Del. Ken Kerr

Primary HB 1053

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

State Board of Nursing - Executive Director Qualifications

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maryland Department of Health to form a group of stakeholders to study whether the qualifications for the executive director of the State Board of Nursing should change. The workgroup will examine how well the Board currently functions, compare the current requirements with those of other state health boards, and review qualifications used by other nursing boards. By December 1, 2024, the group must submit a report with its findings and any recommendations to the state legislature. The bill does not immediately change the job requirements but instead creates a process to review them before the current rules expire.

Signed into law May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 1259

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Health Insurance - Breast and Lung Cancer Screening - Coverage Requirements

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill requires health insurers and health plans to cover specific breast and lung cancer screening services without imposing copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, with the exception of high-deductible health plans. For breast cancer, the law expands the definition of supplemental screening to include image-guided breast biopsies and mandates that these services be covered at the same cost as standard breast cancer screening. Regarding lung cancer, the bill ensures coverage for recommended screenings and necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans and biopsies, while explicitly prohibiting plans from requiring prior authorization for these services. These coverage requirements apply to all health policies issued, delivered, or renewed in the state on or after January 1, 2025.

Signed into law May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 932

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Health Insurance - Utilization Review - Revisions

Maddy summaryThis Maryland bill updates health insurance rules to improve how prior authorization requests are handled and to ensure patients receive clearer cost information. It requires insurance companies to create online systems that allow doctors to submit and receive approval for drug coverage electronically, while also displaying real-time out-of-pocket costs and cheaper medication options at the point of prescribing. The law further prohibits insurers from charging fees for accessing these digital tools and restricts their ability to use provider data without consent. Additionally, the bill removes prior authorization requirements for specific prescription drugs used to treat opioid use disorder, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These changes aim to streamline the approval process and increase transparency for both healthcare providers and insured individuals.

Signed into law May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 277

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Frederick County - Local Gaming and Authorization for Electronic Tip Jar Dispensers

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 981

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Principal Departments - Individuals With Limited English Proficiency - Access to Public Services

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 999

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Workgroup on Establishing a Science and Technology Best Practices and Innovation Network

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 756

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

General Provisions - State Flag - Casket of an Eligible Decedent

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 962

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

State Procurement - Small Business Reserve Program - Goals and Outreach Program

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 877

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Board of Public Works - Transparency Data Dashboard

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 1206

Signed into law · Maryland House of Delegates · Lead sponsor

Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission - Establishment

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors