Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB460 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1
2	2
3	3		EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4	4		[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5		-	Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6		-	Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7		-	amendment.
8	5		sb0460
9	6
10	7		SENATE BILL 460
11	8		J1, J5 2lr1691
12		-	CF ~~HB 517~~
13		-	By: Senator Augustine ~~Senators Augustine and Hester~~
	9	+	CF 2lr1706
	10	+	By: Senator Augustine
14	11		Introduced and read first time: January 27, 2022
15	12		Assigned to: Finance
16		-	Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17		-	Senate action: Adopted
18		-	Read second time: March 14, 2022
19	13
20		-	~~CHAPTER ______~~
	14	+	A BILL ENTITLED
21	15
22	16		AN ACT concerning 1
23	17
24	18		Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care – 2
25	19		Establishment 3
26		-	Health – Insurance Coverage Information 4
27	20
28		-	FOR the purpose of establishing that the Health Education Advocacy Unit in the Office of 5
29		-	the Attorney General is the State’s office of consumer assistance under a certain 6
30		-	federal law; establishing the Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health 7
31		-	and Addiction Care to assist State residents in accessing mental health and 8
32		-	substance use disorder services under public and private health insurance and 9
33		-	address insurance–related barriers to mental health and substance use disorder 10
34		-	services; establishing certain requirements on the Program relating to consumer 11
35		-	medical records and other information; establishing the Consumer Health Access 12
36		-	Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; 13
37		-	requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; establishing the 14
38		-	Consumer Health Access Program Advisory Council for certain purposes; and 15
39		-	generally relating to the Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and 16
40		-	Addiction Care health insurance coverage information. 17
	21	+	FOR the purpose of establishing the Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health 4
	22	+	and Addiction Care to assist State residents in accessing mental health and 5
	23	+	substance use disorder services under public and private health insurance and 6
	24	+	address insurance–related barriers to mental health and substance use disorder 7
	25	+	services; establishing certain requirements on the Program relating to consumer 8
	26	+	medical records and other information; establishing the Consumer Health Access 9
	27	+	Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; 10
	28	+	requiring interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund; and generally 11
	29	+	relating to the Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction 12
	30	+	Care. 13
41	31
42		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 18
43		-	Article – Commercial Law 19
44		-	Section 13–4A–01 20
45		-	Annotated Code of Maryland 21
46		-	(2013 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 22
	32	+	BY adding to 14
	33	+	Article – Health – General 15
	34	+	Section 13–4401 through 13–4409 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 44. 16
	35	+	Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care” 17
	36	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 18
	37	+	(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 19
47	38
48		-	BY adding to 23 2 SENATE BILL 460
	39	+	BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 20
	40	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 21
	41	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) 22
	42	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 23
	43	+	(2021 Replacement Volume) 24
	44	+
	45	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 25
	46	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 26
	47	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. 27
	48	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 28 2 SENATE BILL 460
49	49
50	50
51		-	Article – Health – General 1
52		-	Section 13–4401 through 13–4409 13–4410 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 44. 2
53		-	Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care” 3
54		-	Annotated Code of Maryland 4
55		-	(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 5
	51	+	(2021 Replacement Volume) 1
56	52
57		-	BY ~~repealing and reenacting,~~ ~~without amendments, 6~~
58		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement 7
59		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) 8
60		-	Annotated Code of Maryland 9
61		-	(2021 Replacement Volume) 10
	53	+	BY adding to 2
	54	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 3
	55	+	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146. 4
	56	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 5
	57	+	(2021 Replacement Volume) 6
62	58
63		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 11
64		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement 12
65		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. 13
66		-	Annotated Code of Maryland 14
67		-	(2021 Replacement Volume) 15
	59	+	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 7
	60	+	That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 8
68	61
69		-	BY adding to 16
70		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement 17
71		-	Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146. 18
72		-	Annotated Code of Maryland 19
73		-	(2021 Replacement Volume) 20
	62	+	Article – Health – General 9
74	63
75		-	~~SECTION 1~~. ~~BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,~~ 21
76		-	~~That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 22~~
	64	+	SUBTITLE 44. CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND 10
	65	+	ADDICTION CARE. 11
77	66
78		-	~~Article – Commercial Law 23~~
	67	+	13–4401. 12
79	68
80		-	13–4A–01. 24
	69	+	(A) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANING S 13
	70	+	INDICATED. 14
81	71
82		-	(A) There is a Health Education and Advocacy Unit in the Division. 25
	72	+	(B) “CONNECTOR ENTITY REGIONS” MEANS THE EIGHT GEOG RAPHICAL 15
	73	+	REGIONS IN MARYLAND THAT HAVE BE EN DESIGNATED BY THE MARYLAND HEALTH 16
	74	+	BENEFIT EXCHANGE FOR PURPOSES OF INSURANCE –RELATED OUTREACH , 17
	75	+	EDUCATION, AND ENROLLMENT UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND 18
	76	+	AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. 19
83	77
84		-	(B) THE HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY UNIT IS THE STATE’S OFFICE 26
85		-	OF HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER A SSISTANCE UNDER § 1002 OF THE FEDERAL 27
86		-	PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. 28
	78	+	(C) “FUND” MEANS THE CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 20
	79	+	MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 21
87	80
88		-	Article – Health – General 29
	81	+	(D) “HEALTH PLAN” MEANS HEALTH INSURAN CE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL 22
	82	+	HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFIT S OFFERED BY ANY PAY ER OF 23
	83	+	HEALTH CARE SERVICES , INCLUDING STATE–REGULATED INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP 24
	84	+	PLANS, FULLY INSURED AND SELF –INSURED EMPLOYER –SPONSORED PLANS , THE 25
	85	+	STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS PROGRAM, THE MARYLAND 26
	86	+	MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, THE MARYLAND CHILDREN’S HEALTH 27
	87	+	PROGRAM, MEDICARE, TRICARE, AND VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH 28
	88	+	BENEFITS. 29
89	89
90		-	SUBTITLE 44. CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND 30
91		-	ADDICTION CARE. 31
	90	+	(E) “HUB ENTITY” MEANS THE PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, NONPROFIT 30
