Legislation & Regulations > Legislative Liaison

 

The Legislation and Regulations Section of the Quality Assurance Division reviews bills introduced before Maryland’s General Assembly that may affect addiction services throughout the state.

The Administration decides among various options what position will need to be taken to best serve the citizens of the State. It may be determined that the bill should be strongly supported due to its positive affect on addiction services. In that case letters of support would be written to the Governor and to Legislative Committees reviewing the bill for submission to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) for approval and signature.  If there would be no affect on services a statement of no position is recorded. If the Administration must oppose a bill a position paper is written to state why the Administration believes the bill is not in the best interest of the addiction field. At times the Administration would be able to support a bill if amendments were made to it. The amendments are then prepared for Legislative consideration. 

All positions are presented at a meeting of all Administrations and Boards within DHMH one day per week to coordinate positions and exchange information. After the meeting position information is reviewed and approved or returned for changes by the Secretary of DHMH.