Bill > HB1109

This bill, titled the Public Health Reform Act, aims to strengthen Maryland's public health infrastructure by requiring the Maryland Department of Health to organize the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, a statewide volunteer network for emergencies, and to maintain an efficient electronic registration system for its members. It also modifies the membership and leadership selection process for the Commission on Public Health, which will now be responsible for overseeing the implementation of its own recommendations, and mandates that the Department of Legislative Services develop a process to assess the health equity impacts of proposed legislation. Additionally, the bill establishes the Public Health Workforce Development Fund, administered by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, to support the education and training of public health professionals, and allows for transfers from the Population Health Improvement Fund to this new workforce fund. The bill also makes changes to the powers and duties of local health officers, including provisions for appointing staff and entering into contracts, and clarifies that health officers serving on hospital boards cannot accept payment for their service. Finally, the bill extends the duration of its provisions and mandates that the Commission on Public Health report annually on the implementation of its recommendations.

Health and Social Services

Health (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1109?ys=2026RS