<section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-101" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Council” means the State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commission” means the State Commission on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Congenital disorder” means a significant structural or functional abnormality of the body that is present at birth.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Congenital disorder” does not include a condition that results from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An intrauterine infection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A birth injury.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Hereditary disorder” means any disorder that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is transmitted through the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA); or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Arises through the improper processing of the information in the genetic material.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-102" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Everyone in this State is entitled to the highest level of health care attainable and protection from inadequate health services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hereditary and congenital disorders are often costly and tragic and sometimes deadly burdens to the health and well-being of the citizens of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Detection through screening for hereditary and congenital disorders can:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Lead to alleviation of the disability of some hereditary and congenital disorders; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Further the understanding of and accumulation of medical knowledge about other hereditary and congenital disorders that may lead to their eventual alleviation or cure;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Hereditary and congenital disorders differ in severity, in that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Some have little effect on the normal functioning of an individual; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Some may be alleviated, wholly or partly, through medical intervention and treatment;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Most, if not all, individuals are carriers of some hereditary disorder and are substantially unaffected by that fact;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A carrier of a hereditary disorder should not be discriminated against or stigmatized;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Medical knowledge of the discovery, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of hereditary and congenital disorders is expanding rapidly and often at an uneven rate, so that hereditary and congenital disorders are discovered long before their treatment or cure can be found;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Legislation designed to alleviate the problems associated with specific hereditary and congenital disorders may tend to be inflexible in the face of rapidly expanding medical knowledge;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The policy of this State on hereditary and congenital disorders should be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Made with full public knowledge, in light of expert opinion; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reviewed constantly to consider changing medical knowledge and ensure full public protection;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Participation in a hereditary and congenital disorders program should be wholly voluntary, and all information obtained about any individual in a hereditary and congenital disorders program should be kept confidential; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>A commission is needed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To ensure that the policies and programs of this State for hereditary and congenital disorders comply with the principles established in this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To preserve and protect the freedom, health, and well-being of the citizens of this State from improper treatment or advice, discrimination, violation of privacy, or undue anxiety that results from any hereditary and congenital disorders program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-103" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>There is a State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-104" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council consists of 11 voting members and 4 nonvoting members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 11 voting members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 shall be a member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 shall be a member of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>4 shall be professional individuals in the field of hereditary or congenital disorders appointed by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>5 shall be individuals appointed by the Secretary, none of whom may be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A health professional or spouse of a health professional; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual or spouse of an individual involved in the administration or ownership of any health care institution or health insurance organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the Secretary shall appoint 1 professional member from a list of qualified individuals submitted to the Secretary by each of the following organizations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Children’s National Health System;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The faculties of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of names on a list shall be 3.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An organization shall submit its list:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At least 3 months before the expiration of the term of the professional member who represents the organization; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a vacancy is for a reason other than expiration of the term, at any time before the Secretary makes the appointment, if the organization complies with the reasonable request of the Secretary for the list.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If a list is not submitted to the Secretary as required under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, within 3 months after a request is made by the Secretary, the Secretary may appoint any professional individual who meets the requirements under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The 4 nonvoting members shall be representatives of the Department, appointed by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each professional individual selected for the Advisory Council shall be knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary and congenital disorders.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a voting member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the voting members are staggered as required by the terms provided for voting members of the Advisory Council on July 1, 1982. The terms of those members end as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 in 1983;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>3 in 1984;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>3 in 1985; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>2 in 1986.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a voting member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A voting member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A voting member who serves 2 consecutive full 4–year terms may not be reappointed for 4 years after completion of those terms.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>When a vacancy occurs, a successor shall be appointed promptly.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-105" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>From among its voting members, the Advisory Council shall elect every 2 years a chairman and a vice chairman.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-106" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>A majority of the full authorized voting membership of the Advisory Council is a quorum to do business.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall designate the staff necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-107" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>The Advisory Council may establish subcommittees.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-108" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>To preserve and protect the health and welfare of the citizens of this State, the Advisory Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Gather and give out information to further the public’s understanding of hereditary and congenital disorders;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reevaluate continually the need for and the effectiveness of State hereditary and congenital disorders programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Make any necessary recommendation to end any unjustified discrimination that might result from identification of an individual as a carrier of a hereditary disorder, but this item does not affect any right of anyone to seek or have any other redress for this discrimination;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Advise the Secretary as to the need for rules, regulations, and standards for the detection and management of hereditary and congenital disorders;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Participate actively in the development of the rules and regulations adopted by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Assist the Department in prioritizing its efforts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-109" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the requirements of this section, the Department may adopt rules, regulations, and standards for the detection and management of hereditary and congenital disorders.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the Department adopts a rule, regulation, or standard, the Department shall consult:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The public, especially communities and groups who particularly are affected by hereditary and congenital disorders programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Where appropriate, experts in the medical, psychological, ethical, social, and economic effects of programs for the detection and management of hereditary and congenital disorders; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Advisory Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Department adopts a rule, regulation, or standard, the Department shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The incidence of each hereditary or congenital disorder; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of detection and management of each hereditary or congenital disorder.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall require the Department and each person who conducts a hereditary and congenital disorders program to keep in code and treat as a confidential medical record all information that is gathered in the program and identifies an individual. However, this requirement does not prevent the disclosure of information if the individual or, if the individual is a minor or disabled person, a parent or guardian of the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is informed of the scope of information to be released and the purpose of the release; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Consents to the release.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall provide that, subject to the restrictions on disclosure of confidential information, information on the operation of a hereditary and congenital disorders program shall be open and freely available to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall provide that procedures for a hereditary and congenital disorders program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be accurate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide maximum information;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be set forth clearly; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Be reviewed regularly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Require that, before an individual participates in a hereditary and congenital disorders program, the person who conducts the program shall inform the individual or, if the individual is a minor or disabled person, a parent or guardian of the person of the requirement that participation in the program be wholly voluntary and of any risk that is involved in participation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prohibit the testing of an individual for a hereditary or congenital disorder unless the individual or, if the individual is a minor or disabled person, a parent or guardian of the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is informed fully of the purpose of the test and the nature and consequences of being affected by a hereditary or congenital disorder or being a carrier of a hereditary disorder;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is given a reasonable opportunity to object; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Does not object to the test; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Require unambiguous diagnostic results to be made available through a physician or other source of health care to the individual or, if the individual is a minor or disabled person, to a parent or guardian of the person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall provide that a hereditary and congenital disorders program may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Require participation in the program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Require restriction of childbearing; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be prerequisite for eligibility for any service or other program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The rules, regulations, and standards of the Department shall provide that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each participant in a hereditary and congenital disorders program shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Protected from undue physical or mental harm; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Informed of the nature, cost, benefits, and risks of any therapy or maintenance program available for an individual affected by a hereditary or congenital disorder; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each participant in a screening program for a hereditary or congenital disorder shall have available counseling services that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are nondirective;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Emphasize informing the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Do not require restriction of childbearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Only the Department may adopt rules, regulations, and standards under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-110" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <text>The Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is responsible for the operation of hereditary and congenital disorders programs within the rules, regulations, and standards that the Department adopts;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall disburse and collect any funds available to the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall enforce the rules, regulations, and standards that the Department adopts; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Shall keep the Advisory Council informed of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The progress of hereditary and congenital disorders programs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any need for a change in the Department’s rules, regulations, and standards.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-111" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall establish a coordinated statewide system for screening all newborn infants in the State for certain hereditary and congenital disorders associated with severe problems of health or development, except when the parent or guardian of the newborn infant objects.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in § 13–112 of this subtitle, the Department’s public health laboratory is the sole laboratory authorized to perform tests on specimens from newborn infants collected to screen for hereditary and congenital disorders as determined under subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The system for newborn screening shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Laboratory testing and the reporting of test results; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Follow–up activities to facilitate the rapid identification and treatment of an affected child.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In consultation with the State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish protocols for a health care provider to obtain and deliver test specimens to the Department’s public health laboratory;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine the screening tests that the Department’s public health laboratory is required to perform;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain a coordinated statewide system for newborn screening that carries out the purpose described in subsection (c) of this section that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Communicating the results of screening tests to the health care provider of the newborn infant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Locating newborn infants with abnormal test results;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Sharing newborn screening information between hospitals, health care providers, treatment centers, and laboratory personnel;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Delivering needed clinical, diagnostic, and treatment information to health care providers, parents, and caregivers; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Notifying parents and guardians of newborn infants that laboratories other than the Department’s public health laboratory are authorized to perform postscreening confirmatory or diagnostic tests on newborn infants for hereditary and congenital disorders; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Adopt regulations that set forth the standards and requirements for newborn screening for hereditary and congenital disorders that are required under this subtitle, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Performing newborn screening tests;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Coordinating the reporting, follow–up, and treatment activities with parents, caregivers, and health care providers; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Establishing fees for newborn screening that do not exceed an amount sufficient to cover the administrative, laboratory, and follow–up costs associated with the performance of screening tests under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall screen for each core condition listed in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Department shall implement testing for a core condition within 1 year and 6 months after the core condition is added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department is unable to implement testing within 1 year and 6 months after a core condition is added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel due to a delay in the procurement of equipment or supplies needed to implement the testing, the Department shall report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, within 1 year and 3 months after the addition of the core condition to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel and every 3 months thereafter until the testing for the core condition is implemented.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A report required under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall include the reason for the delay and the anticipated timeline for implementation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Secretary of Health and Human Services issues federal recommendations on critical congenital heart disease screening of newborns, the Department shall adopt the federal screening recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may screen for any condition recommended by the Advisory Council and approved by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall pay all fees collected under the provisions of this subtitle to the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Newborn Screening Program Fund established under § 13–113 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-112" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may contract or delegate the screening required under § 13–111 of this subtitle to another entity with the approval of the State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a laboratory other than the Department’s public health laboratory may perform postscreening confirmatory or diagnostic tests on newborn infants for hereditary and congenital disorders.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before offering or performing a postscreening test on a newborn infant for hereditary and congenital disorders under subsection (b) of this section, a laboratory shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtain and maintain a license issued by the Secretary as required by Title 17 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meet all the standards and requirements for a laboratory to perform tests on newborn infants for hereditary and congenital disorders that are established by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-113" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Hereditary and Congenital Disorders Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Newborn Screening Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Newborn Screening Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for the screening of newborn infants in the State for certain hereditary and congenital disorders.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue distributed to the Fund under § 13–111(f) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only to cover the administrative, laboratory, and follow–up costs associated with the performance of newborn screening tests conducted under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The accounts and transactions of the Fund shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <text>In this subtitle, “Advisory Council” means the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <text>There is a State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <level label="a"> <text>The Advisory Council consists of voting members appointed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The following members shall serve without term limits:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A representative of the Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A representative of the Maryland Association of County Health Officers; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women, or the Executive Director’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The following members are subject to term limits:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One representative of the American Heart Association Mid–Atlantic, Inc., nominated by the Executive Director of the Association;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One representative of the Arthritis Foundation, Mid–Atlantic Region, Maryland, nominated by the Executive Director of the Foundation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative of the American Diabetes Association, Maryland Chapter, nominated by the Executive Director of the Association;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One representative of Johns Hopkins Medicine, nominated by the Chief Executive Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One representative of MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, nominated by the Executive Director of MedChi;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One representative of the University of Maryland Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine, nominated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center and the Dean of the School of Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, nominated by the Executive Director of the Chapter;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Nurses Association, nominated by the Executive Director of the Association;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, nominated by the President of the Academy;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, nominated by the President of the Chapter;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>One representative with expertise in perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal evaluation and treatment; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Seventeen members of the public, who may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Individuals with a chronic disease or family members of an individual with a chronic disease;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Licensed health care providers;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Individuals with a physical fitness background;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Employers or representatives of the business sector;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Representatives of health insurers;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Representatives of community–based organizations; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Individuals with expressed interest in health and wellness.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to members who are subject to term limits.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of a member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Council on October 1, 2017.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member may serve two consecutive full terms.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A member who serves two consecutive full 4–year terms may not be reappointed for 4 years after the completion of those terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If a vacancy occurs, the Secretary promptly shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <level label="a"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council shall create committees as it determines to organize its work, including at a minimum the following four committees:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Arthritis;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Diabetes;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Heart Disease and Stroke; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Physical Fitness.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each Advisory Council member shall serve on at least one committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall designate the staff necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-205" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <text>The Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Promote evidence–based programs for healthy lifestyles and the prevention, early detection, and treatment of chronic disease; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make recommendations to the Department related to chronic disease prevention, health, and wellness.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-206" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations governing the role and operations of the Advisory Council.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-301" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <text>The Kidney Disease Program is a program in the Department for the purpose of providing funding of kidney disease treatment for qualified individuals who elect to enroll in the Program and agree to pay fees which are described in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-302" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commission” means the State Commission on Kidney Disease.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Department” means the department responsible for administering the Kidney Disease Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Liquid assets” includes cash, bank accounts, and investments such as stocks and bonds that can be readily converted to cash.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Liquid assets” does not include an individual’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Principal residence; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Principal car.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Kidney Disease Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Recipient” means an individual with chronic kidney disease who has been certified to receive benefits under the Kidney Disease Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-303" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One of the most serious and tragic problems facing the public health and welfare is the death of hundreds of people in this State each year from chronic kidney disease, when the present state of medical art and technology could return these individuals to a socially productive life;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Advances and discoveries in the treatment of patients who have chronic kidney disease allow not mere survival, but rehabilitation to normal occupations and activities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Treatment for persons with kidney disease is very expensive and continues throughout a person’s life;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Private insurance coverage for kidney disease treatment is difficult to obtain; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Individuals who receive State benefits for kidney disease treatment should be responsible for bearing some of the cost of that care taking into account their ability to pay.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This State recognizes its responsibilities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To allow its citizens to keep their health without being made paupers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To use its resources and organization to aid in gathering and giving out information on the treatment of chronic kidney disease.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The General Assembly seeks to meet these responsibilities by making the treatment of chronic kidney disease easily available through the education, treatment, and reimbursement programs under this subtitle, thus, lowering the cost of this treatment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-304" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <text>There is a State Commission on Kidney Disease.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-305" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 12 Commission members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 shall be an individual from the Renal Administrators Association;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>3 shall be individuals who are laypersons to the field of medicine;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>3 shall be individuals appointed at the discretion of the Governor who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are medical specialists or other patient care providers in nephrology or kidney transplants; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Do not have direct ownership of more than 30% in renal dialysis or kidney transplant centers that do business in the State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>4 shall be individuals appointed as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>1 shall be a renal social worker nominated by the Maryland Chapter of the Council of Nephrology Social Workers or the National Capital Area Chapter of the Council of Nephrology Social Workers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the Governor shall appoint 1 member from a list of individuals submitted to the Governor by each of the following organizations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Kidney Foundation of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of names on a list shall be at least 2.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An organization shall submit its list at least 3 months before the expiration of the term of the member who represents the organization.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If a list is not submitted to the Governor as required under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph or if a vacancy occurs for a reason other than expiration of the term, the Governor may appoint any individual without the list.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on July 1, 1982. The terms of one fourth of those members end each year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member who serves 2 consecutive full 4–year terms may not be reappointed for 4 years after completion of those terms.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>If a vacancy occurs, the Governor promptly shall appoint a successor who will serve until the term expires.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The successor may be reappointed for a full term.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-306" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The members present at a meeting are a quorum to do business.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall designate the staff necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-307" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall institute and supervise education programs for health providers and the public on the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May use existing programs and groups for this purpose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Evaluate annually the Kidney Disease Program under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Submit an annual report of the evaluation to the Governor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-308" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the limitations provided in this section, the Commission may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall adopt physical and medical standards for the operation of dialysis and transplant centers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall adopt reasonable medical standards for acceptance of an individual for treatment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not adopt any standard that prevents an individual from receiving federal medical or financial aid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commission may adopt rules and regulations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Coverage of treatment that is given outside this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Approval or disapproval, for purposes of State payment under this subtitle, of a dialysis or transplant center that is outside this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Commission, shall adopt rules and regulations under this subtitle governing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Nonmedical eligibility criteria for recipients; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reimbursement of providers and recovery of Program expenditures from recipients and third parties.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-309" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <text>The Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is responsible for the operation of the Kidney Disease Program under this subtitle within the rules, regulations, and standards that the Commission and the Department adopt;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall disburse and collect any funds under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall keep the Commission informed of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The progress of the Kidney Disease Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any need for a change in its rules, regulations, or standards.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-310" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <text>The Department shall certify a dialysis or transplant center that meets the standards that the Commission adopts under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-310.1" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Kidney Disease Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Kidney Disease Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Commission shall set by regulation reasonable fees to be paid by all certified kidney dialysis and transplant centers as an additional requirement for annual certification.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The provisions of this section do not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State–owned facilities; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Hospital services under the jurisdiction of the Health Services Cost Review Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The fee set by the Commission may not exceed $1500 per year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall collect the fee set by the Commission under subsection (c) of this section and transfer the fee into the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund, not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund shall be used exclusively to offset and partially cover the actual documented direct costs of fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the Commission as described in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall pay the indirect costs the Commission incurs in fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the Commission as described in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any unspent portions of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund to be used for the purposes specified in paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Chairman of the Commission or the designee of the Chairman shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money in the Fund may be expended only for the purposes specified in subsection (e)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Legislative Auditor shall audit the accounts and transactions of the Fund as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-311" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall certify an individual as eligible for benefits under the Program if the Department determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The individual has chronic kidney disease as defined in the Commission’s regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individual meets the residency, citizenship, and other nonmedical eligibility requirements established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The certification of an individual under this section shall be for a period of 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The certification is renewable after each 1-year period if the individual meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-312" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall require Program recipients to apply for eligibility in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, the Medicare Part B Program, and the Medicare Part D Program within 60 days of notification to do so by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may not require Program recipients to apply for eligibility in the Medicare Part B Program or the Medicare Part D Program if the Department determines the Program recipient has comparable insurance coverage.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-313" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Prior to receiving Program benefits, each recipient whose family income exceeds 175 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines shall be required to pay an annual fee equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>5 percent of the amount by which the sum of the recipient’s adjusted gross income as defined in the Internal Revenue Code for federal income tax purposes plus Social Security benefits and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits not otherwise included in the recipient’s gross income under § 86 of the Internal Revenue Code exceeds 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines adjusted for family size; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>5 percent of the value of the recipient’s liquid assets above 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines adjusted for family size.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual fee required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be collected quarterly by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A recipient is required to submit copies of the most recent tax returns of the recipient and of persons in the recipient’s family.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall provide recipients with a grace period after the deadline for a fee payment.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A recipient who has not paid overdue fees by the end of the grace period shall be terminated from the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall extend the grace period in an appropriate hardship case.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-314" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>This State shall pay the incurred cost of all treatment related to kidney disease that a certified patient is given, for any cause, on or after the date of certification of that patient, if the treatment is given in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A certified dialysis or transplant center that is in this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A dialysis or transplant center that is in a contiguous state and is approved by that contiguous state and the Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A home dialysis program that is approved by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State shall pay the incurred cost of all approved hospital services provided in any Maryland hospital, other than routine chronic maintenance dialysis, which a certified patient may require as a direct result of end stage renal disease.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State shall pay the incurred costs of all prescription drugs and other pharmaceutical products that are determined to be medically necessary by the recipient’s physician for treatment related to kidney disease in accordance with rates established by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary may not pay for any treatment that an individual receives at a facility or program that is not certified or otherwise approved.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for an invoice submitted to a Medicare intermediary or any other insurance provider, the Secretary may not make any payment for an invoice that the Secretary receives more than 6 months after the dates of the services given.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An invoice shall be submitted to the Secretary within 3 months after payment or rejection by the Medicare intermediary or other insurance providers.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A provider who fails to submit an invoice within the required time may not recover the amount later from either the patient or the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-315" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Program shall be the payor of last resort. The Department is authorized to require providers to seek all available third party reimbursement prior to billing the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If it is determined to be in the Department’s best interest, the Department may pay the health insurance premiums of recipients, including Part B premiums, to insurance carriers or employers under the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-316" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Kidney Disease Program"> <text>The Department shall specifically request the Governor to appropriate and identify in a separate line item in the annual budget the money necessary to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-401" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Physical Fitness"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“County advisory council” means an advisory council on physical fitness for a county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“State Advisory Council” means the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-402" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Physical Fitness"> <text>The purposes of this subtitle and of the advisory councils that it creates are to protect and improve physical fitness, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Improvement of habits in recreation, exercise, sports, and the use of leisure time;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Protection and improvement of physique and health; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Improvement of instruction for any of these purposes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-403" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Physical Fitness"> <text>There may be an advisory council for physical fitness for each county and Baltimore City.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-404" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Physical Fitness"> <text>The county and Baltimore City advisory councils shall consult with the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-405" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Physical Fitness"> <text>If the federal government, any of its agencies or officers, or any other person offers to this State or to any county any services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift or grant for purposes of physical fitness, this State, acting in accordance with the requirements of law, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Accept the offer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorize any officer of this State or of a county to receive and use the aid and assistance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-501" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>The Arthritis Prevention and Control Program is a program in the Department for the purpose of raising public awareness, educating consumers, and educating and training health professionals, teachers, and providers about arthritis.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-502" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Council” means the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Arthritis Prevention and Control Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-503" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As one of the most common family of diseases in the United States, arthritis affects nearly one of every six Americans and will impact an estimated 60,000,000 people by the year 2020;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, limiting daily activities for more than 7,000,000 people;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Although prevailing myths inaccurately portray arthritis as an old person’s disease, arthritis is a multigenerational disease that has become one of the country’s most pressing health problems;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Arthritis has a significant impact on quality of life for the individual experiencing the painful symptoms and for the family members and caregivers providing for that individual;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The economic and social costs associated with treating arthritis and the complications of arthritis are estimated at almost $80,000,000,000 annually;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Currently, the challenge exists to ensure delivery of effective, but often underutilized, interventions that are necessary in the prevention or reduction of arthritis-related pain and disability;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The large quantity of public information and programs about arthritis remain inadequately disseminated and are insufficient in addressing the needs of specific diverse populations and other underserved groups;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Arthritis Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials have led the development of a public health strategy, the National Arthritis Action Plan, to ensure the delivery of effective, but often underutilized interventions that are necessary in the prevention or reduction of arthritis-related pain and disability; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Educating the public and health care community throughout the State about arthritis is of paramount importance and is in every respect in the public interest and to the benefit of all residents of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-504" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>The purposes of this subtitle are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Create and foster a statewide program that promotes public awareness and increases knowledge about the causes of arthritis, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, effective prevention strategies, and pain prevention and management;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Enhance understanding of arthritis by disseminating to patients, health professionals, and the public:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Educational materials;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information on research results;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Information on services provided; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Strategies for prevention and control;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention of arthritis and related disability through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Utilize educational and training resources and services developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis and use available technical assistance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Evaluate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based arthritis services;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Implement and coordinate State and local programs and services to reduce the public health burden of arthritis; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Improve the quality of life and contain health care costs for individuals with arthritis and their families.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-505" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide sufficient staff to implement the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide appropriate training for staff of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identify the appropriate organizations to carry out the Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Base the Program on the most current scientific information and findings;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Work to increase and improve community–based services available to people with arthritis and their family members;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Work with governmental offices, national voluntary health organizations and their local chapters, community and business leaders, community organizations, and health care and human service providers to coordinate efforts and maximize State resources in the areas of prevention, education, detection, pain management, and treatment of arthritis; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Identify and, when appropriate, use evidence–based arthritis programs and obtain related materials and services from organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-506" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>The operation, management, and administration of the Program shall be funded as provided for in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-507" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Arthritis Prevention and Control Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Arthritis Prevention and Control Act”.