Legislative Corner

DATE:            February 26, 2021

Hello, COGS members!  As promised, this memo reflects updates as of January 15 on bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.  As a service to our membership, the COGS Legislative Committee is reviewing bills introduced in the House and Senate which may be of interest to our members.  COGS will not take any position on these bills as an organization, but we hope that this list will keep you informed of initiatives that may be of interest to you.  Any communication from COGS on legislative matters is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee and represents our best efforts. We make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members. 

We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.  We expect to send you updates on bills introduced in our General Assembly throughout the session.

Bills introduced in the Senate through SB 953 (with associated bills cross filed in the House)

SB13 Certified Nursing Assistants – Certificate Renewal – Training Program Requirements

SB 41/HB 142, Health – Mental and Emotional Disorders – Consent (Mental Health Access Initiative)

+SB 47Health Facilities – Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Programs – Essential Caregivers

SB 96 Public Health – Behavioral Health Programs and Health Care Facilities – Safety and Community Relations Plans

SB 204/HB 216 Health Care Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Disease Unit Regulations

SB 313/HB 119 Maryland Department of Health - Public Health Outreach Programs - Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Types of Dementia

SB286/HB 108 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services – Modifications

SB 311/HB 25, Catastrophic Health Emergencies – Health Care Providers – Definition and Immunity

SB 313/HB 119 Maryland Department of Health - Public Health Outreach Programs - Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Types of Dementia

SB 327, Civil Actions, Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults

SB 364/HB 652, Health Facilities – Residential Service Agencies – Guidance and Reporting

SB 384, HB 652, Health Facilities – Residential Service Agencies – Compliance with State Labor Laws

SB 486/HB 581, Labor & Employment – Employment Standards During an Emergency

SB 507/HB 554, Division of Consumer Protection, Assisted Living Programs

SB 570/ HB 737, Emergency Services – Exposure to Contagious Diseases and Viruses –  

SB579 NotificatioHealth Care Facilities – Restrooms – Requirementn and Other Requirements

SB615/HB709 Pharmacy Benefits Managers - Drug Reimbursement - Reporting Requirements

SB682/HB1063 insurance - Medicare Supplement Policy Plans - Open Enrollment Period Following Birthday

SB741/HB836 COVID-19 Testing, Contact Tracing, and Vaccination Act of 2021

SB820/HB1261 Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives - Electronic Execution

SB910/HB1312

COVID-19 Eviction and Housing Relief Act of 2021

SB948/HB1358 Veterans Affairs – Office of Communications and Public Affairs – Veterans Advocacy and Education Act

SB652

Public Health - Long-Term Care Planning

Bills introduced in the House through HB 1362 (see above for bills cross filed in Senate)

HB 165, Md. Estate Tax – Unified Credit

HB 203, Estates & Trusts – Wills and Advance Medical Directives – Notaries Public

 

HB 207, Nursing Homes – Resident Change in Condition – Notification

HB 255, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs

HB 303, Long Term Care Insurance – Prohibition on Premium Increases

HB 347, Criminal Law – Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults or Elderly Individuals – Undue Influence

DATE:            February 4, 2021

Hello, COGS members!  This memo reflects updates as of February 4 on bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.  As a service to our membership, the COGS Legislative Committee is reviewing bills introduced in the House and Senate which may be of interest to our members.  COGS will not take any position on these bills as an organization, but we hope that this list will keep you informed of initiatives that may be of interest to you.  Any communication from COGS on legislative matters is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee and represents our best efforts. We make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members. 

We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.  We expect to send you updates on bills introduced in our General Assembly throughout the session.

Please note that bill introduction deadlines are February 5 in the House and February 8 in the Senate.  Following these dates, any bills introduced are referred to the Rules Committees and may or may not receive a hearing.

