1. A. In this chapter, terms have the meanings stated in COMAR 10.21.17.

2. B. Definition of Group Home.

   1. (1) “Group home” means a community-based residential program that provides services:

      1. (a) For individuals who have been or are under treatment for a mental disorder;
      2. (b) When possible, in the individual's community of origin; and
      3. (c) In a home-like environment.

   2. (2) “Group home” means a private group home as defined in Health-General Article, §§10-514(b), (d) — (e) and 10-518(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, as either a:

      1. (a) Small private group home, which:

         1. (i) Admits at least four but not more than eight individuals; and
         2. (ii) Is deemed conclusively a single-family residence and is permitted in all residential zones; or

      2. (b) Large private group home, which:

         1. (i) Admits at least nine but not more than 16 individuals; and
         2. (ii) Is deemed conclusively a multifamily residence and is permitted in zones of similar density.

   3. (3) “Group home” does not include a:

      1. (a) Foster home that is the domicile of the foster parent; or

      2. (b) Facility that is:

         1. (i) Owned by or leased to the State or any public agency;
         2. (ii) Regulated by the Department of Juvenile Services or Developmental Disabilities Administration; or
         3. (iii) Organized wholly or partly to make a profit.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§10-514 — 10-524 and 10-604, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 25, 1980 (7:15 Md. R. 1424)

Recodified from COMAR 10.21.05 to 10.21.04

Chapter revised effective October 14, 1991 (18:20 Md. R. 2199)

Chapter, Group Homes for the Mentally Disabled, repealed and new Chapter, Community Mental Health Programs — Group Homes for Adults with Mental Illness, adopted effective October 5, 1998 (25:20 Md. R. 1529)