Bill > HB1263

This bill establishes a Workgroup on Postoperative Cosmetic Care to examine how cosmetic and body-altering services performed by individuals who are not physicians are currently regulated in Maryland, with a primary focus on ensuring patient safety, protecting consumers, and maintaining continuity of care. The workgroup will be composed of representatives from various state health and labor departments, licensing boards for nursing, massage therapy, and physical therapy, as well as appointed members including a cosmetic surgeon, a patient advocate, and a representative from a postoperative care organization. This group will investigate current oversight, identify gaps in access to qualified providers, review conflicts in existing laws, assess risks from unregulated practitioners, evaluate training requirements, and study best practices from other states. Their goal is to recommend options for professional recognition for these providers, prioritizing consumer protection and patient safety, and they are specifically instructed to avoid recommending new licensing programs unless absolutely necessary, favoring low-cost and non-bureaucratic solutions. The workgroup is required to submit an interim report by December 1, 2026, and a final report with its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2027, to the Governor and legislative leaders. The bill also clarifies that the workgroup itself cannot create a licensing program and will be in effect for two years, expiring on June 30, 2028.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1263?ys=2026RS