For those who wish to access the bills introduced according to subject, you may find it useful to refer to the subject index in the Maryland General Assembly website.  In particular, these topics may be useful: assisted living; elderly persons; estates and trusts; health care facilities; and vulnerable adults

Bills introduced in the Senate through SB 720 (with associated bills cross-filed in the House)

SB13, Certified Nursing Assistants – Certificate Renewal – Training Program Requirements

SB 41/HB 142, Health – Mental and Emotional Disorders – Consent (Mental Health Access Initiative)

+SB 47/ HB 806, Health Facilities – Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Programs – Essential Caregivers

SB 96, Public Health – Behavioral Health Programs and Health Care Facilities – Safety and Community Relations Plans

SB 204/HB 416, Health Care Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Disease Unit Regulations

SB286/HB 108, Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services – Modifications

SB 311/HB 25, Catastrophic Health Emergencies – Health Care Providers – Definition and Immunity

SB 313/HB 119 Maryland Department of Health - Public Health Outreach Programs - Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Types of Dementia

SB 327, Civil Actions, Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults

SB 364/HB 652, Health Facilities – Residential Service Agencies – Guidance and Reporting

SB 384, HB 652, Health Facilities – Residential Service Agencies – Compliance with State Labor Laws

SB 486/HB 581, Labor & Employment – Employment Standards During an Emergency

SB 507/HB 554, Division of Consumer Protection, Assisted Living Programs

SB 570/ HB 737, Emergency Services – Exposure to Contagious Diseases and Viruses – Notification and Other Requirements

Bills introduced in the House through HB 969 (see above for bills cross-filed in Senate)

HB 165, Md. Estate Tax – Unified Credit

HB 203, Estates & Trusts – Wills and Advance Medical Directives – Notaries Public

HB 207, Nursing Homes – Resident Change in Condition – Notification

HB 255, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs

HB 276, Congregant Care Facilities, Visitation

HB 301/SB265, Maryland Revised Anatomical Gift Act

HB 303, Long Term Care Insurance – Prohibition on Premium Increases

HB 347, Criminal Law – Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults or Elderly Individuals – Undue Influence

DATE:            January 21, 2021

Hello, COGS members!  As promised, this memo reflects updates as of January 15 on bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.  As a service to our membership, the COGS Legislative Committee is reviewing bills introduced in the House and Senate which may be of interest to our members.  COGS will not take any position on these bills as an organization, but we hope that this list will keep you informed of initiatives that may be of interest to you.  Any communication from COGS on legislative matters is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee and represents our best efforts. We make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  

We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.  We expect to send you updates on bills introduced in our General Assembly throughout the session.

Bills introduced in the Senate through SB 413 (with associated bills cross filed in the House)

SB13 Certified Nursing Assistants – Certificate Renewal – Training Program Requirements

SB 41/HB 142, Health – Mental and Emotional Disorders – Consent (Mental Health Access Initiative)

+SB 47Health Facilities – Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Programs – Essential Caregivers

SB 96 Public Health – Behavioral Health Programs and Health Care Facilities – Safety and Community Relations Plans

SB 204/HB 216 Health Care Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Disease Unit Regulations

SB 313/HB 119 Maryland Department of Health - Public Health Outreach Programs - Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Types of Dementia

SB286/HB 108 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services – Modifications

Bills introduced in the House through HB 542 (see above for bills cross filed in Senate)

HB 165, Md. Estate Tax – Unified Credit

HB 203, Estates & Trusts – Wills and Advance Medical Directives – Notaries Public

 

HB 207, Nursing Homes – Resident Change in Condition – Notification

HB 255, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs

HB 303, Long Term Care Insurance – Prohibition on Premium Increases

HB 347, Criminal Law – Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults or Elderly Individuals – Undue Influence

DATE:            January 13, 2021

Hello, COGS members!  Today is the first day of the 2021 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  As a service to our membership, the COGS Legislative Committee is reviewing bills introduced in the House and Senate which may be of interest to our members.  COGS will not take any position on these bills as an organization, but we hope that this list will keep you informed of initiatives that may be of interest to you.  Any communication from COGS on legislative matters is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee and represents our best efforts. We make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members. 

We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.  We expect to send you updates on bills introduced in our General Assembly throughout the session.

Bills introduced in the Senate through SB 356 (with associated bills cross filed in the House)

SB 41, Health Facilities – Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Programs – Essential Caregivers

SB 61/HB 321, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities – Requirements

SB 75/HB 296, Drivers Licenses- Older Licensees – In-person Renewal

SB 204/HB 416, Health Care Facilities – Assisted Living Programs- Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Disease Unit Regulations

SB 265/HB 301, Estates & Trusts – Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act

SB 313/HB 119, Md. Dept. of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Types of Dementia

Bills introduced in the House through HB 421 (see above for bills cross filed in Senate)

HB 165, Md. Estate Tax – Unified Credit

HB 203, Estates & Trusts – Wills and Advance Medical Directives – Notaries Public

 

HB 207, Nursing Homes – Resident Change in Condition – Notification

HB 255, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs

HB 303, Long Term Care Insurance – Prohibition on Premium Increases

HB 347, Criminal Law – Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults or Elderly Individuals – Undue Influence

We all know that we are living in extraordinary times.  Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, for the first time since the Civil War, the Maryland General Assembly cut short its 90-day session.  While Governor Hogan has understandably focused his energy on managing this health crisis, we expect that by the end of next month, he will determine whether bills passed by the General Assembly will go forward with or without his signature or will be vetoed.

