(a) In this section "dental hygienist rehabilitation committee" means [a
committee that:

(1) Is defined in subsection (b) of this section; and

(2) Performs any of the functions listed in subsection (d) of this section.

(b) For the purposes of this section, a dental hygienist rehabilitation
committee is a committee of the Board or of the Dental Hygienists' Association that:

(1) Is recognized by the Board: and

(2) Includes but is not limited to dental hygienists.

(c) A rehabilitation committee of the Board or recognized by the Board may
function:

(1) Solely for dental hygienists; or

(2) Jointly with a rehabilitation committee representing another board

or boards.

(d) For purposes of this section, a dental hygienist rehabilitation committee]
THE COMMITTEE OF THE MARYLAND DENTAL HYGIENISTS' ASSOCIATION THAT
evaluates and provides assistance to any dental hygienist in need of treatment and
rehabilitation for alcoholism, drug abuse, chemical dependency, or other physical,
emotional, or mental condition.

(B) THE MARYLAND DENTAL HYGIENISTS' ASSOCIATION SHALL APPOINT THE
MEMBERS OF THE DENTAL HYGIENIST REHABILITATION COMMITTEE.

(C) THE BOARD SHALL FUND THE BUDGET OF THE DENTAL HYGIENIST
REHABILITATION COMMITTEE AS PROVIDED IN § 4-207 OF THIS TITLE.

(D) THE LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR SHALL AUDIT THE ACCOUNTS AND
TRANSACTIONS OF THE DENTAL HYGIENIST REHABILITATION COMMITTEE AS
PROVIDED IN § 2-1220 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE.

(e) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the proceedings,
records, and files of the dental hygienist rehabilitation committee are not
discoverable and are not admissible in evidence in any civil action arising out of
matters that are being or have been reviewed and evaluated by the dental hygienist
rehabilitation committee.

(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to any record or
document that is considered by the dental hygienist rehabilitation committee and
that otherwise would be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in a civil
action.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, civil action does not include a
proceeding before the Board or judicial review of a proceeding before the Board.