<section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-101" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Distribute” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Offering for sale;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Selling;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bartering; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Giving away.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Exotic bird” means a bird that is not native to this State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Permit” means a permit issued by the Secretary to import, distribute, and breed exotic birds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-102" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <level label="a"> <text>A person shall hold a permit issued by the Secretary before the person may import, distribute, or breed any exotic bird in this State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A permit is not required for a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Legally to acquire and keep an exotic bird as a household pet; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To import, distribute, or breed any bird that is regulated by any program of the Department of Natural Resources.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A separate permit is required for each facility where a person keeps an exotic bird.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-103" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <text>A permit expires on the July 1 after its effective date, unless it is renewed for a 1-year term.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-104" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <text>Each permit shall be displayed conspicuously in the facility for which it is issued.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-105" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <text>Each permit holder shall keep in a sanitary condition the facility for which the permit is issued.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-106" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <level label="a"> <text>On a form approved by the Secretary, each permit holder shall keep a record of the following information for each exotic bird received or disposed of by the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At the time of receipt:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The exotic bird’s species;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date of receipt and the number of exotic birds received; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The name and address of the former owner; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the time of transfer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The exotic bird’s species;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The date of transfer; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The name and address of the new owner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each permit holder shall keep for at least 1 year, at the facility for which the permit is issued, any record required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-107" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <level label="a"> <text>If a bird dies while in the possession of a permit holder, the permit holder shall freeze the bird immediately.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of Health shall specify the methods for handling, treating, and destroying any bird that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Dies while in the possession of a permit holder; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a case that involves psittacosis or any other disease that is contagious to human beings:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Has the disease;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is suspected of having the disease;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Is suspected of being a carrier of the disease;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Has been exposed to the disease; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Is kept at the same facility where the disease is discovered or suspected.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In a case that involves velogenic visertrophic Newcastle disease or any other disease that is contagious to domestic animals or poultry, the State Secretary of Agriculture shall specify the methods for handling, treating, and destroying any bird that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has the disease;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is suspected of having the disease;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is suspected of being a carrier of the disease;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Has been exposed to the disease; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is kept at the same facility where the disease is discovered or suspected.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-108" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary of Health or a representative of the Secretary of Health may inspect the facilities of any permit holder.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request, any permit holder or the Secretary of Health shall make available to the State Secretary of Agriculture any record, specimen, or other material necessary to diagnose or trace any infectious disease that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Occurs in an exotic bird; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is contagious to domestic animals or poultry.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-109" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person may not import, distribute, or breed in this State any exotic bird, unless the person holds a permit issued by the Secretary.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-110" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Exotic Birds"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this subtitle or any rule, regulation, or order adopted or issued by the Secretary of Health or the State Secretary of Agriculture under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-202" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <text>At all times during business hours, each privately owned and commercially operated indoor racket sports facility shall have on the premises personnel who are certified to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section may not be construed as creating any civil or criminal liability.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-205" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “smoking” means the act of smoking or carrying a burning:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Cigar;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cigarette;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Pipe; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other tobacco product of any kind.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Every director of a nursing home, health clinic, or physician’s office shall make and carry out a plan that adequately protects the health of nonsmoking patients by regulating the smoking of tobacco products on the premises.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual may not smoke in any area of a hospital.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The hospital director shall provide for the posting and placement of conspicuous signs that clearly indicate that smoking is not permitted in the hospital.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of § 24–504 of this title, this section does not apply to patients who are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In a facility for the treatment of mental disorders as defined in § 10–101(g) of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a facility where the average patient stay is more than 30 days; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In an acute care hospital and the attending physician authorizes smoking, in writing, as part of the care for the patient.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Smoking permitted under this section shall be in designated areas that are considered safe and provide nonsmoking patients, family members, and employees protection from tobacco smoke.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Smoking may not be permitted where nonsmoking patients sleep.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-206" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <text>Each movie house, theater, bar, or similar commercial establishment that uses strobe lighting shall keep posted conspicuously at the entrance of the establishment a warning that strobe lighting:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is used in the establishment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be harmful to an individual who is susceptible to epileptic or similar seizures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-207" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Standards for marking transparent glass doors; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Definitions of “business establishment”, “public building”, and “commercial building or structure”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In each business establishment, public building, or commercial building or structure, each door that has a surface area of at least 80 percent transparent glass shall be marked so that it warns any individual nearing it that a glass door is present.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this section or any rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-208" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <text>To assure the cost-free operation of toilets in any public or private building required by any State, county, or municipal law, rule, or regulation to have public toilets, and to end any discriminatory effect based on sex related to the use of coin-operated pay toilets, in any public or private building required by State, county, or municipal law, rule, or regulation to have public toilets, a fee or charge may not be imposed for the use of any toilet required by law, rule, or regulation to be installed in any public or private building. However, any number of toilets greater than the number required by law, rule, or regulation may be coin-operated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-209" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Customer” means an individual who is lawfully on the premises of a retail establishment.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Eligible medical condition” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or any other inflammatory bowel disease, or any other medical condition that requires immediate access to a toilet facility; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A condition that requires the use of an ostomy device.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the request of a customer during normal business hours, and where a public restroom is not readily available, each retail establishment that has a toilet facility for its employees shall allow the customer to use the facility if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Three or more employees of the retail establishment are working at the time the customer requests use of the facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The customer suffers from an eligible condition that is documented with a signed statement by the customer’s health care provider on an identification card that has been prepared by the Maryland Department of Health in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health shall develop a standard identification card that is available on the Department’s website to be printed and signed by a health care provider as evidence of the existence of an eligible medical condition.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision of this section, an employee toilet facility is not to be considered a public restroom.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-210" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <text>A retail establishment and any employee of a retail establishment shall have the immunity from liability described under § 5-635 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-211" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Place of public entertainment” means any establishment that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Accommodates more than 100 individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is included under § 302.0 Use Group A, Assembly Uses, of the Building Officials and Code Administrators Model Performance Code as adopted by regulation by the Department of Housing and Community Development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Public restroom” means a public sanitary facility that contains more than one sanitary fixture.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Sanitary fixture” means a toilet, urinal, or lavatory placed in a public sanitary facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In any place of public entertainment required by a State, county, or municipal law, rule, or regulation to have a public restroom, sanitary fixtures shall be distributed so that the number of toilets provided in a public restroom for women shall be no less than the combined number of toilets and urinals provided in a public restroom for men.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of this section shall apply to any place of public entertainment for which a construction permit is issued after May 1, 1993.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Restoration or renovation of structures, including restoration or renovation which involves 100% of the previously existing structure; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An addition to any structure.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-212" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Buildings and Commercial Establishments"> <level label="a"> <text>The proprietor of a building containing any elevator whose use is available to the general public shall post a sign prohibiting the smoking of tobacco products in that elevator. The sign shall state “Smoking in This Elevator Is Illegal and Subject to a Penalty Not to Exceed $25.00”.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not smoke tobacco products in any area prohibited under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner of Labor and Industry may promulgate rules and regulations in furtherance of the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-301" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt rules and regulations that establish safety requirements for eyeglass and sunglass lenses and frames.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not sell or dispense any eyeglasses or sunglasses that do not meet the safety requirements established by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-301.1" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall adopt regulations that govern the selling and dispensing of plano and zero-powered contact lenses and plano and zero-powered replacement contact lenses.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not knowingly sell or dispense contact lenses or replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired prescription or replacement contact lens prescription.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not limit the right of the State Board of Examiners in Optometry to regulate an optometrist who knowingly sells or dispenses contact lenses or replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired prescription or replacement contact lens prescription.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-302" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly manufacture, sell, rent, or offer for sale any toy that is designed to depict torture or to resemble any instrument that is designed specifically for torture.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any toy gun; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any model of an aircraft, ship, motor vehicle, railroad engine, car, rocketship or other spacecraft, or any part of the model.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-303" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not sell methyl methacrylate liquid monomer to a beauty salon, as defined in § 5-101 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person that violates any provision of this section or any regulation adopted by the Secretary under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-304" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “child care article” means an empty bottle or cup to be filled with food or liquid that is designed or intended by a manufacturer to be used by a child under the age of 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a federal law regulating the use of bisphenol–A in child care articles is enacted, “child care article” shall be defined as specified in the federal law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or after January 1, 2012, a person may not manufacture, knowingly sell, or distribute in commerce any child care article containing bisphenol–A.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, on or after July 1, 2014:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The State may not purchase infant formula in containers containing more than 0.5 parts per billion of bisphenol–A; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not manufacture, knowingly sell, or distribute in commerce a container of infant formula containing more than 0.5 parts per billion of bisphenol–A.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In complying with subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall use a safe and legal alternative when replacing bisphenol–A; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not replace bisphenol–A with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Carcinogens rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as Group A, B, or C carcinogens; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Reproductive toxicants that cause birth defects, reproductive harm, or developmental harm as identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On or before January 1, 2012, the Department shall adopt regulations to carry out subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the Secretary certifies that the safety concerns for bisphenol–A are resolved by additional research or if implementation of subsection (c) of this section would adversely affect the health or well–being of children or adults, the Secretary may suspend implementation of subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-305" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a tobacco product that is regulated under Title 16 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) and except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Sell, distribute, or offer for sale to an individual under the age of 21 years an electronic smoking device, as defined in § 16.7–101(c) of the Business Regulation Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Display electronic smoking devices, as defined in § 16.7–101(c) of the Business Regulation Article, for sale unless the electronic smoking devices are located behind a counter in an area accessible only to the person and employees of the person; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, sell electronic smoking devices, as defined in § 16.7–101(c) of the Business Regulation Article, unless the person verifies that the individual is at least 21 years old.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an electronic smoking device that contains or delivers nicotine intended for human consumption if the device has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product and is being marketed and sold solely for this purpose.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a person may verify an individual’s age only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By means of a government–issued photo identification containing the individual’s date of birth; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a direct face–to–face exchange including the assistance of any electronic or mechanical device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A person is not required to verify the age of an individual at least 30 years old.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$300 for a first violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$1,000 for a second violation occurring within 24 months after the first violation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$3,000 for each subsequent violation occurring within 24 months after the preceding violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Issuance of a civil citation for a violation of this section precludes prosecution under § 10–107 of the Criminal Law Article arising out of the same violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If a violation is committed by a person acting on behalf of a retailer, the civil penalty imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be paid by the retailer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In a prosecution for a violation of this section, it is a defense that the defendant examined the purchaser’s or recipient’s driver’s license or other valid identification issued by a government unit that positively identified the purchaser or recipient as at least 21 years of age.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “designee” means a retired sworn law enforcement officer employed by the Department or a county health officer or an employee of the Department or a local health department trained in civil enforcement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary, the Secretary’s designee, a sworn law enforcement officer, a county health officer, or a designee of a county health officer may issue a civil citation for a violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A citation issued under this section shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name and address of the person charged;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The nature of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The location and time of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The amount of the civil penalty;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The manner, location, and time in which the civil penalty may be paid;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A notice stating the person’s right to elect to stand trial for the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A warning that failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner in accordance with the citation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an admission of liability; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May result in entry of a default judgment that may include the civil penalty, court costs, and administrative expenses.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary, Secretary’s designee, county health officer, or county health officer’s designee shall retain a copy of the citation issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who receives a citation from the Secretary, the Secretary’s designee, a county health officer, or a county health officer’s designee under this section may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing a notice of intention to stand trial with the county health officer or designee at least 5 days before the date set in the citation for the payment of the civil penalty.