This year, several major themes emerged during this session of the Maryland General Assembly: Kirwan Commission and potential taxes to pay for educational initiatives; passing the budget (the one and only required responsibility of the General Assembly); and major generational changes and new leadership marked by the swearing in of new House Speaker Adrienne Jones and new Senate President Bill Ferguson.

As a service to our members, the Legislative Committee reviewed certain bills introduced in the 2020 session that may be of interest to our members.  Most of these bills did not pass both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.   Although we are united in our mission to serve older adults, members of our coalition have diverse business and personal interests.  What may be of importance to one member may not be relevant to another member.  Therefore, only a few bills that have passed both chambers are noted below.  Please also note that the General Assembly may reconvene sometime in May 2020 for a special session, but this is not yet confirmed.

To assist you with any research you may wish to undertake on the status of legislative initiatives, please consult the Maryland General Assembly  ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free).   When navigating the Maryland General Assembly’s website, you may find this information to be helpful.  To view all the legislation passed in 2020, on the Home Page, go to the right-hand column under the topic Legislation.  Go to the prompt named “Bills Passed by Both Chambers” where a list of the 681 bills passed in the 2020 session is organized numerically.  Also in the right-hand column is a prompt named “Bills Enacted” which refers to the bills already approved by the Governor (as of April 10, there are 18 bills) and a prompt named “Bills Vetoed” which refers to those bills vetoed by the Governor (none as of April 10 for the 2020 session).  Alternatively, to learn about a bill introduced in 2020 by subject, on the Home page, go to the red bar at the top of the page to the “Search Archives” prompt.  This will lead you to the “Subject “prompt which organizes information by word categories, not exclusively by bill numbers. 

Select Bills of Interest to COGS Members Passed by Both Chambers in 2020

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit

HB 33, Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adult – Causing Sever Emotional Distress

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding

As we discussed at our July 2019 retreat, the Legislative Committee offers its review of the bills introduced in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  At this time, as determined by the COGS Board of Directors, COGS does not plan to take a position on any bills.  Any communication from COGS on legislative initiatives is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee. This represents our best efforts; we make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.

Please note that any bills that are introduced from now on will be referred to the Rules Committees of their respective chambers.   For these bills that were introduced late in the session, there is no guarantee that such bills will receive a hearing.

We are now entering the last third of the 2020 Maryland General Assembly’s session.  Committees are starting to vote on bills and issue reports.  An unfavorable report means that the bill is no longer viable in 2020.  A favorable report means that the bill will continue on its journey through the legislative process.

If any member is interested in any of the bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, please be sure to check on the Maryland General Assembly website for the correct date and time of the bill hearing, as well as any voting sessions that may be scheduled after the bill hearing.

Bills introduced in the Senate through March 5, 2020

SB 44 (HB 10), Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/16

SB 112, Health Insurance – Health Information – Disclaimers Between Carriers, passed Senate, referred to House HGO

SB 124 (HB 196), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Second reading, passed with amendments.

SB 150 (HB 393), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, passed Senate, first reading at House Judiciary

SB 153 (HB 33), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/22

SB 278 (HB 342), Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before B &T on 2/5

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Passed third reader in Senate

SB 670 (HB 564), Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Finance; B&T Committees, Heard before Senate Finance on 2/19

SB 701 (HB 643), End-of- Life Option Act, Heard before Senate JPR on 2/28

SB 702 (HB 320), Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, Heard before Senate JPR on 2/20

SB 725 (HB 456), Md. Dept. of Health -Public Health Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease. And Other Types of Dementia, Hearing before Education, Health & Environmental Affairs on 3/12

SB 833 (HB 1527), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, heard before Judicial Proceedings on 3/4

SB 965 (HB 584), Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, Hearing before Senate Finance on 3/10

SB 966 (HB 1615), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, heard before Finance on 3/5

