Bill > SB592

This bill establishes the Health Care Quality Fund for Community-Based Behavioral Health Programs within the Maryland Department of Health, designed to improve behavioral health care services in the state. The fund will be financed through civil penalties collected from behavioral health programs, state budget appropriations, interest earnings, and other potential sources. The Maryland Department of Health will administer the fund, which can only be used for specific purposes such as training, grant awards, and demonstration projects aimed at enhancing behavioral health care quality. The fund is designated as a special, non-lapsing account that will be held separately by the State Treasurer and accounted for by the Comptroller. Importantly, the money expended from this fund is intended to be supplemental to existing funding for the Behavioral Health Administration and the Office of Health Care Quality, not a replacement for current budget allocations. The bill also ensures that interest earnings from the fund will be credited back to the fund itself, and expenditures can only be made in accordance with the state budget. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of this new funding mechanism.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0592?ys=2025RS