# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 21 — Behavioral Health Regulations

### Chapter 27 — Community Mental Health Programs — Respite Care Services

#### Regulation .08 Respite Staff.

*COMAR 10.21.27.08*

A. Respite Care Program Director. The MTS, OMHC, or PRP program director shall either:

  (1) Carry out the respite care program director's duties that are delineated in this chapter; or

  (2) Appoint a respite care program director with sufficient qualifications, knowledge, and experience to execute the duties of the position.

B. Respite Care Specialists. The respite care program director shall employ a sufficient number of staff who:

  (1) As determined by the program director, have sufficient qualifications and experience to carry out the duties of the position;

  (2) Before providing services, have training applicable to the service, including, at a minimum, training in:

    (a) Mental illness and emotional disorders;

    (b) Psychiatric medications;

    (c) Crisis intervention;

    (d) Family interactions; and

    (e) For staff who provide services to children:

      (i) Growth and development; and

      (ii) Behavioral intervention; and

  (3) As permitted under the Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and as privileged by the program, are available to carry out the:

    (a) Program model described in Regulation .04 of this chapter; and

    (b) Activities outlined in an individual's respite care plan under Regulation .06 of this chapter.