	91	+	CORPORATION OR ORGAN IZATION WITH OFFICES LOCATED IN THE STATE OR A 31
	92	+	PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE SELECTED BY THE INCU BATOR ENTITY AND 32
	93	+	RESPONSIBLE FOR OPER ATING THE PROGRAM. 33
	94	+	SENATE BILL 460 3
92	95
93		-	13–4401. 32
94	96
95		-	(A) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 33
96		-	INDICATED. 34 SENATE BILL 460 3
	97	+	(F) “INCUBATOR ENTITY” MEANS THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 1
	98	+	BALTIMORE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK CENTER FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH, 2
	99	+	EDUCATION, AND SERVICES. 3
	100	+
	101	+	(G) “MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT” OR “PARITY 4
	102	+	ACT” MEANS THE PAUL WELLSTONE AND PETE DOMENICI MENTAL HEALTH 5
	103	+	PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008 AND IMPLEMENTING REG ULATIONS 6
	104	+	45 C.F.R. § 146.136 AND 29 C.F.R. § 2590.712. 7
	105	+
	106	+	(H) “PROGRAM” MEANS THE CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 8
	107	+	MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE. 9
	108	+
	109	+	(I) “PROVIDER” MEANS: 10
	110	+
	111	+	(1) A LICENSED OR CERTIFIE D PRACTITIONER WHOSE SCOPE OF 11
	112	+	PRACTICE INCLUDES TH E PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH OR SUB STANCE USE 12
	113	+	DISORDER TREATMENT ; 13
	114	+
	115	+	(2) A FACILITY LICENSED TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALT H OR 14
	116	+	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER TREATMENT ; OR 15
	117	+
	118	+	(3) A CERTIFIED PEER COUNS ELOR WHO PROVIDES SU PPORT 16
	119	+	SERVICES TO PATIENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH O R SUBSTANCE USE DISO RDERS. 17
	120	+
	121	+	(J) “SPECIALTY ENTITY” MEANS A PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, 18
	122	+	NONPROFIT CORPORATIO N OR ORGANIZATION WI TH OFFICES LOCATED I N THE 19
	123	+	STATE THAT ENTERS INTO A C ONTRACT WITH THE HUB ENTITY TO ASSIST IN THE 20
	124	+	DELIVERY OF CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES . 21
	125	+
	126	+	(K) “SPOKE ENTITY ” MEANS THE PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, 22
	127	+	NONPROFIT CORPORATIO N OR ORGANIZATION WI TH OFFICES LOCATED I N THE 23
	128	+	STATE THAT ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE HU B ENTITY TO PROVIDE 24
	129	+	CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES IN ONE OF T HE EIGHT CONNECTOR E NTITY 25
	130	+	REGIONS. 26
	131	+
	132	+	13–4402. 27
	133	+
	134	+	(A) THERE IS A CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL 28
	135	+	HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE. 29
	136	+
	137	+	(B) THE PURPOSE S OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO: 30
	138	+	4 SENATE BILL 460
	139	+
	140	+
	141	+	(1) ASSIST STATE RESIDENTS IN ACCESSI NG MENTAL HEALTH AND 1
	142	+	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES UNDER PU BLIC AND PRIVATE HEA LTH 2
	143	+	INSURANCE; AND 3
	144	+
	145	+	(2) ADDRESS INSURANCE –RELATED BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH 4
	146	+	AND SUBSTANCE USE DI SORDER SERVICES THROUGH CON SUMER OUTREACH AND 5
	147	+	EDUCATION, CLIENT ASSISTANCE AN D REPRESENTATION , DATA COLLECTION AND 6
	148	+	ANALYSIS, AND RESOLUTION OF SY STEM–WIDE BARRIERS . 7
	149	+
	150	+	(C) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE ADMI NISTERED BY THE INCUBATOR ENTITY 8
	151	+	AND A HUB ENTITY SEL ECTED BY THE INCUBATOR ENTITY . 9
	152	+
	153	+	13–4403. 10
	154	+
	155	+	(A) THERE IS A CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL 11
	156	+	HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 12
	157	+
	158	+	(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE 13
	159	+	INCUBATOR ENTITY , HUB ENTITY, AND SPOKE AND SPECIALTY ENTITIES TO CARRY 14
	160	+	OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM. 15
	161	+
	162	+	(C) THE INCUBATOR ENTITY AND THE HUB ENTITY SELECTED BY THE 16
	163	+	INCUBATOR ENTITY SHALL ADMINISTER THE FUND. 17
	164	+
	165	+	(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 18
	166	+	SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 19
	167	+
	168	+	(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY , 20
	169	+	AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND. 21
	170	+
	171	+	(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 22
	172	+
	173	+	(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 23
	174	+
	175	+	(2) INTEREST EARNINGS CRE DITED TO THE FUND UNDER 24
	176	+	SUBSECTION (F)(2) OF THIS SECTION; AND 25
	177	+
	178	+	(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 26
	179	+	THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 27
	180	+
	181	+	(F) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 28
	182	+	IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE INVESTED. 29
	183	+	SENATE BILL 460 5
	184	+
	185	+
	186	+	(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO 1
	187	+	THE FUND. 2
	188	+
	189	+	(G) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE 3
	190	+	WITH THE STATE BUDGET . 4
	191	+
	192	+	(H) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS 5
	193	+	SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLAC E OF FUNDING THAT 6
	194	+	OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM. 7
	195	+
	196	+	13–4404. 8
	197	+
	198	+	CONTINGENT ON THE RECEIPT OF STATE FUND ING FOR THE PROGRAM, THE 9
	199	+	INCUBATOR ENTITY SHALL IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM BY: 10
	200	+
	201	+	(1) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2023, CONDUCTING AND COMPLE TING AN 11
	202	+	APPLICATION PROCESS TO SELECT A HUB ENTI TY FOR THE PROGRAM THAT MEETS 12
	203	+	CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE INCUBATOR ENTITY THAT SHALL INCLUDE THAT 13
	204	+	THE HUB ENTITY HAVE : 14
	205	+
	206	+	(I) A PUBLIC INTEREST MISS ION; 15
	207	+
	208	+	(II) QUALIFIED STAFF WHO REPRESENT THE RACIAL , ETHNIC, 16
	209	+	AND GENDER DIVERSITY OF RESIDENTS OF THE STATE AND INCLUDE INDIVIDU ALS 17
	210	+	WITH PERSONAL EXPERI ENCE IN ACCESSING TR EATMENT FOR MENTAL H EALTH AND 18
	211	+	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ERS; 19
	212	+
	213	+	(III) ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERT ISE OR DEMONSTRATED 20
	214	+	CAPACITY TO DEVELOP EXPERTISE IN : 21
	215	+
	216	+	1. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER 22
	217	+	SERVICES; 23
	218	+
	219	+	2. INSURANCE COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND 24
	220	+	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES; 25
	221	+
	222	+	3. PUBLIC OUTREACH AND E DUCATION ON INSURANC E 26
	223	+	COVERAGE AND SUBSTAN CE USE DISORDER TREA TMENT; 27
	224	+
	225	+	4. CLIENT ASSISTANCE AND REPRESENTATION TO 28
	226	+	RESOLVE INSURANCE DI SPUTES; 29
	227	+	6 SENATE BILL 460
	228	+
	229	+
	230	+	5. THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION 1
	231	+	EQUITY ACT STANDARDS ; AND 2
	232	+
	233	+	6. DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS ; 3
	234	+
	235	+	(IV) NO DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE LICENSING , 4
	236	+	CERTIFICATION , OR ACCREDITATION OF A MENTAL HEALTH OR S UBSTANCE USE 5
	237	+	DISORDER FACILITY OR A HEALTH PLAN ; 6
	238	+
	239	+	(V) NO DIRECT OWNERSHIP O R INVESTMENT IN A ME NTAL 7
	240	+	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILITY OR HEALTH PLAN ; 8
	241	+
	242	+	(VI) NO PARTICIPATION IN T HE MANAGEMENT OF A M ENTAL 9
	243	+	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILIT Y OR HEALTH PLAN ; 10
	244	+
	245	+	(VII) NO AGREEMENT OR ARRAN GEMENT WITH AN OWNER OR 11
	246	+	OPERATOR OF A MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILITY OR A 12
	247	+	HEALTH PLAN THAT COU LD DIRECTLY OR INDIR ECTLY RESULT IN REMU NERATION, 13
	248	+	IN CASH OR IN KIND, TO THE ENTITY; AND 14
