MD HB1014

Defines "danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others" for involuntary psychiatric admissions and emergency evaluations in Maryland law, specifying it means a "substantial risk" that does not need to be imminent

Allows consideration of the individual's current condition plus personal, medical, and psychiatric history when assessing danger

Establishes four criteria for danger: causing bodily harm to self or others; engaging in conduct leading to criminal justice involvement; inability to provide basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, self-protection) creating risk of serious harm, illness, or death; or substantial deterioration in judgment/reasoning/behavior control

Requires that for the deterioration criterion, the individual must currently be substantially impaired in making rational, informed treatment decisions

Effective date: October 1, 2026