Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Community Violence Prevention Services - Reimbursement and Provision of Services

SB 561 updates Maryland's Medical Assistance Program to require reimbursement for community violence prevention services provided in-person, regardless of where the services occur. It explicitly allows telehealth delivery (including audio-only calls) without denying coverage, and prohibits requiring service providers to maintain hospital affiliations. The bill defines "community violence" as non-family interpersonal violence in public spaces and specifies that services must be evidence-based, trauma-informed, and non-psychotherapeutic. It directly affects certified violence prevention professionals, service providers, and program recipients exposed to or injured by community violence. The policy change ensures consistent coverage for these services whether delivered in-person or via telehealth.