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After receiving a notice of intention to stand trial under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph, the Secretary, Secretary’s designee, county health officer, or county health officer’s designee shall forward the notice and a copy of the citation to the District Court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person who receives a citation from a sworn law enforcement officer under this section may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing a notice of intention to stand trial and a copy of the citation with the District Court at least 5 days before the date set in the citation for payment of the civil penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>After receiving a citation and notice under this section, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a proceeding before the District Court, a violation of this section shall be prosecuted in the same manner and to the same extent as a municipal infraction under §§ 6–108 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The District Court shall remit any penalties collected for a violation of this section to the county in which the violation occurred.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Adjudication of a violation of this section is not a criminal conviction for any purpose.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-306" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Child care product” means a consumer product intended for use by a child under the age of 3 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Child care product” includes a baby product, toy, and car seat.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Child care product” does not include a product regulated under § 24–306.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“TCEP” means (tris (2–chloroethyl) phosphate).</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“TDCPP” means (tris (1, 3–dichloro–2–propyl) phosphate).</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to the sale or distribution of a child care product that is resold, offered for resale, or distributed by a consumer for consumer use.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not import, sell, or offer for sale any child care product that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contains more than one–tenth of 1% of TCEP or TDCPP by mass; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is intended for use by a child under the age of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A person that violates this section is subject to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a first violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For any subsequent violation, a civil penalty not exceeding $2,500 for each violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the civil penalties provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a court may enjoin an action prohibited by this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary may suspend implementation of subsection (c) of this section if the Secretary determines that the fire safety benefits of TCEP or TDCPP are greater than the health risks associated with TCEP or TDCPP.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On or before June 1, 2021, the Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-306.1" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Adult mattress” means any mattress other than a toddler mattress, a crib mattress, or any other infant sleep product.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Flame–retardant chemical” means a chemical that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is used to resist or inhibit the spread of fire or act as a synergist to chemicals that resist or inhibit the spread of fire, including any chemical for which the term “flame retardant” appears on a safety data sheet developed in accordance with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(g); and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Contains one or more halogen elements, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contains one or more carbon elements and one or more phosphorus elements;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contains one or more carbon elements and one or more nitrogen elements; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is a nanoscale chemical.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Juvenile product” means a consumer product intended for use by a child under the age of 12 years.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Juvenile product” includes a bassinet, a booster seat, a changing pad, a children’s nap mat, a floor playmat, a high chair, a high chair pad, an infant bouncer, an infant carrier, an infant seat, an infant swing, an infant walker, a nursing pad, a nursing pillow, a playpen side pad, a play yard, a portable hook–on chair, and a stroller.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Juvenile product” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A product that is not primarily intended for use in the home, including a product that is, or is a component part of, a motor vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, or any other vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A product regulated under 49 C.F.R. Part 571;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A consumer electronic product; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A product regulated under § 24–306 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Mattress” has the meaning stated in 16 C.F.R. § 1632.1.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Reupholstered furniture” means furniture for which the original fabric, padding, decking, barrier material, foam, or other resilient filling has been replaced and that has not been sold since the time of replacement.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Upholstered furniture” means furniture that includes filling materials, barrier materials, decking materials, or cover fabrics.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to the sale or distribution of a juvenile product, mattress, upholstered furniture, or reupholstered furniture that is resold, offered for resale, or distributed by a consumer for consumer use.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An electronic component, or the casing for an electronic component, of a juvenile product, mattress, upholstered furniture, or reupholstered furniture;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A component of upholstered or reupholstered furniture other than cover fabric, barrier material, resilient filling material, and decking material;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Thread or fiber when used for stitching mattress components together; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Except for foam, a component of an adult mattress.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not import, sell, or offer for sale any juvenile product, mattress, upholstered furniture, or reupholstered furniture that contains more than 0.1% of flame–retardant chemicals by mass.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a person willfully violates this section, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For a first violation, not exceeding $2,500;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For a second violation, not exceeding $5,000;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>For a third violation, not exceeding $7,500; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For any subsequent violation, not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the amount of a penalty under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The nature and severity of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The good faith of the person;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The history of violations by the person; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The extent to which the person cooperated with any investigation by the Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before June 1, 2021, the Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-307" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Limitations on Manufacture or Sale"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section does not apply to the distribution of a coupon that is redeemable for a tobacco product if the coupon is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Contained in a newspaper, a magazine, or any other type of publication in which the coupon is incidental to the primary purpose of the publication; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sent through the mail.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to the distribution of a tobacco product or tobacco paraphernalia to an individual under the age of 21 years who is acting solely as the agent of the individual’s employer if the employer distributes tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia for commercial purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who distributes tobacco products for commercial purposes, including a person licensed under Title 16, Title 16.5, Title 16.7, or Title 16.9 of the Business Regulation Article, may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Distribute to an individual under the age of 21 years:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A tobacco product;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Tobacco paraphernalia; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A coupon redeemable for a tobacco product;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Display tobacco products for sale unless the tobacco products are located behind a counter in an area accessible only to the person and employees of the person; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, sell tobacco products unless the person verifies that the individual is at least 21 years old.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who distributes tobacco products may verify an individual’s age only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>By means of a government–issued photo identification containing the individual’s date of birth; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a direct face–to–face exchange including the assistance of any electronic or mechanical device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person who distributes tobacco products is not required to verify the age of an individual at least 30 years old.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$300 for a first violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$1,000 for a second violation occurring within 24 months after the first violation; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$3,000 for each subsequent violation occurring within 24 months after the preceding violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The local health departments shall report violations of subsection (b) of this section to the Executive Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Issuance of a civil citation for a violation of this section precludes prosecution under § 10–107 of the Criminal Law Article arising out of the same violation.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a violation is committed by a person acting on behalf of a retailer, the civil penalty imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be paid by the retailer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In a prosecution for a violation of subsection (b) of this section, it is a defense that the defendant examined the purchaser’s or recipient’s driver’s license or other valid identification issued by a governmental unit that positively identified the purchaser or recipient as at least 21 years old.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “designee” means a retired sworn law enforcement officer employed by the Secretary or a county health officer or an employee of a local health department trained in civil enforcement.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary, the Secretary’s designee, a sworn law enforcement officer, a county health officer, or a designee of a county health officer may issue a civil citation for a violation of subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A citation issued under this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name and address of the person charged;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The nature of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The location and time of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The amount of the civil penalty;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The manner, location, and time in which the civil penalty may be paid;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A notice stating the person’s right to elect to stand trial for the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>A warning that failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner in accordance with the citation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is an admission of liability; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May result in entry of a default judgment that may include the civil penalty, court costs, and administrative expenses.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Secretary, Secretary’s designee, county health officer, or designee shall retain a copy of the citation issued under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>A person who receives a citation from the Secretary, the Secretary’s designee, a county health officer, or designee under this subsection may elect to stand trial for the violation by filing a notice of intention to stand trial with the county health officer or designee at least 5 days before the date set in the citation for the payment of the civil penalty.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After receiving a notice of intention to stand trial under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the county health officer or designee shall forward the notice and a copy of the citation to the District Court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>After receiving a citation and notice under this subsection, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In a proceeding before the District Court, a violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be handled in the same manner as a municipal infraction under §§ 6–108 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The District Court shall remit any penalties collected for a violation of subsection (b) of this section to the county in which the violation occurred.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Adjudication of a violation of subsection (b) of this section is not a criminal conviction for any purpose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration and consultation with the Executive Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission, local health departments, and local law enforcement agencies, shall develop ongoing strategies for enforcement of § 10–107 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before October 1 each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The development of enforcement strategies required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Training and assistance to tobacco retailers to improve compliance with § 10–107 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-501" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Cannabis” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Electronic smoking device” has the meaning stated in § 16.7–101 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Employee” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Labor and Employment Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Employer” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Labor and Employment Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Environmental smoke” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The complex mixture formed from the escaping smoke of a burning tobacco, cannabis, or hemp product or smoke exhaled by the smoker; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The complex mixture formed from the escaping aerosol of an electronic smoking device or exhaled as electronic smoking device aerosol.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Hemp” has the meaning stated in § 14–101 of the Agriculture Article.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Indoor area open to the public” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An indoor area or a portion of an indoor area accessible to the public by either invitation or permission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An indoor area of any establishment licensed or permitted under the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article for the sale or possession of alcoholic beverages.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Place of employment” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Labor and Employment Article.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Smoking” means the burning of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or any other matter or substance containing, wholly or in part, tobacco, cannabis, or hemp.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Tobacco product” has the meaning stated in § 13–1001 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Vaping” means the use of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An electronic smoking device; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any device through which the user inhales aerosol containing tobacco, cannabis, or hemp.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-502" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the State protect the public and employees from involuntary exposure to environmental smoke in indoor areas open to the public, indoor places of employment, and certain designated private areas.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-503" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of the State by limiting exposure to environmental smoke.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-504" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>Except as provided in § 24–505 of this subtitle, beginning on February 1, 2008, a person may not smoke or vape in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An indoor area open to the public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An indoor place in which meetings are open to the public in accordance with Title 3 of the General Provisions Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A government–owned or government–operated means of mass transportation including buses, vans, trains, taxicabs, and limousines; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An indoor place of employment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-505" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Private homes, residences, including residences used as a business or place of employment, unless being used by a person who is licensed or registered under Title 5, Subtitle 5 of the Family Law Article to provide child care, and private vehicles, unless being used for the public transportation of children, or as part of health care or child care transportation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A hotel or motel room rented to one or more guests as long as the total percent of hotel or motel rooms being so used does not exceed 25%;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A retail tobacco business that is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, partnership, or other enterprise, in which:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The primary activity is the retail sale of tobacco products and accessories; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sale of other products is incidental;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any facility of a manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, or distributor of tobacco products or of any tobacco leaf dealer or processor in which employees of the manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, distributor, or processor work or congregate; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A research or educational laboratory for the purpose of conducting scientific research into the health effects of environmental smoke.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-506" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Signs that state “Smoking or Vaping Permitted in This Room” shall be prominently posted and properly maintained where smoking or vaping is allowed under § 24–505(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Signs that state “No Smoking or Vaping” shall be conspicuously posted and properly maintained in each indoor area open to the public and each public entrance to an indoor area where smoking or vaping is prohibited under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The signs shall be posted and maintained by the owner, operator, manager, or other person having control of the area.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The letters on the signs shall be at least 1 inch in height.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-507" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that prohibit environmental smoke in indoor areas open to the public.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before September 30 of each year, the Department shall report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The enforcement efforts of the Department to eliminate environmental smoke in indoor areas open to the public during the prior year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The results of these enforcement efforts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-508" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person who violates a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under § 24–507(a) of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a first violation, shall be issued a written reprimand by the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a second violation, is subject to a civil penalty of $100; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For each subsequent violation, is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $250.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may waive a penalty established under subsection (a) of this section, giving consideration to factors that include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The seriousness of the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any demonstrated good faith measures to comply with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an alleged violation of subsection (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It is an affirmative defense to a complaint brought against a person for a violation of a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle that the person or an employee of the person:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Posted a “No Smoking or Vaping” sign as required under § 24–506 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Removed all ashtrays and other smoking or vaping paraphernalia from all areas where smoking is prohibited; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the violation occurred in a bar, tavern, or restaurant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Refused to seat or serve any individual who was smoking or vaping in a prohibited area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the individual continued to smoke or vape after an initial warning, asked the individual to leave the establishment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An employer who discharges or discriminates against an employee because that employee has made a complaint, has given information to the Department in accordance with this subtitle, has caused to be instituted or is about to cause to be instituted a proceeding under this subtitle, or has testified or is about to testify in a proceeding under this subtitle, shall be deemed in violation of this subtitle and shall be subject to a civil penalty of at least $2,000 but not more than $10,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Make a groundless or malicious complaint under this subtitle to the Secretary or an authorized representative of the Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In bad faith, bring an action under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In bad faith, testify in an action under this subtitle or a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may bring an action for injunctive relief and damages against a person who violates the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A penalty collected by the Secretary under this section shall be paid to the Cigarette Restitution Fund established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-509" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to preempt a county or municipal government from enacting and enforcing more stringent measures to reduce involuntary exposure to environmental smoke.