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-601" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Hearing status” means the state of an individual’s ability to perceive sound, based on audiological assessment.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Infant” means a child who is under the age of 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Newborn” means a child up to 29 days old who is born in the State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the program that the Secretary establishes to provide for universal hearing screening of newborns and early identification and follow–up of newborns and infants who have, or are at risk for developing, a permanent hearing status that affects speech–language skills.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-602" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall establish a program for the universal hearing screening of newborns and early identification and follow–up of newborns and infants who have, or who are at risk for developing, a permanent hearing status that affects speech–language skills.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The program shall be based on the model system developed by the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-603" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Council for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council consists of 12 members appointed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 12 members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 shall be a physician with expertise in childhood hearing status that affects speech–language skills;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>3 shall be from the field of education:</text> <level label="1"> <text>1 shall be from the Maryland State Department of Education;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>1 shall be from the Maryland School for the Deaf; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>1 shall be an educator of the deaf from a local education agency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>1 shall be from the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>1 shall be a mental health professional with expertise in the area of deafness;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>2 shall be parents of children with a permanent hearing status that affects speech–language skills;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>1 shall be from the Maryland Association of the Deaf;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>1 shall be an audiologist with expertise in childhood hearing status that affects speech–language skills;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>1 shall be from the Alexander Graham Bell Association of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>1 shall be from the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of a member begins July 1.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Council on July 1, 2014.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term or until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A member who serves 2 consecutive 3–year terms may not be reappointed for 3 years after completion of those terms.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Advisory Council shall elect a chairperson from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet at least 4 times a year at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Advise the Department on the implementation of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Advise the Department on the development of protocols to assist hospitals, health care providers, and audiologists in conducting universal newborn hearing screening and follow–up hearing evaluations of infants;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide consultation to the Department in the establishment of an educational program for families, professionals, and the public that can be integrated with existing State and local education agency programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Review any materials the Department may distribute to the public concerning the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>In consultation with the Advisory Council, the Department shall develop guidelines for the operations of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-604" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may contract with any qualified person to administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop a system to gather and maintain data;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Develop methods to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Contact parents or guardians of newborns and their identified primary care providers regarding the results of the newborn hearing screening;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contact parents or guardians of newborns and infants who have, or are at risk for developing, a permanent hearing status that affects speech–language skills; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Ensure families are referred to appropriate services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish a toll–free telephone line to communicate information about hearing status that affects speech–language skills and services for infants who have, or are at risk for developing, a permanent hearing status that affects speech–language skills;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Appoint an Advisory Council for the Program;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Meet annually with the Advisory Council; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In consultation with the Advisory Council, adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-605" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program"> <level label="a"> <text>As part of the supplemental information required to be submitted to the Department as part of the birth event, a hospital shall include the results of the hearing screening of the newborn.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations for results reporting procedures for hospitals, birthing sites, and audiologists.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <text>The Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program is a program in the Department for the purpose of providing a means of authorizing certain individuals to administer life–saving treatment to individuals who have severe adverse reactions to allergens or insect stings when physician, physician assistant, registered nurse practitioner, or emergency medical services are not immediately available in a youth camp.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-702" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Agent” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is at least 18 years of age;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has successfully completed, at the expense of an applicant, an educational training program approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is appointed by a certificate holder to administer emergency use epinephrine in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Anaphylaxis” means a sudden, severe, and potentially life–threatening allergic reaction that occurs when an individual is exposed to an allergen.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Certificate” means a certificate or an endorsement on the operating certificate of a youth camp issued by the Department to an individual who operates a youth camp under Title 14, Subtitle 4 of this article to obtain, store, and administer emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Certificate holder” means an individual who is authorized by the Department to obtain, store, and administer emergency use epinephrine to be used in an emergency situation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Emergency use epinephrine” means a portable, disposable drug delivery device or product approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration that contains a premeasured single dose of epinephrine that is used to treat anaphylaxis in an emergency situation.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Program” means the Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Registered nurse practitioner” has the meaning stated in § 8–101 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Youth camp” has the meaning stated in § 14–401 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-703" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt regulations for the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect fees necessary for the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Issue and renew a certificate to a person meeting the requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Approve educational training programs, including programs conducted by other State agencies or private entities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A certificate issued by the Department shall be valid for up to 1 year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-704" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a certificate, an individual shall meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The applicant shall operate a youth camp.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The applicant shall be at least 18 years old.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The applicant shall successfully complete, at the expense of the applicant, an educational training program approved by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant shall have a written policy that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Authorization for the certificate holder or agent to administer emergency use epinephrine, if available, to an individual who has been determined to be or is believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis, whether or not the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has previously been known to have experienced anaphylaxis; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has a prescription for epinephrine prescribed by an authorized health care practitioner licensed under the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A requirement that youth camp personnel complete training on how to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Procedures for the emergency administration of emergency use epinephrine;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Procedures for proper emergency follow–up;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Authorization for a certificate holder to obtain and store emergency use epinephrine to be used in an emergency; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A requirement that each certificate holder implement a method for notifying the parent or guardian of a camper of the youth camp’s policy under this section before the camper’s attendance.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-705" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a physician licensed to practice in the State may prescribe emergency use epinephrine in the name of a certificate holder.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A registered nurse practitioner, a pharmacist, a physician assistant, or a physician licensed to practice in the State may dispense emergency use epinephrine under a prescription issued to a certificate holder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A certificate holder may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On presentment of a certificate, receive from any registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or any physician licensed to practice in the State a prescription for emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Possess and store prescribed emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In an emergency situation when registered nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, or emergency medical services are not immediately available, a certificate holder or agent may administer emergency use epinephrine to an individual who is experiencing or believed in good faith by the certificate holder or agent to be experiencing anaphylaxis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-706" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A certificate holder shall submit to the Department, on a form required by the Department, a report of each incident that occurs while the youth camp is in session that required the administration of emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall include in the report required under § 13–7A–03 of this title a summary of the information obtained from the reports submitted to the Department under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-707" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against a certificate holder or agent authorized under this subtitle for any act or omission when the certificate holder or agent is acting in good faith while administering emergency use epinephrine to an individual experiencing or believed by the certificate holder or agent to be experiencing anaphylaxis, except where the conduct of the certificate holder or agent amounts to gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentionally tortious conduct.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any physician or physician assistant for any act or omission when the physician or physician assistant in good faith prescribes or dispenses emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine to a person certified by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any pharmacist for any act or omission when the pharmacist in good faith dispenses emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine to a person certified by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any nurse practitioner for any act or omission when the nurse practitioner in good faith prescribes or dispenses emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine to a person certified by the Department under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not affect, and may not be construed as affecting, any immunities from civil liability or defenses established by any other provision of the Code or by common law to which a volunteer, registered nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, or pharmacist may be entitled.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-708" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Emergency and Allergy Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to create a duty upon any individual to obtain a certificate under this subtitle, and an individual may not be held civilly liable for failing to obtain a certificate under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not be held civilly liable in any action arising from or in connection with the administration of emergency use epinephrine by the individual solely because the individual did not possess a certificate issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Agent” means an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is at least 18 years of age;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has successfully completed, at the expense of the participating facility, an educational training program approved by the Department under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is designated by a certificate holder to administer emergency use epinephrine in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Anaphylaxis” means a sudden, severe, and potentially life–threatening allergic reaction that occurs when an individual is exposed to an allergen.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Certificate” means a certificate issued by the Department to an individual to obtain, store, and administer emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Certificate holder” means an individual who is authorized by the Department to obtain, store, and administer emergency use epinephrine to be used in an emergency situation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Eligible institution” means an institution of higher education that has a food service facility or a recreation and wellness facility on the premises and that is authorized under this subtitle to obtain and store emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Emergency use epinephrine” means a portable, disposable drug delivery device or product approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration that contains a premeasured single dose of epinephrine that is used to treat anaphylaxis in an emergency situation.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Food service facility” has the meaning indicated in § 21–301 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Participating facility” means a recreation or wellness facility at an eligible institution or a food service facility, including a food service facility at an eligible institution, in the State that voluntarily participates in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Program” means the Emergency Use Epinephrine Program established under § 13–7A–02 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-02" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Emergency Use Epinephrine Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to authorize individuals employed by a participating facility to obtain and store emergency use epinephrine and administer emergency use epinephrine to individuals who are experiencing or are believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis when a physician or emergency medical services are not immediately available.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, each participating facility may obtain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A prescription for a supply of emergency use epinephrine from a licensed physician as provided in § 13–7A–06 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A supply of emergency use epinephrine from a licensed pharmacist or a licensed physician as provided in § 13–7A–06 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each participating facility shall store a supply of emergency use epinephrine obtained under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a location that is readily accessible to employees or affiliated individuals in an emergency situation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each participating facility shall designate the employees who are certificate holders or designated affiliated individuals who are certificate holders who will be responsible for the storage, maintenance, and control of the supply of emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A participating facility may not obtain or store emergency use epinephrine unless the participating facility has at least two employees or designated affiliated individuals who are certificate holders.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Each participating facility shall maintain a copy of the certificate issued to an employee or a designated affiliated individual under § 13–7A–05 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-03" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt regulations for the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect fees necessary for the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Issue a certificate to, or renew the certificate of, an individual meeting the requirements of § 13–7A–04 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Approve educational training programs, including programs conducted by other State agencies or private entities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop a method by which certificate holders may submit a report to the Department about each incident that occurred on the premises of a participating facility that involved the administration of emergency use epinephrine by a certificate holder or an agent; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>On or before January 31 each year, publish a report summarizing the information obtained from reports submitted to the Department under item (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set an application fee for a certificate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish a fee for the renewal or replacement of a certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Require applicants to apply to the Program in the manner the Department chooses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An educational training program approved by the Department under subsection (a)(4) of this section may be an online training program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-04" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a certificate, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be employed by a participating facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Successfully complete, at the expense of the participating facility, an educational training program approved by the Department under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit an application to the Department in a manner required by the Department under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, pay to the Department an application fee required under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A participating facility may pay the application fee on behalf of the applicant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the participating facility is a food service facility that is part of an eligible institution, either entity may pay the application fee on behalf of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-05" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall issue a certificate to any applicant who meets the requirements of § 13–7A–04 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each certificate shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The full name of the certificate holder; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A serial number.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A replacement certificate may be issued to replace a lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificate if the certificate holder pays a certificate replacement fee set by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A certificate shall be valid for a term of 1 year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To renew a certificate for an additional 1–year term, the renewal applicant shall successfully complete a refresher educational training program approved by the Department under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-06" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A physician licensed to practice medicine in the State may prescribe emergency use epinephrine in the name of a certificate holder.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A pharmacist licensed to practice pharmacy in the State or a physician may dispense emergency use epinephrine under a prescription issued to a certificate holder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A certificate holder may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On presentment of a certificate, receive from any physician licensed to practice medicine in the State a prescription for emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Possess and store prescribed emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In an emergency situation when a physician or emergency medical services are not immediately available, a certificate holder or an agent may administer emergency use epinephrine to an individual who is experiencing or is believed in good faith by the certificate holder or agent to be experiencing anaphylaxis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-07" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a cause of action may not arise against a certificate holder for any act or omission if the certificate holder or agent is acting in good faith while administering emergency use epinephrine to an individual who is experiencing or believed by the certificate holder or agent to be experiencing anaphylaxis except where the conduct of the certificate holder or agent amounts to gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentionally tortious conduct.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection do not apply if a certificate holder or participating facility that makes available, or a certificate holder who administers, emergency use epinephrine to an individual who is experiencing or is believed by the certificate holder or participating facility to be experiencing anaphylaxis:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Fails to follow standards and procedures for storage and administration of emergency use epinephrine; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Administers emergency use epinephrine that is beyond the manufacturer’s expiration date.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any physician for any act or omission if the physician in good faith prescribes or dispenses emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine to a certificate holder or participating facility under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any pharmacist for any act or omission if the pharmacist in good faith dispenses emergency use epinephrine and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of emergency use epinephrine to a certificate holder or a participating facility under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not affect and may not be construed as affecting any immunities from civil liability or defenses established by any other provision of law or by common law to which a physician or pharmacist may be entitled.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-08" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to create a duty on any individual employed by a recreation or wellness facility at an eligible institution or food service facility to obtain a certificate under this subtitle, and an individual employed by a recreation or wellness facility at an eligible institution or food service facility may not be held civilly liable for failing to obtain a certificate under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not be held civilly liable in any action arising from or in connection with the administration of emergency use epinephrine by the individual solely because the individual did not possess a certificate issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-7A-09" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="7A" subtitle_name="Emergency Use Epinephrine Program"> <text>A certificate holder shall submit to the Department, in the manner required under § 13–7A–03 of this subtitle, a report of each incident that occurred on the premises of a participating facility that involved the administration of emergency use epinephrine by a certificate holder or an agent.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-901" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is an Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Money collected under § 16–111.2(f) of the Transportation Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Funds appropriated in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State Treasurer shall separately hold and the State Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund shall be managed and supervised by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Fund shall be used to promote public education and awareness about organ, tissue, and eye donations and to fund the establishment, operation, and maintenance of a donor registry as provided in § 4–516 of the Estates and Trusts Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2024, at least $500,000 shall be distributed annually from the Fund to the qualified nonprofit entity described in § 4–516 of the Estates and Trusts Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any unused funds distributed to the qualified nonprofit entity under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall revert to the Fund at the end of each fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Fund shall be subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Fund in an amount equal to the difference between:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The funds collected under § 16–111.2(f) of the Transportation Article in the second immediately preceding fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$500,000.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1001" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administrative Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13-1014 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Baseline Tobacco Study” means the study that is conducted under § 13-1003 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Cigarette Restitution Fund” means the fund that is established under § 7-317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Community Health Coalition” means a coalition established under § 13-1008(b)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation” means a plan that is developed under § 13-1008(b)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Counter-Marketing and Media Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13-1013 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“County” includes Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Local health officer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The head of a county health department; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person designated by the Department under § 13-1008(g) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Local Public Health Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13-1006 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Local Public Health Tobacco Grant” means a grant distributed by the Department to a county under §§ 13-1006 through 13-1012 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Maryland Adolescent Survey” means the Maryland Adolescent Survey that is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Master Settlement Agreement” means the Master Settlement Agreement executed by the State and participating tobacco manufacturers.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Minority individual” means a woman or an individual of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“National Public Education Fund” means the National Public Education Fund that was established under the Master Settlement Agreement.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Program” means the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program established under § 13-1002 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Statewide Public Health Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13-1005 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Surveillance and Evaluation Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13-1003 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <level label="1"> <text>“Targeted minority population” means a minority population to which the tobacco industry disproportionately marketed tobacco products.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Targeted minority population” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Women; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Individuals of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian descent.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Task Force Report” means the report entitled “Making Maryland the Tobacco Free State” that was issued in December 1999 by the Governor’s Task Force to End Smoking in Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <level label="1"> <text>“Tobacco product” means any product that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Intended for human inhalation, absorption, ingestion, smoking, heating, chewing, dissolving, or any other manner of consumption that is made of, derived from, or contains:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Tobacco; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nicotine; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An accessory or component used in any manner of consumption of a product described in item (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Tobacco product” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Electronic smoking devices; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Filters, rolling papers, pipes, and liquids used in electronic smoking devices regardless of nicotine content.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Tobacco product” does not include a drug, device, or combination product authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Uninsured individual” means an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For whom the appropriate treatment is not covered by private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or the Maryland Children’s Health Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Who the Department determines does not have the financial means to pay for appropriate treatment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Youth Tobacco Survey” means the Youth Tobacco Survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by the Department with the assistance of the Maryland State Department of Education.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1002" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to coordinate the State’s use of the Cigarette Restitution Fund to address issues relating to tobacco use prevention and cessation so as to create a lasting legacy of public health initiatives that result in a reduction of tobacco use in the State and otherwise benefit the health and welfare of the State’s residents.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Surveillance and Evaluation Component;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A Statewide Public Health Component;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A Counter–Marketing and Media Component;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A Local Public Health Component; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An Administrative Component.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Program shall be funded as provided in the State budget with money from the Cigarette Restitution Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Legislative Auditor is authorized to audit the appropriations and expenditures made for the purpose of implementing the Program, including the use of any funds received by a person under any component of this Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The annual budget bill shall specify the amount of funding that is allocated to each component of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May only be expended for the purpose for which it is appropriated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be transferred to any other component of the Program, any other program in the Department, or any other unit of State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may transfer a maximum of 10% of the total amount of money that is allocated to the Program in the State budget among components of the Program if the transfer is specifically authorized in the annual budget bill as enacted.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may not transfer money to the Administrative Component from any other component of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the Department transfers any money among the components of the Program as authorized under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department shall report the transfer to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Health Committee within 60 days of the transfer.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Department may transfer money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget to another program in the Department, or another unit of State government if the transfer is specifically authorized by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A provision of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provision of the annual budget bill as enacted that relates specifically to the transfer of funds from that component.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget that remains unspent and unobligated at the end of the applicable fiscal year shall revert to the Cigarette Restitution Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money that reverts to the Cigarette Restitution Fund under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used to fund the Program in the fiscal year to which the next annual budget bill relates.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall include in the next annual budget bill an appropriation for the Program that is at least equal to the amount of money that reverted to the Cigarette Restitution Fund under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>No later than January 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Health Committee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of money that was allocated to each component of the Program during:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The current fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of money that was distributed to a county as a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant during:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The current fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that establish the criteria that the Department will use to determine whether, for the purpose of qualifying as an uninsured individual under § 13–1001(v) of this subtitle, an individual has the financial means to pay for appropriate treatment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1003" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Surveillance and Evaluation Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Surveillance and Evaluation Component are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect, analyze, and monitor data relating to tobacco use and tobacco use prevention and cessation in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Measure and evaluate the results of the Program, including the results of each component of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Conduct a Baseline Tobacco Study, as provided under subsections (c) through (e) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Conduct a Tobacco Study, as provided under § 13–1004 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To initiate the Surveillance and Evaluation Component, the Department shall conduct a comprehensive statewide Baseline Tobacco Study as provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Baseline Tobacco Study shall measure:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals attending middle school or high school who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number and percentage of minority individuals attending middle school or high school who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The number and percentage of minority individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The number and percentage of pregnant women who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The number and percentage of households with individuals attending middle school or high school in which at least one household member who is at least 18 years old smokes tobacco products, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals who, within an established amount of time before the start of the Baseline Tobacco Study, started to smoke or otherwise use tobacco products;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco on a regular basis and who, within an established amount of time before the start of the Baseline Tobacco Study, voluntarily stopped smoking or otherwise using tobacco products for a significant amount of time, as determined by the Department, both statewide and in each county; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Any other factor that the Department determines to be important for measuring tobacco use or evaluating whether the Program meets its objectives.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In conducting the Baseline Tobacco Study, the Department may consider any data collected after March 1, 2000, through the administration of the Maryland Adolescent Survey or the Youth Tobacco Survey.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland State Department of Education, county boards of education, and each school selected to participate in the Maryland Adolescent Survey or the Youth Tobacco Survey shall cooperate with the Department in administering the surveys.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Maryland State Department of Education may not discontinue administration of the Maryland Adolescent Survey until after it has submitted a report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly that states the reason for discontinuing the survey.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Maryland State Department of Education submits a report as provided under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, it may discontinue the Maryland Adolescent Survey in the first school year that begins after the report has been submitted.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, the Department shall contract with a higher education institution or private entity to conduct the Baseline Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall issue a request for proposal to select the entity that will conduct the Baseline Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The request for proposal shall require that any methodology or model that is used by the entity to conduct the Baseline Tobacco Study, any data collected under the Study, and any electronic files, codes, and definitions relating to the Study be provided to the State for use in subsequent studies, regardless of whether the subsequent studies are conducted by the same entity.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department may contract with an entity to conduct the Baseline Tobacco Study and one or more biennial tobacco studies as required under § 13–1004 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall use the criteria established in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph as a guide in administering the request for proposal process for the Baseline Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall give preference to an entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a Maryland–based vendor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has previous work experience relating to tobacco or health activities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has previous work experience relating to youth and adolescents;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Demonstrates a capability for innovative activities and use of state–of–the–art technologies;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Has demonstrated the ability to provide culturally–specific and effective services to targeted minority populations;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Has previous work experience with the public sector;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Demonstrates performance in the specific content area for at least 3 years;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Has previous work experience with rural or urban communities;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Will maximize the use of State funds through the use of preexisting materials, funding partnerships, and resource matching; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Has no history of working for the tobacco industry.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1004" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2007 and in every second year thereafter, the Department shall conduct a Tobacco Study which shall measure the same factors that are set forth in § 13–1003(c) of this subtitle and use the same methodology or model that was used for the Baseline Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To carry out the evaluation and surveillance functions of this subtitle, the Department may conduct any other tobacco study measuring the factors set forth in § 13–1003(c) of this subtitle and using a methodology or model that is consistent with but need not be identical to that used to conduct the Baseline Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, the Department shall contract with a higher education institution or private entity to conduct the Biennial Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall issue a request for proposal to select the entity that will conduct the Biennial Tobacco Study.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may contract with an entity to conduct one or more biennial tobacco studies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall use the criteria established in § 13–1003(e)(5) of this subtitle as a guide in administering the request for proposal process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before May 31 of each even–numbered fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2008, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The results of the Biennial Tobacco Study; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2024, a State– and county–level data summary and trends report on data collected under § 7–420 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1005" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Statewide Public Health Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Statewide Public Health Component is to maximize the effectiveness of the anti-tobacco initiatives in the State by authorizing the Department to take steps to ensure that the Program is implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section and as necessary to ensure a coordinated and integrated statewide effort to implement tobacco use prevention and cessation programs, the Department may develop and implement statewide anti-tobacco initiatives that are consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding best practices for comprehensive tobacco control programs as they relate to statewide programs, including programs that support the implementation of the Local Public Health Component.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>To implement this section, the Department may issue a request for proposal, distribute a grant, or enter into a contract.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The request for proposal, grant, or contract shall state with specificity the objectives and performance criteria that will be used to measure the success of the Program to which the request for proposal, grant, or contract relates.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department issues a request for proposal to select an entity to implement an initiative under this section, the Department shall use the criteria established in § 13-1003(e)(5) of this subtitle as a guide in administering the request for proposal process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not spend any of the money that is allocated to the Statewide Public Health Component in the State budget until after the Baseline Tobacco Study is completed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph and before the Baseline Tobacco Study is completed, the Department may use money that is allocated to the Statewide Public Health Component in the State budget for fiscal year 2001 to distribute grants that will be used to provide outreach and start-up technical assistance to communities for the purpose of organizing participation in community health coalitions.