3778

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 722

(5)  TO SUPPORT AND PROVIDE RESOURCES TO OPERATE
COMMUNITY SERVICES TO SUSTAIN MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS
IN THE COMMUNITY, RATHER THAN IN INSTITUTIONS;

(6)  TO REQUIRE THE ADMINISTRATION TO DESIGNATE
SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO FOSTER AND STRENGTHEN A PERMANENT
COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING FOR MENTALLY
RETARDED PERSONS INDIVIDUALS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO
INSTITUTIONAL CARE;

[(5)] (7) To recognize the right of those
mentally retarded individuals for whom care in a residential
facility is necessary to live in surroundings as nearly
normal as possible and to provide adequate facilities for
this purpose;

[(6)] (8) To provide appropriate social and
protective services for those mentally retarded individuals
who are unable to manage themselves and their affairs with
ordinary prudence;

[(7)] (9) To protect the rights of parents and
to help parents and guardians in planning for and managing
mentally retarded individuals;

[(8)] (10) To promote and provide for the
development, maintenance, and coordination of all programs
for mentally retarded individuals;

[(9)) (11) To advance research and professional
training related to mental retardation; and

[(10)] (12) To promote public understanding of
these policies and the programs provided in this title.

7-204.

(a)  In addition to the powers and duties set forth
elsewhere in this title, the Director has the powers,
duties, and responsibilities set forth in this section.

(b)  The Director is responsible fore

(1) Supervising supervising the custody and
treatment of mentally retarded individuals and for the
programs for mentally retarded individuals; AND.

(2) ENSURING THAT ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE
ALL APPROPRIATE SERVICES, REGARDLESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S
LIVING ARRANGEMENT OR THE IDENTITY OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER.

7-503.