# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 14. General Day Care

### Subtitle 2. Elderly Individuals

#### Section 14-201

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

(b) "Day care center for the elderly" means a place that:

  (1) Is operated to provide, with or without charge, care for elderly individuals; and

  (2) Either is:

    (i) Designated for group care for at least 4 elderly individuals; or

    (ii) A family home that provides care for 2 or 3 elderly individuals.

(c) "Elderly individual" means an individual who:

  (1) Is 55 years old or older;

  (2) Lives alone or with a spouse, family relative, or friend;

  (3) Needs temporary supervision and care during a part of a day in a protective group setting; and

  (4) Has a disability that is:

    (i) A reasonably static physical impairment that prevents:

      (1) Gainful employment; or

      (2) The accomplishment of the routine of normal daily activities without assistance; or

    (ii) A permanent or recurrent mental impairment.

#### Section 14-202

(a) The purposes of this subtitle are:

  (1) To provide for the establishment of day care centers for the elderly and services that will give many elderly individuals the chance to stay with their families or in their communities instead of being placed in a nursing home or State institution;

  (2) To allow children and other relatives to keep elderly individuals instead of placing them in impersonal institutions; and

  (3) To allow this State to deal more effectively and economically with the needs of its elderly individuals.

(b) The General Assembly intends that day care centers for the elderly and services be used:

  (1) To avoid, as much as possible, unnecessary commitment of an elderly individual to a nursing home, State institution, or other long term care facility;

  (2) To provide opportunities for elderly individuals to be discharged from nursing homes, State institutions, or general and special hospitals; and

  (3) To serve only those elderly individuals who otherwise would be eligible under State or federal law for care in a nursing home, State institution, or other long term care facility.

#### Section 14-203

This subtitle does not affect a relative who cares for an elderly individual or a neighbor or friend who cares for an elderly individual by mutual agreement.

#### Section 14-204

The Maryland Department of Health:

(1) Has the primary responsibility, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Aging, to provide the guidance and means for establishing day care centers for the elderly in accordance with this subtitle; and

(2) Shall recruit and encourage the establishment of day care centers for the elderly and provide for their licensing.

#### Section 14-205

(a) The Maryland Department of Health may use funds appropriated for the day care for the elderly to:

  (1) Assist in start-up costs of establishing a day care center for the elderly; and

  (2) Subsidize day care services for financially eligible elderly individuals.

(b) The services that are provided by the day care center for the elderly under this section shall include:

  (1) Therapeutic arts and crafts;

  (2) Community excursions, if appropriate;

  (3) Hobby cultivation;

  (4) Health services;

  (5) Counseling services for elderly individuals and their families;

  (6) Group dynamics; and

  (7) Other services that enhance social functioning and develop activities in daily living and personal independence.

#### Section 14-206

(a) The Department shall adopt rules and regulations that set the standards necessary for the welfare and safety of elderly individuals who receive care in day care centers for the elderly.

(b) Before the Department adopts a proposed plan, rule, or regulation under this subtitle, the Department shall submit the plan, rule, or regulation to the Department of Aging for its recommendations.

### Subtitle 2A. Howard County and Montgomery County Adult Day Health Care Services Pilot Program and Task Force. [Subtitle Subject to Abrogation]

#### Section 14-2A-01

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

(b) "Elderly individual" has the meaning stated in Sec. 14-201 of this title.

(c) "Integrator" means an entity that:

  (1) Organizes a voluntary association of licensed medical adult day care providers, home health care providers, and other providers and entities to coordinate to provide integrated services under the pilot program; and

  (2) Is licensed in the State to provide at least one of the services included in the pilot program.

(d) "Pilot program" means the Howard County and Montgomery County Adult Day Health Care Services Pilot Program.

(e) "Task Force" means the Task Force on the Howard County and Montgomery County Adult Day Health Care Services Pilot Program.

#### Section 14-2A-02

(a) This section applies only in Howard County and Montgomery County.

(b)

  (1) There is a Howard County and Montgomery County Adult Day Health Care Services Pilot Program.

  (2) The purpose of the pilot program is to integrate the provision of medical adult day care services, home health care services, and medical services provided under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.