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall use at least $750,000 of the money that is allocated to the Statewide Public Health Component in the State budget for fiscal year 2001 to provide outreach and start-up technical assistance to African American communities in the State for the purpose of organizing participation in community health coalitions that are formed under § 13-1008(b), § 13-1109(c), or § 13-1115(b) of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1006" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Local Public Health Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Local Public Health Component is to maximize the effectiveness of anti-tobacco initiatives in the State by authorizing local health coalitions to develop and implement tobacco use prevention and cessation programs in coordination with the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to §§ 13-1007 through 13-1012 of this subtitle, the Department may distribute grants to counties for tobacco use prevention and cessation programs, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Community-based programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>School-based programs which may include tobacco use prevention and cessation components of school-based health care services and programs established under §§ 7-401 and 7-415 of the Education Article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Programs relating to enforcement of tobacco control laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not spend any funds that are allocated to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget until after the Baseline Tobacco Study has been completed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Baseline Tobacco Study is completed, the Department may distribute a planning grant of not more than $10,000 to each local health department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1007" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>After the Baseline Tobacco Study has been completed and before soliciting applications for Local Public Health Tobacco Grants, the Department, in consultation with the local health departments, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish short–term and long–term tobacco use prevention and cessation goals for each county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish other requirements for each county that the Department determines to be necessary to meet the goals established under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide for the distribution of Local Public Health Tobacco Grants to eligible counties based on the formula established under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsections (c) through (e) of this section and §§ 13–1008 through 13–1012 of this subtitle, the Department shall distribute a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant to each county that is equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A base amount of funding as determined by the Department for each county and Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The product of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One–half of the amount remaining from the allocation to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget after the base amount under item (1) of this subsection is distributed to each county and Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of individuals in the county attending middle school or high school who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products divided by the number of individuals in the State attending middle school or high school who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The product of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One–half of the amount remaining from the allocation to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget after the base amount under item (1) of this subsection is distributed to each county and Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of individuals in the county who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products divided by the number of individuals in the State who smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2005, the calculations of the numbers of individuals smoking or using tobacco products required in subsection (b)(2)(ii) and (3)(ii) of this section shall be based on the most recent data averaged over a multiyear period as determined by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The allocation formula calculated in accordance with subsection (b) of this section for fiscal year 2005 shall remain in effect for the following 3 years and thereafter shall be recalculated every 4th year in accordance with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1008" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the other provisions of this section, a local health officer may apply to the Department for a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the Local Public Health Tobacco Grant shall be determined by the Department using the formula established under § 13–1007 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before applying for a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, a local health officer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a Community Health Coalition, as provided under § 13–1010 of this subtitle, or identify another coalition approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the assistance of the coalition established or identified under item (1) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify all existing tobacco use prevention and cessation programs in the county that are publicly funded;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Evaluate the effectiveness of the publicly funded programs identified under item (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation that outlines a strategy for meeting the tobacco use prevention and cessation goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1007 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include a list of the members of the coalition established or identified under subsection (b)(1) of this section and their organizational affiliations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include an evaluation of any county program funded with a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant in the prior year;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, demonstrate that progress has been made toward meeting the tobacco use prevention and cessation goals established for the county under § 13–1007 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include a budget plan that provides specific levels of funding for each initiative described in the Plan and an explanation as to how each initiative is expected to help meet the tobacco use prevention and cessation goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1007 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Demonstrate that the county has met the base–year funding requirement established under § 13–1011 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, identify all persons who received money under a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant in the prior year and state the amount of money that was received by each person under the grant;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, state the amount of money that was received by a county under a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant in the prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to reduce tobacco use among women, minority individuals, and individuals attending middle school or high school, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to increase availability of and access to cessation programs for uninsured individuals and medically underserved populations, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Allocate resources in a manner that is consistent with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The needs of different populations in the county, including targeted minority populations, as identified in the Baseline Tobacco Study and annual tobacco studies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding best practices for a comprehensive tobacco control program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Contain any data or other information required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation does not allocate resources in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding best practices for a comprehensive tobacco control program, the Plan shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State the reason for not allocating resources in this manner; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify the extent to which other resources assist the county in meeting this requirement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A local health officer who seeks to obtain a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant shall apply to the Department by submitting a copy of the county’s Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation for approval.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each year, a local health officer, in consultation with the coalition established or identified under subsection (b)(1) of this section, shall update the Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may designate a person other than the head of a county health department to coordinate a county’s tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The county health department is unwilling to coordinate these efforts;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The county health department has been unsuccessful in implementing tobacco use prevention and cessation initiatives that satisfy performance standards established by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The county health department lacks sufficient staff or resources to coordinate these efforts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Department shall establish procedures for making a designation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department determines that it is necessary to designate a person other than the local health officer to coordinate a county’s tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts, the Department may designate the Department as the entity that will coordinate the county’s efforts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1009" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The local health officers of two or more counties may join together as a region to apply for a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The amount of the Local Public Health Tobacco Grant that is distributed to a region under subsection (a) of this section shall be equal to the sum of the Local Public Health Tobacco Grants that otherwise would have been distributed to each county under § 13–1007 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the local health officers of two or more counties join together as a region to apply for a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, the local health officers shall act jointly to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation, as required under § 13–1008 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish a Community Health Coalition, as required under § 13–1008 of this subtitle, or identify another coalition approved by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Demonstrate that the base–year funding requirement of § 13–1011 of this subtitle has been met; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Otherwise satisfy the requirements of §§ 13–1006 through 13–1012 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1010" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The membership of a Community Health Coalition established under § 13-1008(b) of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Reflect the demographics of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include representatives of community-based groups, including minority, rural, and medically underserved populations, that, taken together, are familiar with all of the different communities and cultures in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The membership of a Community Health Coalition established under § 13–1008(b) of this subtitle may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Representatives of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A local management board established under Title 8, Subtitle 3 of the Human Services Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The local public school system;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Local hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other health care providers;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Local law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Local businesses;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Local religious organizations;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Local media;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Institutions of higher education; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Hospitals and other entities located outside the county that could enhance the county’s tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other person that the local health officer believes would help the county meet the tobacco use prevention and cessation goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1007 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1011" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Before receiving a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, a local health officer shall submit to the Department an inventory of all publicly funded tobacco use prevention and cessation programs in the county that were identified under § 13-1008(b)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The inventory shall specify the amount of county funds that are being spent on each of the programs included in the inventory.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The level of funding specified under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be the county’s base-year funding for tobacco use prevention and cessation programs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A Local Public Health Tobacco Grant may not be used to supplant a county’s base-year funding for tobacco use prevention and cessation programs.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may not distribute a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant to a county unless the Department determines that the county will spend, in the applicable fiscal year, at least its base-year funding for tobacco use prevention and cessation programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1012" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall review a Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation submitted under § 13-1008(d) of this subtitle and determine whether:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Plan addresses the goals and requirements established for the county under § 13-1007 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Plan allocates resources in a manner that is consistent with the needs of the different populations in the county, including targeted minority populations, as identified in the Baseline Tobacco Study and biennial tobacco studies;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Plan allocates resources in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding best practices for a comprehensive tobacco control program or states a reason for not meeting this requirement and identifies other resources that, taken together, meet this requirement; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The local health officer has complied with the other requirements of §§ 13-1007 through 13-1011 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may not distribute a county’s share of money for a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, as provided under § 13-1007 of this subtitle, if the Department determines that the requirements of subsection (a) of this section have not been met.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1013" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Counter–Marketing and Media Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component is to coordinate a statewide counter–marketing and media campaign to counter tobacco advertisements and discourage the use of tobacco products.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not spend any money that is allocated to the Counter–Marketing and Media Component in the State budget until after the Baseline Tobacco Study is completed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Baseline Tobacco Study is completed, the Department may spend money that is allocated to the Counter–Marketing and Media Component in the State budget to conduct formative research relating to the Counter–Marketing and Media Component.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may contract with a higher education institution or private entity to implement any part of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department determines that any part of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component should be implemented by a higher education institution or private entity, the Department shall issue a request for proposal to select the entity that will implement that part of the Component.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At a minimum, the request for proposal shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State with specificity the goals of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State with specificity the objectives and performance criteria that will be used to measure the success of the program to which the request for proposal relates; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Require that the response to the request for proposal include a plan to reach the targeted audiences identified by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the Department issues a request for proposal to select an entity to implement any part of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component, the Department shall use the criteria established in § 13–1003(e)(5) of this subtitle as a guide in administering the request for proposal process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Department shall take steps to maximize the cost effectiveness of the Counter–Marketing and Media Component, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Using advertisements and other communications and public relations products and services that have been developed by and shown to be effective in other states;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subsection (f) of this section, using money that is allocated to the Counter–Marketing and Media Component to obtain money from the federal government, the National Public Education Fund, or any other entity; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Coordinating the purchase of broadcast time with other states.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department may not accept money from the federal government, the National Public Education Fund, or any other entity if the Department is required to accept, as a condition of receiving the money, restrictions on the content of advertisements, communications, or other public relations products or services that are funded with money from the Cigarette Restitution Fund if the restrictions are inconsistent with the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1014" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Administrative Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Administrative Component is to provide the necessary administrative structure in the Department for effective management of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Funds that are allocated to the Administrative Component in the State budget shall be used to cover administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless otherwise specified in the annual budget bill as enacted, the amount of funds that are allocated to the Administrative Component in the State budget may not exceed 7% of the total amount that is allocated to the Program in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A county that receives funds under a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, a person who receives funds under a Local Public Health Tobacco Grant, and any other person who receives funds under any component of the Program may not use more than 7% of the funds to cover administrative costs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1015" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal year 2011 and fiscal year 2012, the Governor shall include at least $6,000,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for activities aimed at reducing tobacco use in Maryland as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Media campaigns aimed at reducing smoking initiation and encouraging smokers to quit smoking;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Media campaigns educating the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Enforcement of existing laws banning the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21 years;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Promotion and implementation of smoking cessation programs; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Implementation of school–based tobacco education programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal years 2013 through 2021, the Governor shall include at least $10,000,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Governor shall include at least $18,250,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include at least $17,520,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1101" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administrative Component” means the component of the Program established under § 13–1119 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Baseline Cancer Study” means the study conducted under § 13–1103 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Cancer Research Plan” means a plan developed under § 13–1116 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Cigarette Restitution Fund” means the fund that is established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Community Health Coalition” means a coalition established under § 13–1109(c)(1) or § 13–1115(b)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment” means a plan developed under § 13–1109(c)(2) or § 13–1115(b)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“County” includes Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Education” means information provided to the public regarding the purpose of, availability of, and access to screening programs.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Federally qualified health center” has the meaning stated in 42 U.S.C. § 254b.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Johns Hopkins Institutions” means the Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Health System.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Local health officer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The head of a county health department; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person designated by the Department under § 13–1109(g) or § 13–1115(f) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Local Public Health Cancer Grant” means a grant distributed by the Department to a county under §§ 13–1107 through 13–1113 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Local Public Health Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13–1107 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Maryland Cancer Registry” means the computerized data system, operated by the Department with the assistance of the Maryland State Council on Cancer Control, that registers cases of cancer that are diagnosed and treated in the State.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Maryland Technology Development Corporation” means the entity that is established under Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Economic Development Article.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Minority individual” means a woman or an individual of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“Outreach efforts” means activities that are related to encouraging individuals to seek screening services.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Prevention” means activities relating to early detection, screening, and risk factor reduction.</text> </level> <level label="t"> <text>“Program” means the Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program that is established under § 13–1102 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="u"> <text>“Screening” includes screening, early detection, identification, diagnosis, and outreach efforts associated with screening and early detection programs.</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>“Statewide Academic Health Center” means the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions.</text> </level> <level label="w"> <text>“Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant” means a grant that is distributed under § 13–1116 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>“Statewide Academic Health Center Component” means the component established under § 13–1114 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="y"> <text>“Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant” means a grant that is distributed under § 13–1115 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="z"> <text>“Statewide Academic Health Center Tobacco–Related Diseases Research Grant” means a grant that is distributed under § 13–1017 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="aa"> <text>“Statewide Public Health Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13–1106 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="bb"> <text>“Surveillance and Evaluation Component” means the component of the Program that is established under § 13–1103 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="cc"> <text>“Targeted cancer” means a cancer that is identified by the Department under § 13–1102(d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="dd"> <text>“Task Force Report” means the report entitled “Report of the Governor’s Task Force to Conquer Cancer” that was issued in December 1999.</text> </level> <level label="ee"> <text>“Tobacco–related diseases” means cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and infant mortality due to low birth weight.</text> </level> <level label="ff"> <text>“Treatment” includes appropriate access to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Local hospitals, community clinics, physicians, and other health care providers; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Clinical trials, transportation, case management, hospice care, and cancer support groups.</text> </level> </level> <level label="gg"> <text>“Underinsured individual” means an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For whom the appropriate treatment is not adequately covered by private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or the Maryland Children’s Health Program due to out–of–pocket costs, including required copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Who the Department determines does not have the financial means to pay for appropriate treatment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="hh"> <text>“Uninsured individual” means an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For whom the appropriate treatment is not covered by private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or the Maryland Children’s Health Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Who the Department determines does not have the financial means to pay for appropriate treatment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“University of Maryland Medical Group” means the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation, the University of Maryland Medical School, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1102" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to coordinate the State’s use of the Cigarette Restitution Fund so as to create a lasting legacy of public health initiatives that reduce mortality and morbidity rates for cancer and tobacco–related diseases in the State and otherwise benefit the health and welfare of the State’s residents.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Surveillance and Evaluation Component;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A Statewide Public Health Component;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A Local Public Health Component;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A Statewide Academic Health Center Component; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An Administrative Component.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To initiate the Program, the Department shall identify the types of cancers that will be targeted under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Program shall be funded as provided in the State budget with money from the Cigarette Restitution Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Legislative Auditor is authorized to audit the appropriations and expenditures made for the purpose of implementing the Program, including the use of any funds received by a person under any component of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The annual budget bill shall specify the amount of funding that is allocated to each component of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May only be expended for the purpose for which it is appropriated; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not be transferred to any other component in the Program, any other program in the Department, or any unit of State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may transfer a maximum of 10% of the total amount of money that is allocated to the Program among the components of the Program if the transfer is specifically authorized in the annual budget bill as enacted.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department may not transfer funds to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component or the Administrative Component from any other component of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the Department transfers any money among the components of the Program as authorized under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department shall report the transfer to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Health Committee within 60 days after the transfer.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Department may transfer money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget to another program in the Department or another unit of State government if the transfer is specifically authorized by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A provision of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A provision of the annual budget bill as enacted that relates specifically to the transfer of funds from that component.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Money that is allocated to a component of the Program in the State budget that remains unspent and unobligated at the end of the applicable fiscal year shall revert to the Cigarette Restitution Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money that reverts to the Cigarette Restitution Fund under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used to fund the Program in the fiscal year to which the next annual budget bill relates.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall include in the next annual budget bill an appropriation for the Program that is at least equal to the amount of money that reverted to the Cigarette Restitution Fund under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>No later than January 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Health Committee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of money that was allocated to each component of the Program during:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The current fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of money that was distributed to a county as a Local Public Health Cancer Grant during:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The current fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that establish the criteria that the Department will use to determine whether, for the purpose of qualifying as an uninsured individual under § 13–1101(hh) of this subtitle, an individual has the financial means to pay for appropriate treatment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1103" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Surveillance and Evaluation Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Surveillance and Evaluation Component is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect, analyze, and monitor data relating to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Targeted cancers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As determined by the Department, nontargeted cancers; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs in the State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Measure and evaluate the results of the Program, including the results of each component of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Conduct the Baseline Cancer Study, as provided under subsections (c) and (d) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Conduct a Biennial Cancer Study, as provided under § 13-1104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To initiate the Surveillance and Evaluation Component, the Department shall conduct a comprehensive statewide Baseline Cancer Study as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Conduct the Baseline Cancer Study or any part of the Study; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Contract with a higher education institution or private entity to conduct the Baseline Cancer Study or any part of the Study.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Baseline Cancer Study shall measure:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals who have each targeted cancer, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals within each minority population who have each targeted cancer, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The mortality rate for each targeted cancer, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The mortality rate for different minority populations for each targeted cancer, both statewide and in each county;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The number of identifiable cancers with a high incidence in the State for which there are effective methods of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Early detection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prevention and treatment after detection;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any aspect of targeted and nontargeted cancers that the Department seeks to measure; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Any other factor that the Department determines to be important for measuring rates of cancers in the State or for evaluating whether the Program meets its objectives.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In order to maximize the cost effectiveness of the Baseline Cancer Study, the Department may use data in the Maryland Cancer Registry or provided by other sources, to the extent that these sources provide reliable data relating to the factors listed in subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department chooses to have a higher education institution or private entity conduct the Baseline Cancer Study or any part of the Study, the Department shall issue a request for proposal to select the entity that will conduct the Study or the relevant part of the Study.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The request for proposal shall require that any methodology or model that is used by the entity to conduct the Baseline Cancer Study or the relevant part of the Study, any data collected under the Study, and any electronic files, codes, and definitions relating to the Study be provided to the State for use in subsequent studies, regardless of whether the studies are conducted by the same entity.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department may contract with an entity to conduct the Baseline Cancer Study and one or more biennial cancer studies as required under § 13-1104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1104" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2004 and biennially thereafter, the Department shall conduct a Biennial Cancer Study.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Biennial Cancer Study shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Measure the same factors that are set forth in § 13–1103(d) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use the same methodology or model that is used to conduct the Baseline Cancer Study.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct the Biennial Cancer Study or any part of the Study; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contract with a higher education institution or private entity to conduct the Biennial Cancer Study or any part of the Study.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Department chooses to have a higher education institution or private entity conduct the Biennial Cancer Study or any part of the Study, the Department shall issue a request for proposal to select the entity that will conduct the Study or the relevant part of the Study.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may contract with an entity to conduct one or more biennial cancer studies or a part of one or more biennial cancer studies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before December 31 of each odd numbered fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2005, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on the results of the Biennial Cancer Study.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1105" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <text>Before the Department distributes a Local Public Health Cancer Grant to any county under §§ 13-1107 through 13-1113 of this subtitle, the Department shall develop an inventory of publicly funded screening programs that includes information relating to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number and types of publicly funded screening programs for each targeted cancer, both statewide and in each county, and the number of individuals screened each year in these programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The existence of mechanisms to ensure that uninsured individuals receive appropriate treatment for any cancer that is detected in the screening programs identified under item (1) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1106" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Statewide Public Health Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Statewide Public Health Component is to maximize the effectiveness of the anti-cancer initiatives in the State by authorizing the Department to take steps to ensure that the Program is implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section and as necessary to ensure a coordinated and integrated statewide effort to implement cancer prevention, identification, and treatment programs for targeted cancers, the Department may develop and implement statewide anti-cancer initiatives that are consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report, including programs that support the implementation of the Local Public Health Component of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the Department issues a request for proposal, distributes a grant, or enters into a contract as authorized under subsection (c) of this section, the request for proposal, grant, or contract shall state with specificity the objectives and performance criteria that will be used to measure the success of the program to which the request for proposal, grant, or contract relates.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may not spend any money that is allocated to the Statewide Public Health Component in the State budget until the Baseline Cancer Study has been completed.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1107" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Local Public Health Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Local Public Health Component is to maximize the effectiveness of anti–cancer initiatives in the State by empowering local health coalitions to develop and implement cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs in coordination with the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to §§ 13–1108 through 13–1113 of this subtitle, the Department may distribute grants to counties for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not spend any funds that are allocated to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget until after the Baseline Cancer Study has been completed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Baseline Cancer Study is completed, the Department may distribute a planning grant of not more than $10,000 to each local health department other than the Baltimore City Health Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Prior to each fiscal year, the Department shall determine the percentage of funds that shall be allocated to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment by a county or Statewide Academic Health Center that receives funds under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1108" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>After the Baseline Cancer Study has been completed and before soliciting applications for Local Public Health Cancer Grants, the Department, in consultation with local health departments, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish short-term and long-term cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals for each county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish other requirements for each county that the Department determines to be necessary to meet the goals established under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide for the distribution of Local Public Health Cancer Grants to eligible counties based on the formula established under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsections (c) through (e) of this section and §§ 13-1109 through 13-1113 of this subtitle, the Department shall distribute a Local Public Health Cancer Grant to each county that is equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A base amount of funding as determined by the Department for each county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The product of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One-half of the amount remaining from the allocation to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget after the base amount under item (1) of this subsection is distributed to each county; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of individuals in the county who have any of the targeted cancers divided by the number of individuals in the State residing outside of Baltimore City who have any of the targeted cancers; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The product of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One-half of the amount remaining from the allocation to the Local Public Health Component in the State budget after the base amount under item (1) of this subsection is distributed to each county; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of individuals in the county who died from any of the targeted cancers during the prior year divided by the number of individuals in the State residing outside of Baltimore City who died from any of the targeted cancers during the prior year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in this subsection, Baltimore City is not eligible to receive money from the Department based on the formula established under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each year, before calculating the amount of money that may be distributed to each county as a Local Public Health Cancer Grant under subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall calculate the amount of money that would have been distributed to each county if Baltimore City were included in the formula.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2007 or any subsequent fiscal year, if the amount of money that would have been distributed to Baltimore City using the formula established under subsection (b) of this section if Baltimore City were included in the formula exceeds 19%, the Department shall transfer the difference between that amount and 19% from the Local Public Health Component to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2004, the calculations required in subsection (b)(2)(ii) and (3)(ii) of this section of the numbers of individuals having any of the targeted cancers or who died from any of the targeted cancers shall be based on the most recent data averaged over a multiyear period as determined by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The allocation formula calculated in accordance with subsection (b) of this section for fiscal year 2004 shall remain in effect for the following 3 years and thereafter be recalculated every 4th year in accordance with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department may reallocate projected unspent funds awarded to a county to another county as needed during the fiscal year in order to address any unmet county funding needs as determined under § 13–1107 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1109" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 13–1115(f) of this subtitle, this section does not apply to Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the other provisions of this section, a local health officer may apply to the Department for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of a Local Public Health Cancer Grant shall be determined by the Department using the formula that is established under § 13–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before applying for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant, a local health officer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a Community Health Coalition, as provided under § 13–1111 of this subtitle, or identify another coalition approved by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the assistance of the coalition established or identified under item (1) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify all existing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers in the county that are publicly funded;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Evaluate the effectiveness of the publicly funded programs identified under item (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment that outlines a strategy for meeting the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include a list of the members of the coalition established or identified under subsection (c)(1) of this section and their organizational affiliations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include the evaluation of any program funded with a Local Public Health Cancer Grant in the prior year;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, demonstrate that progress has been made toward meeting the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals established for the county under § 13–1108 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include a budget plan that provides specific levels of funding for each initiative described in the Plan and an explanation as to how each initiative is expected to help meet the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1108 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Demonstrate that the county has met the base–year funding requirement established under § 13–1112 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Demonstrate that any early detection or screening program that is or will be funded under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant provides necessary treatment or linkages to necessary treatment for uninsured individuals who are diagnosed with a targeted or non–targeted cancer as a result of the screening process;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, identify all persons who received money under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant in the prior year and state the amount of money that was received by each person under the Grant;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, state the amount of money that was received by a county under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant in the prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to eliminate the greater incidence of and higher morbidity rates for cancer in minority populations and rural areas, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to increase availability of and access to health care services for uninsured and underinsured individuals and medically underserved populations, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Demonstrate that priority consideration was given to persons, including federally qualified health centers, that have demonstrated a commitment to providing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment services to uninsured and underinsured individuals in the county and a proven ability to do so; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Contain any data or other information required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A local health officer who seeks to obtain a Local Public Health Cancer Grant shall apply to the Department by submitting a copy of the county’s Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment for approval.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each year, a local health officer, in consultation with the coalition established or identified under subsection (c)(1) of this section, shall update the Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may designate a person other than the head of a county health department to coordinate a county’s cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment efforts if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The county health department is unwilling to coordinate these efforts;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The county health department has been unsuccessful in implementing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment initiatives that satisfy performance standards established by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The county health department lacks sufficient staff or resources to coordinate these efforts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Department shall establish procedures for making a designation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department determines that it is necessary to designate a person other than the local health officer to coordinate a county’s cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment efforts, the Department may designate the Department as the entity that will coordinate the county’s efforts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1110" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The local health officers of two or more counties may join together as a region to apply for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may require that two or more counties join together as a region to apply for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant if the Department determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It would be cost–effective to fund cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs for targeted cancers on a regional basis; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It would serve the public health interests of the counties to fund cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs for targeted cancers on a regional basis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The amount of a Local Public Health Cancer Grant that is distributed to a region under this section shall be equal to the sum of the Local Public Health Cancer Grants that otherwise would have been distributed to each county under the formula established under § 13–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the local health officers of two or more counties choose to join together as a region to apply for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant or are required to do so by the Department, the local health officers shall act jointly to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment, as required under § 13–1109(c) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish a Community Health Coalition, as provided under § 13–1111 of this subtitle, or identify another coalition approved by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Demonstrate that the base–year funding requirement established under § 13–1112 of this subtitle has been met; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Otherwise satisfy the requirements of §§ 13–1107 through 13–1113 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1111" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The membership of a Community Health Coalition established under § 13-1109(c) of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reflect the demographics of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include representatives of community-based groups, including minority, rural, and medically underserved populations, that, taken together, are familiar with all of the different communities and cultures in the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, in Baltimore City and in Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, the Community Health Coalition shall include representatives of the major community hospitals that treat county residents with targeted cancers.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, the local health officer, in consultation with the Department, shall determine whether a hospital is a major community hospital based on the following factors:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of county residents with targeted cancers who are served by the hospital;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether the hospital has special expertise in treating targeted cancers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whether the hospital has demonstrated a commitment to treating uninsured individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The number of research activities conducted by the hospital that relate to targeted cancers and the amount of funding for these activities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In Baltimore City, the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions, acting jointly in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, in consultation with the Department, shall determine whether a hospital is a major community hospital based on the factors listed under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The membership of a Community Health Coalition established under § 13–1109(c) of this subtitle may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Representatives of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A local management board established under Title 8, Subtitle 3 of the Human Services Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Local hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other health care providers;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Local religious organizations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Institutions of higher education; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Hospitals and other entities located outside the county that could enhance the county’s cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment efforts; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other person that the local health officer believes would help the county meet the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals and requirements established for the county under § 13–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1112" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 13-1115(f) of this subtitle, this section does not apply in Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before receiving a Local Public Health Cancer Grant, a local health officer shall submit to the Department an inventory of all existing publicly funded cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers in the county that were identified under § 13-1109(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The inventory shall specify the amount of county funds that are being spent on each of the programs included in the inventory.