Del. Pam Guzzone

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maryland's Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program to ensure that people with disabilities can access medical assistance while working without facing strict financial or age barriers. It requires the Department of Health to provide services to applicants aged 16 and older and prohibits limiting eligibility based on earned or unearned income, assets like retirement accounts, or an upper age limit. The legislation also mandates that the application process use plain language and allows recipients to keep their independence accounts without restrictions on how they spend the funds. Additionally, the state must consult with a coalition of disability advocates twice a year to review and adjust program regulations as needed.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law updates rules on how contraceptives are sold and allows registered nurses to provide certain nonprescription medications without a doctor's order. The bill removes criminal penalties for selling contraceptives through vending machines in schools and clarifies that only natural membrane condoms, not all nonlatex condoms, are banned from such machines. It also authorizes a committee to create a list of over-the-counter drugs and devices that registered nurses can dispense at local health departments. Additionally, the legislation defines key terms like "dispense" and "authorized prescriber" to guide how nurses handle these medications. These changes aim to improve access to reproductive health products and expand the role of nurses in public health settings.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law requires health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to cover hearing aids for adults who are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. The coverage applies to non-disposable devices designed to improve hearing in environments commonly experienced by adults and allows insurers to set a maximum benefit of $1,400 per ear every three years. If an adult chooses a hearing aid that costs more than the plan's limit, they can pay the difference without facing financial or contractual penalties for the provider. The law also permits insurance companies to offer benefits that are more generous than these minimum requirements. These provisions take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates the educational and certification requirements for individuals seeking a license as a dietitian-nutritionist. It raises the minimum academic standard from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree and clarifies the specific fields of study that qualify applicants. The legislation also modifies the rules for waiving the state licensing exam for professionals who are already licensed or certified in other jurisdictions. These changes directly affect current and future applicants who must now meet these higher educational criteria to practice in Maryland.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new process requiring anyone buying a nursing home in Maryland to notify the Maryland Health Care Commission at least 60 days before closing the deal. The law defines an acquisition as any transfer of stock or assets that changes who controls the facility, or the transfer of more than 25% of ownership. Before finalizing the purchase, buyers must submit a request for approval that includes the seller's quality ratings, evidence of past quality committees, inspection reports, and records of any lawsuits involving the facility. The Commission will review these details and provide written findings to the Office of Health Care Quality, with the option for judicial review if the Commission denies the acquisition. Additionally, the bill mandates that new owners submit regular reports to the Commission after taking over the facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals applying for a new optometry license or renewing an existing one in Maryland to undergo a criminal history records check. To complete this process, applicants must submit fingerprints and pay the necessary fees to obtain both state and national criminal history information from the Central Repository. The State Board of Examiners in Optometry will use these records to evaluate whether an applicant poses a threat to public health or safety, considering factors such as the age and nature of any past crimes. Additionally, the law mandates that the board request updated criminal history information if new records are discovered after the initial check is performed.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland law regulates the sale of kratom products by requiring retailers to clearly label the factual basis for any health claims and prohibiting the sale of contaminated or adulterated items. The bill sets specific limits on alkaloid content, bans the sale of synthetic derivatives, and restricts sales to individuals under the age of 21. It also forbids advertising kratom as having therapeutic benefits and prohibits marketing materials that appeal to minors, such as cartoons or images of people appearing under 27. Retailers who violate these rules face civil penalties, fines, or misdemeanor charges, while the state health department is tasked with reporting adverse health events related to kratom use.

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates state laws to allow the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals to award attorney's fees and other reasonable costs to parties involved in procurement disputes. Specifically, it enables the board to reimburse prospective bidders or contractors if the board finds that a government agency violated laws or regulations during a protest or contract claim process. The legislation also mandates that these fees be awarded when government personnel act in bad faith or without justification while handling contract issues. By making these financial remedies mandatory under certain conditions, the bill aims to provide clearer recourse for businesses challenging state procurement actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the structure and duties of Maryland's Commission on Health Equity to oversee the creation and monitoring of a statewide health equity plan. It requires the commission to include specific representatives from hospitals, community organizations, underserved patients, and various state departments to ensure diverse input. Additionally, the legislation modifies the reporting requirements for the Commission on Public Health and clarifies definitions related to health equity within state law. These changes aim to establish a formal governance framework for addressing health disparities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to directly report deficiencies and enforcement actions at state-owned nursing homes to the Governor, legislative committees, and local county officials, rather than leaving this task to the private contractors operating the facilities. Specifically, the department must notify these stakeholders within 15 days of a final survey finding and within 30 days of a contractor accepting a correction plan or resolving a dispute, ensuring timely transparency about care quality issues. Additionally, the law mandates an annual report detailing all survey activities and enforcement actions taken against these homes, starting in 2024, to provide a comprehensive overview of oversight efforts. By shifting the responsibility for communication from contractors to the state department, the legislation aims to streamline how critical information about nursing home conditions is shared with the public and government leaders.