SB 969 (HB 1063), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, unfavorable report, withdrawn

Bills introduced in the House through March 5, 2020

HB 10 (SB 44), Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, passed House, first reading before Senate JPR

HB 33 (SB 153), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before House Judiciary, 1/22

HB 196 (SB 124), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Heard before House HGO on 2/20

HB 256, Maryland Estates and Trusts, Unified Credit, heard before Ways and Means, 2/13

HB 320 (SB 702), Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, passed House; referred to Senate JPR

HB 342, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before W & M, 2/14

HB 393 (SB 150), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, Heard by House Judiciary on 2/5

HB 456, Maryland Department of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Types of Dementia, passed House; referred to Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding, heard before Appropriations on 2/11

HB 564 (SB 670), Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, hearing set before Appropriations Committee on 2/25

HB 584, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, hearing on 2/25 before Appropriations

HB 643 (SB 701), End-of- Life Option Act, referred to Judiciary and HGO Committees

HB 745, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Heard before House Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1063 (SB 969), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, unfavorable report, withdrawn

HB 1282, Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry, heard before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1527 (SB 833), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, heard before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1615 (SB 966), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, Rules

DATE:  February 25, 2020

As we discussed at our July 2019 retreat, the Legislative Committee offers its review of the bills introduced in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  At this time, as determined by the COGS Board of Directors, COGS does not plan to take a position on any bills.  Any communication from COGS on legislative initiatives is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee. This represents our best efforts; we make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.

Please note that any bills that are introduced from now on will be referred to the Rules Committees of their respective chambers.   For these bills that were introduced late in the session, there is no guarantee that such bills will receive a hearing.

If any member is interested in any of the bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, please be sure to check on the Maryland General Assembly website for the correct date and time of the bill hearing, as well as any voting sessions that may be scheduled after the bill hearing.

Bills introduced in the Senate through February 25, 2020

SB 44, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/16

SB 112, Health Insurance – Health Information – Disclaimers Between Carriers, passed Senate, referred to House HGO

SB 124 (HB 196), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, heard before Senate Finance on 2/5

SB 150 (HB 393), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, passed Senate, first reading at House Judiciary 

SB 153 (HB 33), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/22

SB 278 (HB 342), Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before B &T on 2/5

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 2/12

SB 670, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Finance; B&T Committees, Heard before Senate Finance on 2/19

SB 701, End-of- Life Option Act, Hearing before Senate JPR on 2/28

SB 702, Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, Heard before Senate JPR on 2/20

SB 725, Md. Dept. of Health -Public Health Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease. And Other Types of Dementia, Hearing before Education, Health & Environmental Affairs on 3/12

SB 833 (HB 1527), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judicial Proceedings on 3/4

SB 965 (HB 584), Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, Hearing before Senate Finance on 3/10

SB 966 (HB 1615), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, hearing before Finance on 3/5

SB 969 (HB 1063), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before Senate Finance on 3/5

Bills introduced in the House through February 25, 2020

HB 10, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, passed House, first reading before Senate JPR

HB 33 (SB 153), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before House Judiciary, 1/22

HB 196 (SB 124), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Heard before House HGO on 2/20

HB 256, Maryland Estates and Trusts, Unified Credit, heard before Ways and Means, 2/13

HB 320 (SB 702), Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, passed by House Judiciary as favorable with amendments, in House

HB 342, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before W & M, 2/14

HB 393 (SB 150), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, Heard by House Judiciary on 2/5

HB 456, Maryland Department of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Types of Dementia, passed Health and Gov. Operations as favorable with amendments, in House

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding, heard before Appropriations on 2/11

HB 564, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, hearing set before Appropriations Committee on 2/25

HB 584, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, hearing on 2/25 before Appropriations

HB 643, End-of- Life Option Act, referred to Judiciary and HGO Committees

HB 745, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Hearing set before House Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1063 (SB 969), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before House HGO on 3/5

HB 1282, Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1527 (SB 833), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1615 (SB 966), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, Rules

DATE:  February 21, 2020

As we discussed at our July 2019 retreat, the Legislative Committee offers its review of the bills introduced in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  At this time, as determined by the COGS Board of Directors, COGS does not plan to take a position on any bills.  Any communication from COGS on legislative initiatives is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee. This represents our best efforts; we make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.

Please note that any bills that are introduced from now on will be referred to the Rules Committees of their respective chambers.   For these bills that were introduced late in the session, there is no guarantee that such bills will receive a hearing.

