§ 10-620. Definitions

   (a) In general. -- In Part IV of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Court. -- "Court" means a district or circuit court of this State.

(c) Emergency evaluee. -- "Emergency evaluee" means an individual for whom an emergency evaluation is sought or made under Part IV of this subtitle.

(d) Emergency facility. --

   (1) "Emergency facility" means a facility that the Department designates, in writing, as an emergency facility.

   (2) "Emergency facility" includes a licensed general hospital that has an emergency room, unless the Department, after consultation with the health officer, exempts the hospital.

(e) Mental disorder. --

   (1) "Mental disorder" means the behavioral or other symptoms that indicate:

      (i) To a lay petitioner who is submitting an emergency petition, a clear disturbance in the mental functioning of another individual; and

      (ii) To the following health professionals doing an examination, at least one mental disorder that is described in the version of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual -- Mental Disorders" that is current at the time of the examination:

         1. Physician;

         2. Psychologist;

         3. Clinical social worker;

         4. Licensed clinical professional counselor;

         5. Clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric and mental health nursing (APRN/PMH);

         6. Psychiatric nurse practitioner (CRNP-PMH); or

         7. Licensed clinical marriage and family therapist.

   (2) "Mental disorder" does not include intellectual disability.

(f) Peace officer. -- "Peace officer" means a sheriff, a deputy sheriff, a State police officer, a county police officer, a municipal or other local police officer, or a Secret Service agent who is a sworn special agent of the United States Secret Service or Department of Homeland Security authorized to exercise powers delegated under 18 U.S.C. § 3056.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 59, § 22; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; 1991, ch. 27; 1994, ch. 165, § 3; 2001, ch. 270; 2002, ch. 49; 2004, chs. 25, 315; 2008, ch. 43; 2009, ch. 119.