Maryland § 18-337
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 18-337, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-337.
(a) In this section, “health care provider” means a physician, a physician’s designee, or a designee of a health care facility licensed or otherwise authorized to provide health care services.
(b) If an individual informed of the individual’s HIV positive status under § 18-336 of this subtitle refuses to notify the individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners, the individual’s physician may inform the local health officer and/or the individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners of:
(1) The individual’s identity; and
(2) The circumstances giving rise to the notification.
(c) When the local health officer is notified, the health officer shall enforce the provisions of §§ 18-208 through 18-213.1 of this title:
(1) Within a reasonable time; and
(2) To the extent feasible.
(d) Each local health officer shall refer the infected individual and any known sexual or needle-sharing partners of the individual to appropriate services for the care, support, and treatment for HIV infected individuals.
(e) A physician acting in good faith to provide notification in accordance with this section may not be held liable in any cause of action related to a breach of patient confidentiality.
(f) A physician acting in good faith may not be held liable in any cause of action for choosing not to disclose information related to a positive test result for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus to an individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners.
(g) A hospital or any other health care provider acting in good faith pursuant to a physician’s order to perform or interpret a test for the presence of HIV may not be held liable in any cause of action related to:
(1) A breach of patient confidentiality; or
(2) A physician’s decision to disclose or not to disclose information related to a positive test result to a local health officer and/or an individual’s sexual and needle-sharing partners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 18-337
What does Maryland Code § 18-337 cover?
Section 18-337 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 18-337?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 18-337" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 18-337 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.