ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 59

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

Article - Health - General

17-601.

(a)     In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)     "Biological agent" means [:

(1)     Any select agent that is a microorganism, virus, bacterium, fungus,
rickettsia, or toxin listed in Title 42, Part 72, Appendix A of the Code of Federal
Regulations;

(2)     Any genetically modified microorganisms or genetic elements from
an organism listed in Title 42, Part 72, Appendix A of the Code of Federal Regulations,
shown to produce or encode for a factor associated with a disease; or

(3)     Any genetically modified microorganisms or genetic elements that
contain nucleic acid sequences coding for any of the toxins listed in Title 42, Part 72,
Appendix A of the Code of Federal Regulations, or their toxic submits] ANY
BIOLOGICAL AGENT AS DEFINED IN TITLE 42, PART 73 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL
REGULATIONS, OR TITLE 9, PART 121 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

(C)     "MARYLAND INSTITUTE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS"
MEANS THE UNIT DESCRIBED IN § 13-503 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE.

(D)     "PERSON" INCLUDES STATE AND FEDERAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT.
[(c)] (E) "Program" means the Biological Agents Registry Program.

17-602.

(a)     There is a Biological Agents Registry Program in the Department.

(b)     The Biological Agents Registry shall:

(1)     Identify the biological agents possessed and maintained by any
person in this State; and

(2)     Contain other information as required by regulations adopted by the
Department.

(c)      The Department shall adopt regulations for the implementation of the
Program that:

(1)     Determine and list the biological agents required to be reported
under this subtitle;

(2)     Designate the persons required to make reports and the specific
information required to be reported;

(3)     Designate time limits for reporting, the form of reports, and the
persons to whom reports are to be submitted;

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