Healthcare (Public Health)

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 672: Public Health - Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund - Entities Eligible for Grants

HB 672 amends the Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund to specify that only nonprofit hospitals, educational institutions, and other nonprofit organizations may receive grants for pediatric cancer research, removing previous eligibility for physicians, laboratories, and individuals. The bill requires grant funds to be used exclusively for direct research costs, prohibiting use for administrative overhead or community-based services. It also mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly on fund administration, promotional efforts, and detailed fund usage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts grant eligibility to nonprofits for pediatric cancer research, directing funds exclusively to research costs and requiring annual reporting, advancing healthcare funding for pediatric cancer initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Public Health

passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 417: Criminal Law - Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substances - Medetomidine and Xylazine

HB 417 (Public Health - Medetomidine and Xylazine Consumer Protection Act) regulates the sale of veterinary drugs medetomidine and xylazine. It prohibits retailers from selling these products without proof the buyer intends to use them for veterinary, scientific, or institutional purposes, and bans sales to anyone under 21. Retailers must maintain records of sales, including age verification and proof of intended use. Violations carry civil fines up to $6,500 per offense, with penalties deposited into Maryland's Substance Abuse Fund. The bill directly affects pharmacies, veterinary suppliers, and online retailers selling these specific products.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill regulates sale of veterinary drugs used in fentanyl/xylazine mixtures, aiming to reduce drug availability and harm, supporting public safety and criminal justice reform efforts.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates veterinary drug sales to prevent human misuse, directly protecting public health through consumer safety measures under the bill's title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 202: Public Health - Social Isolation and Loneliness Pilot Grant Program - Establishment

HB 202 establishes Maryland's Social Isolation and Loneliness Pilot Grant Program within the Department of Health to fund community programs addressing social isolation. The program awards up to $20,000 per grant to eligible organizations serving vulnerable populations - including youth, seniors, and rural communities - to cover operating costs like staffing and venue fees for socioemotional support services. It requires a $100,000 FY2028 budget appropriation and mandates a program evaluation by December 2029, reporting on financial use and outcomes. The pilot runs from October 2026 through March 2030, focusing on reducing health impacts of isolation without funding research or capital projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires $100,000 FY2028 appropriation to fund social isolation programs, advancing public health spending within state budget.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds community programs addressing social isolation - a public health issue impacting mental health and well-being - through the Department of Health's pilot grant program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Public Health

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2026

HB 515: Public Health - Local Drug Overdose Fatality Review Teams - Membership

HB 515 requires that hospital representatives on Maryland's county drug overdose fatality review teams hold specific leadership roles - such as vice president, chief medical officer, or assistant medical officer - instead of any hospital staff member. This change directly affects county-level review teams that analyze overdose deaths, as well as the hospitals participating in them. The bill amends existing law to specify these qualifications for hospital representatives within the team membership structure. It does not create new teams or funding but sets a clearer standard for who can serve in this role. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires qualified hospital leadership on overdose review teams to strengthen public health analysis of overdose deaths, advancing public health program effectiveness.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Public Health Substance Abuse

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signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 394: Public Health - Expedited Partner Therapy - Bacterial Vaginosis and Licensed Certified Midwives

SB 394 adds bacterial vaginosis to Maryland's list of conditions eligible for expedited partner therapy (EPT). This allows certain healthcare providers - like physicians, advanced practice nurses, and pharmaciststo prescribe antibiotics to a sexual partner of a diagnosed patient without requiring a personal examination of the partner. The law aims to prevent reinfection in the diagnosed patient and stop disease spread, expanding existing EPT rules that previously covered only chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. It applies to public and private health care settings in Maryland starting October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds bacterial vaginosis to EPT eligibility, expanding treatment access for partners without personal exams to prevent reinfection and disease spread.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 385: Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for preventive services and expands pharmacist vaccine administration, increasing access and coverage - clear support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Primary Care Public Health

in committee · Maryland · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 78: Public Health – Prostate–Specific Antigen Testing (Protect Our Prostate Act)

SB 78, the "Protect Our Prostate Act," requires healthcare providers and clinical laboratories to provide standardized information to patients receiving prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. It mandates that providers give written preparation instructions before testing, while labs must use FDA-approved tests, calibrate using WHO standards, report results in nanograms per milliliter with reference ranges, and disclose test details to ordering doctors. The law directly affects patients undergoing PSA testing, healthcare providers ordering tests, and clinical laboratories administering the tests. It aims to improve transparency and accuracy of PSA results to help patients understand potential risks like false positives, without changing treatment protocols.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates standardized PSA test information, provider instructions, and lab reporting standards to improve patient communication and test accuracy, protecting patient rights in healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 19, 2026

HB 49: Public Health - Abortion (Heartbeat Bill)

HB 49 restricts abortion access by requiring physicians (not other providers) to perform abortions and banning procedures before a detectable fetal heartbeat is confirmed. It defines "fetal heartbeat" as cardiac activity visible via ultrasound and mandates physicians use specific medical methods to detect it, including documenting gestational age and test results. Exceptions apply for medical emergencies, requiring written documentation certifying the necessity. The bill repeals prior abortion regulations and shifts enforcement to private civil lawsuits, not government action. It directly affects physicians performing abortions, pregnant patients seeking care, and healthcare facilities.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts abortion access by banning procedures before fetal heartbeat detection, limiting patient access to a health service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Women's Health

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 637: Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist vaccine administration to ages 3+, mandates insurance coverage for preventive services, and requires science-based public health recommendations, improving access and strengthening preventive healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Primary Care Public Health

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 178: Public Health - Sickle Cell Disease - Specialized Clinics and Scholarship Program for Medical Residents

HB 178 establishes three specialized sickle cell disease clinics in Montgomery County, Harford County, and an Eastern Shore county, operating under a hub-and-spoke model to provide comprehensive care including pain management, mental health services, genetic counseling, and social support. It allocates $6.1 million for fiscal year 2028 to fund clinic operations, staff, training, and community partnerships, with priority for addressing social barriers like transportation and housing. The bill also creates a scholarship program for medical residents specializing in sickle cell disease hematology, requiring recipients to practice in Maryland after training. These provisions directly affect Maryland residents living with sickle cell disease, particularly in underserved communities, by expanding access to coordinated care and increasing specialist availability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $6.1M for clinic operations and services, directly increasing state budget spending on public health programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $6.1M for specialized sickle cell clinics with comprehensive care including mental health services, pain management, and social support, directly advancing healthcare access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Public Health

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