Maryland § 5-803
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-803, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-803.
(a) (1) Whether or not an individual receives compensation for the individual’s services, an employee of a county health department or other local department or agency functioning as a school nurse or school health aide or a member of the administrative, educational, or support staff of, or an individual who serves under a contract for services to, any public, private, or parochial school is immune from liability for:
(i) Making a report required by law, if the individual acts on reasonable grounds;
(ii) Participating in a judicial proceeding that results from the individual’s report; and
(iii) Making a report to the appropriate school official or to a parent if the individual has reasonable grounds to suspect that a student is:
1. Under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous substance;
2. In possession of alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous substance; or
3. Involved in the illegal sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous substance.
(2) Paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection is effective only to the extent that its provisions do not conflict with federal or State confidentiality laws and regulations.
(b) A county superintendent or any employee of a county school system who presents or enters findings of fact, recommendations, or reports or who participates in an employee dismissal, disciplinary, administrative, or judicial proceeding relating to a school system employee that results from these actions is immune from any civil liability if the action is:
(1) In the performance of duties;
(2) Within the scope of employment; and
(3) Without malice.
(c) A member of the administrative, educational, or support staff of any public, private, or parochial school acting in an official capacity is immune from civil liability for any personal injury or property damage resulting from an intervention in an altercation between students or other student disturbance if:
(1) The member intervened in a reasonably prudent manner; and
(2) The actions taken by the member in intervening do not constitute grossly negligent, willful, wanton, or intentionally tortious conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-803
What does Maryland Code § 5-803 cover?
Section 5-803 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 § 5-803?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-803" (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 § 5-803 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.