1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Deadly agent” means:

      1. (a) Anthrax, ebola, plague, smallpox, tularemia, or other bacterial, fungal, rickettsial, or viral agent, biological toxin, or other biological agent capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability;
      2. (b) Mustard gas, nerve gas, or other chemical agent capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability; or
      3. (c) Radiation at levels capable of causing extensive loss of life or serious disability.
   2. (2) “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health.
   3. (3) “Health care facility” has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §19-114, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   4. (4) “Health officer” means the health officer of each of the 23 counties and the Commissioner of Health in Baltimore City, the duly designated representative of the health officer, or both.
   5. (5) “Isolation” means the separation or restriction of movement of an individual who is ill and has an infectious illness or who is ill and is suspected of having an infectious illness from those who are not ill or infected for the purpose of stopping the spread of the infectious illness.
   6. (6) “Quarantine” means the separation or restriction of movement of an individual who, though not ill, has been or may have been exposed to an infectious agent, to prevent the spread of infectious illness that may be transmitted to other individuals before illness develops or is recognized.
   7. (7) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Health or the Secretary's designee.

Authority: Health General Article, §§18-904—18-907, Annotated Code of Maryland;
Ch. 1, Section 4, Acts of 2002

Effective date: June 19, 2006 (33:12 Md. R. 998)