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