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The level of funding specified under subsection (b)(2) of this section shall be the county’s base-year funding for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A Local Public Health Cancer Grant may not be used to supplant a county’s base-year funding for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department may not distribute a Local Public Health Cancer Grant to a county unless the Department determines that the county will spend, in the applicable fiscal year, at least its base-year funding for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1113" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall review a Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment submitted under § 13-1109(e) of this subtitle and determine whether:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Plan addresses the goals and requirements established for the county under § 13-1108 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All other requirements of §§ 13-1107 through 13-1112 of this subtitle have been met.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may not distribute a county’s share of money for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant, as provided under § 13-1108 of this subtitle, if the Department determines that the requirements of subsection (a) of this section have not been met.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1114" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Statewide Academic Health Center Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Statewide Academic Health Center Component is to maximize the effectiveness of the Program by involving the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions in the implementation of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to §§ 13–1115 and 13–1116 of this subtitle, the Department may implement the Statewide Academic Health Center Component by distributing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grants, as provided under § 13–1115 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grants, as provided under § 13–1116 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions shall coordinate their efforts with regard to initiatives that are funded with grants that are distributed under the Statewide Academic Health Center Component to maximize the benefits received from the use of these grant funds and to eliminate unnecessary duplication of efforts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1115" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the other provisions of this section, the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions may each apply for a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2007 and any subsequent fiscal year, the amount of each Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant that is distributed to the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions, respectively, shall be equal to the sum of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At least 9.5% of the total local public health component money distributed under § 13–1108(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One–half of any money that is transferred from the Local Public Health Component to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component under § 13–1108(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before applying for a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant, the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions, acting jointly in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a Baltimore City Community Health Coalition, as provided under § 13–1111 of this subtitle, or identify another coalition approved by the Department that reflects the demographics of Baltimore City and includes representatives of community–based groups, including minority and medically underserved populations, that, taken together, are familiar with all of the different communities and cultures in Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the assistance of the coalition established or identified under item (1) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify all existing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers in Baltimore City that are publicly funded;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Evaluate the effectiveness of the publicly funded programs identified under item (i) of this paragraph; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment that outlines a strategy for meeting the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals and requirements established for Baltimore City under § 13–1108 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Baltimore City Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Include a list of the members of the coalition established or identified under subsection (b)(1) of this section and their organizational affiliations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include the evaluation of any program funded with a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant in the prior year;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, demonstrate that progress has been made toward meeting the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals established for Baltimore City under § 13–1108 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include a budget plan that provides specific levels of funding for each initiative described in the Plan and an explanation as to how each initiative is expected to help meet the cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment goals and requirements established for Baltimore City under § 13–1108 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Demonstrate that Baltimore City has met the base–year funding requirement established under subsection (h) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Demonstrate that any early detection or screening program that is or will be funded under a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant provides necessary treatment or linkages to necessary treatment for uninsured individuals who are diagnosed with a targeted and non–targeted cancer as a result of the screening process;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>State that the Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant will not be used to supplant any existing funding at the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions for any cancer prevention, education, screening, or treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, identify all persons who received money under the Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant in the prior year and state the amount of money that was received by each person under the Grant;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Each year, after the first year of funding, state the amount of money that was received by the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions under a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant in the prior fiscal year that remained unspent and unobligated at the end of that year;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to eliminate the greater incidence of and higher morbidity rates for cancer in minority populations, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Describe how the Plan will help to increase availability of and access to health care services for uninsured and underinsured individuals and medically underserved populations, with particular emphasis on how the Plan seeks to address the relevant findings and recommendations of the Task Force Report;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Demonstrate that priority consideration was given to persons, including federally qualified health centers, that have a demonstrated commitment to providing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment services to uninsured and underinsured individuals in the city and a proven ability to do so; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Contain any data or other information required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To apply for a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant, the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions shall submit to the Department a copy of Baltimore City’s Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment for approval.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each year, the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions, acting jointly in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, in consultation with the coalition established or identified under subsection (b)(1) of this section, shall update the Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Rather than distributing a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant to the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions under this section, the Department may distribute to the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department a Local Public Health Cancer Grant for the purpose of coordinating Baltimore City’s cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment efforts if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions are unwilling to coordinate these efforts;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions have been unsuccessful in implementing cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment initiatives that satisfy performance standards established by the Department; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions lack sufficient staff or resources to coordinate these efforts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department distributes a Local Public Health Cancer Grant to the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department under this subsection rather than distributing a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant to the University of Maryland Medical Group, the amount of the Grant shall equal the sum of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One–half of any money that is transferred from the Local Public Health Component to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component under § 13–1108(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Department distributes a Local Public Health Cancer Grant to the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department under this subsection rather than distributing a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant to the Johns Hopkins Institutions, the amount of the Grant shall equal the sum of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One–half of any money that is transferred from the Local Public Health Component to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component under § 13–1108(c) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall use money that is allocated to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component in the State budget or transferred to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component under § 13–1108(c) of this subtitle to fund a Local Public Health Cancer Grant that is distributed to the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department applies for a Local Public Health Cancer Grant as authorized under this subsection, the Baltimore City Health Department or other person shall comply with the requirements of §§ 13–1107 through 13–1113 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Subject to paragraph (7) of this subsection, the Department shall establish procedures for making a designation under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If the Department determines that it is necessary to designate a person other than the Baltimore City Health Department to coordinate the city’s cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment efforts as authorized under this subsection, the Department may designate the Department as the entity that will coordinate the city’s efforts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Before the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions may receive a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant, the Baltimore City Health Department shall submit to the Department an inventory of all existing publicly funded cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers in Baltimore City that are identified under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The inventory prepared under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall specify the amount of funds that are being spent by Baltimore City on each of the programs included in the inventory.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The level of funding specified under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection shall be Baltimore City’s base–year funding for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant may not be used to supplant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Baltimore City’s base–year funding for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any existing funding at the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions for cancer prevention, education, screening, and treatment programs that relate to targeted cancers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department may not distribute a Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant under this section until after the Baseline Cancer Study has been completed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Baseline Cancer Study is completed, the Department may use money that is allocated to the Statewide Academic Health Center Component in the State budget to fund a planning grant of not more than $10,000 that may be distributed to and used collectively by the University of Maryland Medical Group, the Johns Hopkins Institutions, and the Baltimore City Health Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall review a Comprehensive Plan for Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment submitted under this section and determine whether:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Plan addresses the goals and requirements established for Baltimore City under § 13–1108 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All other requirements of this section have been met.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department determines that the requirements of this section have not been met, the Department may not distribute:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A Statewide Academic Health Center Public Health Grant to the University of Maryland Medical Group or the Johns Hopkins Institutions; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A Local Public Health Cancer Grant to the Baltimore City Health Department or another person designated by the Department under subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1116" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include at least $2,400,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for the Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grants under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Grants shall be distributed between the Statewide Academic Health Centers as follows:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>$2,007,300 to the University of Maryland Medical Group; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>$392,700 to the Johns Hopkins Institutions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include at least $13,000,000 in the annual budget in appropriations for the Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grants under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Grants shall be distributed according to historical allocations between the Academic Health Centers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the other provisions of this section, the Department may distribute Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grants to the University of Maryland Medical Group and the Johns Hopkins Institutions for the purpose of enhancing cancer research activities that may lead to a cure for a targeted cancer and increasing the rate at which cancer research activities are translated into treatment protocols in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before receiving a Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant, an institution shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit a Cancer Research Plan that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provides a detailed plan as to how the Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant will be spent and how it will be used to meet the goals established by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provides a complete inventory of all cancer research activities relating to targeted cancers that are currently being conducted by the institution, including a breakdown of the types of cancer to which the research relates;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Specifies the source and amount of funding for all of the cancer research activities identified under item (ii) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Certifies that the cancer research activities that will be funded by the Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant have been endorsed by an independent peer review group that is comprised of experts in the field from outside the institution who will not be involved in the research;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Identifies the individuals who make up the independent peer review group; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Includes any other information that is requested by the Department; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Commerce, and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establishes the scope of the State’s ownership or other financial interest in the commercialization and other benefits of the results, products, inventions, and discoveries of cancer research activities funded by a Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Establishes a plan for expediting the translation of cancer research activities into treatment protocols and clinical trials; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To the extent consistent with federal and State law, reflects the intellectual property policies of the Statewide Academic Health Center.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A memorandum of understanding established under subsection (b)(2) of this section may allow for the selection of a higher education institution or private entity to expedite the translation of cancer research activities into treatment protocols and clinical trials.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may not distribute a Statewide Academic Health Center Cancer Research Grant unless the Department first determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A Cancer Research Plan will help achieve the purpose of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The institution that receives the Grant will not use any part of the Grant to supplant existing cancer research activities or any other type of current expenditure by the institution;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Grant will be used to fund cancer research activities that relate to targeted cancers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The institution has executed a memorandum of understanding as required by subsection (b)(2) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The institution satisfies any other requirement established by the Department as a condition of receiving the Grant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1119" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, and Treatment Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Administrative Component in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Administrative Component is to provide the necessary administrative structure in the Department for effective management of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Funds that are allocated to the Administrative Component in the State budget shall be used to cover administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Unless otherwise specified in the annual budget bill as enacted, the amount of funds that are allocated to the Administrative Component in the State budget may not exceed 7% of the total amount that is allocated to the Program in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A county that receives funds under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant, a person who receives funds under a Local Public Health Cancer Grant, a Statewide Academic Health Center that receives money under any of the grants distributed under the Statewide Academic Health Component, and any other person who receives funds under the Program may not use more than 7% of the funds to cover administrative costs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-11A-01" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2031 PER CHAPTERS 812 AND 813 OF 2024" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="11A" subtitle_name="Public Education Campaign on Prostate, Lung, and Breast Cancer Prevention"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall develop and implement a 3–year public education campaign on prostate, lung, and breast cancer prevention that targets communities disproportionately impacted by prostate, lung, and breast cancer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In developing the public education campaign, the Department shall work with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Health care providers, including licensed physicians, who treat individuals impacted by prostate, lung, and breast cancer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hospitals; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Health care associations that focus on prostate, lung, and breast cancer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The public education campaign shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide educational information on prostate, lung, and breast cancer, including information regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The risks and warning signs of prostate, lung, and breast cancer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Guidelines and best practices to prevent prostate, lung, and breast cancer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Promote screenings for prostate, lung, and breast cancer; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide information on legislation that reduces cost barriers to prevention services for prostate, lung, and breast cancer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To implement the public education campaign, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Use communications tools and messaging;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Post all materials on the Department’s website in a conspicuous manner and an accessible format; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop partnerships with health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private entities that work with communities disproportionately impacted by prostate, lung, and breast cancer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop the public education campaign on or before December 1, 2026;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Implement the public education campaign on or before January 1, 2027; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Set measurable goals for the public education campaign.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Department for the public education campaign from the Cigarette Restitution Fund established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total appropriation for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 shall be not more than $750,000.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Data use agreement” means an agreement between the Department and a national, State, or local agency or program that establishes the terms and conditions for the confidential submission, collection, storage, analysis, reporting, aggregation, and dissemination of de–identified data obtained from the Maternal Mortality Review Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Local team” means the multidisciplinary and multiagency maternal mortality review team established for a county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Maternal death” means the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 1 year after the woman ceases to be pregnant.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Maternal mortality review committee” means the maternal mortality review committee of MedChi that is a medical review committee, as defined under § 1–401 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“MedChi” means the Maryland State Medical Society.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maternal deaths are a serious public health concern and have a tremendous family and societal impact;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maternal deaths are significantly underestimated and inadequately documented, preventing efforts to identify and reduce or eliminate the causes of death;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>No processes exist in the State for the confidential identification, investigation, or dissemination of findings regarding maternal deaths; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>There is a need to establish a Maternal Mortality Review Program to review maternal deaths and to develop strategies for the prevention of maternal deaths.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <text>The Secretary shall establish a Maternal Mortality Review Program to review maternal deaths and to develop strategies for the prevention of maternal deaths.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary may contract with MedChi to administer the Maternal Mortality Review Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In consultation with the maternal mortality review committee of MedChi, the Secretary shall develop a system to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify maternal death cases;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Review medical records and other relevant data;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contact family members and other affected or involved persons to collect additional relevant data;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Consult with relevant experts to evaluate the records and data collected;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Make determinations regarding the preventability of maternal deaths;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Develop recommendations for the prevention of maternal deaths; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Disseminate findings and recommendations to policy makers, health care providers, health care facilities, and the general public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On the approval of the Secretary and with a signed data use agreement, the Department may release de–identified data and findings to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local maternal mortality review teams, and other entities at the discretion of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In accordance with § 4–221 of this article and notwithstanding § 4–224 of this article, the Secretary shall provide the Program with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Information on maternal death cases when the records become available, including a copy of the death certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Medical information from the birth or fetal death record for any pregnancy that occurred within 1 year before the death of the woman, excluding Social Security numbers, addresses, and names of the infants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On the request of the Secretary, the Program shall be provided access, to the extent allowed by law, to all information and records maintained by a State or local government agency, law enforcement investigative information, medical examiner investigative information, parole and probation information and records, and information and records of a social services agency that provided services to a woman whose death is being reviewed by the Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Maternal Mortality Review Program, in consultation with the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, shall make recommendations to reduce any disparities in the maternal mortality rate including recommendations related to social determinants of health.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1205" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A health care provider or health care facility, as defined under Title 19, Subtitles 3, 3A, and 3B of this article, shall provide the Maternal Mortality Review Program reasonable access to all relevant medical records associated with a case under review by the Maternal Mortality Review Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A health care provider or health care facility, as defined under Title 19, Subtitles 3, 3A, and 3B of this article, shall provide to the local team, on request of the chair, prompt access to all relevant medical records associated with a case under review by the Maternal Mortality Review Program without undue delay.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 3 of this article do not apply to a disclosure made to the Program or to a local team under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1206" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 3 of this article, if a patient of a health care provider or a health care facility dies of a maternal death and the health care provider or the health care facility has knowledge of the circumstances of the death, the health care provider or the health care facility shall report the death to the Maternal Mortality Review Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any health care provider and health care facility report required under this section shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Confidential;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not open to public inspection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except under a court order sealing the court record, not subject to subpoena or discovery in any criminal or civil proceeding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A health care provider or health care facility may not be held liable for civil damages or subject to any criminal or disciplinary action for good faith efforts made to comply with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1207" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, there may be a multidisciplinary and multiagency maternal mortality review team in each county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Two or more counties may agree to establish a single multicounty local team.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A multicounty local team shall execute a memorandum of understanding on membership, staffing, and operation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a local team is established in a county, the local team:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be convened by the local health officer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May include representatives from other local agencies and local organizations, licensed health care providers with expertise in maternal child health, and other individuals necessary to the work of the local team, recommended by the local team, and designated by the local health officer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>From among its members, each local team shall elect a chair by majority vote.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1208" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of a local team is to prevent maternal deaths by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Promoting cooperation and coordination among agencies involved in preventing and responding to maternal deaths or in providing services to surviving family members;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Developing an understanding of the causes and incidence of maternal deaths in the county;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Developing plans for and recommending changes within the community, local institutions, and agencies the members represent to prevent maternal deaths; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Advising the Maternal Mortality Review Program on changes to law, policy, or practice to prevent maternal deaths.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To achieve its purpose, a local team shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In consultation with the Maternal Mortality Review Program, establish and implement a protocol for the local team;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meet at least annually to review the status of maternal fatality cases, recommend actions to improve coordination of services in the community, and recommend actions within local institutions and member agencies to prevent maternal deaths;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Enter into a data use agreement with the Department for the receipt of information from the Maternal Mortality Review Program necessary to carry out the local team’s purpose and duties; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide reports to the Maternal Mortality Review Program, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Information on, and local team discussions related to, individual cases;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any racial disparities observed during case review;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Steps taken to improve coordination of services and investigations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Steps taken to implement changes recommended by the local team within member agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Recommendations on necessary changes to State and local law, policy, and practice to prevent maternal deaths.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1209" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <text>On request of the chair of the local team and as necessary to carry out the local team’s purpose and duties, the local team shall be provided:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Access to all relevant information and records in accordance with the local team’s data use agreement with the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Access, to the extent allowed by law, to all information and records maintained by any State or local government agency, law enforcement investigative information, medical examiner investigative information, parole and probation information and records, and information and records of a social services agency that provided services to a woman whose death is being reviewed by the local team.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1210" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A meeting of a local team shall be closed to the public and not subject to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article when a local team is discussing individual cases of maternal deaths.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a meeting of a local team shall be open to the public and subject to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article when the local team is not discussing individual cases of maternal deaths.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>During a public meeting, information may not be disclosed that identifies:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A deceased woman; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A family member, guardian, or caretaker of a deceased woman.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>During a public meeting, information may not be disclosed regarding the involvement of any agency with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A deceased woman; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A family member, guardian, or caretaker of a deceased woman.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not prohibit a local team from requesting the attendance at a team meeting of an individual who has information relevant to the team’s performance of its purpose and duties.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A violation of this section is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1211" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, the proceedings, records, and files of a local team are confidential and privileged, and are not discoverable or admissible as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Statistical compilations of data that do not contain any information that would cause the identification of any person to be ascertained are public records.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Reports of a local team that do not contain any information that would cause the identification of any person to be ascertained are public information.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A member of a team and an individual attending a team meeting may not disclose what transpired at a meeting that is not public under § 13–1210 of this subtitle or any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member of a team, an individual attending a team meeting, and an individual who presents information to a team may not be questioned in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding information presented in or opinions formed as a result of a meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prohibit an individual from testifying to information obtained independently of the team or that is public information.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1212" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report on findings, recommendations, and Program actions to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall include in the report required under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A summary of any stakeholder meetings held under § 13–1213 of this subtitle during the immediately preceding 12–month period that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Stakeholder responses to existing recommendations; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommendations from stakeholders that address factors contributing to maternal mortality; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A section on racial disparities that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A comparison of the maternal mortality rates of non–Hispanic black and non–Hispanic white women;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Data on changes in the maternal mortality rate by race and ethnicity;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The number of live births by race;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The percentage of women who gave birth by race;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The percentage of maternal deaths by race and ethnicity;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The maternal mortality rate by race;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A comparison of the leading causes of maternal death by race; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Any other information that the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1213" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Maternal Mortality Review Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, at least twice a year, the Secretary shall convene a meeting of stakeholders, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Representatives of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland Patient Safety Center;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Maryland Healthy Start Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Women’s health advocacy organizations;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Community organizations engaged in maternal health and family support issues;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Local health departments; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Health care providers that provide maternal health services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Families of women who have experienced a near maternal death, a high–risk pregnancy, other challenges during pregnancy, or a maternal death; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Women who have experienced a near maternal death, a high–risk pregnancy, or other challenges during pregnancy.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the extent practicable, the stakeholders convened in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of women most impacted by maternal deaths in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Of the two meetings required under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One meeting shall be held within 90 days after submission of the report required under § 13–1212 of this subtitle to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Review the findings and recommendations in the report;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Examine issues resulting in disparities in maternal deaths;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Review the status of implementation of previous recommendations; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Identify new recommendations with a focus on initiatives to address issues resulting in disparities in maternal deaths; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One meeting shall be held within 6 months after the meeting held under item (1) of this subsection to review the status of implementation of previous recommendations and consider any new information that may be relevant for the identification of additional recommendations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1301" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Governor's Wellmobile Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Governor’s Wellmobile Program within the University of Maryland School of Nursing.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Deliver primary and preventive health care services to geographically underserved communities and uninsured individuals around the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide principal training sites for the University of Maryland School of Nursing that will expand student learning opportunities in the care of underserved populations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall be operated, managed, and administered by the University of Maryland School of Nursing.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The operation, management, and administration of the Program shall be funded as provided for in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1302" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Governor's Wellmobile Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Governor’s Wellmobile Program Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Advisory Board is to assist the University of Maryland School of Nursing in overseeing and raising funds for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Board consists of nine individuals, of whom:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One shall be the Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One shall be a member of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One shall be a member of the Senate appointed by the President;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Two shall have business expertise;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Two shall have health expertise; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Two shall have media or marketing expertise.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except for the ex officio and legislative members, the members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing shall serve as the chairman of the Advisory Board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the ex officio and legislative members, the term of a member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except for the ex officio and legislative members, the terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 2000.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Board shall meet at least four times each year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1303" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Governor's Wellmobile Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The University of Maryland School of Nursing and the Advisory Board shall ensure that the following geographic areas are served by the Program:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Western Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Washington metropolitan area;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Baltimore metropolitan area;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Southern/Central Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The upper Eastern Shore; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The lower Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The University of Maryland School of Nursing and the Advisory Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Develop partnerships with local health departments, hospitals, schools, community associations, businesses, and other entities that can facilitate the provision of primary and preventive health care services through the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Solicit public and private grants and donations on behalf of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop a mechanism for receiving third party reimbursement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus may establish a nonprofit corporation to accept any public and private grants or donations made to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The accounts and transactions of the Governor’s Wellmobile Program shall be subject to audit by the Legislative Auditor in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1501" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Council” means the Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Environmental hazard” means one or a group of toxic chemical, biological, or physical agents in the environment, resulting from human activities or natural processes, that may impact the health of exposed children, including such pollutants as lead, pesticides, air pollutants, contaminated drinking water, polluted waters, toxic waste, polychlorinated biphenyls, secondhand tobacco smoke, and industrial and home chemicals.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1502" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Children in the State face an array of preventable exposures to environmental hazards in their schools, homes, and communities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In certain cases children are at greater risk than adults for exposure to and possible illness from environmental hazards because children:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Have a decreased ability to detoxify certain substances;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Have a greater sensitivity to environmental hazards during the stages of development and growth as a result of their immature body organs and tissues and immature immune systems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Have different exposure behavior patterns, such as hand-to-mouth behavior, spending a greater amount of time outdoors near hazards, and spending more time on the floor and on the ground where contaminants can concentrate; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Take in a greater amount of contaminants due to their eating proportionately more food, breathing proportionately more air, and drinking proportionately more fluids than adults;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Higher rates of poverty are one of the factors that place children of ethnic and minority communities at disproportionate risk for environmental exposures, due to inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and limited access to health care;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Solutions to complex environmental health problems require the ongoing communication, collaboration, and cooperation of affected communities and many disciplines including science, medicine, public health, economics, planning, law, and policy; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>As recommended by the Advisory Council on Environmental Justice in its report pursuant to Chapter 741 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1997, as amended, it is necessary to assess the impacts of State policies, programs, and activities on affected communities and, in this instance, children are the affected community.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The General Assembly recognizes its responsibilities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To enable all children to grow up in a safe and healthy environment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To use its resources to ensure that every child is provided with an environmentally safe and healthy learning environment in which to grow, develop, and mature into a productive and healthy adult.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The General Assembly seeks to meet these responsibilities by creating an Advisory Council to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify environmental hazards that may affect children’s health; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend solutions to those hazards through interdisciplinary problem solving and coalition building.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1503" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <text>There is a State Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1504" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council shall be composed of 19 members as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Secretary of the Environment, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The Secretary of Education, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>The Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children, or the Special Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Two licensed health care providers with expertise in the field of children’s environmental health, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>One representative from an academic institution who has expertise in studying the impact of environmental exposures on childhood disease, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>One parent or guardian whose child has been clinically diagnosed as having been exposed to environmental health hazards including lead paint or pesticides, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>One epidemiologist with expertise in children’s environmental health, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>One economist skilled in measuring the economic costs of illness and the benefits of prevention, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>One environmental toxicologist with expertise in issues of importance to children’s environmental health, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>One representative from the Maryland Association of Counties, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>One individual from private industry representing the regulated community, appointed by the Governor; and</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>One representative from the Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Health or the Secretary’s designee shall serve as the chairman.