# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 21 — Behavioral Health Regulations

### Chapter 04 — Community Mental Health Programs — Group Homes for Adults with Mental Illness

#### Regulation .02 Definitions.

*COMAR 10.21.04.02*

A. In this chapter, terms have the meanings stated in COMAR 10.21.17.

B. Definition of Group Home.

  (1) “Group home” means a community-based residential program that provides services:

    (a) For individuals who have been or are under treatment for a mental disorder;

    (b) When possible, in the individual's community of origin; and

    (c) In a home-like environment.

  (2) “Group home” means a private group home as defined in Health-General Article, §§10-514(b), (d) — (e) and 10-518(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, as either a:

    (a) Small private group home, which:

      (i) Admits at least four but not more than eight individuals; and

      (ii) Is deemed conclusively a single-family residence and is permitted in all residential zones; or

    (b) Large private group home, which:

      (i) Admits at least nine but not more than 16 individuals; and

      (ii) Is deemed conclusively a multifamily residence and is permitted in zones of similar density.

  (3) “Group home” does not include a:

    (a) Foster home that is the domicile of the foster parent; or

    (b) Facility that is:

      (i) Owned by or leased to the State or any public agency;

      (ii) Regulated by the Department of Juvenile Services or Developmental Disabilities Administration; or

      (iii) Organized wholly or partly to make a profit.