MD HB279

Establishes medication review committees within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to determine whether psychotropic medication may be administered to incarcerated individuals who refuse it in licensed mental health infirmaries

Prohibits involuntary administration of psychotropic medication except in emergencies (imminent danger) or when a committee approves it after finding the individual has a mental disorder, is unable to function in general population, poses a danger to self or others, and no less restrictive treatments exist

Requires at least 10 business days written notice before committee meetings and grants incarcerated individuals rights to attend, present witnesses, ask questions, receive a lay advisor, and be informed of their diagnosis and medication risks/benefits

Creates an administrative appeal process through the Office of Administrative Hearings within 72 hours of committee decisions, with a 72-hour automatic stay on initial medication orders and de novo review by an administrative law judge within 10 calendar days

Limits medication approval to 90 days maximum with renewal option, requires treating practitioners to document medication benefits and side effects every 15 days, and takes effect July 1, 2026