There is a State Advisory Council on Serious Illness Care.

The Advisory Council consists of the following 23 members: The Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee; One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate of Maryland; One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; The Secretary of Aging or the Secretary’s designee; The Secretary of Health or the Secretary’s designee; The Secretary of Disabilities or the Secretary’s designee; and 17 members appointed by the Governor: One physician with experience in end–of–life care; One nurse with experience in end–of–life care; One pharmacist with experience in end–of–life care; One physician with experience managing long–term care; One nurse with experience managing long–term care; One representative of the health insurance industry; One representative from a managed care organization; One representative of the legal community; One representative from the hospice care community; Two representatives from advocacy groups for end–of–life care; Two representatives from religious groups; Two representatives of the general public with experience with end–of–life or long–term care issues; One representative of the hospital industry; and One representative of the nursing home industry. The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 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. A member who serves two consecutive 4–year terms may not be reappointed for 4 years after the completion of those terms. If a vacancy occurs among the members appointed by the Governor, the Governor shall promptly appoint a successor.

The Governor shall appoint the chair of the Advisory Council. The members present at a meeting are a quorum to do business. The Advisory Council shall meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines. 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. The Department of Aging and the Office of the Attorney General shall jointly provide staff support and technical assistance for the Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council shall: Monitor trends in the provision of care to Marylanders with life–limiting illnesses; Study the impact of State statutes, regulations, policies, and other aspects of public policy on the provision of care at the end of life; 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; Advise the General Assembly on legislative proposals affecting the provision of care at the end of life; Participate in or otherwise promote public and professional educational efforts concerning care at the end of life; and Carry out other duties as may be requested by the Governor or the General Assembly.