	249	+
	250	+	(VIII) A POLICY THAT ADDRESS ES ANY POTENTIAL CONFLI CT OF 15
	251	+	INTEREST RELATED TO THE DELIVERY OF PROGRAM SERVICES AND THE DELIVERY 16
	252	+	OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SU BSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES; 17
	253	+
	254	+	(2) ASSISTING THE HUB ENT ITY IN SELECTING AND ENTERING INTO 18
	255	+	AN AGREEMENT TO DELI VER CONSUMER ASSISTA NCE SERVICES WITH ON E SPOKE 19
	256	+	ENTITY IN EACH OF TH E EIGHT CONNECTOR ENTITY REGIONS THAT MEETS THE 20
	257	+	CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE HUB ENTITY ; 21
	258	+
	259	+	(3) ASSISTING THE HUB ENT ITY IN SELECTING AND ENTERING INTO 22
	260	+	AGREEMENTS TO DELIVE R CONSUMER ASSISTANC E SERVICES WITH ONE OR MORE 23
	261	+	SPECIALTY ENTIT IES, AS NEEDED, THAT MEET THE CRITER IA ESTABLISHED BY THE 24
	262	+	HUB ENTITY; AND 25
	263	+
	264	+	(4) OFFERING TECHNICAL AS SISTANCE TO THE HUB ENTITY UNDER 26
	265	+	AN AGREEMENT FOR A 3–YEAR PILOT PERIOD . 27
	266	+
	267	+	13–4405. 28
	268	+
	269	+	(A) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE HUB ENTITY, EIGHT SPOKE 29
	270	+	ENTITIES, A SPECIALTY ENTITY , AS NEEDED, AND VOLUNTEERS WITH APPROPRIATE 30
	271	+	TRAINING AND SUPERVI SION TO ASSIST WITH PROGRAM ACTIVITIES . 31
	272	+	SENATE BILL 460 7
	273	+
	274	+
	275	+	(B) THE PROGRAM SHALL OPERATE A 3–YEAR PILOT PROGRAM T O HELP 1
	276	+	CONSUMERS , INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS WHO AR E UNINSURED OR HAVE PRIVATE OR 2
	277	+	PUBLIC HEALTH PLANS , AND PROVIDERS NAVIGA TE AND RESOLVE ISSUE S RELATED 3
	278	+	TO: 4
	279	+
	280	+	(1) HEALTH PLAN ENROLLMEN T AND COVERAGE ; 5
	281	+
	282	+	(2) CONSUMER ACCESS TO ME NTAL HEALTH AND SUBS TANCE USE 6
	283	+	DISORDER SERVICES ; AND 7
	284	+
	285	+	(3) ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS UNDER THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY 8
	286	+	AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT AND STATE AND FEDERAL INSURANC E LAWS. 9
	287	+
	288	+	(C) WITHIN 1 YEAR AFTER THE RECEIPT OF STATE FUND ING FOR THE 10
	289	+	PROGRAM, THE PROGRAM SHALL : 11
	290	+
	291	+	(1) CONDUCT IN–PERSON AND OTHER OUT REACH AND EDUCATION 12
	292	+	FOR RESIDENTS OF THE STATE TO IMPROVE HEALTH LI TERACY REGARDING : 13
	293	+
	294	+	(I) MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER HEALTH 14
	295	+	BENEFIT COVERAGE AND AVAILABLE SERVICES ; 15
	296	+
	297	+	(II) ENROLLMENT IN HEALTH PLANS; 16
	298	+
	299	+	(III) ACCESS TO MENTAL HEAL TH AND SUB STANCE USE 17
	300	+	DISORDER TREATMENT ; AND 18
	301	+
	302	+	(IV) RIGHTS UNDER THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND 19
	303	+	ADDICTION EQUITY ACT; 20
	304	+
	305	+	(2) ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A TOLL–FREE HELPLINE AND AN 21
	306	+	ON–LINE ASSISTANCE PORT AL TO ALLOW CONSUMER S, PROVIDERS WHO ARE 22
	307	+	ACTING ON BEHALF OF CONSUMERS, AND INDIVIDUALS WITHIN T HE STATE’S 23
	308	+	BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE SYST EM ACCESS TO THE SER VICES OF THE 24
	309	+	PROGRAM; 25
	310	+
	311	+	(3) ASSIST CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS WHO ARE A CTING ON 26
	312	+	BEHALF OF C ONSUMERS IN RESOLVING ISSUES RELATED TO HEALTH PL AN 27
	313	+	ENROLLMENT AND SERVICE COVERAGE AND ACCESS BY WORKIN G WITH 28
	314	+	APPROPRIATE REGULATO RY AGENCIES AND HEAL TH PLAN REPRESENTATI VES; 29
	315	+
	316	+	(4) ASSIST AND REPRESENT CONSUMERS IN THE FIL ING OF 30
	317	+	COMPLAINTS , GRIEVANCES, AND APPEALS, INCLUDING: 31 8 SENATE BILL 460
97	318
98	319
99	320
100		-	(B) “CONNECTOR ENTITY REGI ONS” MEANS THE EIGHT GEOG RAPHICAL 1
101		-	REGIONS IN MARYLAND THAT HAVE BE EN DESIGNATED BY THE MARYLAND HEALTH 2
102		-	BENEFIT EXCHANGE FOR PURPOSES OF INSURANCE –RELATED OUTREACH , 3
103		-	EDUCATION, AND ENRO LLMENT UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND 4
104		-	AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. 5
	321	+	(I) COMPLAINTS THROUGH THE INTERNAL GRIEVAN CE AND 1
	322	+	EXTERNAL REVIEW PROC ESS UNDER TITLE 15, SUBTITLE 10A OF THE INSURANCE 2
	323	+	ARTICLE; 3
105	324
106		-	(C) ~~“CONSUMER ASSISTANCE S ERVICES”~~ ~~MEANS SERVICES WITH THE 6~~
107		-	~~PURPOSES~~ OF~~: 7~~
	325	+	(II) APPEALS OF COVERAGE D ECISIONS UNDER TITLE 15, 4
	326	+	SUBTITLE 10D OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE; 5
108	327
109		-	(1) PROVIDING ADMINISTRAT IVE ASSISTANCE TO PROGRAM 8
110		-	PARTICIPANTS TO ENRO LL IN HEALTH COVERAG E PLANS FOR WHICH TH E 9
111		-	PARTICIPANTS QUALIFY ; 10
	328	+	(III) EMPLOYER–SPONSORED PLAN INTER NAL AND EXTERNAL 6
	329	+	APPEAL PROCEDURES ; 7
112	330
113		-	(2) ASSISTING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO ACCE SS TREATMENT FOR 11
114		-	MENTAL HEALTH AND SU BSTANCE USE DISORDER S; 12
	331	+	(IV) MEDICAID FAIR HEARING S; AND 8
115	332
116		-	(3) COMMUNICATING AND COO RDINATING WITH HEALT H COVERAGE 13
117		-	PLANS ON BEHALF OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR PROVIDERS REGARDING 14
118		-	COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATME NT 15
119		-	UNDER THE TERMS OF T HE HEALTH COVERAGE P LAN IN WHICH THE PROGRAM 16
120		-	PARTICIPANT IS ENROL LED; 17
	333	+	(V) MEDICARE APPEALS ; 9
121	334
122		-	(4) OFFERING TO CONNECT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO FEDERAL 18
123		-	AND STATE GOVERNMENTAL AG ENCIES OR AUTHORIT IES THAT PROVIDE 19
124		-	ASSISTANCE TO CONSUM ERS IN PURSUING CONT RACTUAL OR ADMINISTR ATIVE 20
125		-	APPEALS, GRIEVANCES, OR COMPLAINTS AGAINS T OR RELATED TO HEAL TH 21
126		-	COVERAGE PLANS WITH RESPECT TO MENTAL HE ALTH AND SUBSTANCE U SE 22
127		-	DISORDER BENEFIT CLA IMS; 23
	335	+	(5) AS APPROPRIATE , WORK JOINTLY WITH STATE AGENCIES, 10
	336	+	INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT , THE MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION , 11
	337	+	AND THE MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE TO PROMOTE GREATER ACCE SS 12
	338	+	TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES AND RESO LUTION 13
	339	+	OF CONSUMER COMPLAIN TS; 14
128	340
129		-	(5) ASSISTING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO PURSUE CONTRACTUAL , 24
130		-	ADMINISTRATIVE , OR JUDICIAL COMPLAIN TS AGAINST HEALTH CO VERAGE PLANS 25
131		-	FOR FAILURE TO PROVI DE MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER 26
132		-	BENEFITS REQUIRED BY CONTRACT OR UNDER FE DERAL OR STATE LAW, INCLUDING 27
133		-	PROVIDING LEG AL REPRESENTATION ; 28
	341	+	(6) ENTER INTO A MEMORAND UM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE 15
	342	+	HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY UNIT OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY 16
	343	+	GENERAL TO COORDINA TE CONSUMER ASSISTAN CE SERVICES AND ENSU RE 17
	344	+	EFFECTIVE AND NONDUP LICATIVE ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING HEALTH PLAN 18
	345	+	COMPLAINTS AND APPEA LS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE 19
	346	+	DISORDER SERVICES ; 20
134	347
135		-	(6) ~~PROVIDING OUTREACH AN~~ D ~~EDUCATION TO PROGRAM 29~~
136		-	~~PARTICIPANTS AND CON SUMERS REGARDING ACC ESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND 30~~
137		-	~~SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER TREATMENT SERVICE S UNDER HEALTH COVER AGE 31~~
138		-	~~PLANS;~~ AND 32
	348	+	(7) COLLECT AND ANALYZE D ATA ON ALL SERVICES PROVIDED BY 21
	349	+	THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING DE –IDENTIFIED DEMOGRAPH IC INFORMATION ABOUT 22
	350	+	CONSUMERS WHO SOUGHT AND RECEIVED ASSISTA NCE, THE TYPES OF SERVICES 23
	351	+	PROVIDED, AND OUTCOME S OF THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED; 24
139	352
140		-	(7) PROVIDING CONSUMER ED UCATION MATERIALS REGARDING 33
141		-	ACCESSING COVERAGE F OR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ERS 34
