Bill > HB256

This bill makes several changes to health occupations boards in Maryland, primarily extending sunset provisions and altering board membership. Specifically, the bill extends the termination date for several health occupations boards from 2025-2026 to 2030-2031, including the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists; the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners; the State Board of Pharmacy; and the State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. For the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners, the bill increases the total board membership from seven to nine members, with six licensed massage therapists (up from five) and three consumer members (up from two). The bill also specifies that the initial terms of the additional board members will expire in 2030. The Maryland Program Evaluation Act (sunset law) requires periodic review of state boards and agencies to determine their continued necessity, and this bill effectively extends the operational authority of these boards for several more years. The changes will take effect on June 1, 2025, ensuring continuity and potentially improved representation for these important health occupation regulatory bodies.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Health and Government Operations (H)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0256?ys=2025RS