Bill > HB1434

This bill mandates that the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) create and manage a dedicated webpage on its website to serve as a central hub for caregivers, defined as individuals providing care, supervision, or assistance to someone due to their age, disability, chronic illness, cognitive impairment, or other functional limitations. This definition broadly includes parents caring for children with special needs, individuals assisting adult family members or loved ones with health challenges, and even minors caring for older adults. The webpage will be easily accessible and written in plain language, offering information and links to resources covering various caregiving needs, such as support for children with disabilities, adults with chronic illnesses or behavioral health issues, and older adults, including those with dementia. It will also provide information on caregiver health and wellness, respite care, state and local programs offering financial aid or training, safety planning, and considerations for using technology for caregiving. The MDH will collaborate with other state agencies like the Department of Education and the Department of Aging to develop this resource and must review and update it at least annually, though the bill clarifies that this webpage does not obligate the state or any linked entities to provide or fund specific services.