(a)
- (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
- (2) “Interested party” means a health care practitioner, as defined in § 19-144(3) of the Health--General Article, or another interested person who has sufficient information to inform a law enforcement agency of another individual's health-related condition or circumstance that represents a safety concern of the individual.
- (3) “Qualified request” means an oral or written request that includes credible information regarding a specific safety concern.
- (4) “Wellness check” means an in-person visit by a law enforcement officer concerning the well-being of an individual.
(b)
- (1) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a law enforcement agency receives a qualified request from an interested party for a wellness check of an individual located in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction, the law enforcement agency shall conduct a wellness check of the individual without unreasonable delay.
- (2) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a law enforcement agency receives a qualified request from an interested party for a wellness check of an individual who is not located in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction, the law enforcement agency shall submit a request to the relevant law enforcement agency in the State or another state to conduct a wellness check of the individual without unreasonable delay.
- (c) If the interested party states in the qualified request that there is a concern for a life-threatening condition, then a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity shall conduct the wellness check simultaneously with the law enforcement agency.
- (d) A law enforcement agency and, if applicable, a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services entity, that receives a qualified request under this section shall meet the requirements of this section regardless of where the interested party making the qualified request is located.
Added by Acts 2024, c. 743, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.