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