Bill > SB549

This bill requires facilities that provide mental health treatment to inform individuals upon admission about their right to have a family member or other authorized person participate in their treatment plan meetings, and to obtain consent for such participation using a plain-language form. If consent is given, the facility must establish a process for that individual to participate, including being informed of routine and emergency meetings, and the individual can withdraw consent at any time. A treating provider can only withhold information from a participating family member or authorized individual if they make a specific, written finding that their presence is causing demonstrable emotional or physical harm to the patient, or if the patient requests specific information be withheld. Furthermore, facilities must recognize formal documents like a mental health advance directive, durable power of attorney for healthcare, or a supported decision-making agreement as a formal request for a designated individual to participate in treatment planning, unless the individual has capacity and explicitly objects to that specific person's participation, which must be documented. The bill also outlines procedures for individuals or their authorized representatives to request reviews and reassessments of treatment plans, and for appeals if they disagree with the outcomes.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0549?ys=2026RS