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-510" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Clean Indoor Air Act"> <text>This subtitle may be cited as the Clean Indoor Air Act.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-601" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Facility” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A public community mental health facility, addiction facility, or developmental disabilities facility that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of a county or a municipal corporation, or both; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A nonprofit community mental health facility, addiction facility, or developmental disabilities facility that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of a nonprofit organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 30 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording, in the land records of the political subdivision in which the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery, as provided under § 24-606 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement is with the State for a State-owned building or State-owned property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-602" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <text>The Board of Public Works, upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Department, may make grants to qualified applicants for the construction, acquisition, renovation, and equipping of community mental health facilities, addiction facilities, and developmental disabilities facilities, including the plans, specifications, site improvements, surveys, and applicable architects’ and engineers’ fees.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-603" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project involving the construction, acquisition, renovation, or equipping of a facility in the State may apply to the Department for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The application shall be directed to the Secretary of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans by the Department, the Secretary shall promptly report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before the Department approves any project, the applicant shall file with the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A statement listing the personnel employed or to be employed at the facility and showing all remuneration and perquisites for personal services and all other expenses paid or to be paid to these personnel, as well as all other expenses incurred or to be incurred in operating the facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The schedule of rates charged or to be charged for services rendered.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-604" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>State funds may be used only for the construction, acquisition, renovation, and equipping of facilities including the reports, plans, specifications, site improvements, surveys, and other related programs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any federal grant that is available for this purpose shall be applied first to the cost of construction, acquisition, renovation, or equipping of a facility.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A State grant shall provide up to 75% of the eligible cost remaining after the federal grant has been applied.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For projects designated under federal regulations, State plans, or the departmental regulations as eligible for poverty area funding, State grants shall amount to up to 90% of the eligible cost remaining after the federal grant has been applied.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For purposes of this subtitle, community development block grant funds shall be considered as local matching funds and may not be considered as federal grant funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The amount of the State grant for any project shall be determined after consideration of all eligible applications, the total of unallocated State funds available at the time the application is received, and the priorities of area need as may be established by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>For the furtherance of sectarian religious instruction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any building used or to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction, or in connection with any program or department of divinity for any religious denomination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that none of the proceeds of the grant have been or are being used for a purpose prohibited by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-605" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the Treasurer shall make payments to the applicant, when needed, for the construction, acquisition, renovation, or equipping of a facility.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may adopt regulations for receiving and considering applications and for disbursing funds to applicants.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-606" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with this section, the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall have the right to recover funds disbursed under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Recover funds disbursed under this subtitle from the federal government if the federal government is the lessor of real property on which a project is constructed or a facility is operated; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Create a lien against real property that is leased from the federal government on which a project is constructed or a facility is operated.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, in the event of failure to complete a project or failure to commence operation of a facility, the State may recover from the recipient of the funds disbursed for the project or facility or the owner of the property an amount equal to the amount of State funds disbursed for the project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, if, within 30 years after completion of a project, a community mental health facility, addiction facility, or developmental disabilities facility with respect to which funds have been paid under this subtitle is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works, or if, within the same period, a community mental health facility, addiction facility, or developmental disabilities facility ceases to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, then the State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a community mental health facility, addiction facility, or developmental disabilities facility that has ceased to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then current fair market value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall cause notice of the State’s right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located before the State makes any funds available for the approved project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice shall not create any lien against the property; however, subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, it shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In the event of a failure to complete the project or commence operations of the facility as described in subsection (b) of this section, or in the event of an alleged sale or transfer as described in subsection (c) of this section, or in the event that a property is alleged to have ceased to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works may authorize the Department to file, in the circuit court of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located, a claim under this subtitle (styled as a civil action against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party), together with a sworn affidavit stating facts on which the allegations of default are based, as well as a detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that there is probable cause to believe that a default has occurred, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property, in the amount of the State’s claim, plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State, or other amounts as the court determines to be reasonable, pending full determination of the State’s claim.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The temporary lien takes effect on the date of the court’s authorization if the State records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located within 10 days thereafter; otherwise, the temporary lien takes effect on the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded. While the temporary lien is in effect, neither the owner nor any person who acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property under this subtitle may take any action that would affect the title to the property or institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property, without the prior written consent of the State.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of this temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State. The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of its recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and on any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount it finds to be recoverable by the State. All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment. This amount, if it remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days following the court’s final order, shall be a lien on the property, superior (except as the State may by written subordination agreement provide otherwise) to the lien or other interest of any mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available in connection with the property under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the State records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order; otherwise, the lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded. At the time this lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released, and the recorded notice of this lien shall constitute notice of the release of the temporary lien.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This lien may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of this lien at any time by paying the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment. On payment in full, the State shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, any temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the State shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of the State’s right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery if the Board determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from this obligation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-607" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Community Mental Health, Addiction, and Developmental Disabilities Facilities Capital Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations shall include requirements for annual financial statements from each facility for at least the term of the bond used to finance any project at the facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-701" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Adult day care center” means a nonresidential center that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Serves the elderly, medically handicapped adults, or victims of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meets the definition in § 14-201(b) or § 14-301(b) of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is licensed by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Facility” means an adult day care center that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A county or a municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A nonprofit organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 30 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording, in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery, as provided under § 24-706 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-702" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <text>Upon the recommendation of the Secretary, the Board of Public Works may make grants to counties, municipal corporations, and nonprofit organizations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The conversion of public buildings or parts of buildings to adult day care centers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The acquisition of existing buildings or parts of buildings for use as adult day care centers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The renovation of adult day care centers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase of capital equipment for adult day care centers; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The planning, design, and construction of adult day care centers.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-703" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project involving work specified in § 24–702 of this subtitle may apply to the Department for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The application shall be directed to the Secretary of Health.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans by the Department, the Secretary shall promptly report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-704" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>State funds may be used to acquire an existing building or part of a building for use as an adult day care center, or to plan, design, and construct an adult day care center, only if the local government and the Department certify to the Board of Public Works that no surplus school building or other public building appropriate for use as an adult day care center exists in the area where it is desired to locate a center.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any federal or other grant that is received for an eligible project shall be applied first to the cost of the project.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section, a State grant may not exceed $400,000 or 50 percent of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied, whichever is less.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At the discretion of the Board of Public Works, a State grant may exceed 50 percent of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The project involves the conversion of a public building or part of a building to an adult day care center, the renovation of an adult day care center, or the planning, design, and construction of an adult day care center;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The value of real property and improvements made available by the local government, or the value of the center to be renovated, equals or exceeds the amount of the State grant;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>No State funds have been used for the acquisition, construction, or maintenance of any real property and improvements made available by the local government or any building to be converted or renovated; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State is not responsible for any bonded indebtedness in connection with any real property and improvements made available by the local government or any building to be converted or renovated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For a project designated under federal regulations, State plans, or departmental regulations as eligible for poverty area funding, a State grant may cover up to 75 percent of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The amount of the State grant for any project shall be determined after consideration of all eligible applications, the total of unallocated State funds available at the time the application is received, and the priorities of area need as may be established by the Department.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used for the furtherance of sectarian religious instruction, or in connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any building used or to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction, or in connection with any program or department of divinity for any religious denomination. Upon the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that none of the proceeds of the grant have been or are being used for a purpose prohibited by this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-705" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the Treasurer shall make payments to or on behalf of the applicant, when needed, for the approved project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-706" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <level label="a"> <text>If, within 30 years after completion of a project, a property with respect to which funds have been paid under this subtitle is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works, or if, within the same period, the property ceases to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, then the State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a property that has ceased to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then-current value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the State makes any funds available for an approved project, the Department shall cause a notice of this right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not create any lien against the property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential transferor, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In the event of an alleged sale or transfer as described in subsection (b) of this section, or in the event that a property is alleged to have ceased to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works may file, in the circuit court for the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located, a claim under this subtitle (styled as a civil action against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party), together with sworn affidavits stating facts on which the allegations of default are based, as well as a detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that there is probable cause to believe that a default has occurred, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property, in the amount of the State’s claim (plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State) or in other amounts as the court determines to be reasonable, pending full determination of the State’s claim.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The temporary lien shall take effect on the date of the court’s authorization if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located within 10 days thereafter, otherwise, the temporary lien shall take effect on the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded. While the temporary lien is in effect, neither the owner nor any person who acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property under this subtitle, may take any action that would affect the title to the property or institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property, without the prior written consent of the State.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of this temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim and any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State. The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of its recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and on any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount it finds to be recoverable by the State. All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment. This amount, if it remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days following the court’s final order, shall be a lien on the property, superior (except as the State may by written subordination agreement provide otherwise) to the lien or other interest of any mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available in connection with the property under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order, otherwise, the lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded. At the time this lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released, and the recorded notice of this lien shall constitute notice of the release of the temporary lien.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This lien may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of this lien at any time by paying to the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment. On payment in full, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, any temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of this right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery if the Board determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from this obligation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-707" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Adult Day Care Centers Program"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-801" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner of Health” means the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“HIV” means the human immunodeficiency virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Participant” means an individual who has registered with the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the HIV Prevention Syringe Services Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Residue” means the dried remains of a controlled dangerous substance attached to or contained within a hypodermic needle or syringe.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-802" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an HIV Prevention Syringe Services Program in the Baltimore City Health Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Distribute syringes and provide for the exchange by participants of used hypodermic needles and syringes for sterile hypodermic needles and syringes as needed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operate in accordance with the procedures approved, with the advice and approval of the oversight committee, by the Commissioner of Health.