MD HB32

Maryland Department of Health must establish a forensic review board at each facility housing persons committed as not criminally responsible, with all board members being licensed health care providers

Forensic review boards must review each committed person's release eligibility at least once per year and determine by majority vote whether to recommend discharge or conditional release to the court

Committed persons must receive at least 10 days notice before board meetings and within 10 days after recommendations are issued; they may appoint an authorized agent (such as a social worker) to attend meetings, though attorneys may not attend

Treatment teams must implement board recommendations and may trigger expedited reviews (within 30 days) if they determine a person is eligible for release before the annual review

Board findings must include reasons for recommendations and a plan for overcoming barriers to release, with written records maintained in the committed person's medical file