If any member is interested in any of the bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, please be sure to check on the Maryland General Assembly website for the correct date and time of the bill hearing, as well as any voting sessions that may be scheduled after the bill hearing.

Bills introduced in the Senate through February 21, 2020

SB 44, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/16

SB 112, Health Insurance – Health Information – Disclaimers Between Carriers, passed Senate, referred to House HGO

SB 124 (HB 196), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, heard before Senate Finance on 2/5

SB 150 (HB 393), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, passed Senate, first reading at House Judiciary

SB 153 (HB 33), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/22

SB 278 (HB 342), Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before B &T on 2/5

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 2/12

SB 670, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Finance; B&T Committees, Hearing before Senate Finance on 2/19

SB 701, End-of- Life Option Act, Hearing before Senate JPR on 2/28

SB 702, Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, Hearing before Senate JPR on 2/20

SB 725, Md. Dept. of Health -Public Health Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease. And Other Types of Dementia, Hearing before Education, Health & Environmental Affairs on 3/12

SB 833 (HB 1527), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judicial Proceedings on 3/4

SB 965 (HB 584), Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, Hearing before Senate Finance on 3/10

SB 966 (HB 1615), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, hearing before Finance on 3/5

SB 969 (HB 1063), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before Senate Finance on 3/5

Bills introduced in the House through February 21, 2020

HB 10, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers

HB 33 (SB 153), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before House Judiciary, 1/22

HB 196 (SB 124), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Hearing set before House HGO on 2/20

HB 256, Maryland Estates and Trusts, Unified Credit, heard before Ways and Means, 2/13

HB 320 (SB 702), Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, heard before House Judiciary on, 2/4

HB 342, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before W & M, 2/14

HB 393 (SB 150), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, Heard by House Judiciary on 2/5

HB 456, Maryland Department of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Types of Dementia, heard before Health and Gov. Operations on 2/12

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding, heard before Appropriations on 2/11

HB 564, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, hearing set before Appropriations Committee on 2/25

HB 584, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, hearing on 2/25 before Appropriations

HB 643, End-of- Life Option Act, referred to Judiciary and HGO Committees

HB 745, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Hearing set before House Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1063 (SB 969), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before House HGO on 3/5

HB 1282, Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1527 (SB 833), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1615 (SB 966), Health Facilities – Assisted Living Programs – Referrals and Licenses, Rules

DATE:  February 18, 2020

As we discussed at our July 2019 retreat, the Legislative Committee offers its review of the bills introduced in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  At this time, as determined by the COGS Board of Directors, COGS does not plan to take a position on any bills.  Any communication from COGS on legislative initiatives is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee. This represents our best efforts; we make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.

Please note that any bills that are introduced from now on will be referred to the Rules Committees of their respective chambers.   For these bills that were introduced late in the session, there is no guarantee that such bills will receive a hearing.

If any member is interested in any of the bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, please be sure to check on the Maryland General Assembly website for the correct date and time of the bill hearing, as well as any voting sessions that may be scheduled after the bill hearing.

Bills introduced in the Senate through February 18, 2020

SB 44, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/16

SB 112, Health Insurance – Health Information – Disclaimers Between Carriers, passed Senate, referred to House HGO

SB 124 (HB 196), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, heard before Senate Finance on 2/5

SB 150 (HB 393), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, passed Senate, first reading at House Judiciary 

SB 153 (HB 33), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/22

SB 278 (HB 342), Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before B &T on 2/5

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Heard before Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 2/12

SB 670, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Finance; B&T Committees, Hearing before Senate Finance on 2/19

SB 701, End-of- Life Option Act, Hearing before Senate JPR on 2/28

SB 702, Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, Hearing before Senate JPR on 2/20

SB 725, Md. Dept. of Health -Public Health Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease. And Other Types of Dementia, Hearing before Education, Health & Environmental Affairs on 3/12

SB 833 (HB 1527), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judicial Proceedings on 3/4

SB 965 (HB 584), Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, Hearing before Senate Finance on 3/10

SB 969 (HB 1063), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before Senate Finance on 3/5

Bills introduced in the House through February 18, 2020

HB 10, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers

HB 33 (SB 153), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, heard before House Judiciary, 1/22

HB 196 (SB 124), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Hearing set before House HGO on 2/20

HB 256, Maryland Estates and Trusts, Unified Credit, heard before Ways and Means, 2/13

