SB 532 requires Maryland public senior colleges (like University System institutions) and community colleges to provide students with access to all over-the-counter contraception methods (such as condoms or emergency contraception) on campus through health centers, retail stores, or vending machines. Starting September 1, 2026, these institutions must submit annual reports to the Maryland Higher Education Commission detailing how access is provided, whether all methods are available, quantities distributed, and student consultation efforts. The Commission then reports this aggregated data to the Maryland General Assembly annually by October 1. The bill applies specifically to community colleges and public senior institutions (excluding specialized units like the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science), effective July 1, 2026.
HB 1076 requires all public senior higher education institutions (like University System of Maryland schools) and community colleges in Maryland to annually report on student access to over-the-counter contraception to the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Community colleges must provide students with access to all FDA-approved over-the-counter contraception methods through campus health centers, retail locations, vending machines, or other accessible campus channels. Institutions must submit reports detailing access methods, availability, and student consultation, with the Commission then reporting aggregated data to the General Assembly each year. This bill directly affects campus health services and student access at public colleges, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 1540 repeals the 2028 termination date for annual state funding required for the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. The bill ensures the state will continue appropriating $10 million each fiscal year (previously set to end in 2028) to support the center's operations and transition. This directly affects the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation and Prince George's County, which must provide matching funds totaling $208 million for capital construction. The funding is specifically designated to maintain the medical center's financial viability, improve healthcare access, and prevent operating losses. The change removes the fixed end date, making the funding permanent unless future legislation alters it.
HB 746 prohibits Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance Program) and private health insurers from charging copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for services delivered under the Collaborative Care Model. This model integrates mental/behavioral health services into primary care through coordinated care, regular outcome monitoring, and specialist consultations. The law applies to all Medicaid recipients and covers services under private health insurance plans (including nonprofit health plans and health maintenance organizations) issued in Maryland, with an exception for high-deductible health plans. It takes effect January 1, 2027, ensuring no cost-sharing for these integrated care services.
SB 587 requires the Governor to include a mandatory $1 million annual appropriation for the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund in the state budget, starting with fiscal year 2027. This fund subsidizes the designated Patient Safety Center’s costs to develop statewide patient safety initiatives, reduce preventable harm, and improve equitable healthcare. The Center must coordinate with healthcare providers and patients, and the Commission administers the nonlapsing fund, which includes interest earnings and must be reported to legislative committees annually. The bill directly affects the Center, the Governor, and the Commission, ensuring consistent funding for patient safety efforts without replacing other state appropriations.
SB 808 amends Maryland's health insurance laws to change how health insurance carriers manage provider panels. It eliminates application fees carriers can charge providers, requires carriers to send specific notices to providers within set timeframes, and mandates more frequent updates to provider directories. The bill also expands the types of providers carriers cannot restrict on panels and updates rules for multi-carrier online directory systems. These changes directly affect health insurance carriers and healthcare providers seeking to join insurance networks.
HB 1118 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to provide a standing referral to a mental health care provider for pregnant individuals and for one year after childbirth, without needing a written treatment plan. It mandates that insurers cover screening for perinatal mental health conditions (like postpartum depression) during prenatal visits and other specified times. The bill also directs the Maryland Department of Health to establish a perinatal mental health screening program and requires health care professionals renewing licenses to complete continuing education on perinatal mental health conditions. These changes aim to improve access to mental health support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
SB 238 establishes Maryland's participation in the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, allowing licensed school psychologists to practice across member states without duplicative licensing. The bill creates a standardized pathway for psychologists to hold "equivalent licenses" in any participating state, directly affecting school psychologists seeking cross-state work and school districts needing qualified staff. Key provisions include requiring psychologists to follow each state's scope of practice laws, preserving state authority over licensing, and specifically facilitating mobility for military families. The compact also establishes a Commission to oversee implementation and address issues like disciplinary actions. This is a substantive policy change enabling easier interstate practice while maintaining state-level professional standards.
HB 372 requires hospitals with emergency departments to screen patients for emergency pregnancy-related medical conditions (defined as acute conditions posing serious health risks if untreated). If such a condition is identified, hospitals must provide treatment to stabilize the patient - including allowing pregnancy termination when medically necessary - or transfer the patient to another facility. The bill prohibits hospitals from penalizing healthcare providers who refuse to transfer unstable patients or from taking adverse action against staff who report violations. It directly affects hospitals, patients with emergency pregnancy conditions, and healthcare providers treating these cases, with fines up to $50,000 for non-compliance.
HB 546 requires Maryland's State Department of Education to provide a free, mandatory professional development course on educator well-being and flourishing to all school personnel and administrators by July 1, 2027. The course must cover eight key areas of well-being identified by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, including social connections, physical health, emotional resilience, and financial literacy. Schools may use synchronous or asynchronous instruction, and the department can develop the course itself or adapt existing third-party materials. The bill ensures this course is offered at the same rate as other required professional development courses for licensed educators.
