In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commission” means the Commission on Public Health. “Foundational public health services” includes: The following foundational areas: Communicable disease control; Chronic disease and injury prevention; Environmental public health; Maternal, child, and family health; and Access to and linkage with clinical care; and The following foundational capabilities: Assessment and surveillance; Community partnership development; Equity; Organizational competencies; Policy development and support; Accountability and performance management; Emergency preparedness and response; and Communications.

There is a Commission on Public Health.

The Commission consists of the following members: One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; The Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary’s designee; The Secretary of Information Technology, or the Secretary’s designee; The Deputy Secretary for Public Health, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee; The Deputy Secretary for Operations, or the Deputy Secretary’s designee; The Chief Executive Officer of the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP), or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee; and The following members, appointed by the Governor: Three local health officers of whom: One shall be from a rural jurisdiction; One shall be from a suburban jurisdiction; and One shall be from an urban jurisdiction; Two representatives from State academic institutions with expertise in public health systems; and A faculty member from a public health program at a historically Black college or university. The Governor may appoint not more than two members of the public with experience in public health as additional members of the Commission. The Commission may establish workgroups at the discretion of the Commission. The chair of the Commission may appoint members of the public to a workgroup. 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. 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. To qualify to serve as chair of the Commission, the member must agree to provide staff for the Commission on selection as chair. The members of the Commission may not select as chair a member listed in subsection (a)(3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section. A member of the Commission: May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

The chair of the Commission shall provide staff support for the Commission. 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.

The purpose of the Commission is to make recommendations to improve the delivery of foundational public health services in the State. The Commission shall provide guidance for implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. The Department shall provide an update regarding the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations to the Commission each quarter.

The Commission shall assess the foundational public health capabilities of the Department and local health departments in the State. In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall: 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; 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 Provide public outreach to hold at least three public meetings in different areas of the State that include an opportunity for public comment. In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission may: Request deidentified and publicly available data from the Department, local health departments, and the State–designated health data utility; and Request interviews with State and local health officials. Based on the assessment conducted under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall make recommendations for reform in the following areas: Organization of State and local public health departments; Information technology, information exchange, and data and analytics; Workforce, including human resources and use of the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps established under Title 2, Subtitle 11 of this article; Procurement, including oversight of contractors; Funding; Communication and public engagement; and Any other area considered appropriate by the Commission. The recommendations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include the funding or legislation required to implement the recommendation, if any. 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. The Commission shall make a draft of its recommendations available for public comment for 30 days. The final report of the Commission shall include a response to any substantive public comment received on the draft recommendations. The Commission shall use best efforts to reach consensus on its recommendations. If the Commission cannot reach consensus on its recommendations, the Commission shall include the opportunity for dissenting comments in the Commission’s final report.

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.