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-803" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <text>The Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be designed and maintained to provide security measures and processes required to safely distribute hypodermic needles and syringes and account for the number of hypodermic needles and syringes exchanged and distributed by the Baltimore City Health Department and the number of hypodermic needles and syringes in storage;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be operated to allow participants to exchange used hypodermic needles and syringes at available mobile syringe services sites;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Include appropriate levels of staff expertise in working with injecting drug users and adequate staff training in providing community service provider referrals, counseling, and preventive education;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Provide for the dissemination of other preventive means for decreasing the risk of HIV transmission;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide referrals to drug counseling and treatment services, and follow–up to those referrals to assure that participants receive the treatment they desire;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Educate injecting drug users on the risk of transmitting HIV or the hepatitis B virus through high–risk needle–sharing practices and sexual behaviors;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Include policies and procedures for the screening of applicants to the Program in order to preclude noninjecting drug users from participating in the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Implement procedures for identifying Program participants that are consistent with the confidentiality provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-804" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Mayor of Baltimore City shall appoint an oversight committee for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The oversight committee shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One representative from academia who specializes in public health issues;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One representative from law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative from the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One representative of a Baltimore City community group;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One representative of an HIV advocacy group;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One addiction treatment counselor;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One recovering injecting drug user; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Up to three other individuals whom the Baltimore City Health Department determines to be appropriate for appointment to the oversight committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The oversight committee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide advice to the Commissioner of Health and the Program Director on developing and revising as necessary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Program operating procedures for the distribution and exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes to injecting drug users;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A plan for community outreach and education;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A protocol for providing referrals for Program participants to addiction treatment and rehabilitation; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A plan for evaluating the Program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide ongoing oversight of the Program and make recommendations to the Program Director or the Commissioner of Health regarding any aspect of Program procedures, operation, or evaluation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-805" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner of Health shall appoint a Director for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>With the advice of the oversight committee, the Director shall develop and revise as necessary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Program operating procedures for the distribution and exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes to injecting drug users;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community outreach and education program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A protocol for providing referrals for Program participants to substance use treatment and rehabilitation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Director shall submit the operating procedures, the plan for a community outreach and education program, and the substance use treatment referral protocol to the Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner’s designee for approval prior to the implementation of revised procedures.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-806" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Baltimore City Health Department shall include in its Program operating procedures measures to collect the following data:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of participants served by the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The length of time a participant is served by the Program;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Demographic profiles of participants served by the Program that include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Age;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Sex;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Race; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Zip code of residence;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The number of hypodermic needles and syringes exchanged;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The number of participants referred to addiction treatment; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The number of referrals made by the Program for addiction treatment for people who inject drugs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>With the advice of the oversight committee, the Baltimore City Health Department shall develop and implement a plan for Program evaluation that shall include the following issues:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The estimated prevalence and incidence of HIV among Program participants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The strengths and weaknesses of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The advisability of continuing the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>As part of its plans for data collection and Program evaluation described under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Baltimore City Health Department shall develop and implement a methodology to collect returned needles and syringes and send them to the Rapid Analysis of Drugs program operated by the Center for Harm Reduction at the Maryland Department of Health.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before December 31 of each year, the Baltimore City Health Department shall report to the oversight committee, the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on the number of hypodermic needles and syringes exchanged as part of the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-807" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each Program participant shall be issued an identification card with an identification number.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The identification number shall be cross-indexed to a confidential record containing pertinent data on the participant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any information obtained by the Program that would identify Program participants, including Program records, is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Confidential;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not open to public inspection or disclosure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Not discoverable in any criminal or civil proceeding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, upon the written consent of a Program participant, information obtained by the Program that identifies the Program participant may be released or disclosed to a person or agency participating in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, if a Program participant raises the issue of participation in the Program either as a subject matter or legal defense in an administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding, the Program participant waives the confidentiality as to identity provided under subsection (b)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-808" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <text>No Program staff member or Program participant may be found guilty of violating § 5–601, § 5–619, § 5–620, § 5–902, or § 5–904 of the Criminal Law Article for possessing or distributing controlled paraphernalia or drug paraphernalia whenever the possession or distribution of the controlled paraphernalia or drug paraphernalia is a direct result of the employee’s or participant’s activities in connection with the work of the Program authorized under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-809" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Aids Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program"> <text>Except for violations of any laws that could arise from residue attached to or contained within hypodermic needles or syringes being returned or already returned to the Program, this subtitle does not provide immunity to a Program staff member or Program participant from criminal prosecution for a violation of any law prohibiting or regulating the use, possession, dispensing, distribution, or promotion of illicit drugs.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-901" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Community–based organization” means a public or private organization that is representative of a community or significant segments of a community and provides educational, health, or social services to individuals in the community.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Drug” has the meaning stated in § 8–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“HIV” means the human immunodeficiency virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Participant” means an individual who has registered with a Program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means an Opioid–Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Residue” means the remains of a controlled dangerous substance attached to or contained within a hypodermic needle or syringe.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Substance–related disorder” has the meaning stated in § 7.5–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Viral hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-902" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A Program may be established by a local health department or a community–based organization, subject to the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A county may cooperate with another county to establish a Program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A community–based organization may establish a multicounty Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to the AIDS Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program established under Subtitle 8 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A local health department or community–based organization shall apply to the Department and a local health officer for authorization to operate a Program.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A local health department or community–based organization may apply at any time for authorization to operate a Program under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department and a local health officer jointly shall issue an authorization determination based on the ability of a Program to meet the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department and a local health officer shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Approve or deny an application for authorization to operate a Program within 60 days after receiving a complete application; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Provide to the applicant a written explanation of the decision of the Department and local health officer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>A local health department or community–based organization may appeal an adverse decision by the Department and a local health officer to the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Grant or deny an appeal within 60 days after receiving an appeal; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide a written explanation of the Secretary’s or the Secretary’s designee’s decision to the local health department or community–based organization.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If established under subsection (a) of this section, a Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide for substance use outreach, education, and linkage to treatment services to participants, including distribution and collection of hypodermic needles and syringes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Operate in accordance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The procedures, plans, and protocols approved by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The local health officer for each county in which a Program is established; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-903" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>A Program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be designed and maintained to provide security of Program locations and equipment, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be operated to allow participants to obtain and return hypodermic needles and syringes at any Program location, if more than one location is available;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Include appropriate levels of staff expertise in working with individuals who inject drugs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Include adequate staff training in providing community referrals, counseling, and preventive education;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Provide for the dissemination of other preventive means for curtailing the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide linkage to additional services, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Substance–related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Reproductive health education and services;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Wound care; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Educate participants on the dangers of contracting HIV and viral hepatitis;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Provide overdose prevention education and access to naloxone, or a referral for a participant to obtain naloxone;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Establish procedures for identifying Program participants that are consistent with the confidentiality provisions of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Establish a method of identification and authorization for Program staff members and Program volunteers who have access to hypodermic needles, syringes, or Program records; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Develop a plan for data collection and Program evaluation in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A Program may offer additional services, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Substance–related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Reproductive health education and services;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Wound care; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>With the technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee, a Program shall develop:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Program operating procedures for the distribution, collection, and safe disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A community outreach and education plan; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A protocol for linking Program participants to substance–related disorder treatment and recovery services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>After receiving technical assistance from the Standing Advisory Committee, a Program shall submit the operating procedures, plan for community outreach and education, and protocol for linking Program participants to substance–related disorder treatment and recovery services developed under subsection (c) of this section for approval to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The local health officer for each county in which a Program is established; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-904" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall appoint a Standing Advisory Committee on Opioid–Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Standing Advisory Committee shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One individual from academia who specializes in public health issues related to substance–related disorders or infectious diseases;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One representative from law enforcement, nominated by the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One individual with expertise in the prevention of HIV or viral hepatitis;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>One health care practitioner with experience providing services to individuals who inject drugs;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>One individual with substance use experience;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One family member of an individual who injects or has injected drugs;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>One representative of local law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>One local health officer;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>One representative of a local or regional hospital;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>One individual with experience in syringe services programs; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Any additional members recommended by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall serve as chair of the Standing Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Standing Advisory Committee shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Provide technical assistance to each Program on developing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Program operating procedures for collection and distribution of hypodermic needles and syringes;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A plan for community outreach and education; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A protocol for linking Program participants to substance–related disorder treatment and recovery services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make recommendations to a Program regarding any aspect of Program procedures or operation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-905" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Adopt regulations for the implementation of this subtitle, in consultation with the Standing Advisory Committee and the Maryland Association of County Health Officers; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ensure the provision of technical assistance to a Program about best practices, best practice protocols, and other subject areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations adopted under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall establish:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Procedures for ensuring the security of Program locations and equipment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An appeals process for appeals authorized by § 24–902(b)(4) of this subtitle, including the standard of review that the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee must apply when reviewing a decision of the Department and a local health officer; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Procedures for data collection and Program evaluation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-906" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each Program participant shall be issued a unique identification card with a unique identification number.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The unique identification number may not be cross–indexed to any personal identifying data on the participant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any information obtained by a Program that identifies Program participants, including Program records, is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Confidential;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not open to public inspection or disclosure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Not discoverable in any criminal or civil proceeding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, on the written consent of a Program participant, information obtained by a Program that identifies the Program participant may be released or disclosed to an individual or agency for purposes of linking to services under § 24–903(a)(6) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, if a Program participant raises the issue of participation in a Program either as a subject matter or legal defense in an administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding, the Program participant waives the confidentiality as to identity provided under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Substance–related treatment records requested or provided under this section are subject to any additional limitations on disclosure or re–disclosure of a medical record developed in connection with the provision of substance–related treatment services under State law or 42 U.S.C. § 290dd–2 and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-907" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <text>A Program shall collect and report at least annually the following data to the Department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The number of participants served by the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of new participants registered by the Program during the reporting period;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Demographic profiles of participants served by the Program, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Age;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Gender;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Race;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Zip code; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Types of drugs used;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The number of hypodermic needles and syringes distributed and collected;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Each location at which hypodermic needles and syringes were distributed; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The number of linkages provided to participants under § 24–903(a)(6) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-908" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>A Program staff member, Program volunteer, or Program participant may not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for violating § 5–601, § 5–619, § 5–620, or § 5–902(c) or (d) of the Criminal Law Article for possessing or distributing controlled paraphernalia or drug paraphernalia whenever the possession or distribution of the controlled paraphernalia or drug paraphernalia is a direct result of the employee’s, volunteer’s, or participant’s activities in connection with the work of a Program authorized under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a Program staff member, Program volunteer, or Program participant is not immune from criminal prosecution for any activities not authorized or approved by a Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-909" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs"> <text>Except for violations of any laws that could arise from residue attached to or contained within hypodermic needles or syringes being returned or already returned to a Program, nothing in this subtitle provides immunity to a Program staff member, Program volunteer, or Program participant from criminal prosecution for a violation of any law prohibiting or regulating the use, possession, dispensing, distribution, or promotion of controlled dangerous substances, dangerous drugs, detrimental drugs, or harmful drugs or any conspiracy or attempt to commit any of those offenses.