142		-	UNDER HEALTH COVERAG E PLANS AND RIGHTS U NDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW 35 4 SENATE BILL 460
	353	+	(8) (I) IDENTIFY TRENDS AND G APS IN COVERAGE OF A ND ACCESS 25
	354	+	TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES; 26
	355	+
	356	+	(II) IDENTIFY TRENDS IN VIOLATIONS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH 27
	357	+	PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT; AND 28
	358	+
	359	+	(III) RECOMMEND POLICIES AN D PRACTICES TO RESOL VE 29
	360	+	DEFICIENCIES IN COVERAGE AND ACCE SS TO SERVICES; 30
	361	+	SENATE BILL 460 9
143	362
144	363
145		-	~~OTHER THAN CONSUMER EDUCATION INFORMATIO N PROVIDED UNDER § 2–303.1 OF~~ 1
146		-	~~THE INSURANCE ARTICLE.~~ 2
	364	+	(9) MAKE DATA , TREND ANALYSES , AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1
	365	+	AVAILABLE TO: 2
147	366
148		-	(C) (D) “FUND” MEANS THE CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 3
149		-	MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 4
	367	+	(I) MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; 3
150	368
151		-	(D) (E) “HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN” MEANS HEALTH INSURANCE 5
152		-	COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFIT S 6
153		-	OFFERED BY ANY PAYER OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES , INCLUDING 7
154		-	STATE–REGULATED INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PLANS, FULLY INSURED AND 8
155		-	SELF–INSURED EMPLOYER –SPONSORED PLANS , THE STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH 9
156		-	AND WELFARE BENEFITS PROGRAM,: 10
	369	+	(II) GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ; 4
157	370
158		-	(1) A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN AS DEFINED IN § 2–112.2 OF THE 11
159		-	INSURANCE ARTICLE; 12
	371	+	(III) THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; 5
160	372
161		-	(2) ~~A SELF–FUNDED HEALTH PLAN~~ ; 13
	373	+	(IV) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; AND 6
162	374
163		-	(3) THE MARYLAND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,; 14
	375	+	(V) ANY OTHER ENTITY THAT THE PROGRAM DETERMINES 7
	376	+	APPROPRIATE ; 8
164	377
165		-	(4) THE MARYLAND CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROGRAM, MEDICARE, 15
166		-	TRICARE, AND; 16
	378	+	(10) CONDUCT ADVOCACY WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN THE 9
	379	+	STATE AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS S YSTEMIC GAPS IN ACCE SS TO 10
	380	+	MENTAL HEALTH AND SU BSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES AND VIOLATI ONS OF 11
	381	+	THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT; AND 12
167	382
168		-	(5) ~~MEDICARE; 17~~
	383	+	(11) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPOR T THAT INCLUDES : 13
169	384
170		-	(6) ~~TRICARE~~; ~~AND 18~~
	385	+	(I) AN ACCOUNTING OF ALL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES; 14
171	386
172		-	(7) ~~VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH BENEFITS.~~ 19
	387	+	(II) AN EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM; 15
173	388
174		-	(E) (F) “HUB ENTITY” MEANS THE PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, 20
175		-	NONPROFIT CORPORATIO N OR ORGANIZATION WI TH OFFICES LOCATED I N THE 21
176		-	STATE OR A PUBLIC UNI VERSITY IN THE STATE SELECTED BY THE INCUBATOR 22
177		-	ENTITY AND RESPONSIB LE FOR OPERATING THE PROGRAM. 23
	389	+	(III) A COMPLETE FISCAL ACCO UNTING; 16
178	390
179		-	(F) (G) “INCUBATOR ENTITY ” MEANS THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND 24
180		-	BALTIMORE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK CENTER FOR ADDICTION RESEARCH, 25
181		-	EDUCATION, AND SERVICES. 26
	391	+	(IV) IDENTIFICATION OF INS URANCE GAPS AND ISSUES 17
	392	+	AFFECTING CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS ; AND 18
182	393
183		-	(G) (H) “MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT” OR 27
184		-	“PARITY ACT” MEANS THE PAUL WELLSTONE AND PETE DOMENICI MENTAL 28
185		-	HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008 AND IMPLEMENTING 29
186		-	REGULATIONS 45 C.F.R. § 146.136 AND 29 C.F.R. § 2590.712. 30
187		-	SENATE BILL 460 5
	394	+	(V) RECOMMENDATIONS TO IM PROVE ACCESS TO MENT AL 19
	395	+	HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF T HE 20
	396	+	MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT. 21
188	397
	398	+	13–4406. 22
189	399
190		-	~~(H) (I) “PROGRAM” MEANS~~ THE ~~CONSUMER~~ HEALTH ~~ACCESS PROGRAM 1~~
191		-	~~FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE.~~ 2
	400	+	THE PROGRAM SHALL PROMOTE EQUITY IN ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND 23
	401	+	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES BY: 24
192	402
193		-	(I) (J) “PROVIDER” MEANS: 3
194		-
195		-	(1) A LICENSED OR CERTIFIED PRACTITION ER WHOSE SCOPE OF 4
196		-	PRACTICE INCLUDES TH E PROVISION OF MENTA L HEALTH OR SUBSTANC E USE 5
197		-	DISORDER TREATMENT ; 6
198		-
199		-	(2) A FACILITY LICENSED TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALT H OR 7
200		-	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER TREATMENT ; OR 8
201		-
202		-	(3) A CERTIFIED PEER COUNS ELOR WHO P ROVIDES SUPPORT 9
203		-	SERVICES TO PATIENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH O R SUBSTANCE USE DISO RDERS A 10
204		-	PHYSICIAN, FACILITY, INCLUDING A HOSPITAL , OR OTHER PERSON THAT IS 11
205		-	LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR OTHERWISE AUTHORI ZED TO PROVIDE MENTA L HEALTH 12
206		-	CARE OR SUBSTANCE US E DISORDER TRE ATMENT SERVICES OR S ERVICES 13
207		-	PROVIDED IN CONNECTI ON WITH MENTAL HEALT H CARE OR SUBSTANCE USE 14
208		-	DISORDER TREATMENT . 15
209		-
210		-	(J) (K) “SPECIALTY ENTITY ” MEANS A PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, 16
211		-	NONPROFIT CORPORATIO N OR ORGANIZATION WI TH OFFICES LOCATED I N THE 17
212		-	STATE THAT ENTERS INTO A CONTRA CT WITH THE HUB ENTI TY TO ASSIST IN THE 18
213		-	DELIVERY OF CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES . 19
214		-
215		-	(K) (L) “SPOKE ENTITY ” MEANS THE PRIVATE , COMMUNITY –BASED, 20
216		-	NONPROFIT CORPORATIO N OR ORGANIZATION WI TH OFFICES LOCATED I N THE 21
217		-	STATE THAT ENTERS INT O A CONTRACT WITH THE HUB ENTITY TO PROVIDE 22
218		-	CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES IN ONE OF T HE EIGHT CONNECTOR E NTITY 23
219		-	REGIONS. 24
220		-
221		-	13–4402. 25
222		-
223		-	(A) THERE IS A CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL 26
224		-	HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE. 27
225		-
226		-	(B) THE PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO : 28
227		-
228		-	(1) ASSIST STATE RESIDENTS IN AC CESSING MENTAL HEALT H AND 29
229		-	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES UNDER PU BLIC AND PRIVATE HEA LTH 30
230		-	INSURANCE PROVIDE CONSUMER ASSI STANCE SERVICES ; AND 31
231		-
232		-	(2) ADDRESS INSURANCE –RELATED BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH 32
233		-	AND SUBSTANCE USE DI SORDER SERVICES THROUGH CONSUMER OUTREACH AN D 33 6 SENATE BILL 460
234		-
235		-
236		-	EDUCATION, CLIENT ASSISTANCE AN D REPRESENTATION , DATA COLLECTION AND 1
237		-	ANALYSIS, AND RESOLUTION OF SY STEM–WIDE BARRIERS COLLECT AND ANALYZE 2
238		-	DATA FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND PROVIDERS TO IDE NTIFY AND HELP 3
239		-	RESOLVE BARRIERS TO MENTAL H EALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER 4
240		-	TREATMENT . 5
241		-
242		-	(C) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE ADMI NISTERED BY THE INCU BATOR ENTITY 6
243		-	AND A HUB ENTITY SEL ECTED BY THE INCUBAT OR ENTITY. 7
244		-
245		-	13–4403. 8
246		-
247		-	(A) THERE IS A CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR MENTAL 9
