The 2020 Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended nearly three weeks early this year due to the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus). This is the first time that they have adjourned early since the Civil War. It is expected that the General Assembly will convene a Special Session the last week of May to aid in the response to the crisis and the economic recovery. Behavioral Health System Baltimore and our partners worked to advance critical legislation to support behavioral health and wellness in Baltimore City.
MDG 2020 Highlights
- The Fiscal Year 2021 budget advanced the Keep the Door Open campaign by including the mandated 4 percent reimbursement rate increase for community behavioral health services.
- Increased school behavioral health supports and screening through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future- Implementation (HB 1300), or Kirwan Commission legislation.
- Laid some groundwork to expand access to behavioral health crisis services through the passage of the Mental Health-Confidentiality of Medical Records and Emergency Facilities List (SB 441/HB 332).