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of the Environment or the Secretary’s designee shall serve as the vice chairman.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Council on October 1, 2000.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1505" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <level label="a"> <text>A majority of the full authorized membership of the Advisory Council is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet at least six times a year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each member of the Advisory Council is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health shall coordinate with the Department of the Environment and other State agencies to provide for staffing of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Advisory Council may employ consultants subject to the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council may contract for an analysis of the current State organizational structure regarding children’s environmental health and protection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An analysis under this subsection shall be performed in a manner consistent with the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Environmental Justice contained in the Council’s report dated November 1999.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1506" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Children's Environmental Health"> <text>The Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Review and comment on existing rules, regulations, and standards to ensure that the rules, regulations, and standards adequately protect the health of children from environmental hazards by taking into account the special vulnerability of children because of their developing physiology, and because their exposures, behaviors, and diets can differ greatly from those of adults;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Review proposed regulations submitted to the Advisory Council in accordance with § 10–110 of the State Government Article to determine if the proposed regulation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adequately protects the health of children from environmental hazards by taking into account the special vulnerability of children because of their developing physiology, and because their exposures, behaviors, and diets can differ greatly from those of adults; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is consistent and uniform with the children’s environmental health policies, rules, regulations, and standards of other State agencies; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Recommend to the promulgating unit measures that would avoid or minimize any negative impact that the proposed regulation may have on the health of children;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Comment on any proposed regulations that may be submitted by any other principal department of the Executive Branch, as enumerated in § 8–201 of the State Government Article, during the public comment period required under § 10–112(a)(3)(v) of the State Government Article if the Advisory Council determines that the proposed regulation will have an adverse impact on children’s health;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Gather and disseminate information to the public, including the research and medical communities, community–based organizations, schools, and State agencies, on how to reduce, treat, and eliminate children’s exposures to environmental hazards to further the public’s understanding of the environmental hazards that may potentially affect children;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Recommend uniform guidelines for State agencies to follow to help reduce and eliminate children’s exposure to environmental hazards, especially in areas reasonably accessible to children;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Create and promote education programs, in partnership with health and environmental professionals, for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children that include information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The potential health effects of environmental hazards;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Practical suggestions on how to reduce children’s exposure to environmental hazards; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other relevant information to assist parents, guardians, and caregivers in protecting children from environmental hazards;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Provide input to the General Assembly on legislation that may impact environmental hazards that affect the health of children; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before December 1, 2001 and each December 1 thereafter describing the activities of the Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1601" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care"> <text>There is a State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1602" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care"> <level label="a"> <text>The Advisory Council consists of the following 23 members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Aging or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Secretary of Health or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>17 members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One physician with experience in end–of–life care;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One nurse with experience in end–of–life care;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One pharmacist with experience in end–of–life care;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One physician with experience managing long–term care;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One nurse with experience managing long–term care;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One representative of the health insurance industry;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One representative from a managed care organization;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One representative of the legal community;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One representative from the hospice care community;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Two representatives from advocacy groups for end–of–life care;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Two representatives from religious groups;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Two representatives of the general public with experience with end–of–life or long–term care issues;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>One representative of the hospital industry; and</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>One representative of the nursing home industry.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who serves two consecutive 4–year terms may not be reappointed for 4 years after the completion of those terms.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If a vacancy occurs among the members appointed by the Governor, the Governor shall promptly appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1603" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor shall appoint the chair of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The members present at a meeting are a quorum to do business.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council may not receive compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department of Aging and the Office of the Attorney General shall jointly provide staff support and technical assistance for the Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1604" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care"> <text>The Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Monitor trends in the provision of care to Marylanders with life–limiting illnesses;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Study the impact of State statutes, regulations, policies, and other aspects of public policy on the provision of care at the end of life;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide recommendations to the Office of the Attorney General, the Department, the Department of Aging, and other agencies of State government with respect to their activities affecting the provision of care at the end of life;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Advise the General Assembly on legislative proposals affecting the provision of care at the end of life;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Participate in or otherwise promote public and professional educational efforts concerning care at the end of life; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Carry out other duties as may be requested by the Governor or the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <text>In this subtitle, “Program” means the Asthma Control Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1702" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <text>There is an Asthma Control Program in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1703" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint a director for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The director may establish advisory councils, task forces, committees, and work groups to the extent necessary to implement the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1704" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The director shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish a statewide asthma coalition composed of individuals and organizations with an interest in asthma;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Develop and finalize a comprehensive statewide asthma plan;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After finalization of the development of the statewide asthma plan, implement a statewide asthma intervention program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Develop and organize collaborative relationships with asthma control and stakeholders within other State and local agencies and in the private sector;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop and implement an asthma surveillance system;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Upon completion of the asthma surveillance system in paragraph (5) of this subsection, identify mechanisms for the utilization of surveillance data in identifying interventions to control asthma;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Identify and promote educational programs for providers, parents, guardians, caregivers, and asthma patients that include information on identifying symptoms of asthma, effective treatment for asthma, and methods of preventing asthma; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Identify sources of grant funding for the Asthma Control Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide funding for local asthma intervention initiatives; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide training for school personnel, or other appropriate personnel, on asthma education in conjunction with the Department of Education and local health departments.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1705" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Program shall be funded as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The funding provided in the State budget for the Program is intended to complement funding received:</text> <level label="1"> <text>By the Department from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the Program for enhancing the State’s capacity to address asthma from a public health perspective; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>From any other lawful source.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-1706" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Asthma Control Program"> <text>The Secretary shall, in consultation with the director, adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-17A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="17A" subtitle_name="Breathe Easy East Baltimore Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible household” means a household located in East Baltimore City that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has a household income of not more than 150% of the federal poverty level; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Includes an individual who is under the age of 14 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Pilot Program” means the Breathe Easy East Baltimore Pilot Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Breathe Easy East Baltimore Pilot Program in the Baltimore City Health Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Pilot Program is to provide and study the effects of asthma remediation services on eligible households.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Asthma remediation services provided by the Pilot Program may include cleaning, education, structural interventions, and any other services the Baltimore City Health Department, in consultation with the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, determines to be necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Baltimore City Health Department, in consultation with the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1, 2020, select eligible households to participate in the Pilot Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide participating eligible households with asthma remediation services; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Study the effect that asthma remediation services have on the well–being of members of participating eligible households by measuring, relative to individuals who do not receive asthma remediation services:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Health outcomes;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Economic outcomes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Educational outcomes for children.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In addition to the items listed in subsection (c) of this section, the Baltimore City Health Department may include in the Pilot Program, at the discretion of the Baltimore City Health Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Implementation of policies and procedures to encourage participation in the Pilot Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Development of a referral process or integrated partnerships with other local or State agencies through which eligible households may access programs and services that target improved health.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In addition to any other funds available for the Pilot Program, the Baltimore City Health Department shall attempt to access any federal funds related to asthma remediation services for households.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, the Baltimore City Health Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The number of eligible households participating in the Pilot Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information regarding how the Pilot Program has affected the health, economic, and educational well–being of the members of participating eligible households; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A recommendation on whether the Pilot Program should be extended or expanded.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2001" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Human Subject Research"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Federal regulations on the protection of human subjects” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and any subsequent revision of those regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With respect to research that is subject to the jurisdiction of the federal Food and Drug Administration, Title 21, Parts 50 and 56 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and any subsequent revision of those regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Human subject” has the meaning stated in the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Institutional review board” has the meaning stated in the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Research” has the meaning stated in the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2002" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Human Subject Research"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not conduct research using a human subject unless the person conducts the research in accordance with the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision in the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects that limits the applicability of the federal regulations to certain research, subsection (a) of this section applies to all research using a human subject.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2003" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Human Subject Research"> <level label="a"> <text>An institutional review board shall make the final minutes of a meeting available for inspection within 30 days of receipt of a request for the minutes from any person.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Prior to making the minutes of a meeting available for inspection under subsection (a) of this section, an institutional review board may redact confidential or privileged information.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The minutes of a meeting of an institutional review board are not public records under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2004" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Human Subject Research"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of the Attorney General may seek appropriate injunctive or other relief to prevent the conduct of human subject research in violation of the federal regulations on the protection of human subjects or this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In exercising the authority granted under subsection (a) of this section, the Office of the Attorney General may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Duplicate the investigatory, compliance, or enforcement action undertaken by an agency of the federal government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bring an action under subsection (a) of this section if an agency of the federal government has determined that an investigation is not warranted.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2101" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board"> <text>In this subtitle, “Advisory Board” means the State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2102" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board"> <text>There is a State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2103" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board"> <text>The Advisory Board consists of the following 36 voting members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The following two members, who shall serve ex officio:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One member of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Education, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One representative of the State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services, appointed by the Director of the Division;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration, appointed by the Director of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, appointed by the Director of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, appointed by the Director of the Center;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Office for Genetics and People with Special Health Care Needs, appointed by the Director of the Office;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems, appointed by the Director of the Institute;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Services, appointed by the Director of the Office;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, appointed by the Director of the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Four representatives of the Brain Injury Association of Maryland, appointed by the Executive Director of the Association;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council, appointed by the Executive Director of the Council;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Disability Law Center, Maryland’s Protection Advocacy System, appointed by the Director of the Office;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>One representative of the National Institutes of Health, appointed by the Director of the Institutes; and</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>The following 16 members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One representative of State or local law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Six Maryland citizens who have experienced a traumatic brain injury;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Five Maryland citizens who are currently caring for, or are family members of, individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Four professionals with specialized experience in providing services to individuals with traumatic brain injuries or traumatic brain injury prevention activities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2104" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member of the Advisory Board may not serve more than two consecutive terms.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The terms of the members of the Advisory Board are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2005.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The members of the Advisory Board shall elect a chair of the Advisory Board each year.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A majority of the members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum for transacting business or performing any duties.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Advisory Board shall meet at least once every other month.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Advisory Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Disabilities shall jointly provide staff support and technical assistance for the Advisory Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2105" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board"> <text>The Advisory Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Investigate the needs of citizens with traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify gaps in services to citizens with traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Facilitate collaboration among State agencies that provide services to individuals with traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitate collaboration among organizations and entities that provide services to individuals with traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Encourage and facilitate community participation in program implementation;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Issue an annual report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on or before November 30, 2005, and each November 30 thereafter:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Summarizing the actions of the Advisory Board and containing recommendations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Providing oversight in acquiring and utilizing State and federal funding dedicated to services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Building provider–capacity and provider–training that address the needs of individuals with traumatic brain injuries; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Improving the coordination of services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Including information concerning the number of individuals served and the services provided in the preceding fiscal year to individuals with traumatic brain injury; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Disseminate copies of the annual report to the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the secretary of each department represented on the Advisory Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-21A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21A" subtitle_name="State Brain Injury Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Fund” means the State Brain Injury Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Health.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Traumatic brain injury” has the meaning established in the policies and procedures adopted by the State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board under § 13–2105 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-21A-02" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21A" subtitle_name="State Brain Injury Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Brain Injury Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to assist in the provision of the following services to eligible individuals who have sustained brain injuries:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Individual case management services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Neuropsychological evaluation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund may be used to support:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Prevention, education, and awareness programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Rehabilitation services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Medical services;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Durable medical equipment;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Assistive technology assessment and equipment;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Services to assist in the return to driving;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Evaluation and training related to the brain injury;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Neurobehavioral health services;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Nursing home transition services;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Community reentry services;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>Educational needs;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>Housing and residential services; and</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>Transportation services.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only to provide funding for the purpose described in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Money expended from the Fund to support services to individuals with brain injuries is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for those services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-21A-03" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="21A" subtitle_name="State Brain Injury Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>To be eligible for assistance from the Fund, an individual shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be a United States citizen and a resident of the State at the time of the brain injury;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have a brain injury that has been documented in the medical records of the individual;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Have income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Have exhausted all other health, rehabilitation, and disability benefit funding sources that cover the services provided by the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not receive services from the Fund costing more than:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The annual amount established by policies and procedures adopted by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lifetime of the individual amount established by policies and procedures adopted by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP)” means a network of Maryland health care professionals with the expertise to address the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect while working closely with other disciplines and organizations addressing these issues, including child advocacy centers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) faculty” means a core group of clinical experts, as designated by the Department, who provide training, consultation, and support for the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect to health care professionals.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Child advocacy center” means a child–focused entity within or outside a health care facility that investigates, diagnoses, and treats children who may have been abused or neglected that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Includes local law enforcement officers, local criminal prosecutors, and the local department of social services; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May include child mental health service providers and other children and family service providers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Initiative” means the Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Multidisciplinary team” means a group of professionals with expertise in various health care and social service professional disciplines who provide consultation, treatment, and planning in cases of child abuse and neglect.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Initiative are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To improve the protection of children in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To recruit local physicians to gain clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To develop and guide the practice of local or regional multidisciplinary teams to improve the medical assessment and treatment of children who are the subject of a child abuse or neglect investigation or a child in need of assistance;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To facilitate the appropriate prosecution of criminal child abuse and neglect; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>To provide expert consultation and training to local or regional multidisciplinary teams in the diagnosis and treatment of physical child abuse and neglect and sexual abuse through teleconferencing and on–site services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <text>The Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) faculty shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assist local and regional jurisdictions to develop standards and protocols for the composition and operation of local or regional Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide training and consultation to local or regional Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) in the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide financial support to part–time local and regional expert clinic staff for the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Collaborate with local or regional child advocacy centers and forensic nurse examiner programs; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Help assure that medical professionals have access to information on how to cooperate with local departments of social services, child advocacy centers, and local law enforcement officers to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Protect children from trauma during the process of child abuse and neglect investigations and prosecution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Minimize the number of times each child is interviewed and examined; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Minimize the potential for influencing a child’s statement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <text>A Child Abuse Medical Provider (Maryland CHAMP) may receive information from the Department and may consult with the Department on any case:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Referred from the Children in Need of Assistance program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Concerning a child committed to the Department or a local department of social services; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Concerning a child who is the subject of a child abuse or neglect investigation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2206" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <level label="a"> <text>In fiscal year 2007, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation in the amount of $225,000 for the Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In each fiscal year beginning with fiscal 2008, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill submitted to the General Assembly a General Fund appropriation for the Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative in an amount not less than the amount of the General Fund appropriation for the Initiative as approved in the State budget as enacted by the General Assembly for the prior fiscal year, increased by not less than the percentage by which the projected total General Fund revenues for the upcoming fiscal year exceed the revised estimate of total General Fund revenues for the current fiscal year, as contained in the report of the estimated State revenues submitted by the Board of Revenue Estimates to the Governor under § 6–106(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The accounts and transactions of the Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative shall be subject to audit by the Legislative Auditor in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2207" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland Champ)"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Children’s Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Children’s Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for the Child Abuse Medical Providers (Maryland CHAMP) Initiative.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Fees distributed to the Fund from the issuance of commemorative birth certificates under § 4-217(a)(3) of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Treasurer shall invest and reinvest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Comptroller shall pay out money from the Fund as directed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The General Fund of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other special fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2301" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Folic Acid Supplement Distribution Program"> <text>In this subtitle, “women of childbearing age” means women between the ages of 15 and 45 years old who have family incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2302" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Folic Acid Supplement Distribution Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall establish a program to distribute a folic acid supplement to women of childbearing age.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the program is to reduce the number of cases of neural tube defects in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The program shall provide the following to women of childbearing age as appropriate, based on an assessment of their individual need:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An appropriate folic acid supplement that contains the recommended level of folic acid for women of childbearing age;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Counseling and written information regarding the proper use of the supplement; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other health information that the Department determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2303" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="23" subtitle_name="Folic Acid Supplement Distribution Program"> <text>Subject to the availability of funding, the program shall be funded as provided in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2501" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, “Program” means the Oral Health Safety Net Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Oral Health Safety Net Program in the Office of Oral Health in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide start–up funding to expand oral health capacity for underserved low–income and disabled individuals, including individuals enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and in the Maryland Children’s Health Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2502" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of Oral Health shall solicit proposals from local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and entities providing dental services within State facilities, for the purpose of issuing grants to support collaborative and innovative ways to increase dental provider capacity for the underserved.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the limitations of the State budget, the Office of Oral Health shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Award grants; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Oversee the operation of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office of Oral Health shall place priority on awarding grants to proposals that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are targeted to regions of the State where oral health services are most scarce for low–income, disabled, and Medicaid populations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Outline how the potential grantee will maximize limited resources, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sharing of resources with other persons;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Case management to eliminate barriers to dental services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Public–private purchasing agreements;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Obtaining matching funds to increase resources;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Incentives to increase provider participation;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Quantifiable outcome measures of success;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>School–based screenings; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Plans to ensure sustainability of services after termination of grants awarded under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2503" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <text>Subject to the limitations of the State budget, the Office of Oral Health shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contract with a licensed dentist to provide expertise in dental public health issues for the Office; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide for appropriate continuing education courses for providers that offer oral health treatment to underserved populations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2504" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Office of Oral Health shall conduct an annual evaluation of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The evaluation required under this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Data on any progress resulting from each grant awarded under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Data on any progress of the overall Program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Data demonstrating any increase in the use of restorative dental care among underserved populations; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Data from any statewide survey conducted by the Department that demonstrates any progress of the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department, in conjunction with the Office of Oral Health, shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The results of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Findings and recommendations for the Oral Health Program and any other oral health programs established under Title 18, Subtitle 8 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The availability and accessibility of dentists throughout the State participating in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The outcomes that managed care organizations and dental managed care organizations under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program achieve concerning the utilization of targets required by the Five Year Oral Health Care Plan, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Loss ratios that the managed care organizations and dental managed care organizations experience for providing dental services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Corrective action by managed care organizations and dental managed care organizations to achieve the utilization targets; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The allocation and use of funds authorized for dental services under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2505" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That grants shall be awarded through the Program from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, for fiscal year 2009; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That full funding for grants shall continue in the subsequent two fiscal years unless the Office of Oral Health determines that a grantee is not fulfilling the conditions of the award.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2506" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Oral Health Safety Net Program"> <text>The Department shall conduct a statewide follow–up survey on or before June 1, 2011, concerning the oral health status of school children in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Services for Maryland Veterans"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Behavioral health services” means mental health services or alcohol and substance abuse services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Crisis services” means temporary services designed to address and stabilize a severe behavioral health problem and to avoid an emergency situation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Crisis services” includes hotlines, in–home support, and residential crisis services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Eligible veteran” means a veteran who is a Maryland resident.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Maryland Defense Force” means the military force established under § 13–501 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Maryland National Guard” means the Maryland Army National Guard and Maryland Air National Guard.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Service coordination” means a service designed to coordinate and provide assistance in obtaining access to behavioral health services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Web–based resource program” means an interactive web–based communication medium that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Allows individuals to access comprehensive information, advocacy, and other resources regarding public and private behavioral health services, crisis and emergency services, and early intervention and prevention programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Enables the public and private health care communities to work together to address the problems related to providing and obtaining access to behavioral health services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2702" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Services for Maryland Veterans"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the limitations of its budget, the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>In collaboration with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, the Maryland National Guard, and the Maryland Defense Force, shall provide behavioral health service coordination for eligible veterans in all geographic regions of the State to connect them to behavioral health services, including mental health first aid described under § 13–2703(b) of this subtitle, which may be available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Where behavioral health services are not yet available or accessible through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, shall provide service coordination for eligible veterans in all geographic regions of the State to connect them to behavioral health services, including mental health first aid described under § 13–2703(b) of this subtitle, which may be available through the Behavioral Health Administration, until such federal services can be accessed and obtained; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall provide behavioral health services through the Behavioral Health Administration based on eligibility and medical necessity criteria established by these administrations; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall provide eligible veterans up–to–date information about behavioral health services and resources through a web–based resource program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the limitations of its budget and in addition to the service coordination provided under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall provide or fund certain behavioral health services for eligible veterans who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Meet the eligibility and medical necessity criteria of the Behavioral Health Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cannot obtain immediate access to behavioral health services through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The behavioral health services provided under subsection (b) of this section may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Crisis services in all geographic regions of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Short–term behavioral health services, where existing federal and State behavioral health services are determined by the Department to be inadequate or inaccessible.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The short–term behavioral health services provided under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be available only until an eligible veteran is able to access and obtain adequate behavioral health services through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Screening assessments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Individual, family, and group therapy;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substance abuse early intervention and detoxification services; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Substance abuse medication–assisted treatment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or other responsible public or private payer for any behavioral health services provided under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall account separately for funds used to provide behavioral health services to eligible veterans under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-2703" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="27" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Services for Maryland Veterans"> <level label="a"> <text>The behavioral health services for which the Department provides service coordination for eligible veterans under this subtitle shall include mental health first aid.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Mental health first aid shall consist of training for eligible veterans and the immediate family members of eligible veterans on how to identify and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each entity teaching a mental health first aid course shall report to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of eligible veterans who took the mental health first aid course; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of family members of eligible veterans who took the mental health first aid course.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before June 1 each year, beginning in 2023, if the Department received a report under subsection (c) of this section in the immediately preceding year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly the following information for the immediately preceding year:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total number of eligible veterans in the State who took a mental health first aid course;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total number of family members of eligible veterans in the State who took a mental health first aid course; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The total number of mental health first aid courses taught in the State, reported by the entity that taught the mental health first aid course.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3001" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Cord Blood Transplant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Cord blood transplant center” means a medical facility that uses cells obtained from a human umbilical cord or placenta to treat pediatric or adult patients afflicted with a disease or injury.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Cord Blood Transplant Center Support Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Qualified medical institution” means a medical institution accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is located in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Has an established hematologic malignancies research program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3002" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Cord Blood Transplant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cord Blood Transplant Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Cord Blood Transplant Program is to provide funding, subject to the limitations of the State budget, to qualified medical institutions to establish or maintain a cord blood transplant center.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3003" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Cord Blood Transplant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cord Blood Transplant Center Support Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to promote economic development by supporting cord blood transplant centers at qualified medical institutions with a goal of being recognized as a regional center of excellence in the area of cord blood transplantation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning in 2013, any money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only for the establishment of or support for a cord blood transplant center at a qualified medical institution.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest and reinvest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Comptroller shall pay out money from the Fund as directed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The General Fund of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other special fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3004" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="30" subtitle_name="Cord Blood Transplant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A qualified medical institution may apply for a grant from the Fund each year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to administer the Fund in accordance with the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3101" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Pharmacist” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Private or public entity” means a health care provider, local health department, community–based organization, substance abuse treatment organization, or other person that addresses medical or social issues related to drug addiction.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Overdose Response Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Standing order” means a written instruction for the prescribing and dispensing of an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in accordance with § 13–3106 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3102" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <text>The Overdose Response Program is a program administered by the Department for the purpose of providing a means of authorizing certain individuals to administer an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual experiencing, or believed to be experiencing, opioid overdose to help prevent a fatality when medical services are not immediately available.