Healthcare (Mental Health)

HB 679 prohibits licensed healthcare providers in Maryland from prescribing, dispensing, or administering cross-sex hormone treatments (including estrogen, testosterone, or blockers) for the purpose of treating gender-related mental health conditions like gender dysphoria in minors. The bill directly affects minors under 18 seeking such treatment and healthcare practitioners who would provide it. Violating this law is classified as a felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and defines "cross-sex hormone therapy" as treatment to develop secondary sex characteristics for gender transition.

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.