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