HB 320 (SB 702), Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, heard before House Judiciary on, 2/4

HB 342, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, heard before W & M, 2/14

HB 393 (SB 150), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, Heard by House Judiciary on 2/5

HB 456, Maryland Department of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Types of Dementia, heard before Health and Gov. Operations on 2/12

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding, heard before Appropriations on 2/11

HB 564, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, hearing set before Appropriations Committee on 2/25

HB 584, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, hearing on 2/25 before Appropriations

HB 643, End-of- Life Option Act, referred to Judiciary and HGO Committees

HB 745, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Hearing set before House Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1063 (SB 969), Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before House HGO on 3/5

HB 1282, Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1527 (SB 833), Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

DATE:  February 11, 2020

As we discussed at our July 2019 retreat, the Legislative Committee offers its review of the bills introduced in the 2020 session of the Maryland General Assembly.  At this time, as determined by the COGS Board of Directors, COGS does not plan to take a position on any bills.  Any communication from COGS on legislative initiatives is for the benefit of our members who may choose to pursue legislative advocacy that reflects their personal or professional concerns.  This effort is a service offered by the COGS Legislative Committee. This represents our best efforts; we make no representation that this communication addresses all issues that may affect all COGS members.  We urge our members to explore additional information on legislative initiatives by consulting the Maryland General Assembly ( http://mgaleg.maryland.gov; telephone 1-800-492-7122 -toll free) and by contacting their representatives in the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates.

Please note that any bills that are introduced from now on will be referred to the Rules Committees of their respective chambers.   For these bills that were introduced late in the session, there is no guarantee that such bills will receive a hearing.

If any member is interested in any of the bills introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, please be sure to check on the Maryland General Assembly website for the correct date and time of the bill hearing, as well as any voting sessions that may be scheduled after the bill hearing.

Bills introduced in the Senate through February 11, 2020

SB 44, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers, hearing before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/16

SB 70, End-of- Life Option Act, Judicial Proceedings

SB 112, Health Insurance – Health Information – Disclaimers Between Carriers, hearing before Senate Finance on 1/14

SB 124, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Establishment of State-Based Health Insurance Subsidies Program, Finance

SB 150, Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, hearing before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/23 

SB 153 (HB103), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, hearing before Senate Judicial Proceedings, 1/22

SB 278, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, hearing before B &T, 2/5

SB 407, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Hearing before Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on 2/12

SB 670, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Finance; B&T Committees

SB 701, End-of- Life Option Act, JPR

SB 702, Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, Senate JPR

SB 725, Md. Dept. of Health -Public Health Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease. And Other Types of Dementia, Education, Health & Environmental Affairs

SB 833, Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judicial Proceedings on 3/4

SB 965, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, Appropriations

SB 969, Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before Senate Finance on 3/5

 

Bills introduced in the House through February 11, 2020

HB 10, Public Buildings – Changing Facilities for Adult Diapers

HB 103 (SB 153), Criminal Law – Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Adults – Causing Severe Emotional Distress, hearing before House Judiciary, 1/22

HB 256, Maryland Estates and Trusts, Unified Credit, hearing before Ways and Means, 2/13

HB 320, Criminal Law, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults, hearing before House Judiciary on, 2/4

HB 342, Retirement Reduction Act of 2020, hearing before W & M, 2/14

HB 393 (SB 150), Estate Recovery – Presentation of Claims of Medicaid Participants, Judiciary

HB 456, Maryland Department of Health – Public Outreach Programs – Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Types of Dementia, hearing before Health and Gov. Operations on 2/12

HB 498, Department of Aging – Grants for Aging in Place Programs – Funding, hearing before Appropriations on 2/11 

HB 564, Department of Aging -Assisted Living Programs – Subsidies, Appropriations Committee

HB 584, Day Care Centers for Elderly and Day Care Centers for Adults – Reimbursement, hearing on 2/25 before Appropriations

HB 643, End-of- Life Option Act, Judiciary

HB 745, Office of the Attorney General, Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit, Judiciary

HB 1063, Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Programs – Regulation Staffing & Training, hearing before House HGO on 3/5

HB 1282, Criminal Procedure – Vulnerable Adult Abuse Registry, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5

HB 1527, Adult Protective Services – Vulnerable Adult Registry – Investigations & Records of Abuse & Neglect and Workgroup Study, hearing before Judiciary on 3/5