Bill > HB1015

This bill, known as Ralph's Act, requires the Maryland Department of Health to expedite the process for determining if individuals with developmental disabilities are eligible for services, particularly for those who have recently moved to Maryland. A developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability that begins before age 22, is likely to last indefinitely, and requires ongoing support and coordinated services. The bill specifically addresses individuals who are "dependents," meaning they rely on an immediate family member (spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or their step-relatives) who is a resident of Maryland for support or legal guardianship. These individuals must have received similar home and community-based waiver services in another state for at least 10 years and moved to Maryland due to the death or incapacitation of their caretaker in the previous state, with their Maryland-based dependent family member having lived in the state for at least two years. The Department will prioritize these applications, can use documentation from the individual's previous state, and must complete the determination within 60 business days, though they cannot waive substantive eligibility requirements. Importantly, the Department can begin this eligibility determination process even before an individual has officially established residency in Maryland, provided they meet certain criteria related to dependency and prior services. The bill also clarifies that eligible individuals will be placed in a crisis resolution category and given access to waiver services based on their previous state's service provision. This Act will take effect on July 1, 2027.