SB 608 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Plan) and certain health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover single-gene and multigene pharmacogenomic testing starting July 1, 2027. This applies specifically when a treating provider orders the test for patients with depression or anxiety who are considering a medication change, dose adjustment, or addition with a known gene-drug interaction. The bill limits prior authorization requirements to ensure timely access, mandating clear pathways, minimal documentation, and sufficient time for submissions without creating unnecessary delays. Noncompliance could result in penalties of up to $10,000 per violation plus $1,000 daily until resolved. The law aims to improve medication safety and effectiveness by making this genetic testing accessible for targeted patient groups.
SB 774, the "TRUTH in Mental Health Coverage Act," requires Maryland health insurance carriers to annually report detailed claims data on mental health and substance use coverage starting in 2028. This affects all insurers offering health benefit plans in Maryland, mandating they submit standardized data on access, network availability, and coverage for services like outpatient care, telehealth, and youth/adult services. The report must include breakdowns by facility type, provider specialty, service format, and geographic area. The Maryland Insurance Commissioner will make this data publicly available through a website and interactive dashboards to improve transparency for consumers.
SB 870 requires the Maryland Department of Health to ensure at least 24 licensed adolescent psychiatric inpatient beds are operational in Prince George’s County by December 2028. The bill mandates the Department to expand capacity through existing facilities, private contracts, or public-private partnerships, prioritizing solutions that reduce emergency department boarding and ensure access regardless of insurance. It also creates a grant program to fund capital costs like construction, renovations, and safety upgrades for qualifying facilities. The Department must report annually to the Governor and General Assembly on bed availability, boarding metrics, staffing barriers, and recommendations for maintaining capacity.
SB 917 clarifies the scope of practice for audiologists in Maryland by updating the legal definition of "practice audiology." It directly affects licensed audiologists by explicitly including the ordering and performing of in-office, non-radiographic scanning or imaging of the ear for auditory or vestibular conditions. The bill adds this specific imaging authority to existing duties like diagnosing ear conditions and fitting hearing aids, while clarifying that audiologists cannot perform surgeries, cochlear implant procedures, or prepare radiographic imaging. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, and aims to align legal definitions with current clinical practices.