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3103" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations necessary for the administration of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect fees necessary for the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Authorize private or public entities to conduct education and training on opioid overdose recognition and response that include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Education on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Training on responding to an opioid overdose, including the administration of opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, emphasizing the restoration of breathing, avoiding withdrawal, and compassionate postoverdose support and care; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Access to opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the necessary supplies for the administration of the opioid overdose reversal drugs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Develop guidance regarding the content of educational training programs conducted by private or public entities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Collect and report data on the operation and results of the programs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual is not required to obtain training and education on opioid overdose recognition and response from a private or public entity under subsection (b) of this section in order for a pharmacist to dispense an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to the individual.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the limitations of the State budget, the Department shall purchase and provide opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, at no cost, to the providers who are required to offer opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration under § 8–408 or § 19–310.3 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An entity required to offer an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration under § 8–408 or § 19–310.3 of this article may provide an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration only if the opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration is provided by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall, subject to the limitations of the State budget, allow an entity that is provided with opioid overdose reversal drugs by the Department under this subsection to choose the formulation or dosage of opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration with which the entity is to be provided.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3104" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <text>An authorized private or public entity shall enter into a written agreement with a licensed health care provider with prescribing authority to establish protocols for the prescribing and dispensing of an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to any individual in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3105" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual may receive from any licensed health care provider with prescribing authority a prescription for an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the necessary supplies for the administration of the opioid overdose reversal drug.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual for whom an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration is prescribed and dispensed in accordance with this subtitle may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Possess the prescribed opioid overdose reversal drug and the necessary supplies for the administration of the opioid overdose reversal drug; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In an emergency situation when medical services are not immediately available, administer the opioid overdose reversal drug to an individual experiencing or believed by the individual to be experiencing an opioid overdose.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3106" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A licensed health care provider with prescribing authority may prescribe and dispense an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is believed by the licensed health care provider to be at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A licensed health care provider with prescribing authority may prescribe and dispense opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration by issuing a standing order if the licensed health care provider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is employed by the Department or a local health department; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Has a written agreement with an authorized private or public entity under § 13–3104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensed health care provider with prescribing authority who issues a standing order under paragraph (1) of this subsection may delegate the dispensing of opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an employee or a volunteer of an authorized private or public entity in accordance with a written agreement under § 13–3104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any licensed health care provider who has dispensing authority also may dispense an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to any individual in accordance with a standing order issued by a licensed health care provider with prescribing authority in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A pharmacist may dispense opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in accordance with a therapy management contract under Title 12, Subtitle 6A of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3107" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual who, in accordance with this subtitle, is administering an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual experiencing or believed by the individual to be experiencing an opioid overdose may not be considered to be practicing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Medicine for the purposes of Title 14 of the Health Occupations Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Registered nursing for the purposes of Title 8 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An employee or volunteer of a private or public entity who, in accordance with this subtitle, provides an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual who has received education and training in opioid overdose recognition and response in accordance with a standing order may not be considered to be practicing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Medicine for the purposes of Title 14 of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Registered nursing for the purposes of Title 8 of the Health Occupations Article; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pharmacy for the purposes of Title 12 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A licensed health care provider who prescribes or dispenses opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in accordance with this subtitle may not be subject to any disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing health occupations board under the Health Occupations Article solely for the act of prescribing or dispensing opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3108" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual who administers an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual who is or in good faith is believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose shall have immunity from liability under §§ 5–603 and 5–629 of the Courts Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any licensed health care provider with prescribing authority or pharmacist for any act or omission when the health care provider with prescribing authority or pharmacist in good faith prescribes or dispenses an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the necessary paraphernalia for the administration of the opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual under § 13–3106 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A cause of action may not arise against any business or business owner for any act or omission when the business or business owner in good faith makes opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration available to the employees or patrons of the business along with the necessary paraphernalia for administration of the opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual under § 13–3104 or § 13–3106 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to create a duty on any individual to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Obtain education and training from an authorized private or public entity under this subtitle, and an individual may not be held civilly liable for failing to obtain education and training from an authorized private or public entity under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Administer opioid overdose reversal drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to an individual who is experiencing or believed by the individual to be experiencing an opioid overdose.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3109" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="31" subtitle_name="Overdose Response Program"> <text>A person who dispenses an opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in accordance with this subtitle is exempt from any laws that require a person to maintain a permit to dispense prescription drugs.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Council” means the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Director” means the Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health established under Subtitle 32A of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <text>There is a Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The President of the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter, or the President’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The following members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Seven health care professionals with relevant professional experience;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Three human service professionals with relevant professional experience;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One elder law attorney with relevant professional experience;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Two research professionals with relevant professional experience;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Two family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>At the recommendation of the Council, any other member necessary to fulfill the duties of the Council.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable, the members appointed to the Council shall reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The members of the Council shall select the chair of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member of the Council is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the appointed members of the Council are staggered as required by the terms provided for the appointed members of the Council on October 1, 2022.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3205" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Dementia Services and Brain Health Program, with assistance from the Department of Aging, shall provide staff support for the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Director may request staffing assistance from public health entities with an interest in the duties of the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3206" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Update the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and advocate for the State Plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Examine the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify methods through which the State can most effectively and efficiently assist in meeting those needs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Examine the readiness and capacity of health care providers to deliver care to individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Identify methods through which the State can assist health care providers in delivering care to individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the most effective and efficient manner;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Advise the Governor and the General Assembly on policy, funding, regulatory, and other issues related to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop and promote strategies to encourage brain health and reduce cognitive decline.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3207" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32" subtitle_name="Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council"> <text>On or before September 1, 2022, and on or before September 1 every 5 years thereafter, the Council shall issue and publish an update to the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Council” means the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Director” means the Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Dementia Services and Brain Health Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-02" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <text>There is a Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-03" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <text>The position of Director shall be a full–time and permanent position.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-04" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Director shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to lead the State’s public health efforts relating to brain health and dementia.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Coordinate the Department’s approach to addressing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and brain health, including through public awareness, prevention, and early detection and diagnosis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Staff the Council and update the Council each quarter on the Program’s activities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Oversee implementation of the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Assess, analyze, and conduct outreach to share cognitive health and dementia–related data;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Develop and monitor implementation milestones and measurable outcomes to assess progress in achieving the goals laid out in the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Identify efficiencies across State agencies that aid individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and coordinate public and private stakeholder partnerships;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Support and promote the delivery of dementia–capable care across health care settings through various methods, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Establishing and maintaining a provider resource toolkit for dementia care, as defined in § 13–32A–07 of this subtitle, to support health care providers in delivering evidence–based, person–centered care;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Coordinating with academic institutions, health occupations boards, and continuing education providers to promote participation in dementia–specific education, training, and certification for health care professionals; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Collaborating with State–led care transformation initiatives to identify opportunities to incorporate dementia–capable care practices into health care models;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Apply for grants to enable the implementation of the State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias goals to reduce the risk of dementia, and to improve the quality of care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Carry out other duties relevant to the support of individuals with dementia as may be assigned by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-05" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <text>On or before September 1, 2023, and on or before September 1 every 5 years thereafter, the Director shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the activities and recommendations of the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-06" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to fund the position of Director and the Council, as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2023, at least $71,400;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2024, at least $83,000;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2025, at least $85,300;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, at least $87,600; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, at least $89,900.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-32A-07" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="32A" subtitle_name="Director of Dementia Services and Brain Health"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “toolkit” means the provider resource toolkit for dementia care for health care providers developed under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before October 1, 2027, the Department, in partnership with the Department of Aging, the Council, and other public or private organizations with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias shall establish and maintain a provider resource toolkit for dementia care for health care providers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the toolkit is to provide a centralized, up–to–date resource to support health care providers in caring for patients who are at risk for or who may have dementia.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The toolkit developed under subsection (b) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be composed of materials that can be developed using existing resources and expertise within the Department or obtained through partnerships with public or private entities as determined necessary by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Include information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including chronic diseases and the co–occurrence of Down syndrome (Trisomy–21);</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Risk reduction strategies, including information on lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The importance of early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Validated assessment tools for the detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairment;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The racial and ethnic disparities in detecting, diagnosing, and accessing treatment and services;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Person–centered care delivery and relevant sources of clinical practice guidelines and tools;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Effective care planning tools, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Available reimbursement tools, including relevant billing codes, for individuals with cognitive impairment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Referral pathways to community–based services and care planning resources; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Information on treatment options and relevant sources for guidelines; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Continuing education opportunities related to dementia care best practices.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall promote the use of the toolkit across health care sectors, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Managed care programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Academic research institutions;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Hospitals and health systems;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Federally qualified health centers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Hospital and health system associations;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Physician and medical student organizations;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Organizations representing the advancement of nurses, health care professionals, and health care organizations; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Any other public or private organization, entity, or part of an organization or entity the Department deems necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On or before January 1 each year, beginning in 2028, the Department shall review and update the information in the toolkit to reflect the most recent and accurate available information.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3401" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Family Planning Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Family planning providers” means providers of services:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Funded under Title X of the federal Public Health Service Act as of December 31, 2024; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That lost eligibility for Title X funding as a result of the termination of federal funding for providers because of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The scope of services offered by the providers; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The scope of services for which the providers offer referrals.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Family planning services” means services provided under Title X of the federal Public Health Service Act as of December 31, 2024.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the Family Planning Program established under § 13–3402 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3402" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="34" subtitle_name="Family Planning Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Family Planning Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to ensure the continuity of family planning services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall provide family planning services to individuals who are eligible for family planning services through family planning providers that meet Program requirements.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle, including regulations establishing a sliding scale fee for services provided under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Funding used to support family planning services under the Program shall be in addition to any funding applied by the Department before December 31, 2024, to the maintenance of effort requirement for federal funding under Title X of the federal Public Health Service Act.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may not accept any federal funding under Title X of the federal Public Health Service Act if the Title X program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Excludes family planning providers; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Does not require family planning providers to provide a broad range of acceptable and effective medically approved family planning methods and services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Department does not accept Title X program funds in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Governor shall fund the Program with State funds at the same level of total funds provided to the Program in the immediately preceding fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3501" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Co-Prescribing of Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Co–prescribing” means, with respect to an opioid overdose reversal drug, the practice of prescribing the drug in conjunction with an opioid prescription for a patient at an elevated risk of overdose.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Opioid overdose reversal drug” means naloxone or a similarly acting and equally safe drug that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3502" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="35" subtitle_name="Co-Prescribing of Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall establish guidelines for the co–prescribing of opioid overdose reversal drugs that are applicable to all licensed health care providers in the State who are authorized by law to prescribe a monitored prescription drug, as defined in § 21–2A–01 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The guidelines established under subsection (a) of this section shall address the co–prescribing of opioid overdose reversal drugs for patients who are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At an elevated risk of overdose; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Receiving opioid therapy for chronic pain;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Receiving a prescription for benzodiazepines; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Being treated for opioid use disorders.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3601" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Reporting of Overdoses"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Emergency medical services provider” has the meaning stated in § 13–516 of the Education Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Law enforcement officer” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Overdose” means a condition, including extreme physical illness, decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, or death, resulting from the consumption or use of any controlled dangerous substance that requires medical attention, assistance, or treatment, and clinical suspicion for drug overdose, including respiratory depression, unconsciousness, or altered mental state, without other conditions to explain the clinical condition.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3602" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Reporting of Overdoses"> <level label="a"> <text>An emergency medical services provider or a law enforcement officer who treats and releases or transports to a medical facility an individual experiencing a suspected or an actual overdose may report the incident using an appropriate information technology platform with secure access, including the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area overdose detection mapping application program, or any other program operated by the federal government or a unit of State or local government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A report of an overdose made under this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date and time of the overdose;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The approximate address where the overdose victim was initially encountered or where the overdose occurred;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Whether an opioid overdose reversal drug was administered; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Whether the overdose was fatal or nonfatal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an emergency medical services provider or a law enforcement officer reports an overdose under this section, the emergency medical services provider or law enforcement officer making the report shall make best efforts to make the report within 24 hours after responding to the incident.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On receipt of a patient care report that indicates an overdose, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems shall report the information listed under subsection (b) of this section to an appropriate information technology platform with secure access, including the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area overdose detection mapping application, or any other program operated by the federal government or a unit of State or local government.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Overdose information reported by an emergency medical services provider under subsection (a) of this section or by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems under subsection (d) of this section may not be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Used for a criminal investigation or prosecution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtained by a law enforcement officer as part of a criminal investigation or prosecution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An emergency medical services provider or a law enforcement officer who in good faith makes a report under this section shall be immune from criminal liability for making the report.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3603" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="36" subtitle_name="Reporting of Overdoses"> <text>A law enforcement agency may not publicly publish the exact address of an overdose location unless there is a valid public safety concern. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Committee” means the State Community Health Worker Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Community health worker” means a frontline public health worker who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is a trusted member of, or has an unusually close understanding of, the community being served;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serves as a liaison to, link to, or intermediary between health and social services and the community to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Facilitate access to services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self–sufficiency through a range of activities, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Outreach;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Community education;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The provision of information to support individuals in the community;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Social support; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Advocacy.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the State Community Health Workers Fund established under § 13–3707 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3702" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Community Health Worker Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Committee consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The following members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Nine community health workers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One registered nurse with experience in community health;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One licensed social worker with experience in community health;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One representative of a community health worker training organization;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Public Health Association;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One representative of a community–based employer of community health workers;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One member of the public who is familiar with the services of community health workers;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Association of County Health Officers;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Hospital Association; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>One representative of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each Advisory Committee member must be a resident of the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for the appointed members of the Advisory Committee on October 1, 2018.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Governor shall fill any vacancy on the Advisory Committee within 60 days after the date of the vacancy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may remove an appointed member for incompetence, misconduct, incapacity, or neglect of duty.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the recommendation of the Secretary, the Governor may remove an appointed member whom the Secretary finds to have been absent from two successive Advisory Committee meetings without adequate reason.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3703" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as the chair of the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>From among its appointed members, the Advisory Committee annually shall elect a vice chair and a secretary.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Advisory Committee shall determine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The manner of election of the vice chair and the secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The duties of each officer.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A majority of the members then serving on the Advisory Committee is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Advisory Committee shall meet at least two times each year, at the times and places that the Advisory Committee determines, to make recommendations regarding the items listed under § 13–3704 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A member of the Advisory Committee is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall provide staff support and technical assistance for the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Written materials used to conduct the business of the Advisory Committee shall be provided in the preferred language of the Advisory Committee members, as necessary.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Training or educational opportunities shall be made available to Advisory Committee members on the formal and informal processes that will be used to conduct the business of the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3704" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <text>After seeking input from the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Maryland Rural Health Association, the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Maryland State Dental Association, community and hospital employers of community health workers, and institutions of postsecondary education with programs in nursing, social work, and dietetics, the Advisory Committee shall advise the Department on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Community health worker training programs, including tiers of training;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Fees for the issuance and renewal of certificates and other services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Grandfathering provisions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Criteria for the denial of a certification application, reprimand of a certificate holder, placing a certificate holder on probation, or suspension or revocation of a certificate;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Hearing procedures before the Department takes any disciplinary action listed under item (4) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Appeal procedures for a person aggrieved by a decision of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Criteria for the reinstatement of a suspended or revoked certificate;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Penalties for violations of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The appropriate term of a certificate and renewal procedures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3705" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a certified community health worker training program must be accredited by the Department before operating in the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, may continue to operate until the deadline established by the Department under paragraph (3)(i)2 of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An apprenticeship program registered with the Maryland Department of Labor may be accredited by the Department as a certified community health worker training program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department, working in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall adopt regulations establishing a procedure for accrediting community health worker training programs.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The regulations adopted under this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A deadline before which certified community health worker training programs in operation on October 1, 2018, must apply for accreditation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A deadline before which the Department will make a decision regarding accreditation applications.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department shall consult with community health worker training programs in establishing the time frames required under this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The regulations adopted under this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A procedure for reviewing a certified community health worker training program’s application;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Curriculum requirements;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A process through which an individual working as a community health worker on October 1, 2018, and who already possesses the knowledge taught in a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under this section, may be exempted from the training required under § 13–3706(b)(1) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Requirements for periodic review of an accredited certified community health worker training program;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A process by which the Department shall notify a certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, of any changes needed to comply with the Department’s accreditation requirements;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A reasonable deadline before which a certified community health worker training program in operation on October 1, 2018, is required to comply with the Department’s accreditation requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A process by which the Department may revoke a certified community health worker training program’s accreditation that allows for an adequate hearing and chance for appeal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department, working in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt initial regulations for the certification of community health workers that establish:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That any individual who completes a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under subsection (a) of this section is a qualified community health worker applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An initial fee for the certification of community health workers, not to exceed $75, which shall be adjusted as advised by the Advisory Committee;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Keep a current record of all certified community health workers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collect and account for fees provided for under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Pay all necessary expenses associated with certifying community health workers in accordance with the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Keep a complete record of proceedings relating to certified community health workers; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Maintain a list of certified community health workers on its website to allow employers and consumers to verify the certification status of community health workers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations on the procedures for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Denying a certification application;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Suspending and revoking certificates;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Renewing certificates; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Otherwise regulating the certification of community health workers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may adopt any additional regulations recommended by the Advisory Committee for the certification of community health workers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3706" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may certify an individual to practice as a community health worker in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for certification, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Have completed a community health worker training program accredited by the Department under § 13–3705 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Be exempted by the Department from the training required under item (i) of this item; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meet any other requirements established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To apply for certification as a community health worker, an applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit an application to the Department on the form that the Department requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay any fee and submit any additional materials required by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall issue a certificate to any applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall include on each certificate that the Department issues:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The full name of the certificate holder;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The dates of issuance and expiration;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A serial number; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The signature of the Department’s representative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall establish a deadline after which an individual must be certified under this subtitle to make representations to the public that the individual is a certified community health worker.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or after the date set under paragraph (1) of this subsection, unless certified as a community health worker under this subtitle, an individual may not represent to the public by title that the individual is certified as a community health worker.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An individual who violates paragraph (2) of this subsection is subject to a penalty determined and collected by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3707" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Community Health Workers Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department may set fees as advised by the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Funds to cover the expenses of the Department relating to the certification of community health workers shall be generated by fees set under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall remit all fees collected under this subtitle to the Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund shall be used to cover the actual documented direct and indirect costs of fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the Department as provided under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any unspent portion of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund but shall remain in the Fund to be used for the purposes specified in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>No other State money may be used to support the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A designee of the Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money in the Fund may be expended only for any lawful purpose authorized under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3708" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <text>A person shall have the immunity from liability described in § 5–702 of the Courts Article for giving information to the Department or the Advisory Committee or otherwise participating in activities of the Department or the Advisory Committee relating to community health workers.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3709" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="37" subtitle_name="Community Health Workers"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Community Health Workers Act.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-3901" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 35 OF 2019" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="39" subtitle_name="Veteran Suicide Prevention"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall develop a comprehensive action plan to increase access to and availability of professional veteran health services to prevent veteran suicides that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Short–term initiatives and reforms and a plan for State implementation beginning on or before July 1, 2021; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Long–term initiatives and reforms and a plan for State implementation beginning on or before July 1, 2023.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The action plan developed under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify opportunities for raising awareness of and providing resources for veteran suicide prevention;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify opportunities to increase access to veteran mental health services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identify funding resources to provide accessible and affordable veteran mental health services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide measures to expand public–private partnerships to ensure access to quality and timely mental health services;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide for proactive outreach measures to reach veterans needing care;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide for peer–to–peer service coordination, including training, certification, recertification, and continuing education for peer coordinators; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Address suicide prevention awareness, measures, and training regarding veterans who are involved in the justice system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall collaborate with interested parties in developing the plan required under subsection (a) of this section, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The United States Department of Veterans Affairs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center Implementation Academy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Veteran advocacy groups;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Medical providers; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other interested party the Department considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall implement the short–term initiatives and reforms in the plan developed under subsection (a)(1) of this section on or before June 30, 2023.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall implement the long–term initiatives and reforms in the plan required under subsection (a)(2) of this section on or before June 30, 2029.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-39A-01" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="39A" subtitle_name="Youth Suicide Prevention and Firearm Safe Storage"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, “guide” means the youth suicide prevention and firearm safe storage guide developed under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before January 1, 2024, the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services shall develop a youth suicide prevention and firearm safe storage guide.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The guide developed under subsection (b) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide a description of the firearm and ammunition requirements for safely storing firearms under State law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify the risks associated with unsafe firearm storage for minors, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Suicide;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Death or serious bodily injury from accidental discharge; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shooting incidents involving minors; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Incorporate best practices for firearm and ammunition safe storage.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Post the guide on its website;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make an electronic version of the guide available to families, health and social services providers, and any other entities that have an interest in youth suicide prevention or firearms storage, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Behavioral health programs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department of Juvenile Services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Firearms dealers licensed by the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Local health departments;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Local school systems;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The Maryland Association of Youth Service Bureaus;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>State and local law enforcement agencies;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>The State Department of Education; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>Instructors who have been licensed or certified by the Department of State Police to teach firearm safety training courses; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide grants to local school systems, local health departments, and nonprofit agencies to support the education of families on the safe storage practices recommended in the guide.