248		-	HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 10
249		-
250		-	(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FU NDING TO THE 11
251		-	INCUBATOR ENTITY , HUB ENTITY, AND SPOKE AND SPECIA LTY ENTITIES TO CARR Y 12
252		-	OUT THE RESPONSIBILI TIES OF THE PROGRAM. 13
253		-
254		-	(C) THE INCUBATOR ENTITY AND THE HUB ENTITY S ELECTED BY THE 14
255		-	INCUBATOR ENTITY SHA LL ADMINISTER THE FUND. 15
256		-
257		-	(D) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 16
258		-	SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 17
259		-
260		-	(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY , 18
261		-	AND THE COMPTROLLER SHA LL ACCOUNT FOR THE FUND. 19
262		-
263		-	(E) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 20
264		-
265		-	(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED IN THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 21
266		-
267		-	(2) INTEREST EARNINGS CRE DITED TO THE FUND UNDER 22
268		-	SUBSECTION (F)(2) OF THIS SECTION; AND 23
269		-
270		-	(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 24
271		-	THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 25
272		-
273		-	(F) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 26
274		-	IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. 27
275		-
276		-	(2) ANY INTEREST EARNINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO 28
277		-	THE FUND. 29
278		-
279		-	(G) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN: 30 SENATE BILL 460 7
	403	+	(1) ENSURING THAT ALL CON SUMER ASSISTANCE SER VICES INCLUDE 25
	404	+	AND REPRESENT THE DI VERSITY OF THE POPULATION OF THE STATE WITH RESPECT 26
	405	+	TO RACE, ETHNICITY, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, GENDER DIVERSI TY, SEXUAL 27
	406	+	ORIENTATION , SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS , AND DISABILITY STATU S; 28 10 SENATE BILL 460
280	407
281	408
282	409
283		-	(I) TO CARRY OUT THE PURP OSE AND ACTIVITIES O F THE 1
284		-	PROGRAM; AND 2
	410	+	(2) ENTERING AGREEMENTS W ITH SPOKE AND SPECIA LTY ENTITIES 1
	411	+	THAT ARE LED BY AND SERVE BLACK, HISPANIC, ASIAN, INDIGENOUS, DISABILITY, 2
	412	+	AND GENDER DIVERSE C OMMUNITIES AND SEEKI NG INPUT FRO M DIVERSE 3
	413	+	COMMUNITIES IN CONSU MER ASSISTANCE SERVI CE DEVELOPMENT ; 4
285	414
286		-	(II) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE BUDGET . 3
	415	+	(3) EMPLOYING INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVED EXPERIENC E IN MENTAL 5
	416	+	HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATME NT, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS 6
	417	+	ENGAGED IN PEER SERV ICE DELIVERY; 7
287	418
288		-	(H) ~~MONEY EXPENDED FROM~~ T ~~HE FUND FOR THE PROGRAM IS 4~~
289		-	~~SUPPLEMENTAL~~ TO ~~AND IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE~~ THE ~~PLACE OF FU NDING THAT 5~~
290		-	~~OTHERWISE WOULD BE A PPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM. 6~~
	419	+	(4) DELIVERING CULTURALLY COMPETENT SERVICES T HAT ARE 8
	420	+	RESPONSIVE TO THE DI VERSE NEEDS OF RESID ENTS OF THE STATE AND PROVIDING 9
	421	+	SERVICES IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES ; 10
291	422
292		-	13–4404. 7
	423	+	(5) PROMOTING ACCESS BY O FFERING SERVICES THR OUGH 11
	424	+	MULTIPLE MODALITIES , INCLUDING IN –PERSON, TELEPHON E, AND INTERNET 12
	425	+	SERVICES; AND 13
293	426
294		-	CONTINGENT ON THE REC EIPT OF STATE FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM, THE 8
295		-	INCUBATOR ENTITY SHA LL IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM BY: 9
	427	+	(6) COLLECTING AND ANALYZ ING DATA TO ADDRESS DISPARITIES IN 14
	428	+	ACCESSING MENTAL HEA LTH AND SUBSTANCE US E DISORDER SERVICES BY RACE, 15
	429	+	ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND GENDER IDENTITY . 16
296	430
297		-	(1) ON OR BEFORE JULY JANUARY 1, 2023, CONDUCTING AND 10
298		-	COMPLETING AN APPLICATION PROCESS TO SELECT A HUB ENTI TY FOR THE 11
299		-	PROGRAM THAT MEETS CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE INCUBATOR ENT ITY THAT 12
300		-	SHALL INCLUDE THAT THE HUB ENTITY HAVE ISSUING A REQUEST FO R PROPOSALS 13
301		-	FOR A HUB ENTITY ; 14
	431	+	13–4407. 17
302	432
303		-	(2) ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2023, SELECTING AN ENTITY TO SERVE AS 15
304		-	THE HUB ENTITY THAT HAS: 16
	433	+	(A) THE PROGRAM: 18
305	434
306		-	(I) A PUBLIC INTEREST MISS ION; 17
	435	+	(1) MAY REQUEST , OBTAIN, AND USE THE MEDICAL OR OTHER 19
	436	+	RECORDS OF A CONSUME R IN THE POSSESSION OF A HEALTH PLAN OR MENTAL 20
	437	+	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROVIDE R IF THE PROGRAM RECEIVES THE 21
	438	+	APPROPRIATE CONSENT FROM THE INDIVIDUAL OR THE LEGAL REPRESE NTATIVE 22
	439	+	OF THE INDIVID UAL; 23
307	440
308		-	(II) QUALIFIED STAFF STAFF WHO REPRESENT THE RA CIAL, 18
309		-	ETHNIC, AND GENDER DIVERSITY OF RESIDENTS OF THE STATE AND INCLUDE 19
310		-	INDIVIDUALS WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN ACCESSING TREATME NT FOR 20
311		-	MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ERS; 21
	441	+	(2) SHALL USE AND DISCLOS E AN INDIVIDUAL ’S RECORDS IN 24
	442	+	COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG 25
	443	+	ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS REGULATION, 42 C.F.R. PART 2, THE HEALTH 26
	444	+	INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 45 C.F.R. §§ 160 AND 164, 27
	445	+	AND STATE HEALTH PRIVACY STAND ARDS; AND 28
312	446
313		-	(III) STAFF WHO ARE QUALIFI ED BY EDUCATION , TRAINING, 22
314		-	EXPERIENCE, AND, IF APPLICABLE, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION , OR REGISTRATION 23
315		-	TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SER VICES; 24
316		-
317		-	(III) ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERT ISE OR DEMONSTRATED 25
318		-	CAPACITY TO DEVELOP EXPERTISE IN: 26
319		-
320		-	1. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER 27
321		-	SERVICES; 28
322		-
323		-	2. INSURANCE COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND 29
324		-	SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES; 30
325		-	8 SENATE BILL 460
326		-
327		-
328		-	3. PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION ON INS URANCE 1
329		-	COVERAGE AND SUBSTAN CE USE DISORDER TREA TMENT; 2
330		-
331		-	4. CLIENT ASSISTANCE AND REPRESENTATION TO 3
332		-	RESOLVE INSURANCE DI SPUTES; 4
333		-
334		-	5. THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION 5
335		-	EQUITY ACT STANDARDS ; AND 6
336		-
337		-	6. DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS; 7
338		-
339		-	(IV) NO DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE LICENSING , 8
340		-	CERTIFICATION , OR ACCREDITATION OF A MENTAL HEALTH OR S UBSTANCE USE 9
341		-	DISORDER FACILITY OR A HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN; 10
342		-
343		-	(V) NO DIRECT OWNERSHIP O R INVESTMENT IN A ME NTAL 11
344		-	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILIT Y OR HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN; 12
345		-
346		-	(VI) NO PARTICIPATION IN T HE MANAGEMENT OF A M ENTAL 13
347		-	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILIT Y OR HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN; 14
348		-
349		-	(VII) NO AGREEME NT OR ARRANGEMENT WI TH AN OWNER OR 15
350		-	OPERATOR OF A MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FACILIT Y OR A 16
351		-	HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN THAT COULD DIRE CTLY OR INDIRECTLY R ESULT IN 17
352		-	REMUNERATION , IN CASH OR IN KIND, TO THE ENTITY; AND 18
353		-
354		-	(VIII) 1. NO AGREEMENT OR ARRAN GEMENT WITH AN OWNER 19
355		-	OR OPERATOR OF A MEN TAL HEALTH OR SUBSTA NCE USE DISORDER FAC ILITY THAT 20
356		-	COULD DIRECTLY OR IN DIRECTLY RESULT IN R EMUNERATION , IN CASH OR IN KIND, 21
357		-	TO THE ENTITY; OR 22
