In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Commission” means the Maryland Commission on Caregiving.
“Department” means the Department of Human Services.
There is a Maryland Commission on Caregiving in the Department.
The purpose of the Commission is to coordinate statewide planning, development, and implementation of family caregiver support services.
The Commission consists of the following members:
one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;
one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
the following members appointed by the Governor:
two representatives from the Department of Human Services;
three representatives from the Maryland Department of Health;
one representative from the Department of Aging;
one representative from an area agency on aging;
one representative from the Department of Disabilities;
two consumers of respite care services;
three family caregivers;
four representatives of organizations that provide or have interest or expertise in respite care services; and
one family caregiver of a service–disabled veteran.
In appointing members to the Commission, to the extent possible, the Governor shall consider groups representing individuals:
with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders;
with developmental disabilities;
with physical disabilities;
with chronic illnesses;
with mental or emotional conditions that require supervision;
who are vulnerable to abuse or neglect;
with disabilities, disorders, or conditions affecting the entire lifespans of the individuals; and
who reflect the diversity of the State.
The term of a member of the Commission is 3 years.
The Governor shall appoint a chair of the Commission from among the members.
The Department shall provide staff for the Commission.
An individual from the Department shall serve as executive director of the Commission.
A member of the Commission:
may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but
is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
The Commission shall:
solicit and gather concerns of caregivers by:
conducting surveys;
holding public hearings;
establishing a telephone hotline for public access; and
other appropriate means;
develop and distribute to interested parties a handbook of current respite care and other family caregiver services available in the State;
review successful respite care programs in other states;
develop a model family caregiver support program that incorporates best practices from existing programs in this and other states;
provide ongoing analysis of best practices in family caregiver support programs in this and other states;
coordinate activities of existing and proposed family caregiver support services among State and local units;
research available funding sources and explore possibilities for additional funds;
identify unmet needs and priorities for additional funds; and
monitor implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.
The Commission shall report annually on its activities and recommendations regarding family caregiver support services to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.