Ch. 607

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[(3) if both natural parents have waived notice in
accordance with subsection (d) of this section, may hold a
hearing on ^;the court's own motion; and

(4)] (2) shall then take whatever action the court
considers appropriate in the child's best interest.

(G) (1) FURTHER GUARDIAN'S REPORTS, NOTICES TO THE NATURAL
PARENTS, AND HEARINGS ARE NOT REQUIRED IF THE COURT DETERMINES
AFTER A HEARING THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD TO
REMAIN IN LONG-TERM FOSTER CARE WITH A SPECIFIED FAMILY WHICH
AGREES TO THE LONG-TERM PLACEMENT.

(2) IF THE LONG-TERM FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT IS
SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED, THE CHILD IS ENTITLED TO ANNUAL HEARINGS
UNDER SUBSECTION (F) OF THIS SECTION.

(H) THE COURT MAY REQUIRE THE GUARDIAN TO FILE PERIODIC
WRITTEN PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE CHILD'S STATUS, WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER SUPERVISION, TREATMENT, OR
REHABILITATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1987.

Approved June 2, 1987.

CHAPTER 607
(Senate Bill 206)

AN ACT concerning

Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene - Reimbursement and Collections

FOR the purpose of altering certain reimbursement and collection
practices of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
relating to the cost of care provided by certain State
facilities; authorizing the Department after receiving
certain authorization to obtain and use certain information
for billing and collection functions under certain
conditions; providing that the total cost of care in certain
State facilities shall be the responsibility of the
recipient of services or certain chargeable persons;
providing that the State shall assume responsibility for any
uncollectible costs for services provided in certain State

facilities; providing that liability for State

health- related services may not be imposed on certain

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