In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Day care center for adults” means a place that:
Is operated to provide, with or without charge, care for medically handicapped adults; and
Either is:
Designated for group day care for 4 or more medically handicapped adults; or
A family home that provides day care for 2 or 3 medically handicapped adults.
“Medically handicapped adult” means an individual who:
Is 16 years old or older;
Lives alone or with a spouse, relative, or friend; and
Has a disability that is:
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
A permanent or recurrent mental impairment that requires domiciliary or institutional care in a sheltered environment.
The purposes of this subtitle are:
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
To allow this State to deal more effectively and economically with the needs of its medically handicapped adults.
The General Assembly intends that day care centers for adults and services be used:
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;
To provide opportunities for medically handicapped adults to be discharged from nursing homes, State institutions, or general or special hospitals; and
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.
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.
The Department of Human Services shall cooperate with and assist the Maryland Department of Health in carrying out the purposes of this subtitle.
The Maryland Department of Health shall:
Provide the guidance and means for establishing day care centers for adults in accordance with this subtitle;
Recruit and encourage the establishment of day care centers for adults;
Provide for licensing of day care centers for adults; and
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.
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.
These services shall include:
Therapeutic arts and crafts;
Community excursions, if appropriate;
Hobby cultivation;
Health services;
Counseling services for medically handicapped adults and their families;
Group dynamics; and
Other services that enhance social functioning and develop activities in daily living and personal independence.