Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-2A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context of their use requires otherwise.

(b) “Arbitration panel” means the arbitrators selected to determine a health care malpractice claim in accordance with this subtitle.

(c) “Court” means a circuit court for a county.

(d) “Director” means the Director of the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office.

(e) “Economic damages” retains its judicially determined meaning.

(f) (1) “Health care provider” means a hospital, a related institution as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article, a medical day care center, a hospice care program, an assisted living program, a freestanding ambulatory care facility as defined in § 19–3B–01 of the Health – General Article, a physician, a physician assistant, an osteopath, an optometrist, a chiropractor, a registered or licensed practical nurse, a dentist, a podiatrist, a psychologist, a licensed certified social worker–clinical, and a physical therapist, licensed or authorized to provide one or more health care services in Maryland.

(2) “Health care provider” does not include any nursing institution conducted by and for those who rely upon treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination.

(g) “Medical injury” means injury arising or resulting from the rendering or failure to render health care.

(h) “Noneconomic damages” means:

(1) In a claim for personal injury, pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium, or other nonpecuniary injury; or

(2) In a claim for wrongful death, mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, care, marital care, parental care, filial care, attention, advice, counsel, training, guidance, or education, or other noneconomic damages authorized under Subtitle 9 of this title.