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4001" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <text>In this subtitle, “Program” means the Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4002" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department may adopt regulations to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4003" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to local fire departments and volunteer fire companies and departments to procure innovative cancer screening tests that are not otherwise conducted during routine physical examinations or covered by insurance to professional firefighters employed by a local fire department and volunteer firefighters who serve in a volunteer fire company or department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The goal of the Program is to reduce cancer mortality among professional and volunteer firefighters while advancing the adoption of novel technologies that may also benefit the health of Marylanders and the economy of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4004" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A local fire department or a volunteer fire company or department may apply to the Department for a grant under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The county in which a volunteer fire company or department is located shall assist volunteer fire companies or departments in filing applications under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each year, the Department shall issue a request for applications from local fire departments and volunteer fire companies or departments for grants offered under the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An application submitted in accordance with subsection (b) of this section shall include, at minimum:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The names and qualifications of competent health care providers that are advising the applicant on the selection and administration of cancer screening tests;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of firefighters proposed to be screened and the criteria for selecting those firefighters that the applicant has determined to be at the highest cancer risk based on the latest scientific and medical research reports; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A description of each test proposed to be procured by the applicant, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The claimed accuracy and reliability of the test;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The scientific and clinical evidence supporting the claimed accuracy and reliability;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Whether the test employs innovative or novel technologies, such as DNA sequencing, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, or other state–of–the–art technology;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Whether the test has the ability to simultaneously screen for two or more cancer types for which firefighters have a higher incidence or death rate;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The cost of the test; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Whether the test is developed, manufactured, or commercialized by a business entity located in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4005" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall develop a weighting formula by which to rate each application received under § 13–4004 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall prioritize awarding grants to applicants based on the quality of the application and the degree to which the tests proposed to be procured by the applicant meet the following criteria:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The scientific and clinical evidence supporting the claimed accuracy and reliability of the test;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Whether the test employs innovative or novel technologies;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The ability of the test to simultaneously screen for two or more cancer types;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The cost–effectiveness of the test; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Whether the test is developed, manufactured, or commercialized by a business entity located in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Department receives applications for grants totaling more than the amount of funds appropriated for the Program for a fiscal year, the Department shall award the grants on a pro rata basis.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4006" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal years 2021 through 2024, the Governor shall include at least $100,000 in the annual budget for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor may include at least $1,000,000 in the annual budget for the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Appropriations and expenditures made for the purpose of implementing the Program, including the use of any funds received by a person under any component of the Program, are subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may use up to 20% of Program funds to support research centers, including the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, in the collection, analysis, and processing of Program outcome data for the purposes of assessing, maximizing, and improving the effectiveness and clinical utility of the cancer screening funded by the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4007" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="40" subtitle_name="Professional and Volunteer Firefighter Innovative Cancer Screening Technologies Program"> <text>On or before December 1, 2020, and each December 1 thereafter, the Department shall report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of individuals who have been screened through the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The types of tests used to screen those individuals;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The costs of the tests; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The types of cancers detected by the tests.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4101" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Direct threat” has the meaning stated in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Eligible child” means a child who has a history of trauma, has been diagnosed with post–traumatic stress disorder, or has been diagnosed with a developmental disability and special health care need under Title V of the Social Security Act.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Children’s Service Animal Program Fund established under § 13–4105 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Nonprofit training entity” means a corporation, a foundation, or any other legal entity that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Engages in the training of service dogs or support dogs for use by children; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Uses trained therapy horses for interaction with children; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Has been selected by the Department to provide services under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Children’s Service Animal Program established under § 13–4102 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Program participant” means an eligible child who participates in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Successful Program participant” means a Program participant who successfully completes the training or therapy protocol specified by a nonprofit training entity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4102" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Children’s Service Animal Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refer eligible children who may benefit from participation in the Program to one or more nonprofit training entities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide additional funding mechanisms to assist children participating in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Expand treatment of children with a history of trauma or post–traumatic stress disorder or with a developmental disability and special health care need under Title V of the Social Security Act.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4103" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall select at least one nonprofit training entity to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Implement a training or therapy protocol for the purposes of the Program that will teach each Program participant methodologies, strategies, and techniques for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Partnering with a service dog or support dog; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Interacting with therapy horses;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Select qualified Program participants from those eligible children referred to the nonprofit entity under the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Select an appropriate service dog, support dog, or therapy horse, as applicable, for each Program participant;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitate each Program participant’s training or therapy using the nonprofit training entity’s training or therapy protocol; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Unless the nonprofit training entity uses trained therapy horses, partner each successful Program participant with the service dog or support dog on the Program participant’s successful completion of the nonprofit training entity’s training protocol.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To be eligible for selection under subsection (a) of this section, a nonprofit entity must:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be based in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Serve the needs of children with a history of trauma or post–traumatic stress disorder or with a developmental disability and special health care need under Title V of the Social Security Act; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Generate its own revenue and reinvest the proceeds of that revenue in the growth and development of its programs.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4104" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A nonprofit training entity may disqualify a Program participant from participation in the Program if the nonprofit training entity determines that the Program participant’s involvement in the Program:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Presents a danger to the Program participant’s mental or physical well–being;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Presents a direct threat to others;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Presents a direct threat to the mental or physical well–being of the service dog, support dog, or therapy horse; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Does not meet the training requirements of the nonprofit training entity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A Program participant may discontinue involvement in the Program for any reason.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4105" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Children’s Service Animal Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall use revenue from the Fund to pay a nonprofit training entity.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Revenue from the Fund may be used only to pay:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A nonprofit training entity; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Administrative costs of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue collected by the Department in the form of donations to the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Money expended from the Fund is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4106" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="41" subtitle_name="Maryland Children's Service Animal Program"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Center” means the Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence established under § 13–4202 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Maryland HBCU” means the following historically black colleges and universities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bowie State University;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coppin State University;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Morgan State University; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>University of Maryland Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Racial impact analysis” means a systematic examination of how racial minorities are or will be impacted by existing or proposed models, plans, policies, strategies, programs, processes, or recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Racial minority” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Black or African American;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hispanic or Latino;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Indigenous, American Indian, or Alaska Native;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Asian; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Sequential Intercept Model” means a systems–level framework for criminal justice and behavioral health stakeholders to prevent entrance into the criminal justice system, minimize penetration into the criminal justice system, and engage individuals with behavioral health services and recovery supports as they transition into the community from the criminal justice system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence in the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Center are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Act as the statewide information repository for behavioral health treatment and diversion programs related to the criminal justice system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Lead the development of a strategic plan to increase treatment and reduce the detention of individuals with behavioral health disorders involved in the criminal justice system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide technical assistance to local governments for developing effective behavioral health systems of care that prevent and minimize involvement with the criminal justice system for individuals with behavioral health disorders;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitate local or regional planning workshops using the Sequential Intercept Model;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Coordinate with the Department and the Behavioral Health Administration to implement and track the progress of creating an effective behavioral health system of care in the State relating to individuals involved in the criminal justice system; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Identify and inform any relevant stakeholders of any federal funding available to the Center to carry out the mission of the Center, including through the provision of grants, scholarships, and other funding to recipients engaged in training, the provision of services, or the study of matters relating to behavioral health, public safety, and criminal justice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In carrying out its duties, the Center shall continuously monitor and analyze its models, plans, policies, strategies, programs, technical assistance, and training for their validity and for opportunities to reduce and eliminate disparities in the criminalization of racial minorities with behavioral health disorders and increase access to culturally competent care.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall appoint the following individuals to jointly oversee the Center:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A crisis intervention law enforcement coordinator;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A mental health coordinator; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other individuals determined necessary by the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The individuals appointed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be associated with the Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence within the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Center may designate points of contact throughout the State who specialize in behavioral health treatment within the criminal justice system to brief the Center on the progress of statewide implementation of diversion programs.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Center may coordinate with the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board and other State entities working to reduce State and local detention facility populations and recidivism.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Center may enter into contracts with the University of Maryland System, Maryland HBCUs, or other entities or organizations for the purposes of carrying out its mission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 for the Center to enter into contracts for the purposes of carrying out its mission, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Facilitating the gathering of information from all counties in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Supporting local or regional planning workshops; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Supporting the purposes of the Center established under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The operation of the Center is subject to the limitations of the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <level label="a"> <text>The activities of the Center shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Strategic planning;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Technical assistance;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State and local government coordination; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitating the provision of train–the–trainer courses for the Sequential Intercept Model for completion in 2021 in partnership with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, with the goal of training 50 individuals in the State as facilitators.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Center shall provide technical assistance to local governments for the purposes of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sharing best practices across jurisdictions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Applying for grants to support work related to behavioral health, public safety, or criminal justice;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Facilitating the distribution of resources, technical assistance, and training in best practices related to behavioral health, public safety, or criminal justice; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitating local and regional Sequential Intercept Model Summits.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Center shall develop the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A statewide model for law enforcement–assisted diversion;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recommendations for pretrial services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Procedures for sharing deflection and diversion statistics between relevant State agencies;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Recommendations for statewide implementation of law enforcement–assisted diversion programs; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A statewide model for community crisis intervention services other than law enforcement.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Center shall host one State Sequential Intercept Model Summit each year for the purpose of sharing best practices across jurisdictions and tracking the progression of Maryland’s community health and public safety system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Center apply to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for grant funding to hold subsequent State Sequential Intercept Model Summits annually.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Center shall support county or regional Sequential Intercept Model mapping workshops and summarize results in reports that inform cross–agency planning and program development.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Center shall implement systems and policies that establish a regional approach to community health and public safety, including by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Facilitating multijurisdictional applications for federal behavioral health and criminal justice grants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coordinating and connecting similar programs across multiple jurisdictions; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Assisting localities in broadening and formalizing county–level collaboration in behavioral health, public safety, and criminal justice.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2022, the Center shall produce and update a multiyear strategic plan to implement the recommendations of the report of the annual State Sequential Intercept Model Summit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The strategic plan shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A plan for formal, consistent, appropriate, and coordinated behavioral health screening processes that are properly applied at jail booking, including expanded behavioral health screening for veterans;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recommendations for the coordination of behavioral health and criminal justice initiatives with related State health initiatives;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recommendations for investment in preventive services systems including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Assertive community treatment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Crisis response services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Harm reduction strategies; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Other preventive services for individuals with behavioral health disorders;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An expansion of the use of technology and data analysis across the behavioral health, public safety, and criminal justice systems in accordance with the purposes of the Center;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A plan for expanding the use of peer support services across intercepts; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A racial impact analysis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In developing the strategic plan, the Center shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Opportunities for the provision of pre–crisis–to–recovery services to individuals with behavioral health disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The availability of housing options for individuals with behavioral health disorders who are involved with the criminal justice system; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The availability of transportation for individuals with behavioral health disorders who are involved with the criminal justice system.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4205" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <level label="a"> <text>Each local jurisdiction in the State shall develop a 2–year community health and public safety plan in collaboration with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Center;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local health department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The local department of human services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Behavioral health coordinators for the local school system;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The local health improvement council;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Community–based behavioral health providers;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>A representative of the NAACP;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>A representative of public defenders; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Other key stakeholders.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The plan shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An assessment of the capacity of the local behavioral system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recommendations for the enhancement of the local crisis response system;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recommendations for the enhancement of the local behavioral health care system, including culturally competent care;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An analysis of available federal grant funds available to the county or jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A racial impact analysis.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A local jurisdiction is encouraged to use an existing local planning and coordinating committee or local management board to satisfy the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4206" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="42" subtitle_name="Maryland Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Center, to the extent practicable, identify opportunities to fund: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Behavioral health crisis grants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Training for 9–1–1 operators;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Peer support services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Behavioral health screenings;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Scholarships for students who attend a Maryland HBCU to study behavioral health–, public safety–, or criminal justice–related issues; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Behavioral health initiatives in rural communities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4301" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commission” means the Maryland Commission on Health Equity.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Health equity framework” means a public health framework through which policymakers and stakeholders in the public and private sectors use a collaborative approach to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities in the State by incorporating health considerations into decision making across sectors and policy areas.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Statewide health equity plan” means the equity plan required under a cooperative grant funding agreement with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4302" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <text>There is a Maryland Commission on Health Equity.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4303" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Secretary of Housing and Community Development, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>The Maryland Insurance Commissioner, or the Insurance Commissioner’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>The Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>The Executive Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>One representative of a local health department, designated by the Maryland Association of County Health Officers; and</text> </level> <level label="20"> <text>The following members, appointed by the Secretary with the advice of the Health Services Cost Review Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At least one representative of hospitals in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At least two individuals with experience in hospital–based population health;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At least one representative of a federally qualified health center in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>At least two representatives of community–based organizations;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>At least two patients from underserved communities;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>At least one representative of a managed care organization;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>At least one representative of a commercial health insurer;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>At least two representatives of clinicians and providers who are not affiliated with a hospital or a federally qualified health center;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>At least one representative from the State Rural Health Office; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>At least one representative of a tribal community in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable, the members appointed to the Commission shall reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A majority of the members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall determine the times, places, and frequency of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall meet at least four times each year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4304" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, and the Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee, shall cochair the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall provide staff support for the Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4305" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Commission is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Employ a health equity framework to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Develop a statewide health equity plan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Examine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The health of residents of the State to the extent necessary to carry out the requirements of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ways for units of State and local government to collaborate to implement policies that will positively impact the health of residents of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The impact of the following factors on the health of residents of the State:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Access to safe and affordable housing;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Educational attainment;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Opportunities for employment;</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Economic stability;</text> </level> <level label="E"> <text>Environmental factors;</text> </level> <level label="F"> <text>Public safety, including the impact of crime, citizen unrest, the criminal justice system, and governmental policies that affect individuals who are in prison or released from prison; and</text> </level> <level label="G"> <text>Food insecurity;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide direct advice to the Secretary and the State’s independent health regulatory commissions, and indirect advice to the Department’s senior administrators and planners through the Secretary, regarding issues of racial, ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic health disparities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Facilitate coordination of the expertise and experience of the State’s health and human services, housing, transportation, education, environment, community development, and labor systems in developing a comprehensive health equity plan addressing the social determinants of health; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Set goals for health equity and prepare a plan for the State to achieve health equity in alignment with any other statewide planning activities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission, using a health equity framework, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Examine and make recommendations regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Health considerations that may be incorporated into the decision–making processes of government agencies and private sector stakeholders who interact with government agencies;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Requirements for implicit bias training for clinicians engaged in patient care and whether the State should provide the training;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Training for health care providers on consistent and proper collection of patient self–identified race, ethnicity, and language data to identify disparities accurately; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Requirements to comply with, and for enforcement of, National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS Standards);</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Foster collaboration between units of the State and local government and develop policies to improve health and reduce health inequities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Identify measures for monitoring and advancing health equity in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish a State plan for achieving health equity in alignment with other statewide planning activities in coordination with the State’s health and human services, housing, transportation, education, environment, community development, and labor systems;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Make recommendations and provide advice, including direct advice to the Secretary, on implementing laws and policies to improve health and reduce health inequities; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Develop and monitor a statewide health equity plan as required by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation under any agreement entered into between the State and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may establish advisory committees to assist the Commission in the performance of its duties under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An advisory committee established under this subsection may include individuals who are not members of the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4306" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall, in coordination with the Department, the Health Services Cost Review Commission, and the State designated health information exchange, establish an advisory committee to make recommendations on data collection, needs, quality, reporting, evaluation, and visualization for the Commission to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The advisory committee shall include representatives from the State designated health information exchange.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The advisory committee shall define the parameters of a health equity data set to be maintained by the State designated health information exchange, including indicators for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Social and economic conditions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Environmental conditions;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Health status;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Behaviors;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Health care; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Priority health outcomes for monitoring health equity for racial and ethnic minority populations in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The data set for which parameters are defined under paragraph (3) of this subsection shall include data from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Health care facilities that report to the Health Services Cost Review Commission;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Health care payers that report to the Maryland Health Care Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other data source the advisory committee determines necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Data shall be reported in the aggregate if it is reported:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To the public; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>From the State designated health information exchange to the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the advisory committee makes a recommendation that data be made available to the public, the recommendation shall comply with applicable federal and State privacy law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may request data consistent with the recommendations of the advisory committee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Data requested by the Commission under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be provided, to the extent authorized by federal and State privacy law, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State designated exchange.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may publish or provide to the public any data collected under this section consistent with the recommendations of the advisory committee established under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4307" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="43" subtitle_name="Maryland Commission on Health Equity"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the activities of the Commission.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4401" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="44" subtitle_name="Cannabis Use Baseline Study"> <level label="a"> <text>The Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission, in consultation with the Department, the Behavioral Health Administration, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, the Maryland Poison Center, the State’s designated Health Information Exchange, and the Maryland Hospital Association, shall conduct, or contract with an institution of higher education or a private research entity to conduct, a comprehensive baseline study of cannabis use in the State that includes a survey of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Patterns of use, including frequency of use and dosing, methods of consumption, and general perceptions of cannabis among:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Individuals under the age of 18 years;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Individuals at least 18 years old and under the age of 21 years;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Individuals at least 21 years old and under the age of 55 years;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Individuals at least 55 years old;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Pregnant women; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Breastfeeding women;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Incidents of impaired driving, including arrests, accidents, and fatalities, related to cannabis use;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Hospitalizations related to cannabis use;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Calls to poison control centers related to cannabis use, including data on calls related to individuals under the age of 21 years; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Diagnoses of cannabis use disorder and problem cannabis use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before March 1, 2023, the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission shall submit a report of the findings of the baseline study conducted under subsection (a) of this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Health and Government Operations Committee.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before March 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter, the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Survey the same factors that are set forth in subsection (a) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use the same methodology or model that is used to conduct the survey required under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit a report of the findings of the survey required under this subsection to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Health and Government Operations Committee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4501" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Advisory Council” means the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Cannabis Public Health Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4502" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Advisory Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member from the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member from the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration, or the Administrator’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity in the Department of Social and Economic Mobility, or the Executive Director’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The following members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One representative from a historically black college or university;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One health care provider with experience in cannabis;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One pharmacist licensed in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One health care provider with expertise in substance use disorder treatment and recovery;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One individual with expertise in cannabis use disorder;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One academic researcher with expertise in cannabis law and policy;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One individual with at least 5 years of experience in health or social equity;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One public health professional with cannabis experience; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One representative of a laboratory that tests cannabis.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To the extent practicable and consistent with federal and State law, the membership of the Advisory Council shall reflect the gender, ethnic, and racial diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The membership of the Advisory Council shall include residents of rural and urban regions of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council shall file a financial disclosure statement with the State Ethics Commission in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the General Provisions Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for the appointed members of the Advisory Council on January 1, 2023.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4503" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The chair of the Advisory Council shall be elected by the members of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A majority of the members then serving on the Advisory Council is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet at least four times each year, at the times and places that the Advisory Council determines.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Advisory Council may form workgroups to assist in the work of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall provide staff support and technical assistance for the Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4504" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Advisory Council shall study and make recommendations regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The promotion of public health and mitigation of youth use of, misuse of, and addiction to cannabis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Data collection and reporting of data that measures the impact of cannabis consumption and legalization;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The impact of cannabis legalization on the education, behavioral health, and somatic health of individuals under the age of 21 years;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Initiatives to prevent cannabis use by individuals under the age of 21 years, including educational programs for use in schools;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Public health campaigns on cannabis;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Advertising, labeling, product testing, and quality control requirements;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Training for health care providers related to cannabis use;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Best practices regarding requirements to reduce the appeal of cannabis to minors, including advertising, potency, packaging, and labeling standards; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Any other issues that advance public health related to cannabis use and legalization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Advisory Council shall consider any data collected by the State related to cannabis use when making recommendations, including data collected under § 13–4401 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4505" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Cannabis Public Health Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to address the health effects associated with the legalization of adult–use cannabis.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue distributed to the Fund based on revenues from adult–use cannabis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Revenue distributed to the Fund in accordance with § 2–1302.2 of the Tax – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Supporting the Advisory Council in performing its duties;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Supporting data collection and research on the effects of cannabis legalization in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Providing funding for education and public awareness campaigns related to cannabis use, including funding for educational programs to be used in schools;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Supporting substance use disorder counseling and treatment for individuals;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Training and equipment for law enforcement to recognize impairments due to cannabis; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Purchasing technology proven to be effective at measuring cannabis levels in drivers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4506" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="45" subtitle_name="Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, the Advisory Council shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Fund” means the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4702" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <text>There is an Abortion Care Clinical Training Program in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4703" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to protect access to abortion care by ensuring that there are a sufficient number of health professionals to provide abortion care. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4704" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall contract with a coordinating organization to administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall use funds appropriated in the budget for the Program to contract with the coordinating organization under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The coordinating organization shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Have demonstrated experience in coordinating abortion care training programs at community–based and hospital–based provider sites;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be a nonprofit entity;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Be in good standing in any state or jurisdiction in which the organization is registered or incorporated;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Submit an annual report to the Department on the performance of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Meet any other requirements established by the Department if the requirements are not inconsistent with Title 20, Subtitle 2 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Perform the following functions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Administer grants to develop and sustain abortion care training programs at a minimum of two community–based provider sites;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Administer grants if funding is available to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Other community–based sites;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hospital–based provider sites;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Continuing education programs for qualified providers through professional associations or other clinical education programs; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish training program requirements that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Are consistent with evidence–based training standards;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Comply with any applicable State law and regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Focus on the provision of culturally congruent care and include implicit bias training;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Support abortion care clinical training to qualified providers as defined in § 20–103 of this article and to the clinical care teams of the qualified providers to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Expand the number of health care professionals with abortion care training; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Increase the racial and ethnic diversity among health care professionals with abortion care training; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Support the identification, screening, and placement of qualified providers at training sites.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall release the name of the coordinating organization that the Department contracts with under subsection (a) of this section and any entity receiving funds through the coordinating organization.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may not release the name of any individual or person administering services through or participating in the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4705" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <text>For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $3,500,000 to the Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4706" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Abortion Care Clinical Training Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to support the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interest earnings; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest and reinvest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Comptroller shall pay out money from the Fund as directed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The General Fund of the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other special fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4707" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="47" subtitle_name="Abortion Care Clinical Training Program"> <text>On or before July 1 each year, the Department shall submit an annual report on the Program to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4801" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Behavioral health” includes substance–related disorders, addictive disorders, mental disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress–related physical symptoms.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commission” means the Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4802" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <text>There is a Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access, which shall meet jointly with the Behavioral Health Advisory Council.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4803" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The Maryland Insurance Commissioner, or the Commissioner’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>The Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>The Executive Director of the State–designated health information exchange, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>The Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>The Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children, or the Special Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>The Special Secretary of Opioid Response, or the Special Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>The following members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One representative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One representative of the National Alliance on Mental Illness;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One representative of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One representative of a provider of residential behavioral health services;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One representative of an acute care hospital;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One representative of an inpatient psychiatric hospital;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One individual with experience as a consumer of behavioral health services;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One family member of an individual with experience as a consumer of behavioral health services;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One representative of a provider of substance use treatment services;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>One representative of a school–based health center;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>One individual with expertise in social determinants of health;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>One individual with expertise in health economics;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>One representative of a health insurance carrier;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>One representative of a managed care organization;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>One representative from the Office of the Public Defender;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>One representative of the Developmental Disability Coalition;</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence;</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Psychological Association;</text> </level> <level label="xix"> <text>One representative of Disability Rights Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="xx"> <text>One representative of a Federally Qualified Health Center;</text> </level> <level label="xxi"> <text>One representative of a local behavioral health authority;</text> </level> <level label="xxii"> <text>One individual with an intellectual disability who uses self–directed behavioral health services; and</text> </level> <level label="xxiii"> <text>One representative of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent practicable, the membership of the Commission shall reflect the geographic and ethnic diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House jointly shall designate the chair of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission shall meet at least three times per year at the times and places determined jointly by the Commission and the Behavioral Health Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4804" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <text>The purpose of the Commission is to make recommendations to provide appropriate, accessible, and comprehensive behavioral health services that are available on demand to individuals in the State across the behavioral health continuum.