Maryland House Bill HB1072

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Assisted Living Program Licensing - Notice of Applicant Located in Common Ownership Community

Impact

The bill aims to reinforce the role of county health officers in the oversight of assisted living programs, thereby allowing local authorities to remain informed and involved in the establishment of these facilities within their jurisdictions. Such a requirement is expected to ensure that community stakeholders are aware of potential changes in their neighborhoods and can take appropriate actions or raise concerns. By mandating these notifications, the bill addresses the need for local governance in matters related to health and community well-being.

Summary

House Bill 1072 seeks to modify the licensing process for assisted living programs in Maryland by requiring the Secretary of Health to notify the county health officer of any licensure application for such programs. This notification is crucial as it ensures that the county health officer can determine if the proposed assisted living program is to be situated within a common ownership community. If so, the county health officer must then inform both the governing body of the county and the governing body of the common ownership community about the application, enhancing transparency in the licensing process.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 1072 is how it impacts the interplay between state and local governance. Proponents of the bill argue that it provides necessary oversight and prevents the establishment of assisted living facilities that could conflict with community standards or needs. However, opponents may view it as an additional bureaucratic layer that could delay the licensing process and potentially hinder the development of much-needed assisted living services in high-demand areas. Discussions will likely focus on balancing state regulations with local autonomy and the need for assisted living accommodations.