§4–505.1.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Child advocacy center” means a center established under § 11–928 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

        (3)    “File electronically” means to send, communicate, receive, or store by electronic means.

        (4)    “Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.

        (5)    “Vulnerable adult program” means:

            (i)    a program implemented under § 14–201 of this article; or

            (ii)    any program that receives federal or State funding to prevent abuse of or assist vulnerable adults.

    (b)    A petitioner may file electronically a petition for a temporary protective order with a court from:

        (1)    a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;

        (2)    a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;

        (3)    a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;

        (4)    a child advocacy center;

        (5)    a vulnerable adult program;

        (6)    a hospital where the petitioner is receiving medical treatment, while the petitioner is at the hospital; or

        (7)    another location approved by the court.

    (c)    The hospital shall refer the petitioner filing a petition on the grounds of:

        (1)    domestic violence:

            (i)    to a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; or

            (ii)    if there is not a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program, to a community–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; and

        (2)    sexual assault to a community–based sexual assault prevention or assistance program.

    (d)    A court that receives a petition filed electronically in accordance with this section shall hold a hearing on the petition through the use of video conferencing on:

        (1)    the same business day if the petition is filed during regular court hours and the court is open; or

        (2)    the next business day the court is open if the petition is not filed during regular court hours.