# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 19. Health Care Facilities

### Subtitle 18. Assisted Living Programs

#### Section 19-1815

(a)

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

  (2) "COVID-19" means, interchangeably and collectively, the coronavirus known as COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

  (3) "COVID-19 test" means an in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 or the diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19, as described in Sec. 3201 of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

(b) For calendar years 2021 and 2022, an assisted living program shall adopt and implement a COVID-19 testing plan for residents of the assisted living program and staff who provide services to residents of the assisted living program.

(c) The COVID-19 testing plan shall ensure that residents and staff are tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis and at a frequency that is sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents and staff of the assisted living program.

(d)

  (1) The Department shall adopt regulations that set standards for a COVID-19 testing plan required under this section.

  (2) The standards set by the Department under this subsection shall:

    (i) Be guided by applicable federal orders and policies; and

    (ii) Include requirements for testing frequency that are reasonably related to the COVID-19 testing positivity rate in the local jurisdiction in which an assisted living program is located.

---

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