# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 18. Disease Prevention

### Subtitle 1. General Responsibilities of Secretary

#### Section 18-112

(a) The Secretary shall issue recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services for infants, children, and adults that follow the generally accepted consensus within the scientific community and sound clinical guidance as specified in subsection (b) of this section and subject to subsection (c) of this section.

(b) The recommendations shall:

  (1) Be made in accordance with the applicable recommendations of the following authoritative medical organizations:

    (i) The American Academy of Pediatrics;

    (ii) The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; or

    (iii) The American Academy of Family Physicians; and

  (2) Take into consideration the applicable guidance of:

    (i) The Maryland Statewide Advisory Commission on Immunizations;

    (ii) The U.S. Department of Health And Human Services, including the Health Resources and Services Administration;

    (iii) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;

    (iv) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee; and

    (v) The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

(c) Before adopting a recommendation for a preventive service that is not an immunization and has not received a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or an A or B rating from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Secretary shall:

  (1) Hold a notice and comment period of at least 30 days;

  (2) Obtain an analysis from the Maryland Health Care Commission on the service that meets the requirements of Sec. 15-1501 of the Insurance Article; and

  (3) Cite the applicable recommendations of the authoritative medical organizations on which a recommendation would be based.

(d) The Secretary shall:

  (1) Publish recommendations issued under this section on the Department's website; and

  (2) Distribute the recommendations issued under this section to licensed health professionals in the State and to the Maryland Insurance Administration.

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