(c) Participation in the pilot program is limited to elderly individuals who are:

  (1) Residents of Howard County or Montgomery County; and

  (2) Receiving medical adult day care services, home health care services, or medical services provided under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, including medical services that are offered by a managed care organization.

(d) Services provided under the pilot program shall include, when applicable:

  (1) An evaluation and assessment of each pilot program participant by a licensed nurse to complete an interdisciplinary care plan for the participant;

  (2) The provision of remote services to the participant, using an electronic device with video conferencing capability issued to the participant to facilitate communication with providers;

  (3) The creation of a medication strategy for the participant in order to provide appropriate evaluation and monitoring of the administration of medications;

  (4) A program of activities and social engagement to assist participants in reducing loneliness and depression and to develop a sense of community with other participants;

  (5) Coordination of medical care and other services ordered by a physician for the purpose of allowing participants to live safely in their home environment;

  (6) The provision of basic housekeeping services to assist participants in daily activities that may be challenging; and

  (7) The provision of transportation and delivery of meals.

(e)

  (1) Howard County and Montgomery County jointly may designate and authorize the operation of one or more entities to serve as an integrator in Howard County and Montgomery County.

  (2) An integrator shall be licensed in the State to provide at least one of the services to be included in the pilot program.

(f) In consultation with Howard County and Montgomery County, an integrator shall coordinate all services provided under the pilot program.

#### Section 14-2A-03

(a) There is a Task Force on the Howard County and Montgomery County Adult Day Health Care Services Pilot Program.

(b) The Task Force consists of the following members:

  (1) One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;

  (2) One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

  (3) One representative of the Howard County government, designated by the Howard County Executive;

  (4) One representative of the Montgomery County government, designated by the Montgomery County Executive;

  (5) The Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary's designee;

  (6) The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee; and

  (7) The following members, appointed by the Governor:

    (i) Two representatives of the Maryland Association of Adult Day Services;

    (ii) One representative of the home health care industry;

    (iii) One representative of the Maryland Managed Care Organization Association; and

    (iv) One representative of the Greater Maryland and the National Capital Area chapters of the Alzheimer's Association.

(c) The Governor shall designate the chair of the Task Force.

(d) Howard County and Montgomery County jointly shall provide staff for the Task Force.

(e) A member of the Task Force:

  (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Task Force; but

  (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(f) The Task Force shall:

  (1) Examine the status of medical adult day care in the State, including the provision of home health care and medical services to enrollees in medical adult day care programs;

  (2) Review and evaluate the list of required services provided under Sec. 14-2A-02(d) of this subtitle;

  (3) Review and evaluate the efficacy of providing services using an integrator;

  (4) Identify and measure any enhanced continuity of care, using the integrator model, that would allow enrollees to remain in their homes and the community, defer treatment in higher levels of care such as nursing homes, and reduce the incidence of treatment in acute care settings;

  (5) Identify and measure any reduction in unnecessary utilization of emergency medical services by enrollees;

  (6) Identify and compare differences and similarities between the pilot program, using the integrator model, and the features of the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), including differences and similarities in the populations served;

  (7) Identify and measure other potential benefits of the integrator model, such as greater social interaction, additional transportation options, avoidance of food insecurity, and monitoring the administration of medications; and

  (8) Make recommendations regarding the implementation of the pilot program on a statewide basis.

(g) On or before October 1 each year, the Task Force shall report its findings and any recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

### Subtitle 3. Medically Handicapped Adults

#### Section 14-301

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

(b) "Day care center for adults" means a place that:

  (1) Is operated to provide, with or without charge, care for medically handicapped adults; and

  (2) Either is:

    (i) Designated for group day care for 4 or more medically handicapped adults; or

    (ii) A family home that provides day care for 2 or 3 medically handicapped adults.

(c) "Medically handicapped adult" means an individual who:

  (1) Is 16 years old or older;

  (2) Lives alone or with a spouse, relative, or friend; and

  (3) Has a disability that is:

    (i) A reasonably static physical impairment that prevents gainful employment or the accomplishment of the routine of normal daily activities outside of an institutional or sheltered environment; or

    (ii) A permanent or recurrent mental impairment that requires domiciliary or institutional care in a sheltered environment.

