In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Certificate of compliance” means a certificate that is issued to a recovery residence by a credentialing entity. “Certified recovery residence” means a recovery residence that holds a certificate of compliance. “Credentialing entity” means a nonprofit organization that develops and administers professional certification programs according to nationally recognized certification standards. “Recovery residence” has the meaning stated in § 7.5–101 of this article.

The Department shall approve a credentialing entity to develop and administer a certification process for recovery residences. The credentialing entity shall: Subject to subsection (c) of this section, establish recovery residence certification requirements; Establish processes to administer the application, certification, and recertification process; Establish processes to monitor and inspect a recovery residence; Conduct an on–site inspection of a recovery residence: Before issuing a certificate of compliance; and At least once during each certification renewal period; and Issue a certificate of compliance on approval of the application process and the inspection of the recovery residence. The requirements established by a credentialing entity under subsection (b)(1) of this section shall prohibit a certified recovery residence from: Refusing services to an individual based on the individual receiving medication–assisted treatment for opioid use disorder; and Requiring an individual to cease receiving or modify how the individual receives medication–assisted treatment for opioid use disorder before the individual may receive services at the recovery residence. A certificate of compliance issued by the credentialing entity is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. The credentialing entity may revoke the certificate of compliance of a certified recovery residence if the credentialing entity finds that the recovery residence is not in compliance with the requirements established by the credentialing entity.

On or before October 1, 2017, the credentialing entity shall submit a list to the Department of the recovery residences that have obtained a certificate of compliance. On or before November 1, 2017, the Department shall publish on its website: A list of each credentialing entity and the contact information for the credentialing entity; and A list of each recovery residence operating in each county in the State. The list published under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection shall indicate whether the owner of a recovery residence has received a valid certificate of compliance. On or before November 1, 2017, a credentialing entity shall publish on its website a list of each recovery residence that holds a valid certificate of compliance. The list published under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include only the owner of the recovery residence and the contact information of the owner.

A person may not advertise, represent, or imply to the public that a recovery residence is a certified recovery residence unless the recovery residence has obtained a certificate of compliance under this subtitle. A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is subject to a civil penalty imposed by the Department not exceeding $1,000 for each offense. In setting the amount of a civil penalty under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall consider the nature, number, and seriousness of the violations, the ability of the certified recovery residence to pay the penalty, and any other factors the Department determines are relevant.

In this section, “Program” means the Recovery Residence Grant Program. There is a Recovery Residence Grant Program in the Department. The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to recovery residences in the State in accordance with this section. The Department shall administer the Program. The Program shall award competitive grants to recovery residences to support operations, services, and programs. To qualify for a grant under the Program, a recovery residence must: Be a nonprofit organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service; Submit a current copy of the Form 990 that the organization files with the Internal Revenue Service; Be certified by the credentialing entity as a Level I, Level II, or Level III recovery residence in accordance with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences standards; Not accept or receive reimbursement from private insurance or the Maryland Medical Assistance Program; and Meet any other requirement established by the Department in regulation. The Department shall establish: Application procedures; Criteria for prioritizing applications under the Program; Procedures for awarding grants under the Program; and Any other procedures or criteria necessary to carry out this section. In establishing procedures and criteria under this subsection, the Department shall consult the credentialing entity. For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2030, the annual budget bill shall include an appropriation of $500,000 for the Program. On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Department shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report that includes, for the most recent closed fiscal year: The number of grants distributed; and Information about grant recipients and programs and services provided.