Maryland Manual 1994-1995

eases; the State Advisory Council on Hereditary
and Congenital Disorders; the State Advisory
Council on High Blood Pressure and Related Car-
diovascular Risk Factors; and the State Advisory
Council on Physical Fitness.

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
ARTHRITIS & RELATED DISEASES

Vacancy, Chairperson
(410) 225-6505

The State Advisory Council on Arthritis and
Related Diseases originated as the State Commis-
sion on Arthritis and Related Diseases in 1985
(Chapter 250, Acts of 1985). In 1992, the Council
received its present name and was placed under the
Local and Family Health Administration (Chapter
71, Acts of 1992). The Council coordinates the
activities of public and private agencies, medical
schools, and related professional groups to improve
the quality of life for arthritic individuals and their
families. The Council makes recommendations to
limit costs associated with arthritis prevention and
treatment, and vocational training, as well as to
improve services. The Council also develops and
coordinates programs in vocational rehabilitation
and industry to help arthritic individuals remain
productive in the work force.
Through studies and proposals, the Council
seeks to form an integrated State program of edu-
cation and applied research in gerontology and
geriatrics. The development of a strategic plan of
patient education throughout Maryland is coordi-
nated by the Council. The plan involves State and
local health departments, private agencies, pharma-
ceutical companies, medical schools, and profes-
sional organizations.
The Council's fifteen members are appointed by
the Governor, who designates the chairperson.
Members serve four-year terms (Code Health—
General Article, secs. 13-501 through 13-506).

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
HEREDITARY & CONGENITAL DISORDERS

Peter B. Hirtle, Chairperson, 1994
(410) 225-6505

The State Advisory Council on Hereditary and
Congenital Disorders originated in 1973 as the
Commission on Hereditary Disorders (Chapter
695, Acts of 1973). In 1986, it was renamed the
State Commission on Hereditary and Congenital
Disorders (Chapter 740, Acts of 1986). In 1992, it
received its present name and was placed under the
Local and Family Health Administration (Chapter
71, Acts of 1992).
The Council gathers and disseminates informa-
tion on the treatment of hereditary and congenital
disorders in the State. It also establishes and prom-
ulgates rules, regulations, and standards for the
detection and management of these disorders. On

a continuous basis, it evaluates the need for and
efficiency of relevant State programs. For the public
and providers of health services, the Council also
institutes and supervises educational programs and
counseling on hereditary and congenital disorders,
their treatment and prevention.
The Council is composed of eleven voting mem-
bers and five ex officio nonvoting members. Voting
members include nine members appointed by the
Governor, one senator appointed by the Senate Presi-
dent, and one delegate appointed by the House
Speaker. Five members are not health professionals
nor involved in the administration or ownership of any
health care institution or health insurance organiza-
tion, nor the spouse of a health professional, adminis-
trator, or owner. Four members are professionals in
the field of hereditary and congenital disorders. One
of the professional members is appointed from a list
submitted by the Monumental City Medical Society,
the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of
Maryland, the faculty of the University of Maryland
School of Medicine, and the faculties of The Johns
Hopkins University Medical Institutions. If the list is
not submitted, members are appointed at the Gover-
nor's sole discretion. Members serve four-year terms.
The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene ap-
points five ex officio, nonvoting members of the Coun-
cil. One represents the State Health Resources
Planning Commission and four represent the Depart-
ment of Health and Mental Hygiene (Code Health—
General Article, secs. 13-103 through 13-109).

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & RELATED
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS

Vacancy, Chairperson
(410) 225-6505

The State Advisory Council on High Blood
Pressure and Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors
originated as the Commission on High Blood Pres-
sure in 1976 (Chapter 792, Acts of 1976). It be-
came the State Commission on High Blood
Pressure and Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors
in 1986 (Chapter 486, Acts of 1986). In 1992, it
was reorganized under its present name and placed
under the Local and Family Health Administration
(Chapter 71, Acts of 1992).
The Council establishes guidelines to manage
and treat high blood pressure and related cardiovas-
cular risk factors. The Council also develops and
promotes educational programs to prevent and
treat these conditions.
The Council's sixteen members are appointed by
the Governor for terms of four years. Ten members
are chosen from lists of qualified individuals submit-
ted by the American Heart Association—Maryland
Affiliate; the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the
State of Maryland; the Maryland Conference of
Health Officers; the Department of Health and