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1001" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Assisted living facility” means a residential facility or facility-based program that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Meets the definition in § 19-1801 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is licensed by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Facility” means an assisted living facility that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nonprofit organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 30 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery as provided under § 24-1006 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1002" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <text>On the recommendation of the Secretary, the Board of Public Works may make grants to counties, municipal corporations, and nonprofit organizations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The conversion of public buildings or parts of buildings to assisted living facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The acquisition of existing buildings or parts of buildings for use as assisted living facilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The renovation of assisted living facilities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase of capital equipment for assisted living facilities; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The planning, design, and construction of assisted living facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1003" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project involving work specified in § 24-1002 of this subtitle may apply to the Secretary for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans by the Department, the Secretary shall promptly report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1004" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the local government and the Department certify to the Board of Public Works that a surplus public building appropriate for use as an assisted living facility does not exist in the area in which the facility is to be located, State funds may be used to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acquire an existing building or part of a building for use as an assisted living facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Plan, design, and construct an assisted living facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any federal or other grant that is received for an eligible project shall be applied first to the cost of the project.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section, a State grant may not exceed 50% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>At the discretion of the Board of Public Works, a State grant may exceed 50% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied, if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The project involves the conversion of a public building or part of a building to an assisted living facility, the renovation of an assisted living facility, or the planning, design, and construction of an assisted living facility;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The value of real property and improvements made available by the local government, or the value of the center to be renovated, equals or exceeds the amount of the State grant;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>State funds have not been used for the acquisition, construction, or maintenance of any real property and improvements made available by the local government or any building to be converted or renovated; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The State is not responsible for any bonded indebtedness in connection with any real property and improvements made available by the local government or any building to be converted or renovated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>For a project designated as eligible for poverty area funding under federal regulations, State plans, or departmental regulations, a State grant may cover up to 75% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal and other grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The amount of the State grant for any project shall be determined after consideration of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All eligible applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total of unallocated State funds available at the time the application is received; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The priorities of area need established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To further sectarian religious instruction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any building to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In connection with any program or department of divinity for any religious denomination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proceeds of the grant are not being used for a purpose prohibited under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1005" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the Treasurer shall make payments to or on behalf of the applicant, when needed, for the approved project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1006" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a property that has ceased to be a “facility”, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then current value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings, if, within 30 years after completion of a project, a property for which funds have been paid under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ceases to be a “facility” as defined in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the State makes any funds available for an approved project, the Department shall cause a notice of this right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not create a lien against the property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential transferor, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary of the Board of Public Works may file a civil claim under subsection (b) of this section, in the circuit court for the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located, against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The claim shall be filed with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sworn affidavits stating facts on which the allegations of default are based; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that there is probable cause to believe that a default has occurred, pending full determination of the State’s claim, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the amount of the State’s claim plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In other amounts that the court determines to be reasonable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A temporary lien shall take effect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On the date of the court’s authorization, if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located within 10 days after the court’s authorization; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>While the temporary lien is in effect, neither the owner nor any person who acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property may without the prior written consent of the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take any action that would affect the title to the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of a temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim and any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of its recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and of any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount it finds to be recoverable by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as the State may otherwise provide by a written subordination agreement, if the amount of the final judgment remains unpaid after 30 days following the court’s final order, the final judgment shall constitute a lien on the property, superior to the lien or other interest of a mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in item 2 of this item, a lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>At the time that a lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recorded notice of a lien shall constitute notice of the release of a temporary lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lien imposed under this subsection may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of a lien at any time by paying to the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On payment in full, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, a temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of this right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from the obligation imposed under this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1007" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Assisted Living Facilities Grant Program"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1101" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Community Services Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Proceeds” means the gross proceeds minus the costs associated with the sale, lease, or disposition of property and equipment, as determined by the Department of General Services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Trust Fund” means the Community Services Trust Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1102" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Community Services Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Community Services Trust Fund in the Office of the Treasurer.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Trust Fund is to receive and hold the proceeds from the sale or long–term lease of property and equipment of a Developmental Disabilities Administration facility or a Behavioral Health Administration facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1103" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Community Services Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The Trust Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Treasurer shall hold the Trust Fund and the Comptroller shall account for the Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Trust Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Trust Fund shall be paid into the Trust Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Treasurer shall deposit funds into the two accounts of the Trust Fund in accordance with § 24-1104 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1104" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Community Services Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The Trust Fund consists of two accounts.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>One account holds the proceeds from the sale or long–term lease of property and equipment resulting from the sale or long–term lease of Developmental Disabilities Administration facilities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One account holds the proceeds from the sale or long–term lease of property and equipment resulting from the sale or long–term lease of Behavioral Health Administration facilities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1105" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Community Services Trust Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The Trust Fund may only be used in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In accordance with an appropriation approved by the General Assembly in the State budget, the Comptroller shall transfer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The investment earnings of the Developmental Disabilities Administration account of the Trust Fund into the Waiting List Equity Fund established under § 7–205 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proceeds and investment earnings of the Behavioral Health Administration account of the Trust Fund into the Mental Health Community–Based Services Fund established under § 10–208 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For fiscal year 2026 only, the Developmental Disabilities Administration may use money in the Trust Fund for provider reimbursements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1201" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Health and Human Services Referral System"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Health and Human Services Referral System” means a coordinated system for health and human service resources accessible to all State residents through 2–1–1 and other designated technology systems.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“2–1–1” means the abbreviated dialing code assigned by the Federal Communications Commission for consumer access to community information and referral services.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“2–1–1 Maryland” means the Maryland Information Network, 2–1–1 Maryland, a 501(c)(3) corporation in the State that administers the 2–1–1 system.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“2–1–1 Maryland call center” means a nonprofit agency or organization designated by 2–1–1 Maryland to provide 2–1–1 services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1202" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Health and Human Services Referral System"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Recognizes the importance of a statewide information and referral system for health and human services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Recognizes that an integrated technology system would provide access to a single source for information and referral to health and human services, community preparedness, and behavioral health care coordination and could be accessed toll free from anywhere in Maryland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Acknowledges that the three–digit number, 2–1–1, is a nationally recognized and applied telephone number which may be used for information and referral and eliminates delays caused by lack of familiarity with health and human services numbers and by understandable confusion in circumstances of crisis; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Recognizes a demonstrated need for an easy to remember, easy to use telephone number that will enable individuals in need to be directed to available community resources.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to establish the three–digit number, 2–1–1, as the primary information and referral telephone number for health and human services in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1203" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Health and Human Services Referral System"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an agency or organization shall be approved by 2–1–1 Maryland as a 2–1–1 Maryland call center in order to provide 2–1–1 services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When approving a 2–1–1 service provider, 2–1–1 Maryland shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The ability of the proposed 2–1–1 service provider to meet the national 2–1–1 standards recommended by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and adopted by the National 2–1–1 Collaborative; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An equivalent entity;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The financial stability of the proposed 2–1–1 service provider;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any community support for the proposed 2–1–1 service provider;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any experience that the proposed 2–1–1 service provider has with other information and referral services;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The degree to which the county in which the proposed call center is to be located has dedicated substantial resources to the establishment of a single telephone source for non–emergency inquiries regarding county services; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Any other criteria that 2–1–1 Maryland considers appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an agency of the State that provides health and human services establishes a public information telephone line or hotline, the agency shall consult with 2–1–1 Maryland about using the 2–1–1 system to provide public access to information.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1204" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Health and Human Services Referral System"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall, in consultation with 2–1–1 Maryland, as appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain public information available from State agencies, programs, and departments that provide health and human services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Support projects and activities that further the development of 2–1–1 Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Examine and make recommendations to maximize the use of information technology in making 2–1–1 services available throughout the State; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Make recommendations to 2–1–1 Maryland regarding the establishment of an opt–in mental health services phone call program that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Requires a call center to call individuals who have opted in to the mental health services phone call program on a periodic basis, as determined by 2–1–1 Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Attempts to connect individuals to a provider of mental health services if the individual requests to speak to a mental health provider during a call with 2–1–1 Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation to the Department in an amount sufficient to carry out subsection (a)(4) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before December 31, 2005, and every year thereafter, the Department, in consultation with 2–1–1 Maryland, shall report to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the activities performed under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1205" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Health and Human Services Referral System"> <text>Funding for the Department’s implementation of this subtitle is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The availability of appropriated funds; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Audit by the Office of Legislative Audits under § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1301" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Federally qualified health center” means a health center that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Designated as a federally qualified health center under § 330 of the federal Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. § 254b; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Wholly owned by and operated under the authority of a county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 15 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording, in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery as provided under § 24–1306 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1302" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On the recommendation of the Secretary, the Board of Public Works may make grants to counties, municipal corporations, and nonprofit organizations for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The conversion of public buildings or parts of public buildings to federally qualified health centers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The acquisition of existing buildings or parts of buildings for use as federally qualified health centers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The renovation of federally qualified health centers;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase of capital equipment for federally qualified health centers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The planning, design, and construction of federally qualified health centers; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The acquisition of land for the construction or use of a federally qualified health center.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1303" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project involving work specified in § 24-1302 of this subtitle may apply to the Secretary for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The application for a grant shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Project plans for the work to be carried out;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement listing the personnel employed or to be employed at the federally qualified health center, including all remuneration and perquisites for personal services and all other expenses paid or to be paid to the personnel;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All other expenses incurred or to be incurred in operating the federally qualified health center; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The schedule of rates charged or to be charged for services rendered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans, the Secretary shall promptly report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1304" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>State funds may only be used for the purposes listed under § 24–1302 of this subtitle and approved by the Secretary under § 24–1303 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any federal or other grant that is received for an eligible project shall be applied first to the cost of the project;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a State grant may not exceed 75% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal grants have been applied; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For purposes of this subtitle, community development block grant funds shall be considered as local matching funds and may not be considered as federal grant funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For a project designated as eligible for poverty area funding under federal regulations, State plans, or departmental regulations, a State grant may cover up to 90% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The amount of the State grant recommended to the Board of Public Works for any project shall be determined after consideration of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All eligible projects;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total of unallocated State funds available at the time the grant recommendation is made to the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The priorities of area need established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To further sectarian religious instruction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any building to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In connection with any program or department of divinity for any religious denomination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proceeds of the grant are not being used for a purpose prohibited under this subsection or under applicable federal law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2007 and continuing every fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include an appropriation in the State capital budget to be distributed and managed in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1305" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the Treasurer shall make payments to or on behalf of the applicant, when needed, for the approved project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1306" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a property that has ceased to be a federally qualified health center, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then current value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings, if a property for which funds have been paid under this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Ceases to be a federally qualified health center as defined in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State may not recover under paragraph (1) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If the property was leased by the federally qualified health center, more than 15 years after completion of the project; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the property was owned by the federally qualified health center, more than 30 years after completion of the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the State makes any funds available for an approved project, the Department shall cause a notice of this right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not create a lien against the property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential transferor, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary of the Board of Public Works may file a civil complaint under subsection (b) of this section, in the circuit court for the county or Baltimore City where the property is located, against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The complaint shall be filed with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sworn affidavits stating facts on which the allegations of default are based; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that a default has occurred, pending full determination of the State’s claim, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the amount of the State’s complaint plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In other amounts that the court determines to be reasonable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A temporary lien shall take effect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On the date of the court’s authorization, if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located within 10 days after the court’s authorization; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>While the temporary lien is in effect, neither the owner nor any person who acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property may, without the prior written consent of the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take any action that would affect the title to the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of a temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim and any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of its recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and of any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount it finds to be recoverable by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as the State may otherwise provide by a written subordination agreement, if the amount of the final judgment remains unpaid after 30 days following the court’s final order, the final judgment shall constitute a lien on the property, superior to the lien or other interest of a mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>At the time that a lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recorded notice of a lien shall constitute notice of the release of a temporary lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lien imposed under this subsection may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of a lien at any time by paying to the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On payment in full, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, a temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of this right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from the obligation imposed under this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1307" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Federally Qualified Health Centers Grant Program"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1401" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Facility” means:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A public nursing facility that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of a county or a municipal corporation, or both; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A nonprofit nursing facility that is wholly owned by and operated under the authority of a nonprofit organization;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A facility that meets the definition of § 19–1401 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A facility that is licensed by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of the facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in the facility, or the expansion of the facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 30 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording, in the land records of the political subdivision in which the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery, as provided under § 24–606 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The lease agreement is with the State for a State–owned building or State–owned property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1402" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <text>The Board of Public Works, upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Department, may make grants to qualified applicants for the purpose of converting nursing facility beds to other health care services deemed appropriate by the Department, including the plans, specifications, site improvement, surveys, and applicable architects’ and engineers’ fees.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1403" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project under this subtitle may apply to the Department for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The application shall be directed to the Secretary of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans by the Department, the Secretary shall promptly report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board of Public Works make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1404" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions:</text> <level label="1"> <text>State funds may be used only for projects approved by the Secretary under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Any federal grant that is available for this purpose shall be applied first to a project approved under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In this subtitle, community development block grants shall be considered as local matching funds and may not be considered as federal grant funds.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A State grant shall provide up to 50% of the eligible cost remaining after the federal grant has been applied, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For projects designated under federal regulations, State plans, or departmental regulations as eligible for poverty area funding, a State grant may cover up to 75% of the eligible cost remaining after any federal grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The amount of the State grant for any project shall be determined after consideration of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All eligible applications;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total amount of unallocated State funds available at the time the application is received; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The priorities of area need established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To further sectarian religious instruction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any buildings used or to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Upon the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of Public Works that none of the proceeds of the grant have been or are being used for a purpose prohibited by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1405" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the Treasurer shall make payments to the applicant, when needed, for the construction, acquisition, renovation, or equipping of a facility.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works may adopt regulations for receiving and considering applications and for disbursing funds to applicants.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1406" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In accordance with this section, the State shall have the right to recover funds disbursed under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In the event of failure to complete a project or failure to commence operation of a facility, the State may recover from the recipient of the funds disbursed for the project or facility or from the owner of the property an amount equal to the amount of State funds disbursed for the project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a property that has ceased to be a facility, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then current value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings, if, within 30 years after completion of a project, a property for which funds have been paid under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ceases to be a facility as defined in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the State makes any funds available for an approved project, the Department shall cause a notice of this right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not create a lien against the property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential transferor, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary of the Board of Public Works may authorize the Department to file a civil claim, in the circuit court for the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located, against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A failure to complete the project or commence operations of the facility as described in subsection (b) of this section has occurred;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An alleged sale or transfer as described in subsection (c) of this section has occurred; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A property is alleged to have ceased to be a facility as defined in this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The claim shall be filed with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sworn affidavits stating facts on which the allegations of default are based; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that there is probable cause to believe that a default has occurred, pending full determination of the State’s claim, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the amount of the State’s claim plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In other amounts that the court determines to be reasonable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A temporary lien shall take effect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On the date of the court’s authorization, if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located within 10 days after the court’s authorization; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>While the temporary lien is in effect, the owner or any person who acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property may not without the prior written consent of the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take any action that would affect the title to the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of a temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim and any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of its recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and of any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount it finds to be recoverable by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as the State may otherwise provide by a written subordination agreement, if the amount of the final judgment remains unpaid after 30 days following the court’s final order, the final judgment shall constitute a lien on the property, superior to the lien or other interest of a mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City in which the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>At the time that a lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recorded notice of a lien shall constitute notice of the release of a temporary lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lien imposed under this subsection may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of a lien at any time by paying to the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On payment in full, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, a temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of this right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board of Public Works determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from the obligation imposed under this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1407" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A temporary delicensure of licensed bed capacity of a facility under this subtitle does not require a certificate of need review.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Maryland Health Care Commission shall retain the bed capacity of a facility on its inventory for up to 2 years, provided that the owner or licensed operator of the facility provides written notice to the Commission at least 30 days before the proposed temporary delicensure.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1408" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="14" subtitle_name="Nursing Facility Conversion Grant Program"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Health Care Commission and the nursing home industry, shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1501" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Care coordination services” means an active, ongoing process of assisting an individual to identify, access, and use community resources and coordinating services to meet the individual’s needs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund established under § 24–1502(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Provider of prenatal care” means a health care provider who is authorized to provide prenatal services under the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1502" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to make grants to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Counties and municipalities to provide care coordination services to low–income pregnant and postpartum women and to children from birth to 3 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Federally qualified health centers, hospitals, and providers of prenatal care to increase access to prenatal care, which may include behavioral and oral health services necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Award grants from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Oversee the operation of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>In fiscal years 2021 and 2022, the Governor shall include in the annual budget an appropriation of $100,000 for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill appropriations in the following amounts for the Fund:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$1,100,000 for fiscal year 2023;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$2,100,000 for fiscal year 2024; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$3,100,000 for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only to provide grants to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Counties and municipalities to provide care coordination services to low–income pregnant and postpartum women and children from birth to 3 years old; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Federally qualified health centers, hospitals, and providers of prenatal care to provide and promote prenatal care to women who would otherwise not receive prenatal care.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund, including interest earnings under subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Money expended from the Fund for grants under this subtitle is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for care coordination services.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Fund is subject to audit by the Office of Legislative Audits as provided in § 2–1220 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1503" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county or municipality may apply to the Secretary for a grant from the Fund to be applied toward a program that provides care coordination services to low–income pregnant and postpartum women and to children from birth to 3 years old.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An application for a grant from the Fund shall include, at minimum:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Evidence that the county’s or municipality’s care coordination services will be a collaborative effort involving:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The appropriate public service agencies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Community–based providers; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A plan for the establishment of a database that collects data from the program to ensure that the services are provided to the families with the highest need.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1504" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish procedures for the distribution of money from the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall consult with the members of the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle, including the procedure by which a federally qualified health center, hospital, or provider of prenatal care may apply for a grant, the Secretary shall consult with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau in the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from a county or municipality that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Has:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A high number of births to women enrolled in Medicaid;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>High rates of infant mortality;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>High rates of preterm births; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>High rates of infants with low birthweight; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Demonstrates that the program will be coordinated with community–based service providers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from federally qualified health centers, hospitals, or providers of prenatal care that propose to serve communities that have:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A high number of births to women enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>High rates of infant mortality;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>High rates of preterm births; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>High rates of infants with low birthweight.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1505" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <text>A county or municipality awarded a grant from the Fund shall submit annually to the Secretary and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report that includes data describing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The services provided;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number of individuals receiving services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Outcomes for individuals receiving services; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An assessment of the funded activities’ ability to scale.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1506" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="15" subtitle_name="Maryland Prenatal and Infant Care Grant Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary shall, in coordination with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau in the Department, award competitive grants to federally qualified health centers, hospitals, and providers of prenatal care that propose a program to increase accessibility to prenatal care in communities with members who would otherwise not receive prenatal care, including women who cannot obtain prenatal care due to their immigration status.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A federally qualified health center, hospital, or provider of prenatal care that receives a grant under this paragraph may use the funding to promote and market the proposed program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may require an applicant to provide matching funds or in–kind contributions as a condition of receiving a grant under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary shall distribute at least the following totals in grants under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$2,000,000 in fiscal year 2024; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$3,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall ensure that grants awarded under this section are used for the purposes of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Improving the health outcomes of pregnant women in the community served using the grant funds; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Collecting sufficient data to determine how to expand successful elements of the program to other communities in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2023, the Secretary shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly a report on the grants distributed under this section for the most recent closed fiscal year, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The total number of grants distributed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information about grant recipients and the programs and services provided using the grant funding.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1601" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Community dental clinic” means a nonprofit organization that provides dental services and is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A health care center or program that offers dental services:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Free of cost or on a sliding scale fee schedule; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Without regard to an individual’s ability to pay; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Wholly owned and operated under the authority of a county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Community dental clinic” does not include a federally qualified health center or a federally qualified health center look–alike.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Nonprofit organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A bona fide religious organization, no part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is chartered as a nonprofit corporation and classified by the Internal Revenue Service as nonprofit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>No part of the earnings of which inures to the benefit of any individual or is used for any purpose other than the maintenance and operation of a facility, the purchase of equipment to be used in a facility, or the expansion of a facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Wholly owned” includes leased, if:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The lease is for a minimum term of 15 years following project completion; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The lease agreement extends the right of purchase to the lessee; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The lessor consents to the recording, in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the facility is located, of a notice of the State’s right of recovery as provided under § 24–1606 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1602" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Community Dental Clinics Grant Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On the recommendation of the Secretary, the Board of Public Works may make grants to counties, municipal corporations, and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of supporting the provision of dental services by community dental clinics through:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The conversion of public buildings or parts of public buildings to community dental clinics;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The acquisition of existing buildings or parts of buildings for use as community dental clinics;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The renovation of community dental clinics;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The purchase of capital equipment for community dental clinics; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The planning, design, and construction of community dental clinics.