# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 7. Developmental Disabilities Law

### Subtitle 2. Developmental Disabilities Administration

#### Section 7-204

(a) In this section, "direct care staff" means an individual who is directly involved in the day-to-day education, training, habilitation, assistance, counseling, care, or attention of an individual with a developmental disability.

(b)

  (1) The Developmental Disabilities Administration shall assure that all direct care staff in State residential and community-based programs are provided with in-service training.

  (2) The in-service training program shall include training in:

    (i) The theory and practical application of normalization principles;

    (ii) The individualization of programming;

    (iii) General characteristics and needs of individuals served;

    (iv) First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);

    (v) The fundamental rights of persons with developmental disabilities; and

    (vi) Other training components as deemed necessary.

(c) Each direct care staff member shall participate in the in-service training curriculum within 3 months from the date of the staff member's employment.

(d) The Developmental Disabilities Administration shall develop standards for in-service training in accordance with recognized standards for direct care staff.

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