Ch. 368

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(iii) the natural parent has failed repeatedly to give the child adequate
food, clothing, shelter, and education or any other care or control necessary for the child's
physical, mental, or emotional health, even though the natural parent is physically and
financially able[.]: OR

(IV) 1. THE CHILD WAS BORN:

A. ADDICTED TO OR DEPENDENT ON COCAINE, HEROIN, OR
A DERIVATIVE THEREOF; OR

B. WITH A SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE OF COCAINE HEROIN.
OR A DERIVATIVE THEREOF IN THE CHILD'S BLOOD AS EVIDENCED BY
TOXICOLOGY OR OTHER APPROPRIATE TESTS; AND

2. THE NATURAL PARENT REFUSES ADMISSION INTO A
DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM OR FAILED TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN A DRUG
TREATMENT PROGRAM.

(2) If a natural parent does not provide specified medical treatment for a
child because the natural parent is legitimately practicing religious beliefs, that reason
alone does not make the natural parent a negligent parent.

(3) The court shall consider the evidence under paragraph (1) of this
subsection regarding continuing or serious conditions or acts and may waive the child
placement agency's obligations under subsection (c) of this section if the court, after
appropriate evaluation of efforts made and services rendered, finds by clear and
convincing evidence that the waiver of those obligations is in the best interest of the child.

5-704.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any law on privileged
communications, each health practitioner, police officer, or educator or human service
worker, acting in a professional capacity, who has reason to believe that a child has been
subjected to:

(1) (i) abuse, shall notify the local department or the appropriate law
enforcement agency; or

(ii) neglect, shall notify the local department: and

(2) if acting as a staff member of a hospital, public health agency, child care
institution, juvenile detention center, school, or similar institution, immediately notify
and give all information required by this section to the head of the institution or the
designee of the head.

5-706.3.

(A) THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES. IN COOPERATION WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE, SHALL DEVELOP INTERVENTION
SYSTEMS IN AT LEAST FOUR COUNTIES DESIGNATED BY THE. SECRETARY OF
HUMAN RESOURCES THAT:

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