Del. Nic Kipke

Maddy summaryHB 1167 requires Maryland's Department of Health to replace its outdated Medicaid computer system with a modern, flexible system by 2028. The new system must maintain all current Medicaid functions - including processing medical/dental/pharmacy claims, provider enrollment, and beneficiary inquiries - while meeting federal security and performance standards. The bill mandates integration with existing Medicaid systems by January 2027 and full replacement of the old system by January 2028, subject to federal approval. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and healthcare providers through more reliable service delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 1014 defines "danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others" for Maryland's mental health law, directly affecting individuals with mental disorders who might face involuntary admission. It specifies four concrete scenarios that constitute this danger: causing bodily harm, engaging in conduct leading to criminal involvement, inability to meet basic needs (food, shelter, medical care), or substantial deterioration in judgment that impairs treatment decisions. The definition requires a "substantial risk" considering the person's current condition and available history, replacing the prior standard. This change clarifies the legal threshold for involuntary hospitalization and emergency evaluations under Maryland law.

Maddy summaryHB 989 modifies how income is calculated for elderly individuals seeking state assistance. It prohibits including rental income from a portion of an individual's primary residence (e.g., renting a room) when determining eligibility for state tax credits, housing assistance, or medical assistance programs. The Department of Aging must review all relevant programs to confirm applicability and notify administering agencies if the rule applies. This change directly affects elderly Marylanders who rely on state assistance programs with income-based eligibility requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 designates October 1 as "Purple Lights Night" in Maryland, requiring the Governor to annually proclaim this day. The bill honors individuals in the state who are victims or survivors of domestic violence and expresses support for eliminating domestic violence. It adds this commemorative day to Maryland law through a procedural change in the Annotated Code (Section 7-417), without creating new programs or funding. The bill is purely ceremonial, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than policy implementation. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1143 bans the use of the "lung float test" (a hydrostatic lung test) during perinatal autopsies in Maryland. It directly affects the Chief Medical Examiner, deputy examiners, assistant examiners, and authorized pathologists when determining if a death was a stillbirth or occurred after a live birth. The bill prohibits this specific test method and allows parents, guardians, or legal representatives to file a civil lawsuit if the test is used unlawfully. Violations also become grounds for disciplinary action against medical examiners.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 requires Maryland's Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities to provide public notice before changing the Self-Directed Services Manual, which governs waiver program services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill mandates a 90-day public comment period for proposed changes and prohibits adopting any revisions until this period ends. It directly affects individuals and families using self-directed services - where participants control their own care choices, staffing, and budget management - and ensures their input is considered before policy changes take effect. This procedural bill amends Maryland’s health code to formalize transparency and public engagement in updating the manual (effective October 1, 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 196 amends Maryland's definition of "baby food" to explicitly include infant formula and infant cereal (previously excluded), directly affecting baby food manufacturers in the state. The bill requires manufacturers to test each production batch of baby food for toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) starting January 1, 2025, using accredited labs at least monthly. Beginning January 1, 2026, manufacturers must publicly post test results online for each product and include QR codes on labels linking to FDA information about metal testing and health effects. The law aims to increase transparency and safety for infants under age 2 by aligning testing requirements with FDA standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1384 requires Maryland’s Department of Health to select and contract with a single State Pharmacy Benefits Manager (SPBM) by July 1, 2028. This SPBM will administer pharmacy benefits for all Medicaid recipients, including those enrolled in managed care plans, which must contract with and use the SPBM for all pharmacy services after that date. The bill prohibits "spread pricing" (where managers profit from price differences between pharmacies and the program) and mandates transparent pricing for drug costs, rebates, and fees. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, managed care organizations, and pharmacies by centralizing pharmacy benefit management under state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 986 requires nursing license applicants (both new and those seeking endorsement) to provide evidence that their nursing education meets Maryland's standards, including official transcripts. It directly affects registered nurses and licensed practical nurses applying for or renewing licenses in Maryland. The bill adds a new provision (§ 8-316(a)(37)) allowing the State Board of Nursing to take disciplinary action - such as reprimands, probation, suspension, or revocation - against licensees who fail to complete required educational standards. This clarifies the Board’s authority to enforce education requirements, including investigating applicants' qualifications and taking disciplinary steps for non-compliance. The bill amends existing sections of Maryland’s Health Occupations law and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 prohibits the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or offering for sale in Maryland of food containing specific ingredients, including brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red 3 dye. It also bans any food ingredient prohibited by federal law under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. The law applies directly to food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Maryland. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties of up to $10,000 or one year in jail for first offenses, with higher penalties for repeat violations. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2027.