254/Maryland Manual

Under the Deputy Secretary are five Administra-
tions: Financial Planning; Personnel Services; Fiscal
Services; Information Services; and General
Services. The Deputy Secretary also oversees Exec-
utive Operations and the Office of the Chief Medi-
cal Examiner.

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS OFFICE
Robert Eastridge, Director

201 W Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 225-6506

Executive Operations is composed of key sup-
port offices that provide administrative and techni-
cal services for efficient operations. The offices are
responsible for administrative hearings and appeals,
governmental affairs, public relations, community
relations, and planning and policy management.

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND
APPEALS

William F. Clark, Chief

300 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 225-6960

The Office of Administrative Hearings and Ap-
peals provides a central hearing office where per-
sons may appeal administrative decisions of the
Department. It assures such persons an indepen-
dent, fair, and impartial hearing from which recom-
mendations are made to the Secretary of Health and
Mental Hygiene for action. The Office conducts
quasi-judicial hearings affecting all units of the De-
partment, local health offices, and various institu-
tions on a statewide basis.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AFEAIRS
Richard Proctor, Chief 225-6480

The Office of Governmental Affairs oversees
appointments, constituent services, governmental
relations, and local health planning.

APPOINTMENTS UNIT

225-6485

Nominations and recommendations for mem-
bership on Department boards and commissions
are coordinated by the Appointments Unit for ap-
proval by the Secretary of Health and Mental Hy-
giene and by the Governor, as appropriate.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES UNIT
225-6480

Within this unit, four regional ombudsmen in-
vestigate problems and offer assistance to constitu-
ents, legislators, and local elected officials.

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS UNIT

225-6480

The Governmental Relations Unit serves as the
legislative liaison between the Department and the
General Assembly, and the U.S. Congress. The Unit
evaluates pending legislation that affects govern-
mental activities. The Division also maintains perti-
nent legal data on health legislation and helps
develop, coordinate, and present historical back-
ground initiatives associated with the legislative
process.

LOCAL HEALTH PLANNING UNIT

225-6492

The Local Health Planning Unit coordinates the
work of local health planning agencies throughout
the State with the Department of Health and Men-
tal Hygiene and the State Health Resources Plan-
ning Commission.

OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Michael Golden, Chief 225-6490

The Office directs public affairs activities of the
Department and coordinates them with depart-
mental officials, local health officers, and the
Governor's Office. The Office also arranges special
events and disseminates employee information.

OFFICE OF COMMUNTTr RELATIONS
Michael R. Carter, Chief

201 W Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 225-6600

The Office of Community Relations establishes
and maintains equality of opportunity within the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the
Department's programs throughout the State. The
Office monitors Department programs and health
care providers to assure that they comply with civil
rights laws, mandates, and regulations. For the
same purpose, the Office monitors personnel man-
agement, services, and procurement procedures of
the Department.

The Office also develops and monitors programs
for equal opportunities for employment. These in-
clude affirmative action, on-site review, outreach
recruitment, and complaint processing.

In addition, the Office develops and monitors
programs for equal access to health care and for
minority business participation in State contracts.