358		-
359		-	2. A POLICY THAT ADDRESSE S ANY POTENTIAL 23
360		-	CONFLICT OF INTEREST RELATED TO THE DELIV ERY OF PROGRAM SERVICES AND 24
361		-	THE DELIVERY OF MENT AL HEALTH AND SUBSTA NCE USE DISORDER SER VICES; AND 25
362		-
363		-	(IX) ADOPTED AND MAINTAINS A HEALTH INFORMATION 26
364		-	SECURITY SYSTEM PROG RAM THAT MEETS THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY 27
365		-	AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 CRITERIA AS APPLICAB LE; 28
366		-
367		-	(2) (3) ASSISTING THE HUB ENT ITY IN SELECTING SELECTING AND 29
368		-	ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT AGREEMENTS , DIRECTLY OR THROUGH A HUB 30
369		-	ENTITY, TO DELIVER CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES WI TH ONE SPOKE ENTITY IN 31
370		-	EACH OF THE EIGHT CO NNECTOR ENTITY REGIO NS THAT MEETS THE CR ITERIA 32
371		-	ESTABLISHED BY THE H UB ENTITY LISTED IN ITEM (2) OF THIS SECTION; 33 SENATE BILL 460 9
	447	+	(3) MAY NOT DISCLOSE PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION 29
	448	+	ABOUT A CONSUMER IN ANY FORM OTHER TH AN AGGREGATE DATA IN ANY PUBLIC 30
	449	+	DOCUMENT UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL OR LEGAL REPRESENTAT IVE OF THE 31
	450	+	INDIVIDUAL HAS PROVIDED THE APP ROPRIATE CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF 32
	451	+	INFORMATION . 33 SENATE BILL 460 11
372	452
373	453
374	454
375		-	(3) (4) ASSISTING THE HUB ENT ITY IN SELECTING SELECTING AND 1
376		-	ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS , DIRECTLY OR THROUGH A HUB ENTITY, TO DELIVER 2
377		-	CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES WITH ONE OR MORE SPECIALTY ENTIT IES, AS 3
378		-	NEEDED, THAT MEET THE CRITER IA ESTABLISHED BY THE HUB ENTITY LISTED IN 4
379		-	ITEM (2) OF THIS SECTION; AND 5
	455	+	(B) THE PROGRAM SHALL REQUEST AND PROMPTLY RECEIVE , WITH 1
	456	+	REASONABLE NOTICE , THE COOPERATION , ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION , AND 2
	457	+	RECORDS FROM STATE AGENCIES AS NEC ESSARY TO ENABLE THE PROGRAM TO 3
	458	+	INVESTIGATE A CONSUM ER’S COMPLAINT. 4
380	459
381		-	(4) (5) OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE HU B ENTITY 6
382		-	UNDER AN AGREEMENT F OR A 3–YEAR PILOT PERIOD . 7
	460	+	13–4408. 5
383	461
384		-	13–4405. 8
	462	+	THE PROGRAM SHALL PUBLISH A NOTI CE CONCERNING THE SE RVICES 6
	463	+	OFFERED BY THE PROGRAM THAT SHALL BE POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION 7
	464	+	AND INCLUDED IN WRIT TEN MATERIALS BY : 8
385	465
386		-	(A) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE COMP OSED OF THE HUB ENTI TY, EIGHT SPOKE 9
387		-	ENTITIES, A SPECIALTY ENTITY , AS NEEDED, AND VOLUNTEERS WITH APPROPRIATE 10
388		-	TRAINING AND SUPERVI SION TO ASSIST WITH PROGRAM ACTIVITIES . 11
	466	+	(1) EACH EMPLOYER THAT PR OVIDES HEALTH INSURANCE OR A 9
	467	+	HEALTH PLAN ; 10
389	468
390		-	(B) THE PROGRAM SHALL OPERATE CONDUCT A 3–YEAR PILOT PROGRAM 12
391		-	TO HELP CONSUMERS , INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL S WHO ARE UNINSURED OR HAVE 13
392		-	PRIVATE OR PUBLIC HEALTH PLANS , AND PROVIDERS NAVIGA TE AND RESOLVE 14
393		-	ISSUES RELATED TO: 15
	469	+	(2) MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER PROVIDERS 11
	470	+	AND CRISIS SERVICES ; AND 12
394	471
395		-	(1) ~~HEALTH PLAN ENROLLMEN~~ T ~~AND COVERAGE ; 16~~
	472	+	(3) OTHER ENTITIES ON REA SONABLE REQUEST BY T HE PROGRAM. 13
396	473
397		-	(2) CONSUMER ACCESS TO ME NTAL HEALTH AND SUBS TANCE USE 17
398		-	DISORDER SERVICES ; AND 18
	474	+	13–4409. 14
399	475
400		-	(3) ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS UNDER THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY 19
401		-	AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT AND STATE AND FEDERAL INS URANCE LAWS PROVIDE 20
402		-	CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES . 21
	476	+	(A) THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL THE 15
	477	+	FOLLOWING AMOUNTS TO THE FUND: 16
403	478
404		-	(C) WITHIN 1 YEAR AFTER THE RECEI PT OF STATE FUNDING FOR THE 22
405		-	PROGRAM FUNDS, THE PROGRAM SHALL : 23
	479	+	(1) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024; 17
406	480
407		-	(1) CONDUCT IN–PERSON AND OTHER OUT REACH AND EDUCATION 24
408		-	FOR RESIDENTS OF THE STATE TO IMPROVE HEAL TH LITERACY REGARDIN G: 25
	481	+	(2) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; AND 18
409	482
410		-	(I) MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER HEALTH 26
411		-	BENEFIT COVERAGE AND AVAILABLE SERVICES ; 27
	483	+	(3) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. 19
412	484
413		-	(II) ENROLLMENT IN HEALTH PLANS; 28
	485	+	(B) (1) THE APPROPRIATION TO THE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 20
	486	+	UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L BE USED TO FUND THE 21
	487	+	INCUBATOR ENTITY TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVI TIES SPECIFIED UNDER § 13–4404 OF 22
	488	+	THIS SUBTITLE. 23
414	489
415		-	(III) ACCESS TO MENTAL HEAL TH AND SUBSTANCE USE 29
416		-	DISORDER TREATMENT ; AND 30
417		-	10 SENATE BILL 460
418		-
419		-
420		-	(IV) RIGHTS UNDER THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND 1
421		-	ADDICTION EQUITY ACT BEGIN PROVIDING CONSU MER ASSISTANCE SERVI CES; 2
422		-
423		-	(2) ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A TOLL–FREE HELPLINE AND AN 3
424		-	ON–LINE ASSISTANCE PORT AL TO ALLOW CONSUMER S, PROVIDERS WHO ARE 4
425		-	ACTING ON BEHALF OF CONSUMERS , AND INDIVIDUALS WITH IN THE STATE’S 5
426		-	BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRI SIS RESPONSE SYSTEM ACCESS TO THE CONSUMER 6
427		-	ASSISTANCE SERVICES OF THE PROGRAM; 7
428		-
429		-	(3) ASSIST CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS WHO ARE AC TING ON 8
430		-	BEHALF OF CONSUMERS IN RESOLVING ISSUES RELATED TO HEALTH PL AN 9
431		-	ENROLLMENT AND SERVI CE COVERAGE AND ACCESS BY WORKING WI TH 10
432		-	APPROPRIATE REGULATO RY AGENCIES AND HEAL TH PLAN REPRESENTATI VES; 11
433		-
434		-	(4) ASSIST AND REPRESENT CONSUMERS IN THE FIL ING OF 12
435		-	COMPLAINTS , GRIEVANCES, AND APPEALS, INCLUDING: 13
436		-
437		-	(I) COMPLAINTS THROUGH TH E INTERNAL GRIEVANCE AND 14
438		-	EXTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS UNDER TITLE 15, SUBTITLE 10A OF THE INSURANCE 15
439		-	ARTICLE; 16
440		-
441		-	(II) APPEALS OF COVERAGE D ECISIONS UNDER TITLE 15, 17
442		-	SUBTITLE 10D OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE; 18
443		-
444		-	(III) EMPLOYER–SPONSORED PLAN INTER NAL AND EXTERNAL 19
445		-	APPEAL PROCEDURES ; 20
446		-
447		-	(IV) MEDICAID FAIR HEARING S; AND 21
448		-
449		-	(V) MEDICARE APPEALS ; 22
450		-
451		-	(5) AS APPROPRIATE , WORK JOINTLY WITH STATE AGENCIES , 23
452		-	INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT , THE MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION , 24
453		-	AND THE MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE TO PROMOTE G REATER ACCESS 25
454		-	TO MENTAL HEA LTH AND SUBSTANCE US E DISORDER SERVICES AND RESOLUTION 26
455		-	OF CONSUMER COMPLAIN TS; 27
456		-
457		-	(6) ENTER INTO A MEMORAND UM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE 28
458		-	HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY UNIT OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY 29
459		-	GENERAL TO COORDINATE CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES AND ENSURE 30
460		-	EFFECTIVE AND NONDUP LICATIVE ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING HEALTH PLAN 31
461		-	COMPLAINTS AND APPEA LS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE 32
462		-	DISORDER SERVICES ; 33
463		-	SENATE BILL 460 11
464		-
465		-
466		-	(7) (3) COLLECT AND ANALYZE D ATA ON ALL CONSUMER 1
467		-	ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING DE –IDENTIFIED 2
