Maryland requires local notice when nursing home harm investigations begin

The Maryland Department of Health must notify the county health department when it starts a nursing home complaint investigation alleging resident harm. This covers complaints alleging actual harm, including immediate danger to a nursing home resident. State officials must consult and coordinate with the county health department when practical within urgent investigation deadlines and allowed by federal law. County health departments are not required to help or take over the state’s nursing home oversight duties. The requirement took effect October 1, 2026.

A state task force studies care problems and recommends ways to improve care, affordability, access, and public information. The Health Care Quality Improvement Initiative covers Maryland nursing homes and assisted living programs. The Maryland Department of Health supplies staff. The task force must seek input from care providers and advocates and hold a virtual meeting for frontline workers and family members. State care inspectors must report inspection and complaint totals at each quarterly meeting. The task force must provide a public update within 30 days, protecting confidential information. The task force cannot request or receive complaint information identifying facilities, private health information, or inspection and investigation evidence. It may receive reports of violations with some details blacked out. The initiative took effect October 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2029. The task force meets every three months. Preliminary findings and recommendations are due by December 1, 2027, and final findings and recommendations by December 1, 2028.