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4805" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Conduct an assessment of behavioral health services in the State to identify needs and gaps in services across the continuum, including community–based outpatient and support services, crisis response, and inpatient care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Examine the methods for reimbursing behavioral health care services in the State and make recommendations on the most effective forms of reimbursement to maximize service delivery;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Compile findings of State–specific needs assessments related to behavioral health care services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Review recommendations and reports of State commissions, workgroups, or task forces related to behavioral health care services;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Conduct a needs assessment on the State’s behavioral health care workforce to identify gaps and make recommendations to ensure an adequate, culturally competent, and diverse workforce across the behavioral health care continuum;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Review trends and best practices from other states regarding policy and reimbursement strategies that support access to a comprehensive array of services and ensure quality of care;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Examine and make recommendations related to the behavioral health of the geriatric and youth populations in the State;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Examine and make recommendations to provide appropriate and adequate behavioral health services to individuals with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral health needs, specifically youth;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Assess the health infrastructure, facilities, personnel, and services available for the State’s forensic population and identify deficiencies in resources and policies needed to prioritize health outcomes, increase public safety, and reduce recidivism;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Make recommendations on expanding behavioral health treatment access for the State’s court–ordered population;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Make recommendations on action plans regarding the behavioral health care system’s capacity to prepare for and respond to future challenges affecting the entire State or particular regions or populations in the State, including pandemics and extreme weather events;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Make recommendations to ensure that behavioral health treatment is provided in the appropriate setting, including methods to divert behavioral health patients from emergency departments by using the Maryland Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Registry and Referral System established under § 7.5–802 of this article and 2–1–1;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Examine and review the use of harm reduction strategies to facilitate access to care;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>Examine methods to assist consumers in accessing behavioral health services; and</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>Make, in coordination with the Behavioral Health Advisory Council, recommendations regarding the continuation of the State’s behavioral health carve–out and the financing structure and quality oversight necessary to integrate somatic and behavioral health services and ensure compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4806" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall establish the following workgroups:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Geriatric behavioral health;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Youth behavioral health, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with complex behavioral health needs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Criminal justice–involved behavioral health;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Behavioral health workforce development, infrastructure, coordination, and financing; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Improvement of health, social, and economic outcomes related to substance use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The workgroup required under subsection (a)(5) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Evaluate and review:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The availability, affordability, and accessibility of treatment for substance use disorder and recovery support services, including housing and employment services, in the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number and percentage of individuals who are directed to services described in item (i) of this item by the criminal justice system of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The health outcomes after receiving services described in item (i) of this item disaggregated by whether the services were sought voluntarily or mandated by the criminal justice system of the State;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The impact of current criminal justice involvement related to substance use in the State on the health and well–being of individuals, families, and communities;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The cost to the State and local governments resulting from current criminal justice involvement related to substance use in the State;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>The equitable application of current criminal justice involvement related to substance use in the State;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>The current research on the efficacy of voluntary treatment for substance use disorder compared to treatment mandated by criminal justice systems, including criminal justice systems outside the State; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>The availability and accessibility of data on the issues enumerated in this item;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Evaluate and review the Department’s regulations on the standards for the discharge of patients from substance use treatment programs to assess whether the standards adequately consider the patient’s mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis and the impact of the discharge standards on the patient; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Make recommendations on changes to State laws, policies, and practices needed to mitigate the harms related to the criminalization of substance use with the goal of improving the public health and safety of residents of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Make recommendations on changes to State laws, policies, and practices related to the discharge of patients from substance use treatment programs to consider the patient’s mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis in making an appropriate placement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The workgroups established under subsection (a) of this section shall meet at least two times per year at the times and places determined by the workgroup.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The workgroups established under subsection (a) of this section shall include members of the Commission and may include individuals invited by the Commission or the Behavioral Health Advisory Council to serve on the workgroup.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before July 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the workgroups established under subsection (a) of this section shall report and make recommendations to the Commission and the Behavioral Health Advisory Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4807" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290 AND 291 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="48" subtitle_name="Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before January 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Commission, in coordination with the Behavioral Health Advisory Council, shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the Commission’s findings and recommendations, including funding and legislative recommendations, that are consistent with providing appropriate, accessible, and comprehensive behavioral health services that are available on demand to individuals in the State across the behavioral health continuum.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any legislative recommendations included in the report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection that require funding shall include an estimate of the funding required to implement the recommendation and information that supports the funding estimate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required on or before January 1, 2024, shall include the findings of the needs assessments required under § 13–4805 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before July 1, 2025, the Commission, in coordination with the Behavioral Health Advisory Council, shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the Commission’s findings and recommendations regarding the continuation of the State’s behavioral health carve–out and the financing structure and quality oversight necessary to integrate somatic and behavioral health care services in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4901" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Behavioral health care coordination” means a person–centered, team–based activity designed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Assess and meet the needs of an individual with a behavioral health condition; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Help the individual navigate the health care system effectively and efficiently.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Pilot Program” means the Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value–Based Purchasing Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Value–based purchasing” means financially incentivizing providers to meet specified outcome measures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4902" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <text>There is a Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value–Based Purchasing Pilot Program in the Department. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4903" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <text>The purpose of the Pilot Program is to establish and implement an intensive care coordination model using value–based purchasing in the specialty behavioral health system.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4904" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall administer the Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall identify at least 500 adults whose behavioral health condition or functioning places them at risk of hospital emergency department utilization or inpatient psychiatric hospital admission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Pilot Program shall be operational for a 3–year period.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A provider or network of providers selected to participate in the Pilot Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be licensed and in good standing with the Maryland Medical Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Have experience in providing community–based care coordination to specialty behavioral health program recipients;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Use an electronic medical record for documenting care coordination activities and outcomes collection; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Have an automated data exchange with the State–designated health information exchange.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide reimbursement on a per member per month basis for the behavioral health care coordination activities that are not otherwise covered by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collect outcomes data on recipients of health care services under the Pilot Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Evaluate the effectiveness of the value–based purchasing model by analyzing the following outcome measures:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A comparison of the following data elements before and after enrollment of recipients of health care services under the Pilot Program:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Emergency department utilization for both behavioral and somatic health purposes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Inpatient hospitalization for both behavioral and somatic health purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Total health care expenditures;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Outcomes for recipients with and without primary care services coordinated by a behavioral health provider; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Recognized clinical quality metrics which may include patient experience measures.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4905" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <text>If necessary to implement the Pilot Program, the Department shall apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for an amendment to the State’s § 1115 HealthChoice Demonstration.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4906" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <level label="a"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2027, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $600,000 for the Pilot Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Department may allocate a percentage of the annual appropriation required under subsection (a) of this section to reimbursement paid based on the achievement of the outcome measures described in § 13–4904(e)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In fiscal year 2027, the Department may increase the percentage of the annual appropriation required under subsection (a) of this section allocated to reimbursement paid in accordance with subsection (b) of this section over the percentage allocated in fiscal year 2026.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-4907" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2027 PER CHAPTERS 290, 291, AND 369 OF 2023" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="49" subtitle_name="Behavioral Health Care Coordination Value-Based Purchasing Pilot Program. [Effective Until December 1, 2027]"> <text>On or before November 1, 2027, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the Department’s findings and recommendations from the Pilot Program.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5001" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Rare Disease Advisory Council"> <text>There is a Rare Disease Advisory Council.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5002" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Rare Disease Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The chair of the State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One representative of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, designated by the Director of the Office;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, designated by the Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Insurance Administration, designated by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The following members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One representative of an academic research institution that receives grant funding for rare disease research;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One geneticist licensed and practicing in the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse licensed and practicing in the State with experience treating rare diseases;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One physician licensed in the State with experience treating rare diseases;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One hospital administrator, or the designee of a hospital administrator, from a hospital in the State that provides care to individuals diagnosed with a rare disease;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One pharmacist licensed in the State with experience dispensing drugs used to treat rare diseases;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Two individuals who have been diagnosed with a rare disease;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>One caregiver of an individual with a rare disease;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>One representative of a rare disease patient organization that operates in the State;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>One representative of the biopharmaceutical industry;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>One representative of a health insurance carrier providing health insurance coverage in the State;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>One member of the scientific community who is engaged in rare disease research; and</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>One representative of an organization that provides care management for individuals enrolled in the State’s Rare and Expensive Case Management Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For the appointed members of the Council, the appointment process shall be conducted in a transparent manner to provide interested individuals an opportunity to apply.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>All members of the Council must be full–time residents of the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a vacancy occurs on the Council, the members of the Council shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy by majority vote.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall designate the initial chair of the Council to serve a term of 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The initial chair designated by the Governor may not hold a position within State government.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of the term of the initial chair, the members of the Council shall designate a new chair by majority vote.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the term of a chair of the Council is 2 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the Council.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The initial meeting of the Council shall occur on or before December 30, 2024.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before October 1, 2025, the Council shall meet at least once per month in person or through an online meeting platform at a time designated by the chair.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After October 1, 2025, the Council shall meet at least once per quarter in person or through an online meeting platform at a time designated by the chair.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5003" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Rare Disease Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Convene public hearings, make inquiries, and solicit comments from the public to assist the Council with a first–year survey of the needs of rare disease patients, caregivers, and health care providers in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consult with experts on rare diseases to develop policy recommendations to improve patient access to and the quality of rare disease specialists, affordable and comprehensive health care coverage, relevant diagnostics, timely treatment, and other needed services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Research and make recommendations to State agencies and insurers that provide services to individuals with a rare disease on the impact of prior authorization, cost–sharing, tiering, or other utilization management procedures on the provision of treatment and care for patients;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish best practices and protocols to include in State planning related to natural disasters and public health emergencies or other emergency declarations to enable continuity of care for rare disease patients and ensure that safeguards against discrimination for rare disease patients are in place;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Evaluate and make recommendations regarding coverage of prescription drugs for rare disease patients, including patients with private health insurance coverage and patients enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, to improve coverage of diagnostics, and to facilitate access to necessary health care providers with expertise in the treatment of rare diseases;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Publish a list of existing and publicly accessible resources on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education relating to rare diseases on the Council’s webpage;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Identify areas of unmet needs for research that can inform future studies and reports by the Council;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Identify and distribute educational resources for health care providers to foster recognition and optimize treatment of rare diseases in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Research and identify best practices to ensure continuity of care for rare disease patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall provide opportunities for the public to hear updates and provide input on the Council’s activities.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall maintain a webpage for the purposes of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Posting meeting minutes and notices of upcoming meetings;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allowing the public to submit comments to the Council; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Posting a list of resources as required under subsection (a)(7) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council may solicit funds on its behalf, including by applying for available federal or State grants.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council shall set up a method to securely hold and distribute funds to support the duties of the Council.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5004" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="50" subtitle_name="Rare Disease Advisory Council"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Council shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Describe the activities of the Council under § 13–5003(a) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Describe the funding sources of the Council, including grants that were applied for and accepted and the remaining balances of any current grants; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide recommendations on the ways to address the needs of individuals living with rare diseases in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5101" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commission” means the Commission on Public Health.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Foundational public health services” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The following foundational areas:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Communicable disease control;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Chronic disease and injury prevention;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Environmental public health;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Maternal, child, and family health; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Access to and linkage with clinical care; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The following foundational capabilities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Assessment and surveillance;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Community partnership development;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Equity;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Organizational competencies;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Policy development and support;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Accountability and performance management;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Emergency preparedness and response; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Communications.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5102" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <text>There is a Commission on Public Health.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5103" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary of Information Technology, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Public Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Deputy Secretary for Operations, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Chief Executive Officer of the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP), or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The following members, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Three local health officers of whom:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One shall be from a rural jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One shall be from a suburban jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One shall be from an urban jurisdiction;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Two representatives from State academic institutions with expertise in public health systems; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A faculty member from a public health program at a historically Black college or university.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor may appoint not more than two members of the public with experience in public health as additional members of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may establish workgroups at the discretion of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chair of the Commission may appoint members of the public to a workgroup.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>To the extent practicable and consistent with federal and State law, the membership of the Commission and workgroups established under this section shall reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of the State.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Commission shall select a chair and a vice chair from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To qualify to serve as chair of the Commission, the member must agree to provide staff for the Commission on selection as chair.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The members of the Commission may not select as chair a member listed in subsection (a)(3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A member of the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5104" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <level label="a"> <text>The chair of the Commission shall provide staff support for the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the chair fails to provide staffing for the Commission, the members shall select a new chair in accordance with § 13–5103(e) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5105" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Commission is to make recommendations to improve the delivery of foundational public health services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall provide guidance for implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall provide an update regarding the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations to the Commission each quarter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5106" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall assess the foundational public health capabilities of the Department and local health departments in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Explain the impact of the foundational public health capabilities on the State’s ability to address foundational public health areas, including as the foundational public health areas relate to behavioral health;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Explain the impact of the foundational public health capabilities on the State’s ability to respond to COVID–19, overdoses, maternal and infant mortality, and other major public health challenges as appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide public outreach to hold at least three public meetings in different areas of the State that include an opportunity for public comment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Request deidentified and publicly available data from the Department, local health departments, and the State–designated health data utility; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Request interviews with State and local health officials.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Based on the assessment conducted under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall make recommendations for reform in the following areas:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Organization of State and local public health departments;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Information technology, information exchange, and data and analytics;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Workforce, including human resources and use of the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps established under Title 2, Subtitle 11 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Procurement, including oversight of contractors;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Funding;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Communication and public engagement; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Any other area considered appropriate by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recommendations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include the funding or legislation required to implement the recommendation, if any.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall justify each recommendation made under paragraph (1) of this subsection based on how the recommendation contributes to the provision of foundational public health services.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall make a draft of its recommendations available for public comment for 30 days.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The final report of the Commission shall include a response to any substantive public comment received on the draft recommendations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall use best efforts to reach consensus on its recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Commission cannot reach consensus on its recommendations, the Commission shall include the opportunity for dissenting comments in the Commission’s final report.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5107" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 190 OF 2026" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="51" subtitle_name="Commission on Public Health"> <text>On or before January 1 each year, the Commission shall submit a report on the implementation of its recommendations and barriers to implementation to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Health Committee.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5201" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="52" subtitle_name="Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention"> <text>In this subtitle, “Center” means the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5202" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="52" subtitle_name="Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Center is to reduce firearm violence, harm from firearm violence, and misuse of firearms in the State by partnering with federal, State, and local agencies and affected communities to implement a public health approach to firearm violence reduction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5203" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="52" subtitle_name="Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall appoint the executive director of the Center.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The executive director shall appoint and remove all staff in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The executive director shall coordinate and direct any planning related to the Center initiated by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Center may apply for, receive, and spend federal grants–in–aid or any other federal funds made available to the Department for use in carrying out the powers and duties of the Secretary or the Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5204" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="52" subtitle_name="Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention"> <level label="a"> <text>The Center shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Work in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, the Maryland State Police, and any other relevant State or local agency to ensure a multidepartmental approach to reducing firearm violence;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Solicit and consider recommendations from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Communities disproportionately impacted by firearm violence;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public health experts;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Individuals or organizations with expertise in firearm safety and training; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Any other experts, groups, or organizations as the executive director determines appropriate and necessary; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before May 1, 2025, submit a preliminary State Plan for a Public Health Approach to Reducing Firearm Violence to guide the work of the Center to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On or before May 1, 2029, and every 4 years thereafter, submit a State Strategic Plan for Firearm Violence Reduction Using Public Health Strategies to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Center may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Offer training and technical assistance to State and local agencies, health care professionals, and community and faith–based organizations to increase capacity to implement evidence–based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issue best practice guidance and model processes in consultation with affected communities regarding implementation of evidence–based firearm violence prevention and intervention strategies;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In consultation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy or any successor agency, facilitate cross–jurisdictional data and information sharing;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Conduct public awareness campaigns;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Share data and collaborate with higher education and research institutions regarding the prevention of firearm violence;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Promote the development of evidence–based firearm violence prevention initiatives in affected communities throughout the State; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Engage in any other activity consistent with the Center’s mission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5205" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="52" subtitle_name="Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation sufficient to fund the Center.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5301" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="53" subtitle_name="Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (Npep) Standing Order Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of Pharmacy.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“CDC Guidelines” means the “Updated Guidelines for Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV – United States 2016” or any subsequent guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis” or “nPEP” means medication used in accordance with the most recent CDC Guidelines to reduce the chances of a patient developing HIV after potential exposure to the disease.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Pharmacist” means a pharmacist licensed in the State under Title 12 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means the Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Standing Order Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Standing order” means a directive authorizing pharmacists to dispense the nPEP regimens listed in the order without a prescription.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5302" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="53" subtitle_name="Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (Npep) Standing Order Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Standing Order Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Authorize a pharmacist who is registered with the Program to dispense nPEP through a standing order in accordance with § 13–5203 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operate in accordance with the procedures approved by the Department with the advice and approval of the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Necessary for the administration of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That address the needs of specific populations including victims of sexual assault and pediatric patients.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect fees necessary for the administration of the Program, unless the patient qualifies for nPEP through the Program for Preventing HIV Infection for Rape Victims established under § 11–1008 of the Criminal Procedure Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Administer the Program and establish a standardized set of guidelines for pharmacists participating in the Program to use in developing and conducting patient education and training on nPEP that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Avoiding exposure to HIV;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Responding to exposure to HIV with the appropriate use of nPEP;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Access to nPEP and the appropriate follow–up after the administration of nPEP; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Engagement in additional care including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Access to pre–exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Harm reduction programs for patients with continuing risk of exposures; and</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Collect and report data on the operation and results of the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5303" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="53" subtitle_name="Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (Npep) Standing Order Program"> <level label="a"> <text>At the time of dispensing nPEP, a pharmacist registered with the Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Screen the patient to determine that HIV exposure occurred within 72 hours before the dispensing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Determine whether the patient meets clinical criteria consistent with the most recent CDC Guidelines, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The identification of any contraindicated medications; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If applicable, exposure as the result of an alleged rape or sexual offense or alleged child sexual abuse;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, determine whether an available standing order is appropriate for the patient and dispense nPEP in accordance with the most recent CDC Guidelines;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Refer the patient to a disease intervention specialist within the Department for ongoing treatment; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Determine whether the patient has a primary care provider and:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If the patient has a primary care provider, notify the provider that the patient was dispensed nPEP; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the patient does not have a primary care provider, provide the patient with a list of local primary care providers and clinics provided by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an available standing order is not appropriate for the patient, the pharmacist shall refer the patient to a primary care provider.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A pharmacist may dispense nPEP in accordance with a therapy management contract under Title 12, Subtitle 6A of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5401" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="54" subtitle_name="Reproductive Health Care Clinic Security Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Program” means the Reproductive Health Care Clinic Security Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Reproductive health care clinic” means a health care provider, as defined in § 4–301(h)(1)(ii) of this article, that provides legally protected health care, as defined in § 4–301(j) of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Reproductive Health Care Clinic Security Grant Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to assist reproductive health care clinics in the State with the costs associated with security improvements, including interior and exterior facility hardening, perimeter lighting, fencing and other barriers, door locks and access control systems, security cameras, alarms, panic buttons, lockdown systems, and public address systems.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary shall establish procedures for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The application and award processes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The criteria a reproductive health care clinic must meet to qualify for a grant under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department may not release, publish, or otherwise disclose:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The personal information of an individual applying for, participating in, or administering a grant under the Program; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information regarding a grant awarded under the Program if the disclosure would compromise the safety of the grant recipient.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2026, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Up to 5% of the money appropriated to the Program may be used for administrative expenses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5601" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2030 PER CHAPTER 615 OF 2025" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="56"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“AHEAD Model” means the States Advancing All–Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development Model administered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Population Health Improvement Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Statewide health equity plan” means the equity plan required under the AHEAD Model State Agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5602" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="56"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Population Health Improvement Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to invest in population health improvements to support the statewide population health targets under the AHEAD Model and any successor models.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department and the Health Services Cost Review Commission jointly shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The revenues from the uniform, broad–based assessment made under subsection (l) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest earnings; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection and except as provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Fund may be used only for expenses associated with statewide population health improvement initiatives in alignment with the statewide health equity plan as directed by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection, activities paid for by the Fund must support the goal of meeting the statewide population health targets outlined in the AHEAD Model State Agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and have at least one of the following functions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reducing rates of common preventable health conditions;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Addressing health–related social needs; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reducing or eliminating health disparities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In calendar year 2026 only, up to $14,000,000 in the Fund may be used to fund expenses of the Medical Care Programs Administration within the Department if the Health Services Cost Review Commission increases hospital rates to provide financial assistance to Medicare Advantage Plans.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department and the Health Services Cost Review Commission may, in a manner consistent with the AHEAD Model State Agreement, transfer money from the Fund to the Public Health Workforce Development Fund established under § 24–2802 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Money expended from the Fund is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The Fund is subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before July 1 each year, beginning in 2026, the Department shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Reflect the required elements of the annual progress report as outlined in the State agreement and shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Measures of effectiveness for funded programs and targeted populations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any impact on health outcomes and health disparities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Relevant components from hospital required reporting to the Health Services Cost Review Commission on population health improvement efforts; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An accounting of all sources of funding accepted for the benefit of the Fund and the amount of funding from each source; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A summary of the extent to which public comments informed the work of the Department and the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department shall make a draft of its report available for public comment for 30 days.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each year of the Total Cost of Care Model, the AHEAD Model, or any successor model, the Health Services Cost Review Commission may assess a uniform, broad–based, and reasonable amount in hospital rates to be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Health Services Cost Review Commission shall include the full amount of the assessment authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the hospital rates.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any funds generated from the assessment authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be used only for the expenses described in subsection (f) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5701" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="57"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department, in collaboration with the Commission on Health Equity, shall develop a clear and easy–to–understand graphic data dashboard that includes age–adjusted health disparity data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and gender.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The data dashboard shall include information regarding the following health indicators:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Health insurance access;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Cardiovascular disease;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Chronic disease;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Mental health and substance use;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Cancer;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>HIV/AIDS;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Sexually transmitted infection;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Body mass index; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>Any other health indicators determined relevant by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Update the data dashboard developed under subsection (a) of this section on a quarterly basis, as determined by data availability; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Post the most recent updated data dashboard prominently on its website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5801" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 759 OF 2025" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="58"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Paramedic” has the meaning stated in § 13–516 of the Education Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means the Buprenorphine Training Grant Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5802" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 759 OF 2025" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="58"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Buprenorphine Training Grant Program in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to assist a county with offsetting the cost of training paramedics to administer buprenorphine.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county may apply to the Department for a grant from the Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A county may use a grant awarded under the Program only for training paramedics to administer buprenorphine.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $50,000 from the Opioid Restitution Fund for the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5901" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="59" /> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5902" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="59" /> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5903" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle_number="59" /> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="13-5904" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Miscellaneous Health Care Programs" subtitle