#### Section 14-302

(a) The purposes of this subtitle are:

  (1) To provide for the establishment of day care centers for adults and services that will give medically handicapped adults the chance to stay with their families or in their communities instead of being placed in a nursing home or State institution; and

  (2) To allow this State to deal more effectively and economically with the needs of its medically handicapped adults.

(b) The General Assembly intends that day care centers for adults and services be used:

  (1) To avoid, as much as possible, unnecessary commitment of a medically handicapped adult to a nursing home, State institution, or other long term care facility;

  (2) To provide opportunities for medically handicapped adults to be discharged from nursing homes, State institutions, or general or special hospitals; and

  (3) To serve only those medically handicapped adults who otherwise would be eligible under State or federal law for care in a nursing home, State institution, or other long term care facility.

#### Section 14-303

This subtitle does not affect a relative who cares for a medically handicapped adult or a neighbor or friend who cares for a medically handicapped adult by mutual choice and agreement.

#### Section 14-304

(a) The Department of Human Services shall cooperate with and assist the Maryland Department of Health in carrying out the purposes of this subtitle.

(b) The Maryland Department of Health shall:

  (1) Provide the guidance and means for establishing day care centers for adults in accordance with this subtitle;

  (2) Recruit and encourage the establishment of day care centers for adults;

  (3) Provide for licensing of day care centers for adults; and

  (4) Adopt and enforce rules and regulations that set the standards necessary for the welfare and safety of medically handicapped adults who receive care in these day care centers for adults.

(c)

  (1) The Maryland Department of Health shall buy from any public or private agency the day care services for medically handicapped adults that are necessary and essential to enhance their well-being.

  (2) These services shall include:

    (i) Therapeutic arts and crafts;

    (ii) Community excursions, if appropriate;

    (iii) Hobby cultivation;

    (iv) Health services;

    (v) Counseling services for medically handicapped adults and their families;

    (vi) Group dynamics; and

    (vii) Other services that enhance social functioning and develop activities in daily living and personal independence.

### Subtitle 4. Maryland Youth Camp Act

#### Section 14-401

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

(b) "Alternative accreditation" means a national camping standard that is acceptable to the Secretary as providing adequate health and safety protection for the campers, such as the American Camping Association standards for camp programs and services and the Boy Scouts of America standards, which includes an annual monitoring process to verify compliance with the standard.

(c) "Camper" means any child under 18 years of age who is attending a youth camp.

(d) "Certificate" means a single certificate issued by the Department to a youth camp under this subtitle.

(e) "Council" means the Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council.

(f) "Day" means all or part of a 24-hour period.

(g) "Day camp" means a youth camp that:

  (1) Is operated for all or part of the day but less than 24 hours a day;

  (2) Is conducted for at least 7 days during a 3-week period; and

  (3) Provides 3 or more recreational activities or any 1 specialized activity including:

    (i) Aquatic programs;

    (ii) Horseback riding;

    (iii) Firearms control;

    (iv) Riflery;

    (v) Archery;

    (vi) Adventure camps;

    (vii) Artistic gymnastics;

    (viii) Hang gliding;

    (ix) Road cycling;

    (x) Skiing;

    (xi) Rock climbing;

    (xii) Spelunking;

    (xiii) Motorized vehicle activities;

    (xiv) Rappelling; and

    (xv) High ropes.

(h) "Occasional use" means periodic involvement in a program where there is no expectation of regular attendance.

(i) "Operate" means to supervise, control, conduct, or manage a youth camp as:

  (1) An owner;

  (2) An agent of the owner;

  (3) A lessee of the owner;

  (4) A director; or

  (5) An independent contractor.

(j) "Residential camp" means a youth camp operating at a facility or campsite at which a camper either lives apart or intends to live apart from the camper's relatives, parents, or legal guardians for at least 5 consecutive days.

(k) "Routine activity" means any type of activity other than a specialized activity as set forth in subsection (g)(3) of this section that is conducted for children by a youth camp.

