MD HB1109

Maryland Department of Health required to organize the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, a statewide volunteer network of clinical and nonclinical personnel to assist during public health emergencies, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters

County health officers granted authority to hire staff without state approval if positions are fully funded without state money, and may enter contracts if the Secretary of Health fails to respond to approval requests within 7 days

Public Health Workforce Development Fund established as a special nonlapsing fund administered by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, with funding allowed to transfer from the Population Health Improvement Fund

Commission on Public Health restructured with new members (Secretary of Budget and Management, Secretary of Information Technology, CRISP CEO) and now required to provide oversight of implementation of its recommendations with quarterly updates from the Department

Department of Legislative Services required to develop a process to assess health equity impacts of relevant legislation; Commission on Public Health extended through June 30, 2028