Bill > SB163

This bill updates Maryland state law to replace outdated terminology by systematically changing references from "mental hygiene" to "mental health" across multiple sections of the Health - General Article. The bill affects various provisions related to community-based mental health services, including the Mental Health Community-Based Services Fund, which supports transitioning individuals from institutional to community-based mental health care. Specifically, the legislation requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive review of its regulations by July 1, 2027, to ensure all references are updated to use "mental health" instead of "mental hygiene," and mandates that the department update all public-facing electronic materials to reflect this change as soon as possible. The updates aim to modernize language around mental health services, removing potentially stigmatizing terminology while maintaining the substantive content and intent of existing laws. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing ample time for administrative preparation and implementation of the language changes across state health regulations and materials.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0163?ys=2025RS