(l) "Travel camp" means a residential camp that:

  (1) Operates for at least 5 consecutive days; and

  (2) Provides for campers to use motorized transportation to move as a group to or among sites for experiences in different environments.

(m) "Trip camp" means a residential camp:

  (1) That operates for at least 5 consecutive days; and

  (2) In which a group of individuals move from 1 site to another under their own power or by transportation which permits individual guidance of a vehicle or animal.

(n) "Unit" means a board, department, agency, or other component of a county or a municipal corporation.

(o) "Youth camp" or "camp" means any day camp, residential camp, travel camp, or trip camp that:

  (1) Accommodates 7 or more campers who are unrelated to the person operating the camp;

  (2) Provides primarily recreational activities or has a substantial outdoor recreational component;

  (3) Has permanent buildings, temporary buildings, or no buildings; and

  (4) Operates on:

    (i) Owned private property;

    (ii) Owned private facilities;

    (iii) Leased private property;

    (iv) Leased private facilities;

    (v) Public property; or

    (vi) Public facilities.

(p) "Youth overnight program" means an activity sponsored by a religious or a community organization at a facility or site at which an individual less than 18 years old either lives apart or intends to live apart from the individual's relatives, parent, or legal guardians for fewer than 5 consecutive days.

#### Section 14-402

(a) This subtitle and the regulations issued under this subtitle do not apply to:

  (1) Purely social activities of a family or the guests of a family;

  (2) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, programs or activities directed or operated by a board of recreation, recreation department, or similar public unit of a county, a municipality, as defined by Sec. 1-101 of the Local Government Article, or the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, that involve use of neighborhood facilities, including:

    (i) Schools;

    (ii) Playgrounds;

    (iii) Parks; or

    (iv) Recreation centers;

  (3) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, programs or activities directed or operated by an agency of the State that involve occasional use of public facilities including:

    (i) Schools;

    (ii) Playgrounds;

    (iii) Parks; or

    (iv) Recreation centers; or

  (4) Youth overnight programs sponsored by religious or community organizations operating or conducted for not more than 5 consecutive days during any 1 calendar year, such as a vacation bible school, youth bike trip, and similar activities.

(b)

  (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each local government shall adopt health and safety standards pertaining to the operation of youth camps.

  (2) Each unit of local government, or the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, that directs or operates a program or activity under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall certify in writing on or before April 1 of each year to the Maryland Department of Health that all of those programs and activities operated by the unit comply with the applicable health and safety standards of the local jurisdiction in which the program or activity is located and any State law the enforcement of which has been delegated to local government. However, a unit may annually elect to comply with this subtitle and the regulations adopted under it.

(c) Each agency of the State that directs or operates a program or activity that is not exempt under subsection (a)(3) of this section shall annually certify in writing to the Maryland Department of Health that each program or activity operated by the agency complies with this subtitle and the regulations adopted under it.

(d) The Department shall:

  (1) Conduct inspections of:

    (i) A random 5 percent sample of programs or activities described under subsection (b) or (c) of this section to ensure that each program or activity is in compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and standards; and

    (ii) Any program or activity about which a complaint has been filed; and

  (2) Advise the unit or agency of any significant violation of State regulations that would adversely impact the health or safety of children participating in a program or activity.

#### Section 14-403

(a)

  (1) In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this article and subject to the provisions of Title 10 of the State Government Article, on or before October 1, 1987, the Secretary shall adopt regulations for certifying youth camps and for issuing letters of compliance.

  (2)

    (i) An applicant for a certificate shall submit an application to the Department on the form that the Secretary requires.

    (ii) An application for a certificate or for a letter of compliance shall include:

      (1) The name and permanent mailing address of the applicant;

      (2) The proposed location of the youth camp; and

      (3) Any other information and fee that the Department requires.

    (iii) For a unit or agency subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Secretary shall require the unit or agency to complete only one application for certification for all youth camps directed or operated by that unit or agency.

  (3)

    (i) The Department shall be solely responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of this subtitle.

    (ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Secretary may impose a fee for the purpose of inspecting, monitoring, and regulating youth camps in accordance with Sec. 2-104 of this article.

