James P. Abbott; Peter V. Berns; Wanda K.
Robinson; Lucy A. Weisz.

7 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone: 576-6550

The Division of Consumer Protection was cre-
ated in 1967 (Chapter 338, Acts of 1967). The Di-
vision is headed by an Assistant Attorney General
who is Chief of the Division and Director of Con-
sumer and Investor Affairs. The Division is con-
cerned with the control and regulation of unfair
and deceptive trade practices. It is responsible for
enforcement of civil remedies through court litiga-
tion, administrative hearings, mediation of com-
plaints, and arbitration. The Division also is
charged with the responsibility of recommending
to the Governor and the General Assembly legis-
lation to protect the public from fraudulent
schemes and promotions.

In addition to undertaking its own enforcement
activities, where appropriate, the Division reports
information concerning violations of laws affecting
consumers to other appropriate law enforcement
officers. It seeks to assist, develop, and conduct
programs of consumer education and information
through publications and other materials prepared
for the public. The Division undertakes activities
to encourage business and industry to maintain
high standards of honesty, fair business practices,
and public responsibility in the production, pro-
motion, and sales of consumer goods and services
(Code Commercial Law Article, sees. 13-101
through 13-501).

HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
UNIT

Victor Khanna, Director
Telephone: 576-6550

Within the Division of Consumer Protection,
the Health Education and Advocacy Unit was
created in 1986 (Chapters 296 and 565, Acts of
1986). The Unit is authorized to implement an ed-
ucational and advocacy program enabling health-
care consumers to make more informed choices in
the health marketplace and participate in deci-
sions concerning their health care.

The Unit may help health-care consumers to
understand their health-care bills and third party
coverage, identify improper billing or coverage de-
terminations, and report such problems to appro-
priate agencies, insurers, or providers. The Unit
may refer concerns raised by health-care consum-
ers to professional, licensing or disciplinary bod-
ies, or to the Commissioner of Consumer Protec-
tion, and monitor the progress of those concerns.

With the Department of Health and Mental Hy-
giene, the Unit works to resolve billing or cover-
age questions.

The Unit may recommend to governmental of-
ficers and agencies measures to promote the inter-
ests of health-care consumers in the health mar-
ketplace.

Authorization for the Unit continues until June
30, 1990 (Code Commercial Law Article, sees.
13^A-01 through 13^tA-03).

HEALTH CLUB REGISTRATION UNIT

Steven Sakomota-Wengel, Administrator for
Health Club Registration
Telephone: 576-6550

The Health Club Registration Unit was estab-
lished within the Division of Consumer Protection
in 1986. The Division is responsible for the regis-
tration and operation of Maryland health clubs
(Code Commercial Law Article, sees. 14-12B-01
through 14-12B-08).

CONSUMER COUNCIL

Chairperson: Paul A. Riecks, 1992

Jennifer Jenkins Dean, 1988; A. Kimbrough
Sherman, 1988; Hardev Singh Palta, 1990; Mary
Louise Speers, 1990; Melvin A. Myerson, 1992;
three vacancies.

Ex officio: Steven J. Cole, Chief, Division of
Consumer Protection

Caroline B. Stellmann, Executive Director

7 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore 21202 Telephone: 576-6593

Created in 1974 as part of the Division of Con-
sumer Protection, the Consumer Council advises
the Division on general goals, undertakes studies
and reports, and fosters cooperation among feder-
al, State and local agencies, and private groups
(Chapter 609, Acts of 1974).

The Council consists of the Division Chief and
nine members appointed by the Governor with
the consent of the Senate. Three members re-
present consumer groups or interests, three re-
present business groups or interests, and three re-
present the private sector. Members serve without
compensation for staggered terms of six years.
The Council has a staff" of one (Code Commercial
Law Article, sec. 13-202).