2632

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 900

medical, dental, surgical, and pharmaceutical care for
children in foster care; requiring the Department of
Human Resources to pay certain other expenses Human
Resources to pay certain expenses not reimbursable
under the State medical assistance program for children
in foster care; updating certain terms; and clarifying
language.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 88A - Social Services Administration
Section 60B

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1969 Replacement Volume and 1977 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 88A - Social Services Administration

60B.

(a)    The Department of [Employment and Social
Services] HUMAN RESOURCES shall establish by regulation
eligibility guidelines for payment for one or more
classifications of children receiving boarding care (foster
care) who are in need of special care.

(b)    Eased upon the classification system established
pursuant to (a) and after July 1, 1975, the monthly rate for
boarding care of children paid by the Department of
[Employment and Social Services] HUMAN RESOURCES for
children in need of the care described in the classification
which is given the most demanding type of care provided in
single family homes [shall] MAY not be less than the monthly
rate for care purchased in a single family home by the
Department of Juvenile Services. This rate [shall] MAY not
be lower than that paid in fiscal year 1975.

(c)    The regular monthly rate for boarding care in
single family homes of children who are not in need of
special care [shall] MAY not be less than 55[%] PERCENT of
the highest special care rate paid for single family home
care by the Department of [Employment and Social Services]
HUMAN RESOURCES. There shall be financial increments based
on the age of the children in care.

(d)    At the discretion of the Department of
[Employment and Social Services] HUMAN RESOURCES support may
be continued to parents who adept foster children. The
amount and duration of adoption subsidy payments may vary
according to the special needs of the child and the income
of the adopting parent and may include maintenance costs,
medical, dental, and surgical expenses, psychiatric and
psychological expenses, and other costs necessary for the
child's care and well-being.