1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) “Infectious waste” means any waste that comes from a hospital, laboratory, or other health care facility as defined in § 19-114 of the Health--General Article and that is known or suspected to be contaminated with organisms capable of producing disease or infection in humans.

      2. (ii) “Infectious waste” includes:

         1. 1. Contaminated disposable equipment, instruments, and utensils;
         2. 2. Contaminated needles, scalpels, and razor blades;
         3. 3. Human tissues and organs that result from surgery, obstetrics, or autopsy;
         4. 4. Feces, urine, vomitus, and suctionings;
         5. 5. Live vaccines for human use;
         6. 6. Blood and blood products; and
         7. 7. Laboratory specimens, such as tissues, blood elements, excreta, and secretions.
2. (b) A hospital, laboratory, or other health care facility as defined in § 19-114 of the Health--General Article may not dispose of infectious waste, or cause infectious waste to be disposed of, in a landfill system in this State.
3. (c) The Secretary is responsible with law enforcement personnel in this State for monitoring and enforcing subsection (b) of this section.

Added by Acts 1987, c. 612, § 2. Amended by Acts 1989, c. 537; Acts 1999, c. 702, § 5, eff. Oct. 1, 1999.