ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 308

(b) "Abuse" means:

(1)     the physical or mental injury of a child 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 harmed or at substantial risk of being harmed; or

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

(e) "Child" means any individual under the age of 18 years.

(o) "Local department" means the department of social services that has
jurisdiction in the county:

(1)     where the allegedly abused or neglected child lives; or

(2)     if different, where the abuse or neglect is alleged to have taken place.

(r) "Neglect" means the leaving of a child unattended or other failure to give
proper care and attention to a child by any parent or other person who has permanent
or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of the child under
circumstances that indicate:

(1)     that the child's health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial
risk of harm; or

(2)     mental injury to the child or a substantial risk of mental injury.

(u) "Report" means an allegation of abuse or neglect, made or received under
this subtitle.

5-703.

(A)     The provisions of this subtitle are in addition to and not in substitution for
the provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.

(B)     EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN § 5-705.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE, THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE APPLY ONLY TO:

(1)      SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT THAT IS ALLEGED TO HAVE
OCCURRED IN THIS STATE; AND

(2)      SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF A CHILD WHO LIVES IN THIS
STATE, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT IS ALLEGED
TO HAVE OCCURRED.

5-704.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any law on
privileged communications, each health practitioner, police officer, educator, or
human service worker, acting in a professional capacity IN THIS STATE:

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