of a child, or by any household or family member,
under circumstances that indicate that the child's health or
welfare is SIGNIFICANTLY harmed [or threatened] OR AT RISK OF
BEING SIGNIFICANTLY HARMED [thereby]; or

(2) (II) sexual abuse of a child, whether physical
injuries are sustained or not.

(2) "ABUSE" DOES NOT INCLUDE, FOR THAT REASON ALONE,
PROVIDING A CHILD WITH NONMEDICAL RELIGIOUS REMEDIAL CARE AND
TREATMENT RECOGNIZED BY STATE LAW.

(n) (1) "Neglect" means [the sustaining by a child of
significant physical or mental harm or injury from:

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