SB 385 (The Vax Act) requires Maryland’s Secretary of Health to issue evidence-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services, aligning with guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It expands pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines (including those recommended by CDC or the Secretary) to patients aged 3+ after completing specific training and certification, while mandating health insurers to cover these services without cost-sharing. The bill also repeals outdated pertussis-related provisions and updates reporting requirements for pharmacists. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and patients seeking preventive care, aiming to improve access to vaccinations and screenings.
HB 637 ("The Vax Act") requires Maryland's Secretary of Health to issue science-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services using guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. It expands pharmacists' authority to administer flu, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to patients aged 3 and older (previously limited to 18+ for some vaccines) after completing specific training. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans cover these recommended services without cost-sharing for patients. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and Maryland residents seeking preventive care, particularly children and adults needing routine vaccinations.
HB 498 removes an existing exemption that allowed intermediate care facilities providing substance use disorder treatment to change bed capacity without a certificate of need. It specifically targets facilities offering "medically managed residential substance use disorder treatment services," requiring them to file 45 days' written notice with the health commission before operating or expanding. The commission must then review and approve these changes based on whether they align with the state health plan, improve service efficiency, and serve the public interest. This bill directly affects facilities providing residential substance use treatment by adding a review process for bed capacity changes or new operations, replacing the previous exemption.
HB 797 prohibits employers from discriminating against fire and rescue public safety employees who use medical cannabis, provided they have a valid written certification from a licensed healthcare provider under Maryland's medical cannabis program. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that an employer cannot take adverse employment actions (like termination or denial of promotion) solely due to medical cannabis use, as long as the employee meets the state's certification requirements. It updates definitions in Maryland law to ensure fire and rescue employees qualify for the same protections as other medical cannabis patients under the existing program. The law does not override workplace safety rules or require employers to accommodate cannabis use during work hours.
SB 866 requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in Maryland to display warning icons next to menu items exceeding 1,150mg sodium or 25mg added sugars per serving, starting January 1, 2028. The Maryland Department of Health must create these icons and guidelines by January 1, 2027, and run a public education campaign during 2027 to explain compliance. The bill directly affects large chain restaurants by mandating clear labeling of high-sodium and high-sugar menu items. It defines "high sodium" as 1,150mg per serving and "high added sugars" as 25mg per serving for labeling purposes.
HB 494 requires health insurance companies, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operating in Maryland to structure their reimbursements to primary care providers in a way that meets annual investment targets set by the state. Starting February 1, 2026, these entities must report their progress toward meeting these targets when filing new or updated premium rates with the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The bill amends insurance code sections to mandate this reporting requirement as part of premium rate filings. It takes effect October 1, 2026, focusing on transparency and accountability for primary care funding.
SB 348 requires hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in Maryland to provide specific postpartum support to individuals who have experienced high-risk pregnancies. It mandates that facilities complete referral forms for local health departments, provide resources about postpartum complications (including cardiovascular conditions, chronic disease, substance misuse, and mental health), and call birthing parents 24 to 72 hours after discharge to assess their status. The bill also requires annual reports from health departments detailing referrals made through this process. These provisions apply to all facilities delivering newborns following high-risk pregnancies and take effect October 1, 2026.
HB 598 creates a temporary license for internationally trained physicians to practice medicine in Maryland under specific conditions. It allows the State Board of Physicians to issue a 3-year license (non-renewable) to doctors who hold a WHO-recognized medical degree outside the U.S., completed 2 years of equivalent postgraduate training, practiced medicine for 5 of the last 7 years abroad, passed U.S. medical exams (USMLE Steps 1-3), and meet other criteria like English proficiency and Maryland residency. The license requires physicians to pursue full licensure through board-established pathways after the temporary period ends. This directly affects internationally trained doctors seeking to work in Maryland’s healthcare system, providing a structured but limited pathway to practice.
HB 813 authorizes Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) to cover comprehensive obesity treatment, including intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved weight management medications, starting January 1, 2027. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to notify Medicaid recipients if it chooses to provide this coverage and mandates a report to the legislature by November 1, 2027, on implementation progress. This directly affects Medicaid recipients with obesity by expanding covered treatments beyond current scope. The program may use standard utilization management processes (like for other conditions) to assess medical necessity but is not required to offer the coverage.
This bill updates Maryland's newborn screening program by changing how fees are set and how new tests are added to the screening panel. It requires the Department of Health to charge fees that cover all administrative, laboratory, and follow-up costs rather than setting a specific maximum amount. The bill also establishes a process where an advisory council must review risks, costs, and accessibility before the department decides whether to test for new conditions added to the national screening panel. Additionally, it extends the timeline for implementing new tests to two years if equipment or supplies are delayed, with required reporting to state committees.
