Rep. Harry Bhandari

Maddy summaryHB 367 prevents Maryland health boards from requiring additional English proficiency proof for nursing license applicants who already hold a valid, unrestricted license from another state that requires English proficiency for licensure. It requires boards to maintain an online list of states with comparable English requirements and updates acceptable proof methods (like graduation from English-speaking schools, passing U.S. HHS-approved exams, or holding a multistate nursing license). The bill specifically applies to nurses seeking licensure in Maryland through endorsement, eliminating redundant testing for those qualified in other states. It amends Maryland’s Health Occupations laws to streamline the process for out-of-state nursing license applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 1478 requires the Maryland Department of Health to create and maintain an online directory of home health care providers. The directory must let people search for providers by criteria like language skills, certifications, or special training, and include details such as provider names, licenses, training, and abuse reports. It directly affects individuals seeking home health care services (like nursing or therapy in their homes) and the home health care providers themselves. The bill does not change licensing rules but aims to make it easier for people to find qualified providers and supports provider recruitment through features like job listings and training connections.

Maddy summaryHB 936 requires health insurance carriers to provide written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal for small group health plans to affected small employers and employees at least 90 days in advance. Notices must be sent via certified mail (return receipt requested) and electronically, including information about alternative coverage options like COBRA or plans through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. The bill applies specifically to small group market plans and takes effect July 1, 2025. It mandates carriers to offer affected employers other available plans and prohibits discrimination based on health status.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 requires Maryland's Department of Health, working with the Commission on Health Equity, to create a public data dashboard showing health disparities. The dashboard must display age-adjusted health data broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender, covering specific areas like health insurance access, cardiovascular disease, mental health, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. The Department must update the dashboard at least every 30 days and post the latest version prominently on its website. This law directly affects Maryland residents by making health equity data more accessible to the public, researchers, and health officials.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 prohibits health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in Maryland from excluding coverage for certain specialty drugs administered or dispensed by in-network oncology providers meeting state regulations. The bill defines "specialty drugs" as those costing $600+ for a 30-day supply, treating complex/chronic conditions (excluding diabetes/HIV/AIDS), and requiring special handling or patient support. It requires insurers to reimburse these drugs at non-hospital rates and covers infused, auto-injected, or specific oral medications used with other therapies. This directly affects patients needing these drugs and providers administering them, ensuring coverage access without insurer-imposed pharmacy restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 553 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) to cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant, postpartum, or chronically ill individuals starting January 1, 2026. It specifically covers Medicaid recipients with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or cardiometabolic disorders. The bill mandates coverage for validated home blood pressure monitors and reimburses healthcare providers for training, data interpretation, and remote monitoring support. Additionally, it requires the state to launch an education campaign and submit annual reports on usage, health outcomes, and cost savings related to the program.

Maddy summaryHB 970 prohibits Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations from requiring patients to try less expensive diabetes medications before covering insulin. It directly affects people with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes who rely on insulin or similar insulin analogs for treatment. The bill bans "step therapy" or "fail-first" protocols - where insurers force patients to attempt alternative drugs first - regardless of how insurers label these policies. This change takes effect for all new or renewed health insurance policies on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1310 revises Maryland's Prescription Drug Repository Program to allow pharmacies licensed in other states to serve as repositories for donating unused prescription drugs. The bill defines "licensed pharmacy" to include out-of-state pharmacies meeting the same standards as Maryland-licensed pharmacies (e.g., no active disciplinary actions, voluntary participation, and adherence to safety protocols). This expansion enables more pharmacies to join the program, increasing access to donated medications for needy individuals while maintaining existing requirements for drug handling, patient confidentiality, and secure storage. The change directly affects out-of-state pharmacies seeking to participate and expands the program's reach without altering who benefits from donated drugs.

Maddy summaryHB 991 extends deadlines for Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, directly affecting minority-owned businesses participating in state contracts, particularly for offshore wind projects and video lottery terminals. The bill delays the termination of key MBE program provisions from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, and moves report deadlines: the disparity study analysis must now be submitted by September 30, 2025 (previously 2024), and subgoal implementation reports by December 31, 2026 (previously 2025). It modifies existing statutes (Public Utilities Article §7-704.1, State Finance and Procurement §14-309, and State Government §9-1A-10) to reflect these extended timelines. The bill focuses solely on procedural timing changes without altering the program's core requirements or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 666 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and most health insurance plans to cover calcium score testing for individuals with specific heart disease risk factors. It directly affects people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of early heart disease - requiring coverage if they have at least three of these risk factors. The law mandates coverage starting January 1, 2026, for Medicaid and all health insurance policies issued or renewed after that date. This change applies to insurers, nonprofit health plans, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations operating in Maryland. The bill does not alter coverage for other medical services but specifically adds calcium scoring to required benefits.