facilities for the care of our aging citizens. As a matter of fact, the
first bill I signed into law after being elected Governor of Maryland
created the State Commission on Problems of the Aging. And, since
that time, we at the State level have taken an active interest in pro-
moting those programs that are designed to improve the care received
by our elderly citizens from both private and public sources.

It is my sincere belief that through the dedicated efforts of both
private individuals and public officials, Maryland has earned the
distinction of being an acknowledged leader among the states in
maintaining high standards in nursing home care. Nursing homes in
Maryland have thrived since the first licensing laws were enacted and
the nursing home regulations that went into effect not too long ago
have resulted in a further improvement of nursing home care.

I might add that these new regulations were formulated by State
health officials in cooperation with representatives of the nursing home
field. Without the splendid contributions of private nursing homes,
it would be virtually impossible to continue to provide adequate care
to our elderly citizens.

Nursing homes are adjuncts to and do much to complement the
services provided by Maryland's three excellent chronic disease hos-
pitals. They supply long term care after the acute stages of a disease
and after the rehabilitation services have carried the patient to the
point of maximum hospital benefits. I shudder to think of how many
hospital beds might be unavailable to chronically ill patients if nursing
homes did not exist.

I note that the nursing home we dedicate today — the House in the
Pines — will eventually provide 88 beds and will be staffed by a pro-
fessional group eventually to number between 60 and 65. This is
indeed significant. Not only does it mean that 88 of our elderly citizens
will receive excellent care here, but a number of other patients will
have access to beds in chronic disease hospitals and therefore be able
to receive adequate medical treatment.

I can assure you that your State government will continue to co-
operate in such ventures as these in any way possible. We are, for
example, constantly reviewing the rate of payments to nursing homes
for public assistance cases. For example, since I became Governor
these rates have been increased from $110, |115 and $120 a month —
depending on location — to $135 a month. In addition, the budget I
have proposed for the 1964 fiscal year includes $250, 000 to finance
certain special services required for the adequate treatment and care
of these patients.

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