    (iii) A camp accredited or certified in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b)(9) of this section may not be charged a fee under the provisions of this article.

  (4)

    (i) The operator of a youth camp directed or operated by a bona fide religious organization shall:

      (1) Submit an application for certification;

      (2) Submit an application for a letter of compliance and have the youth camp inspected by the Department; or

      (3) Submit an application for a letter of compliance and proof of an alternative form of accreditation acceptable to the Secretary under subsection (b)(9) of this section.

    (ii) When a youth camp is operating under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, and an inspection reveals health or safety violations of the regulations adopted under this subtitle, the Secretary may issue an order to abate the violation or to cease operation.

(b) With due consideration for conditions existing in nature and for the importance of outdoor adventure experiences, the regulations shall include:

  (1) Safety procedures for:

    (i) Aquatic programs;

    (ii) Horseback riding;

    (iii) Firearms control;

    (iv) Riflery;

    (v) Archery;

    (vi) Adventure camps;

    (vii) Artistic gymnastics;

    (viii) Hang gliding;

    (ix) Road cycling;

    (x) Skiing;

    (xi) Rock climbing;

    (xii) Spelunking;

    (xiii) Motorized vehicle activities;

    (xiv) Rappelling; or

    (xv) High ropes;

  (2) Except for outdoor cookouts, sanitation regulations pertaining to the facilities and personnel for the storage, preparation, and serving of food products;

  (3) Personal health, first aid, and medical services, health supervision, and the maintenance of health records for campers;

  (4) Water supplies, sewage disposal systems, and refuse collection and disposal procedures;

  (5) Fire and safety standards relating to the buildings and the occupants of buildings;

  (6) Systems for the routine reporting of fatalities and serious illnesses or accidents;

  (7) Any personnel screening procedures that are required for operators and employees of group day care centers;

  (8) Procedures for conducting inspection, monitoring compliance, and verifying information;

  (9) Alternate accreditation which has been approved by the Secretary; and

  (10) Minimum standards for the supervision of campers during routine activities.

(c) The Secretary may not adopt regulations that set ratios for camper to medical staff personnel except for:

  (1) Camp health supervisors at a camp where 50% or more of the campers have identified medical problems;

  (2) Personnel required to meet emergency safety standards, for example the number of persons that require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid; and

  (3) Camp health supervisors, or their designees, trained to administer medicine to campers.

(d) The Secretary shall cooperate with other departments or agencies to facilitate the activities of the departments or agencies in carrying out responsibilities for enforcing the laws and regulations relating to youth camps.

#### Section 14-403.1

(a)

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

  (2) "Applicant" means an individual who is seeking to become a youth camp owner, operator, employee, or volunteer who will have access to a camper.

  (3) "Central Repository" means the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

(b) The Department shall apply to the Central Repository for an applicant's:

  (1) State criminal history records check; and

  (2) National criminal history records check.

(c) As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the Department shall submit to the Central Repository:

  (1) A complete set of the applicant's legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

  (2) The fee authorized under Sec. 10-221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records; and

  (3) The mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.

(d) In accordance with Sec.Sec. 10-201 through 10-229 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the applicant and the Department the applicant's criminal history record information.

(e) Information obtained from the Central Repository under this section:

  (1) Is confidential;

  (2) May not be redisseminated; and

  (3) May be used only for the personnel screening procedures authorized by this subtitle.

(f) The subject of a criminal history records check under this section may contest the contents of the printed statement issued by the Central Repository as provided in Sec. 10-223 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

(g) If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Department revised criminal history record information for the applicant.

#### Section 14-404

(a) There is a Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council in the Department.

(b) The Council shall advise and assist the Department in developing and reviewing the regulations required under Sec. 14-403 of this subtitle.

(c) The Council shall report annually to the Secretary on:

  (1) The number of youth camps;

  (2) The number of facilities in each county;

  (3) The number of campers; and

  (4) Any other pertinent information.

#### Section 14-405

(a)

  (1) The Council consists of 11 members.

