Maryland Department of Health and Health Officers - Revisions

SB 971 gives Maryland county health officers more autonomy over local health department operations. It requires the state Department of Health to notify county health officers about procurement opportunities, allowing counties to join if they choose. County health officers can now appoint staff for fully locally or grant-funded positions without state approval, and may proceed with contracts if the state fails to respond within 7 days. The bill also mandates the Department to include health workforce data in a new statewide clearinghouse and permits health officers to serve on hospital boards without accepting payment. These changes primarily affect county health departments and their staffing and contracting processes.