MD HB1306

Maryland Department of Health must establish three specialized sickle cell disease clinics in Montgomery County, Harford County, and a county on the Eastern Shore, operating under a hub-and-spoke model with comprehensive services including pain management, genetic counseling, mental health services, and infusion therapy.

Governor must include $6,000,000 in the FY 2027 budget for clinic operations, staffing, training, and social support services, with a portion allocated to community-based and nonprofit sickle cell organizations.

Department must establish a scholarship program for medical residents specializing in benign or classical hematology with a sickle cell focus, requiring recipients to practice in Maryland for a minimum period after completing training.

Annual reporting to the General Assembly required by December 1 each year on clinic operations, patient outcomes, health disparity impacts, utilization rates, and telemedicine implementation.

Act takes effect October 1, 2025.