468		-	DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMAT ION ABOUT CONSUMERS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WHO 3
469		-	SOUGHT AND RECEIVED ASSISTANCE, THE TYPES OF SERVICE S PROVIDED, AND 4
470		-	OUTCOMES OF THE ASSI STANCE PROVIDED ; 5
471		-
472		-	(8) (4) BASED ON DATA ACQ UIRED FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 6
473		-	AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ’ PROVIDERS AND HEALTH COVERAGE PLANS : 7
474		-
475		-	(I) IDENTIFY TRENDS AND G APS IN COVERAGE OF A ND ACCESS 8
476		-	TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORD ER SERVICES; 9
477		-
478		-	(II) IDENTIFY TRENDS IN VI OLATIONS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH 10
479		-	PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT; AND 11
480		-
481		-	(III) RECOMMEND POLICIES AN D PRACTICES TO RESOL VE 12
482		-	DEFICIENCIES IN COVE RAGE AND ACCESS TO S ERVICES; 13
483		-
484		-	(9) (5) MAKE DATA, TREND ANALYSES , AND RECOMMENDATIONS 14
485		-	AVAILABLE TO: 15
486		-
487		-	(I) MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ; 16
488		-
489		-	(II) GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ; 17
490		-
491		-	(III) THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; 18
492		-
493		-	(IV) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; AND 19
494		-
495		-	(V) ANY OTHER ENTITY THAT THE PROGRAM DETERMINES 20
496		-	APPROPRIATE ; 21
497		-
498		-	(10) (6) CONDUCT ADVOCACY WORK WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 22
499		-	IN THE STATE AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS S YSTEMIC GAPS IN 23
500		-	ACCESS TO MENTAL HEA LTH AND SUBSTANCE US E DISORDER SERVICES AND 24
501		-	VIOLATIONS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT; AND 25
502		-
503		-	(11) (7) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPOR T THAT INCLUDES : 26
504		-
505		-	(I) AN ACCOUNTING OF ALL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ; 27
506		-
507		-	(II) AN EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM; 28
508		-
509		-	(III) A COMPLETE FISCAL ACCO UNTING; 29
	490	+	(2) THE APPROPRIATIONS FO R FISCAL YEARS 2025 AND 2026 UNDER 24
	491	+	SUBSECTION (A)(2) AND (3) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L BE USED TO FU ND THE HUB 25
	492	+	ENTITY, ANY SPOKE AND SPECIALTY ENTITIES CONTRACTED BY THE HUB ENTITY TO 26
	493	+	CARRY OUT THE ACTIVI TIES SPECIFIED UNDER § 13–4405 OF THIS SUBTITLE , AND 27
	494	+	ANY ACTIVITIES CONDU CTED BY THE INCUBATO R ENTITY IN FISCAL YEARS 2025 AND 28
	495	+	2026. 29
510	496		12 SENATE BILL 460
511	497
512	498
513		-	(IV) IDENTIFICATION OF INS URANCE GAPS AND ISSU ES 1
514		-	AFFECTING CONSUMERS AND PROVIDERS ; AND 2
	499	+	(C) THE PROGRAM MAY APPLY FOR AND AC CEPT GRANTS , GIFTS, AND 1
	500	+	OTHER FUNDS FROM FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS AND FOUNDATIONS AND 2
	501	+	PRIVATE DONATIONS FO R THE PURPOSE OF CAR RYING OUT THE PROGRAM’S 3
	502	+	RESPONSIBILITIES . 4
515	503
516		-	(V) RECOMMENDATIONS TO IM PROVE ACCESS TO MENT AL 3
517		-	HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATME NT AND ENFORCEMENT O F THE 4
518		-	MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT. 5
	504	+	Article – State Finance and Procurement 5
519	505
520		-	13–~~4406~~. 6
	506	+	6–226. 6
521	507
522		-	THE PROGRAM SHALL PROMOTE EQUITY IN ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND 7
523		-	SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES BY : 8
	508	+	(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless 7
	509	+	inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the 8
	510	+	terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the State 9
	511	+	Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to receive 10
	512	+	interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General Fund of 11
	513	+	the State. 12
524	514
525		-	(1) ENSURING THAT ALL CON SUMER ASSISTANCE SER VICES INCLUDE 9
526		-	AND REPRESENT THE DI VERSITY OF THE POPUL ATION OF THE STATE WITH RESPECT 10
527		-	TO RACE, ETHNICITY, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, GENDER DIVERSITY , SEXUAL 11
528		-	ORIENTATION , SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS , AND DISABILITY STATU S; 12
	515	+	(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply 13
	516	+	to the following funds: 14
529	517
530		-	(2) ENTERING AGREEMENTS W ITH SPOKE AND SPECIA LTY ENTITIES 13
531		-	THAT ARE LED BY AND SERVE BLACK, HISPANIC, ASIAN, INDIGENOUS, DISABILITY, 14
532		-	AND GENDER DIVERSE C OMMUNITIES AND SEEKI NG INPUT FROM DIVERS E 15
533		-	COMMUNITIES IN CONSU MER ASSISTANCE S ERVICE DEVELOPMENT ; 16
	518	+	144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund; 15
	519	+	[and] 16
534	520
535		-	(3) EMPLOYING INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVED EXPERIENC E IN MENTAL 17
536		-	HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATME NT, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL S 18
537		-	ENGAGED IN PEER SERV ICE DELIVERY; 19
	521	+	145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund; AND 17
538	522
539		-	(4) DELIVERING CULTURALLY COMPETENT SERVICES T HAT ARE 20
540		-	RESPONSIVE TO THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF RES IDENTS OF THE STATE AND PROVIDING 21
541		-	SERVICES IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES ; 22
	523	+	146. THE CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 18
	524	+	MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 19
542	525
543		-	(5) PROMOTING ACCESS BY O FFERING SERVICES THR OUGH 23
544		-	MULTIPLE MODALITIES , INCLUDING IN –PERSON, TELEPHONE , AND INTERNET 24
545		-	SERVICES; AND 25
546		-
547		-	(6) COLLECTING REQUESTING, COLLECTING, AND ANALYZING 26
548		-	DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO ADDRESS IDENTIFY 27
549		-	DISPARITIES IN ACCES SING MENTAL HEALTH A ND SUBSTANCE USE DIS ORDER 28
550		-	SERVICES BY RACE , ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND GENDER IDENTITY . 29
551		-
552		-	13–4407. 30
553		-
554		-	(A) THE PROGRAM: 31
555		-	SENATE BILL 460 13
556		-
557		-
558		-	(1) MAY REQUEST, OBTAIN, AND USE THE MEDICAL OR OTHER 1
559		-	RECORDS OF A CONSUME R IN THE POSSESSION OF A HEALTH PLAN OR MENTAL 2
560		-	HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROVIDE R IF THE PROGRAM RECEIVES THE 3
561		-	APPROPRIATE CONSENT FROM THE INDIVIDUAL OR THE LEGAL REPRESE NTATIVE 4
562		-	OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOP CONSENT FORM S THAT AUTHORIZE ONE OR MORE 5
563		-	SPECIFICALLY IDENTIF IED, HUB, SPOKE, OR SPECIALTY ENTITIE S CONDUCTING 6
564		-	CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO REQUEST , OBTAIN, AND USE THE MEDICAL 7
565		-	RECORDS OF A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT ; 8
566		-
567		-	(2) SHALL USE AND DISCLOS E AN INDIVIDUAL ’S RECORDS IN 9
568		-	COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG 10
569		-	ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS REGULATION, 42 C.F.R. PART 2, THE HEALTH 11
570		-	INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 45 C.F.R. §§ 160 AND PARTS 12
571		-	160, 164, AND 170, AS APPLICABLE, AND STATE HEALTH PRIVACY STANDARDS; AND 13
572		-
573		-	(3) MAY NOT DISCLOSE PERS ONAL IDENTIFYING INF ORMATION 14
574		-	ABOUT A CONSUMER IN ANY FORM OTHER THAN AGGREGATE DATA IN AN Y PUBLIC 15
575		-	DOCUMENT UNLESS THE INDIVIDUA L OR LEGAL REPRESENT ATIVE OF THE 16
576		-	INDIVIDUAL HAS PROVI DED THE APPROPRIATE CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF 17
577		-	INFORMATION . 18
578		-
579		-	(B) THE PROGRAM SHALL REQUEST AND PROMPTLY RECEIVE , WITH 19
580		-	REASONABLE NOTICE AND THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORIZATION , THE COOPERATION , 20
