STATE HEALTH RESOURCES
PLANNING COMMISSION

Marcia Gann Pines, Chairperson, 1994

Appointed by Governor (who also designates chair):
Vivian C. Bailey, 1992; Pamela Brewington, 1992;
P. Perry Smith, Jr., 1992; Brennen Taylor, Ph.D.,
1992; Gregory Scott Hunter, 1993; George S.
Malouf,M.D., 1993; Mary Etta Mills, Sc.D., 1993;
Harvey R. Wertlicb, 1993; James T. Estes, 1994;
Walter J. Hall, 1994; Patricia J. Horsey, 1994;
Francis A. Pommett, Jr., 1994.

Ex officio: Nelson J. Sabatini, Secretary of Health &
Mental Hygiene.

James R. Stanton, Executive Director
Edward A. Pigo, Associate Director

4201 Patterson Ave., Room 226
Baltimore, MD 21215 764-3255

The State Health Resources Planning Commis-
sion originated in 1968 as the Comprehensive
Health Planning Agency (Chapter 221, Acts of
1968). The Agency was reformed as the Maryland
Health Planning and Development Agency in 1978
(Chapter 911, Acts of 1978). In 1982, the State
Health Resources Planning Commission replaced
the Agency (Chapter 108, Acts of 1982).
The Commission promotes the development of
a health care system that provides quality care at
reasonable cost for all citizens. The Commission
plans the development of quality health services
within each health service area to meet current and
future needs; identifies essential resources; and en-
courages the effective use of those resources. The
Commission advocates policies and systems for ef-
ficient access to services, including acute, long-
term, mental health, primary care, and community
alternatives. The Commission also coordinates its
work with the State Health Services Cost Review
Commission and assesses the impact of plans and
projects on total health care costs to Maryland and
its citizens. In addition, the Commission prepares
the State Health Plan and conducts the Certificate
of Need program to assure that institutions meet
standards of public need before building or con-
structing new facilities.
The law creating the Commission also estab-
lished local health planning agencies to serve health
service areas designated by the Governor. These
agendes are required to assure broad citizen repre-
sentation of their region and in their activities,
formulate local health plans, and help develop
statewide criteria and standards for Certificate of
Need and health planning. Local agencies may
testify at evidentiary hearings or submit recommen-
dations on the evaluation of Certificate of Need
applications. Presently, local agencies serve the fol-
lowing designated health service areas: 1) Western

Department of Health & Mental Hygiene/313

Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany,
Washington, Frederick, and Carroll; 2)
Montgomery County; 3) Southern Maryland
counties of Prince George's, Charles, Calvert, and
St. Mary's; 4) Central Maryland area of Baltimore
City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and
Howard counties; and 5) Eastern Shore counties of
Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline, Dor-
chester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester.
The Commission consists of the Secretary of
Health and Mental Hygiene or designee, and thir-
teen members appointed to four-year terms by the
Governor. Five members represent local health
planning agencies, six represent health care
providers, and two represent the general public.
The Governor designates the chairperson. The Ex-
ecutive Director is appointed by the Commission
with the approval of the Governor (Code Health—
General Article, sees. 19-103 through 19-122).

OFFICE OF BOARDS &
COMMISSIONS PROGRAMS

Margaret S. Mason, Coordinator

4201 Patterson Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215-2299 764-4700

The Division of Boards and Commissions was
reorganized in 1986 as the Office of Boards and
Commissions Programs. The Office is responsible
for the examination, licensing, regulation, and sur-
veillance of health professionals in Maryland.
Under the Office of Boards and Commissions
Programs are twenty-three licensing and regulatory
boards and commissions. They include the Stare
Anatomy Board, State Commission on Arthritis
and Related Diseases, State Board of Examiners for
Audiologists, State Board of Chiropractic Ex-
aminers, State Board of Dental Examiners, State
Board of Dietetic Practice, State Board of
Electrologists, State Commission on Hereditary
and Congenital Disorders, State Commission on
High Blood Pressure and Related Cardiovascular
Risk Factors, State Commission on Kidney Disease,
State Board of Morticians, State Board of Nursing,
State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Ad-
ministrators, State Board of Occupational Therapy
Practice, State Board of Examiners in Optometry,
State Board of Pharmacy, Stare Commission on
Physical Fitness, State Board of Physical Therapy
Examiners, State Board of Podiatric Medical Ex-
aminers, State Board of Examiners of Professional
Counselors, State Board of Examiners of
Psychologists, State Board of Social Work Ex-
aminers, and State Board of Examiners for Speech-
Language Pathologists. The State Board of
Physician Quality Assurance receives staff support
from die Office.