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1603" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Any county, municipal corporation, or nonprofit organization sponsoring a project involving work specified in § 24–1602 of this subtitle may apply to the Secretary for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of that project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The application for a grant shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Project plans for the work to be carried out;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement listing the personnel employed or to be employed at the community dental clinic, including all remuneration and perquisites for personal services and all other expenses paid or to be paid to the personnel;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All other expenses incurred or to be incurred in operating the community dental clinic; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The schedule of rates charged or to be charged for services rendered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On approval of a project and the project plans, the Secretary promptly shall report the application to the Board of Public Works, together with the Secretary’s recommendation that the Board make funds available as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1604" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>State funds may be used only for the purposes listed under § 24–1602 of this subtitle and approved by the Secretary under § 24–1603 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The allocation and use of State funds under this subtitle are subject to the following terms and conditions:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any federal or other grant that is received for an eligible project shall be applied first to the cost of the project;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a State grant may not exceed 75% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal grants have been applied; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For purposes of this subtitle, community development block grant funds shall be considered as local matching funds and may not be considered as federal grant funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For a project designated as eligible for poverty area funding under federal regulations, State plans, or departmental regulations, a State grant may cover up to 90% of the cost of eligible work remaining unpaid after all federal grants have been applied.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The amount of the State grant recommended to the Board of Public Works for any project shall be determined after consideration of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All eligible projects;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total of unallocated State funds available at the time the grant recommendation is made to the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The priorities of area need established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>No portion of the proceeds of a State grant may be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To further sectarian religious instruction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In connection with the design, acquisition, or construction of any building to be used as a place of sectarian religious worship or instruction; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In connection with any program or department of divinity for any religious denomination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the request of the Board of Public Works, the applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the proceeds of the grant are not being used for a purpose prohibited under this subsection or under applicable federal law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Beginning in fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include an appropriation in the State operating budget bill or capital budget bill to be distributed and managed in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1605" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall make allocations from funds available under this subtitle in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board of Public Works shall certify the allocations to the proper State officers, and the State Treasurer shall make payments to or on behalf of the applicant, when needed, for the approved project.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board of Public Works may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1606" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State may recover from either the transferor or transferee or, in the case of a property that has ceased to be a community dental clinic, from the owner, an amount bearing the same ratio to the then current value of so much of the property as constituted an approved project as the amount of the State participation bore to the total eligible cost of the approved project, together with all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State in the recovery proceedings, if, within 30 years after completion of a project, a property for which funds have been paid under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is sold or transferred to any person, agency, or organization that would not qualify as an applicant under this subtitle, or that is not approved as a transferee by the Board of Public Works; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Ceases to be a community dental clinic as defined in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before the State makes any funds available for an approved project, the Department shall cause a notice of this right of recovery to be recorded in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recording of the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Does not create a lien against the property; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall constitute notice to any potential transferee, potential transferor, potential creditor, or other interested party of the possibility that the State may obtain a lien under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Secretary of the Board of Public Works may file a civil complaint authorized under subsection (a) of this section, in the circuit court for the county or Baltimore City where the property is located, against the owner of the property and any other interested parties, including any transferor that the State wishes to make a party.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The complaint shall be filed with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sworn affidavits stating facts on which the allegations of default are based; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A detailed justification of the amount claimed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the circuit court determines from the State’s initial filing that a default has occurred, pending full determination of the State’s claim, the court shall authorize a temporary lien on the property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In the amount of the State’s complaint plus any additional amount estimated to be necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In other amounts that the court determines to be reasonable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>A temporary lien shall take effect:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On the date of the court’s authorization, if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of temporary lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located within 10 days after the court’s authorization; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the date a notice of temporary lien is recorded.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>While the temporary lien is in effect, neither the owner nor any person that acquired an interest in the property after the State first made funds available in connection with the property may, without the prior written consent of the State:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Take any action that would affect the title to the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Institute any proceedings to enforce a security interest or other similar rights in the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner of the property or any other interested party may obtain release of a temporary lien at any time by filing with the court a bond securing the payment in full of the State’s claim and any additional amount necessary to cover the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The owner or other interested party may cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Proceedings to determine the State’s right to recover and the amount of the State’s recovery under this subtitle shall have priority over other civil proceedings in the circuit courts.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>At the conclusion of full adversary proceedings on the issue of default and of any disputes over the amount of the State’s recovery, the circuit court shall, if it finds that a default has occurred, issue a final judgment for the amount the circuit court finds to be recoverable by the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All parties involved in the default, including in every case the owner of the property, shall be held jointly and severally liable to the State for the amount of the judgment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as the State may otherwise provide by a written subordination agreement, if the amount of the final judgment remains unpaid after 30 days following the court’s final order, the final judgment shall constitute a lien on the property, superior to the lien or other interest of a mortgagee, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor whose interest became perfected against third persons after the State first made funds available under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a lien takes effect on the date a notice of lien is recorded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A lien takes effect on the 31st day following the court’s final order if the Secretary of the Board of Public Works records a notice of lien in the land records of the county or Baltimore City where the property is located on or before the 41st day following the final order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>At the time that a lien takes effect, any temporary lien then in effect shall be automatically and fully released.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recorded notice of a lien shall constitute notice of the release of a temporary lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A lien imposed under this subsection may be enforced and foreclosed in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the Maryland Rules, except that neither the State nor any agent appointed by the State to sell the property need file a bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The owner or any other interested party may obtain release of a lien at any time by paying to the State the full amount of the judgment rendered by the circuit court, together with interest from the date of judgment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On payment in full, the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause a release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the circuit court finds that there has been no default or if the full amount of the court’s judgment is paid to the State within 30 days after the court’s final order, a temporary lien then in effect shall be released immediately and the Secretary of the Board of Public Works shall cause the release to be recorded in the land records.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>All funds recovered as a result of this right of recovery shall be deposited in the Annuity Bond Fund and applied to the debt service requirements of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board of Public Works determines that there is good cause for releasing the transferor, transferee, or owner from the obligation imposed under this subtitle, the Board of Public Works may waive the State’s right of recovery under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1607" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="16" subtitle_name="Community Dental Clinics Grant Program"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1701" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Education loan” means any loan that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for undergraduate or graduate study leading to practice as a physician or physician assistant.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Primary care” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Primary care;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Family medicine;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Internal medicine;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Obstetrics;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Pediatrics;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Geriatrics;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Emergency medicine;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Women’s health;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Psychiatry; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Preventative medicine.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1702" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Fund in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue generated through a permanent funding structure recommended to the General Assembly by a stakeholder workgroup convened by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund shall be made by an appropriation in the annual State budget or by an approved budget amendment as provided under § 7–209 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The money in the Fund shall be used by the Department to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1703" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants in the State. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1704" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Eligible field of employment” means employment by an organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Eligible field of employment” includes employment by the State or any local government in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Physician” includes a part–time physician.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Physician assistant” includes a part–time physician assistant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall assist in the repayment with the funds transferred to the Department by the Comptroller under § 14–207(d) of the Health Occupations Article of the amount of education loans owed by a physician or physician assistant who:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Practices primary care in an eligible field of employment in a geographic area of the State that has been federally designated; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is a medical resident specializing in primary care who agrees to practice for at least 2 years as a primary care physician in an eligible field of employment in a geographic area of the State that has been federally designated; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Meets any other requirements established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department may establish prorated loan repayment assistance for a part–time physician or part–time physician assistant participating in the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any unspent portions of the money that is transferred to the Department for use under this subtitle from the Board of Physicians Fund may not be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund maintained by the Department to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1705" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the assistance provided under § 24–1704 of this subtitle, the Department may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a physician or physician assistant who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the physician or physician assistant practices that specialty; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Physicians and physician assistants that meet the requirements under § 24–1704(b) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Physicians and physician assistants practicing primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of primary care physicians or physician assistants; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Physicians and physician assistants practicing a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1706" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle, including: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Establishing the maximum number of participants in the Program each year in each priority area described under § 24–1705 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establishing the minimum and maximum amount of loan repayment assistance awarded under this subtitle in each priority area described under § 24–1705 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1707" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <text>On or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The eligible physicians, physician assistants, and medical residents who applied for the Program, including information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The specialty of the physician, physician assistant, or medical resident;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The type and location of the site in which the physician, physician assistant, or medical resident provided services; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The geographic area served by the physician, physician assistant, or medical resident; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The physicians, physician assistants, and medical residents who participated in the Program, including information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of assistance provided to each participant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The specialty of the participant;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The type and location of the site in which the participant provided services; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The geographic area served by the participant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1708" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="17" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Council” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Chair of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Chair of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The President of the Maryland Hospital Association, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The President of MedChi, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>One representative of the Primary Care Office in the Office of Population Health Improvement;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>One representative of the State Board of Physicians;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>One representative of the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Any other members as determined necessary by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The members of the Council shall select the chair of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council shall meet at least three times a year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Department shall provide staff for the Council.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Seek permanent and diverse revenue sources to aid in the stability and further development of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Help ensure maximum use of federal funds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Use available data and information to help direct funding to priority areas;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Monitor similar loan programs in other states and ensure that the Program remains competitive;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Assist the Department in the administration of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Help market and raise awareness of the Program through educational institutions and other appropriate entities as an incentive to health care providers to practice in underserved areas; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on any necessary changes to the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>On or before October 1, 2028, and every 3 years thereafter, the Council shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the activities and recommendations of the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1801" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="18" subtitle_name="Maryland Aids Drug Assistance Program Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Fund” means the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to support the administration, operation, and activities of the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (j) of this section, rebates received by the Department from the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Fund may be used only to fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program Plus (MADAP–Plus); and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any other services to eligible individuals as authorized under Part B of the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund shall have its own program code within the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (f) of this section, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Deposit any rebates from a source other than a federal source received by the Department from the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program into an account within the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use the funds in the account under item (1) of this subsection only to fund State–identified priorities for HIV prevention, surveillance, and care services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations establishing income and other eligibility criteria for the receipt of HIV prevention and care services funded under subsection (j) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1901" future_version_removed="true" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Education loan” means any loan that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for State certification, undergraduate, or graduate study leading to practice as a nurse or nursing support staff.