HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3923

May 28, 1985
The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland
Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 221.

This bill provides for the licensing and regulation of
freestanding birthing centers by the Secretary of Health and
Mental Hygiene.

Senate Bill 344, which was passed by the General Assembly
and signed by me on May 28, 1985, accomplishes the same purpose.
Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 221.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 221

AN ACT concerning

Health - Freestanding Birthing Centers

FOR the purpose of providing for the licensing and regulation of
freestanding birthing centers by the Secretary of Health and
Mental Hygiene; defining certain terms; authorizing the
Secretary to adopt certain rules and regulations pertaining
to the licensing and regulation of freestanding birthing
centers; providing for the. issuance, scope, term, renewal,
suspension, and revocation of licenses to operate a
freestanding birthing center; imposing certain operational
requirements; providing for certain hearings; imposing
certain criminal penalties for violations of this Act or any
rule or regulation adopted under this Act; authorizing
certain freestanding birthing centers to operate without a
license until a certain date; and generally relating to the
licensing and regulation of freestanding birthing centers.

BY adding to