581		-	ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION , AND RECORDS FROM STATE AGENCIES SPECIFICALLY 21
582		-	RELATED TO A PROGRAM PARTICIPANT ’S COMPLAINT, AS NECESSARY , TO ENABLE 22
583		-	THE PROGRAM TO INVESTIGAT E A CONSUMER ’S THE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT ’S 23
584		-	COMPLAINT. 24
585		-
586		-	13–4408. 25
587		-
588		-	THE PROGRAM SHALL PUBLISH A NOTICE CONCERNING THE SERVICES 26
589		-	OFFERED BY THE PROGRAM THAT AND SHALL BE POSTED IN A CONSP ICUOUS 27
590		-	LOCATION AND INCLUDED IN WRIT TEN MATERIALS BY DISSEMINATE THE NOTI CE 28
591		-	TO: 29
592		-
593		-	(1) EACH EMPLOYER EMPLOYERS IN THE STATE THAT PROVIDES 30
594		-	PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE OR A HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN; 31
595		-
596		-	(2) MENTAL HEALTH AND SUB STANCE USE DISORDER PROVIDERS 32
597		-	AND CRISIS SERVICES ; AND 33
598		-
599		-	(3) OTHER ENTITIES ON REASONABLE REQUES T IDENTIFIED BY THE 34
600		-	PROGRAM. 35
601		-	14 SENATE BILL 460
602		-
603		-
604		-	13–4409. 1
605		-
606		-	(A) THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL T HE 2
607		-	FOLLOWING AMOUNTS TO THE FUND: 3
608		-
609		-	(1) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024; 4
610		-
611		-	(2) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; AND 5
612		-
613		-	(3) $1,000,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. 6
614		-
615		-	(B) (1) THE APPROPRIATION TO THE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 7
616		-	UNDER SUBSECTION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L BE USED TO FUND TH E 8
617		-	INCUBATOR ENTITY TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVI TIES SPECIFIED UNDER § 13–4404 OF 9
618		-	THIS SUBTITLE. 10
619		-
620		-	(2) THE APPROPRIATIONS FO R FISCAL YEARS 2025 AND 2026 UNDER 11
621		-	SUBSECTION (A)(2) AND (3) OF THIS SECTION SHAL L BE USED TO FUND THE HUB 12
622		-	ENTITY, ANY SPOKE AND SPECIA LTY ENTITIES CONTRAC TED BY THE HUB ENTIT Y TO 13
623		-	CARRY OUT THE ACTIVI TIES SPECIFIED UNDER § 13–4405 OF THIS SUBTITLE , AND 14
624		-	ANY ACTIVITIES CONDU CTED BY THE INCUBATO R ENTITY IN FISCAL YEARS 2025 AND 15
625		-	2026. 16
626		-
627		-	(C) (B) (1) THE EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS 17
628		-	SUBSECTION, THE PROGRAM MAY APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRANTS , GIFTS, AND 18
629		-	OTHER FUNDS FROM FED ERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS AND FO UNDATIONS AND 19
630		-	PRIVATE DONATIONS FO R THE PURPOSE OF CAR RYING OUT THE PROGRAM’S 20
631		-	RESPONSIBILITIES. 21
632		-
633		-	(2) ONLY THE HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY UNIT OF 22
634		-	THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY APPLY FOR GRANTS UNDER § 1002 23
635		-	OF THE FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT FOR 24
636		-	FEDERAL CONSUMER ASS ISTANCE PROGRAM FUND ING PURPOSES. 25
637		-
638		-	13–4410. 26
639		-
640		-	THE PROGRAM SHALL USE THE FULL NAME OF THE PROGRAM IN ANY 27
641		-	ADVERTISING AND IN A NY WRITTEN COMMUNICA TIONS. 28
642		-
643		-	Article – State Finance and Procurement 29
644		-
645		-	6–226. 30
646		-
647		-	(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless 31
648		-	inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the 32 SENATE BILL 460 15
649		-
650		-
651		-	terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the 1
652		-	State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to 2
653		-	receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General 3
654		-	Fund of the State. 4
655		-
656		-	(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply 5
657		-	to the following funds: 6
658		-
659		-	144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund; 7
660		-	[and] 8
661		-
662		-	145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund; AND 9
663		-
664		-	146. THE CONSUMER HEALTH ACCESS PROGRAM FOR 10
665		-	MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE FUND. 11
666		-
667		-	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 12
668		-
669		-	(a) There is a Consumer Health Access Program Advisory Council. 13
670		-
671		-	(b) The Council consists of not more than 15 members, including: 14
672		-
673		-	(1) one representative of the Maryland Insurance Administration, 15
674		-	designated by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner; 16
675		-
676		-	(2) one representative of the Behavioral Health Administration, 17
677		-	designated by the Secretary of Health; 18
678		-
679		-	(3) one representative of the Maryland Medicaid Administration, 19
680		-	designated by the Secretary of Health; 20
681		-
682		-	(4) one representative of the Health Education and Advocacy Unit of the 21
683		-	Office of the Attorney General, designated by the head of the Unit; 22
684		-
685		-	(5) one representative of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, 23
686		-	designated by the Executive Director of the Exchange; and 24
687		-
688		-	(6) one representative of the following persons, designated by the 25
689		-	University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work Center for Addiction Research, 26
690		-	Education, and Services: 27
691		-
692		-	(i) consumers of mental health and substance use disorder services; 28
693		-
694		-	(ii) an organization that works with peer coaches or is a peer 29
695		-	association; 30
696		-
697		-	(iii) an association that represents mental health providers; 31 16 SENATE BILL 460
698		-
699		-
700		-
701		-	(iv) an association that represents substance use disorder providers; 1
702		-
703		-	(v) an organization that conducts crisis services; 2
704		-
705		-	(vi) an organization that works on behalf of marginalized individuals 3
706		-	to achieve health equity; 4
707		-
708		-	(vii) an organization with expertise in the Mental Health Parity and 5
709		-	Addiction Equity Act; 6
710		-
711		-	(viii) an organization that conducts outreach to individuals with 7
712		-	mental health and substance use disorders; and 8
713		-
714		-	(ix) a county health department. 9
715		-
716		-	(c) The Council shall meet quarterly to perform the following functions: 10
717		-
718		-	(1) advise the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work 11
719		-	Center for Addiction Research, Education, and Services on design and operations of the 12
720		-	Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care; 13
721		-
722		-	(2) recommend improvements for the Consumer Health Access Program for 14
723		-	Mental Health and Addiction Care; and 15
724		-
725		-	(3) review data on cases handled by the Consumer Health Access Program 16
726		-	for Mental Health and Addiction Care and make recommendations based on the data. 17
727		-
728		-	SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 18
729		-
730		-	(a) Section 2 of this Act shall terminate contingent on the termination of the pilot 19
731		-	program operated by the Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and 20
732		-	Addiction Care under § 13–4405(b) of the Health – General Article, as enacted by Section 21
733		-	1 of this Act. 22
734		-
735		-	(b) If the pilot program terminates, Section 2 of this Act, with no further action 23
736		-	required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 24
737		-
738		-	(c) The Consumer Health Access Program for Mental Health and Addiction Care 25
739		-	established under § 13–4402 of the Health – General Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this 26
740		-	Act, shall notify the Department of Legislative Services within 5 days after the pilot 27
741		-	program terminates. 28
742		-
743		-	SECTION 2. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 29
744		-	October 1, 2022. 30
745		-
	526	+	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 20
	527	+	October 1, 2022. 21