  (2) Of the 11 Council members:

    (i) 1 shall be a representative of the Department;

    (ii) 1 shall be a camping leader with professional experience, but who is not a youth camp owner or manager;

    (iii) 1 shall be actively engaged in the ownership or management of a youth camp operating for profit;

    (iv) 1 shall be actively engaged in the ownership or management of a nonprofit youth camp;

    (v) 1 shall be actively engaged in the ownership or management of an American Camping Association accredited youth camp;

    (vi) 1 shall be actively engaged in the ownership or management of a youth camp that is not accredited by the American Camping Association;

    (vii) 1 shall be a member of the public;

    (viii) 2 shall be selected from the local health departments from 2 counties; and

    (ix) 2 shall be selected from nationwide organizations involved in camping such as scouting and 4-H.

  (3) The Governor shall appoint the Council members with the advice of the Secretary and the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b)

  (1) The term of a member is 3 years.

  (2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Council on July 1, 1986.

  (3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.

  (4) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.

  (5) Members of the Council:

    (i) Are eligible for reappointment; but

    (ii) May not serve more than 2 full consecutive terms.

(c) The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.

#### Section 14-406

A certificate issued under this subtitle is not transferable.

#### Section 14-407

(a) The Department shall:

  (1) Investigate complaints received regarding a youth camp; and

  (2) Require appropriate training, including knowledge of outdoor camping, for a camp inspector.

(b)

  (1) Before a youth camp makes a formal offer of employment to a job applicant, the operator of the youth camp may request from the Department a determination as to whether the results of a national or State criminal history records check would be the basis for prohibiting the hiring of the applicant.

  (2) Within 3 business days after receipt of a request from the operator of a youth camp under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall issue a written determination to the youth camp as to whether the results of a national or State criminal history records check would be the basis for prohibiting the hiring of the applicant.

  (3) A determination issued by the Department under paragraph (2) of this subsection is binding on the Department and the youth camp unless the applicant:

    (i) Has subsequently been convicted of a crime;

    (ii) Has pending criminal charges; or

    (iii) Had previously undisclosed criminal convictions.

  (4) The Department may set a reasonable fee to cover the cost of a criminal history records check required under this subsection.

#### Section 14-408

Subject to the hearing provisions of Sec. 14-409 of this subtitle, the Department may deny a certificate to any applicant, or suspend or revoke a certificate, if the applicant or certificate holder:

(1) Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certificate for the applicant or certificate holder or for another;

(2) Fraudulently or deceptively uses a certificate;

(3) Violates this subtitle; or

(4) Violates any regulation adopted by the Department under this subtitle.

#### Section 14-409

Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 10-226(c) of the State Government Article, before the Department takes any action under Sec. 14-408 of this subtitle, the Department shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Department.

#### Section 14-410

The Department or an official acting under authority granted under this subtitle may not restrict, determine, or influence the curriculum or ministry of a youth camp in the State.

#### Section 14-411

This subtitle may be cited as the "Maryland Youth Camp Act".

### Subtitle 5. Youth Sports Programs

#### Section 14-501

(a)

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

  (2) "Concussion" means a traumatic injury to the brain causing an immediate and, usually, short-lived change in mental status or an alteration of normal consciousness resulting from:

    (i) A fall;

    (ii) A violent blow to the head or body; or

    (iii) The shaking or spinning of the head or body.

  (3) "Sudden cardiac arrest" means a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.

  (4) "Youth athlete" means an individual who participates in an athletic activity in association with a youth sports program conducted:

    (i) At a public school facility; or

    (ii) By a recreational athletic organization.

  (5) "Youth sports program" means a program organized for recreational athletic competition or instruction for participants who are under the age of 19 years.

(b)

  (1) A youth sports program shall make available information on concussions, head injuries, and sudden cardiac arrest developed by the State Department of Education under Sec.Sec. 7-433 and 7-436 of the Education Article to coaches, youth athletes, and the parents or guardians of youth athletes.

  (2) A coach of a youth sports program shall review the information provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(c)

  (1) A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at that time.

  (2) A youth athlete who has been removed from play may not return to play until the youth athlete has obtained written clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.

(d) Before a youth sports program may use a facility owned or operated by a local government, the local government shall provide notice to the youth sports program of the requirements of this section.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)