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Fund for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Nurse” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An advanced practice registered nurse, as defined in § 8–101(b) of the Health Occupations Article certified to practice as a nurse midwife or clinical nurse specialist;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensed practical nurse, as defined in § 8–101(h) of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A nurse anesthetist, as defined in § 8–101(k) of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A registered nurse, as defined in § 8–101(p) of the Health Occupations Article; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A registered nurse practitioner, as defined in § 8–101(q) of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Nursing support staff” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A certified medication technician, as defined in § 8–6A–01(j) of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A certified medicine aide, as defined in § 8–6A–01(k) of the Health Occupations Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A certified nursing assistant, as defined in § 8–6A–01(l) of the Health Occupations Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A geriatric nursing assistant, as defined in § 8–6A–01(o) of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1902" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Fund for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Revenue generated through a permanent funding structure recommended to the General Assembly by a stakeholder workgroup convened by the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any available federal funds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Interest earnings; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund shall be made by an appropriation in the annual State budget or by an approved budget amendment as provided under § 7–209 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The money in the Fund shall be used by the Office of the Comptroller to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1903" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <text>There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1904" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “eligible field of employment” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Employment by an organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For–profit employment in an area of the State identified by the Department as having a health care workforce shortage or public health need.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible field of employment” includes employment by the State or a local government in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall use the Fund to assist in the repayment of the amount of education loans owed by a nurse or nursing support staff who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Practices in an eligible field of employment; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Meets any other requirements established by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any unspent portions of the money that is transferred to the Department for use under this subtitle may not be transferred to or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund maintained by the Department to administer the Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1904.1" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the assistance provided under § 24–1904 of this subtitle, the Department may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a nurse or nursing support staff who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the nurse practices that specialty; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Nurses or nursing support staff who meet the requirements under § 24–1904(b)(1) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nurses or nursing support staff practicing in primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of nurses or nursing support staff; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nurses or nursing support staff practicing in a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1905" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including regulations that: </text> <level label="1"> <text>With advice from a stakeholder workgroup convened by the Department, establish priorities for funding the repayment of education loans through the Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Establish the maximum number of participants in the Program each year in each priority area established under item (1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Establish the minimum and maximum amount of loan repayment assistance awarded under this subtitle in each priority area established under item (1) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-1906" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="19" subtitle_name="Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Nurses and Nursing Support Staff"> <text>On or before October 1, 2023, and each October 1 thereafter, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The eligible nurses and nursing support staff who applied for the Program, including information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The practice of the nurse or nursing support staff;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The type and location of the site in which the nurse or nursing support staff provided services; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The geographic area served by the nurse or nursing support staff; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The nurses and nursing support staff who participated in the Program, including information on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The amount of assistance provided to each participant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The practice of the participant;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The type and location of the site in which the participant provided services; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The geographic area served by the participant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2001" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Mayor” means the Mayor of Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Review team” means the Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team established under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2002" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team in Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The membership of the review team shall be established by the Mayor to reflect a variety of organizations, agencies, and areas of expertise and shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Police Commissioner of Baltimore City, or the Commissioner’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Baltimore City Commissioner of Health, or the Commissioner’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The President of the local behavioral health authority for Baltimore City, or the President’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Mayor shall designate a chair or cochairs from among the members of the review team.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The review team may establish subcommittees to carry out the work of the review team.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Mayor shall establish requirements and procedures applicable to the review team, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Requirements for meetings of the review team and any subcommittees established by the review team;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Confidentiality requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Procedures related to the collection, utilization, sharing, and disclosure of information collected by the review team.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2003" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <text>The purpose of the review team is to: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Review behavioral health crisis incidents involving law enforcement in Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify root causes and patterns within and across public systems that result in behavioral health crises involving law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide recommendations based on identified factors that contribute to behavioral health crises involving law enforcement for quality and performance improvement;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Facilitate coordination and collaboration among entities involved in the behavioral health and law enforcement systems; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Assist in the implementation of procedural, logistical, and clinical changes to minimize the need for law enforcement involvement in behavioral health crises.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2004" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <level label="a"> <text>On request of the review team and as necessary to carry out the purpose and duties of the review team, the review team shall be provided with access to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Public behavioral health system data, records of service utilization history, and clinical information relevant to a behavioral health crisis involving law enforcement under review; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information and records maintained by a State or local government agency, including death certificates, law enforcement investigative information, medical examiner investigative information, parole and probation information and records, and information and records of a social services agency, if the agency provided services to an individual whose interaction with law enforcement during a behavioral health crisis is being reviewed by the review team.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Substance abuse treatment records requested or provided under this section are subject to any additional limitations on disclosure or redisclosure of a medical record developed in connection with the provision of substance abuse treatment services under State law or 42 U.S.C. § 290DD–2 and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2005" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <level label="a"> <text>Meetings of the review team shall be closed to the public and are not subject to the Open Meetings Act when the review team is discussing individual behavioral health crises or incidents involving law enforcement interaction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, meetings of the review team shall be open to the public and are subject to the Open Meetings Act when the review team is not discussing individual behavioral health crises or incidents involving law enforcement interaction.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>During a public meeting, information may not be disclosed that identifies:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A deceased individual;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual who has experienced a behavioral health crisis;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A family member, guardian, or caretaker of a deceased individual or an individual who has experienced a behavioral health crisis; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An individual convicted of a crime or adjudicated as having committed a delinquent act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>During a public meeting, information may not be disclosed about the involvement of any agency with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A deceased individual;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual who experienced a behavioral health crisis;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A family member, guardian, or caretaker of a deceased individual or an individual who experienced a behavioral health crisis; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An individual convicted of a crime or adjudicated as having committed a delinquent act.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not prohibit the review team from requesting the attendance at a team meeting of a person who has information relevant to the review team’s exercise of its purpose and duties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2006" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, all information and records acquired by the review team in the exercise of its purpose and duties under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are confidential and exempt from disclosure under the Public Information Act; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>May be disclosed only as necessary to carry out the review team’s purpose and duties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Mental health records are subject to the additional limitations under § 4–307 of this article for disclosure of a medical record developed primarily in connection with the provision of mental health services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Substance abuse treatment records are subject to any additional limitations for disclosure or redisclosure of a medical record developed in connection with the provision of substance abuse treatment services under State law or 42 U.S.C. § 290DD–2 and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Statistical compilations of data that do not contain any information that would allow the identification of any person to be ascertained are public records.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Reports of the review team that do not contain any information that would allow the identification of any person to be ascertained are public information.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Except as necessary to carry out the review team’s purpose and duties, members of the review team and persons attending the review team meeting may not disclose:</text> <level label="1"> <text>What transpired at a meeting that is not public under § 24–2005 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Members of the review team, individuals attending the review team meeting, and individuals who present information to the review team may not be questioned in any civil or criminal proceeding about information presented in or opinions formed as a result of a meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not prohibit an individual from testifying to information that is obtained independently of the review team or that is public information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, information, documents, or records of the review team are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information, documents, or records otherwise available from other sources are not immune from subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence through those sources solely because they were presented during proceedings of the review team or are maintained by the review team.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2007" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="20" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Behavioral Health Crisis Incident Review Team"> <text>An individual who violates § 24–2005 or § 24–2006 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2101" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Alternative therapies” includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy and psychedelics including 3,4–Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin, and ketamine.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fund” means the Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2102" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="21" subtitle_name="Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to support the Department in studying the effectiveness of and improving access to alternative therapies for post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries in veterans.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Studying the use of alternative therapies for veterans with post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Providing cost–free access to alternative therapies for veterans with post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any uses determined by the Department under subsection (i) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Administrative expenses of the Department in administering the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Department periodically shall consult with the Department of Veterans and Military Families, The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Sheppard Pratt, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and BrainFutures to determine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The effectiveness of and a method for improving access to alternative therapies for treating post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries in veterans; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Appropriate uses of the Fund that further the Fund’s purpose under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>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 on the use of the Fund during the immediately preceding fiscal year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2201" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="22" subtitle_name="Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition Funding"> <text>For fiscal year 2024, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall provide an appropriation in the State budget to fund the operations of the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition. </text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2401" future_version_removed="true" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Report Card for Birthing Facility Maternity Care" /> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2402" future_version_removed="true" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="24" subtitle_name="Report Card for Birthing Facility Maternity Care" /> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2501" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Health Care Equity for Service Member Community Members"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Collection entity” means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, estate, cooperative, association, government or government subdivision, agency, or other entity that purchases medical debt or collects medical debt on behalf of another.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Medical debt” has the meaning stated in § 14–1213 of the Commercial Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2502" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="25" subtitle_name="Health Care Equity for Service Member Community Members"> <level label="a"> <text>A person whose primary business is providing medical services, products, or devices, or the person’s agent or assignee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not disclose any portion of a medical debt to a consumer reporting agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall include in any contract entered into with a collection entity for the purchase or collection of medical debt a provision prohibiting the disclosure of any portion of the medical debt to a consumer reporting agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A contract entered into on or after October 1, 2025, that does not include the provision required under subsection (a)(2) of this section is void and unenforceable.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2601" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="26"> <text>In this subtitle, “school health and wellness personnel” includes: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Counselors;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Dental hygienists;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Occupational therapists;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Occupational therapy assistants;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Physical therapists;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>School counselors;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>School nurses;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>School psychologists;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>School social workers; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Speech–language pathologists.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2602" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="26"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department and the State Department of Education jointly shall conduct an assessment of the school health and wellness personnel workforce in the State each year to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Identify the ratio of school health and wellness personnel to students and schools by jurisdiction;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Obtain information from each local school system and local health department regarding vacancy rates for each type of provider of school health and wellness services; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Obtain feedback from each local school system, each local health department, associations of school health and wellness professionals, and other stakeholders on strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of school health and wellness personnel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 1, 2027, and each December 1 thereafter, the Department and the State Department of Education jointly shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the findings of the assessment conducted under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publish the report on the website of each agency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2701" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="27"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Health care facility” means a facility or an office where health care is provided to patients by a health care practitioner or group of health care practitioners licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by law to provide health care services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Health care facility” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A hospital, as defined in § 19–301 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A freestanding medical facility, as defined in § 19–3A–01 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A nursing facility;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A residential treatment center;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>A rehabilitation facility; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>A facility operated by the Department, the Behavioral Health Administration, or a health officer.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Service member” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Service member community member” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A service member;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A veteran;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The spouse of a service member or veteran;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A child of a service member or veteran; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A stepchild of a service member or veteran.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Veteran” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2702" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="27"> <level label="a"> <text>Each health care facility may screen each patient for information on the patient’s eligibility as a service member community member and include in the patient’s medical record whether the patient is a service member community member.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For the purpose of improving health care equity for service member community members, each health care facility may identify service member community members as a vulnerable population and comply with the standards associated with the National Patient Safety Goal to Improve Health Care Equity established by The Joint Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2801" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="28"> <text>In this subtitle, “Fund” means the Public Health Workforce Development Fund.</text> </section> <section article="ghg" article_name="Health - General" number="24-2802" title_number="24" title_name="Miscellaneous Provisions" subtitle_number="28"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Public Health Workforce Development Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to support the education and training of the public health workforce.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interest earnings of the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any money transferred from the Population Health Improvement Fund under § 13–5602 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only to support the education and training of the public health workforce.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section>