1. (a)

   1. (1) In this subsection, “legally protected health care” has the meaning stated under § 2-312 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this paragraph, a copy of any foreign judgment authenticated in accordance with an act of Congress or statutes of this State may be filed in the office of the clerk of a circuit court.
      2. (ii) If the face amount of the judgment is $2,500 or less, the copy shall be filed with the clerk of the District Court.
      3. (iii) If the face amount of the judgment is not more than a jurisdictional amount described in § 4-401 of this article, but more than $2,500, the copy may be filed either with the clerk of the District Court or in the office of the clerk of a circuit court.

      4. (iv) Except as required by federal law, a judgment creditor may not file a copy of any foreign judgment under this section if the judgment was issued in connection with any litigation concerning legally protected health care, unless the underlying cause of action is:

         1. 1. Based in tort, contract, or statute;
         2. 2. A claim for which a similar or equivalent claim would exist in the State; and

         3. 3. A. Brought by the patient who received legally protected health care, or the patient's legal representative; or

            1. B. Based on conduct that would be prohibited under the laws of this State.
   3. (3) The clerk shall treat the foreign judgment in the same manner as a judgment of the court in which the foreign judgment is filed.
2. (b) A filed foreign judgment has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, staying, enforcing, or satisfying as a judgment of the court in which it is filed.

Added by Acts 1987, c. 497, § 1, eff. July 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, c. 141, § 1, eff. July 1, 1989; Acts 1991, c. 301, § 1, eff. July 1, 1991; Acts 2023, c. 246, § 1, eff. June 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 247, § 1, eff. June 1, 2023; Acts 2024, c. 863, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.