MD HB279

Establishes medication review committees within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to approve involuntary administration of psychotropic medication to incarcerated individuals who refuse treatment in non-emergency situations

Requires 10 business days written notice to the incarcerated individual before a committee convenes, with rights to attend meetings, present witnesses, ask questions, and receive assistance from an assigned lay advisor

Limits involuntary medication approval to 90 days maximum, with committees permitted to convene for renewal if the individual continues refusing medication

Provides appeal rights including administrative hearings through the Office of Administrative Hearings within 10 calendar days of the committee decision, followed by circuit court review within 7 calendar days

Mandates annual reporting to the Maryland Department of Health by December 1 on committee meetings, approvals, renewals, medications administered, and duration of involuntary treatment