Del. Kim Ross

Maddy summaryHB 838 repeals a requirement that prescribers submit prescriber-pharmacist agreements to their regulating health board. Instead, it allows pharmacists (with specific qualifications, registrations, and training) to directly enter agreements authorizing them to treat opioid use disorder using controlled substances. A key provision requires pharmacists to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) for relevant patient data before starting or changing such therapy. This bill directly affects pharmacists, prescribers, and patients with opioid use disorder by expanding pharmacists' role in medication management under defined safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 747 changes the membership structure of Maryland's Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. The bill reduces the number of House-appointed members from two to one and removes specific agency representatives, while adding three industry representatives from the assisted living sector (categorized by facility size: 1-4, 5-9, and 10+ residents). This committee directly affects nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and their residents by shaping oversight of care quality standards. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and modifies existing law without altering the committee's core purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 478 modifies Maryland's income tax by expanding the existing $250 deduction for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses to include prekindergarten teachers. Previously, only K-12 classroom teachers qualified; this bill explicitly adds prekindergarten teachers employed full-time in state programs. The deduction remains limited to $250 per year for supplies used by students or for teaching preparation, excluding expenses already deducted federally. This change affects prekindergarten teachers statewide who purchase classroom supplies without reimbursement, effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 322 changes the membership structure of Maryland's Health Care Commission. It reduces the number of non-healthcare-related members from nine to eight and adds a required hospital representative (defined in state law) to the seven provider-focused seats. The bill also revises geographic requirements, mandating four members from large-population counties (instead of five) and specifying representation from the Eastern Shore, western counties, and Southern Maryland. These changes take effect October 1, 2026, aiming to adjust the commission's composition to better reflect healthcare provider perspectives.

Maddy summaryHB 472 extends the expiration date for Maryland's theatrical production tax credit from 2027 to 2032. This credit allows theater producers to claim a reduction on their state income tax for qualifying production costs. The bill directly affects film and theater producers in Maryland who currently qualify for the credit. It modifies existing law (from 2022) to extend the credit's validity period by five additional years, ensuring the program remains active through 2032 without requiring new legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 442 requires nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives in Maryland to disclose their professional liability insurance status to residents and potential residents. Specifically, these providers must provide written notice (including electronic communication) if they lack coverage or if coverage has lapsed and not been renewed, with timing requirements: at the first visit for potential residents or at application for admission, and within 30 days of a lapse for current residents. The bill also mandates that facilities without coverage post a conspicuous notice for residents and guests. This law does not change insurance requirements but ensures transparency about coverage gaps. It directly affects residents and potential residents of these care facilities by providing clear, timely disclosure of insurance status.

Maddy summaryHB 637 ("The Vax Act") requires Maryland's Secretary of Health to issue science-based recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services using guidance from major medical organizations like the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. It expands pharmacists' authority to administer flu, COVID-19, and emergency vaccines to patients aged 3 and older (previously limited to 18+ for some vaccines) after completing specific training. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans cover these recommended services without cost-sharing for patients. This directly affects pharmacists, health insurers, and Maryland residents seeking preventive care, particularly children and adults needing routine vaccinations.

Maddy summaryHB 1117 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain insurers to cover approved "elopement response devices" for specific individuals. These devices - such as door sensors, wearable location trackers, or alert systems - prevent people with cognitive, developmental, or neurological conditions from wandering unsafely (e.g., leaving a supervised area without the ability to return safely). Coverage is mandated when ordered by a qualified healthcare provider and documented in a qualifying plan (like an individualized education plan or dementia care plan) for eligible recipients: those under 21 with early screening eligibility, on home-based waiver programs, or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/dementia. The bill defines these devices as medical equipment or assistive technology under state programs, ensuring coverage without regard to when the program was established.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maryland counties with volunteer fire companies to provide no-cost preventive cancer screenings to volunteer firefighters, as defined by the bill. Volunteer fire companies must maintain and annually submit a list of their volunteer firefighters to the county, which must then keep this list on file. Counties can meet this requirement by either offering a free annual health exam including cancer screenings or applying for a specific grant to fund advanced screening technologies like multi-cancer blood tests. The law applies to all counties with volunteer fire companies and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 creates a new permit for clinical research pharmacies in Maryland, which are facilities specifically designed to conduct clinical trials. It allows healthcare providers to own these pharmacies under strict conditions, including requiring a licensed pharmacist to be on-site during all operating hours and prohibiting owners from receiving payment for patient referrals. The bill also exempts clinical trials conducted by corporations or entities from being classified as "practice of medicine," meaning trial staff no longer need individual medical licenses for their trial-related work. This change aims to streamline clinical research by removing a regulatory barrier that previously required individual licensing for trial staff.