2016 Garrett County Health Department Legislative Report

1. Presented to the Garrett County Board of Health
By: Rodney B. Glotfelty, R.S., M.P.H. Garrett County Health Officer

2. DHMH Departmental Initiatives
• High Bill Volume – 2817 bills introduced in the 2016
legislative session -25% increase from 2015
• DHMH tracked 787 bills
• 724 Bills for submitted by the Department to
Public Health Entities including MACHO for review
• DHMH submitted seven legislative proposals to
Governor’s Office for consideration
• All seven proposals approved but only six were
introduced
• Two bills were later latter withdrawn. (SB 89 –
Carve Out of substance use from Health Choice
and SB 114 related to tobacco enforcement)
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3. DHMH Bill Distribution for Review - 2016
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4. DHMH Bills of Interest
HB 437/SB 537 - Prescription Drug Monitoring Program – Modifications
• Requires certain prescribers and all pharmacists to register as users by July 1,
2017
• Prescribers and pharmacists must request and access PDMP data in specified
manner
• Subject to disciplinary action by licensing boards for failure to comply with
mandatory registration and use requirements
• PDMP may review prescription monitoring data for possible violations of law or
professional standards by prescriber or dispenser
• PDMP authorized to notify and provide education to prescriber or dispenser
after receiving clinical guidance from a technical advisory committee
PASSED
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5. DHMH Bills of Interest (continued)
SB 97 – Opioid Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (Needle
Exchange Bill)
• Allows local Health Departments or Community-Based Organizations to
establish opioid –associated disease prevention programs. Must have approval
of the Health Officer and The Department
• Program must provide for substance use outreach, education, and linkage to
treatment services, including distribution and collection of hypodermic needles
and syringes.
• Standing advisory committee established to provide technical assistance on
program protocols.
PASSED
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6. DHMH Bills of Interest (continued)
SB 411 – Prohibition on Distribution of Tobacco Products and Electronic
Smoking Devices to Minors
• Established statewide civil penalties for distribution of tobacco product, an
electronic smoking device, rolling papers, or a coupon redeemable for a tobacco
product to a minor. County Health Officer authorized to issue citations.
BILL WAS WITHDRAWN
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7. Other Bills of Interest
HB79 - Allowed for sale of raw milk via consumer owned livestock:
• Failed
HB 399/SB 926 -Required reporting of positive laboratory test for Lyme Disease:
• Passed
HB 459 – Fee reduction for birth and death certificates - Effects state fee:
• Passed
HB470 and HB 680 – Dental Hygienists authorized to administer local anesthetic and
nitrous oxide:
• Both Passed
HB497/SB200 - Reauthorization of State Board of Environmental Health Specialists:
• Passed
SB 587 – Prohibits sale of powdered alcohol:
• Passed
HB 0565 – Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana – provides criminal
penalties:
• Passed
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8. QUESTIONS?
rodney.glotfelty@maryland.gov
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*Photos from CDC, Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay