Ch. 146

1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 70B - Office on Aging

22A

(A) IN THIS SECTION:

(1)      "CONTINUING CARE AT HOME" MEANS PROVIDING EITHER
DIRECTLY OR BY CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT MEDICAL, NURSING, OR OTHER
HEALTH RELATED BENEFITS TO AN INDIVIDUAL 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO
IS NOT RELATED BY BLOOD OR MARRIAGE TO THE PROVIDER FOR THE LIFE OF THE
INDIVIDUAL OR FOR A PERIOD IN EXCESS OF 1 YEAR UNDER A WRITTEN
AGREEMENT THAT REQUIRES A TRANSFER OF ASSETS OR AN ENTRANCE FEE
NOTWITHSTANDING PERIODIC CHARGES; AND

(2)      "CONTINUING CARE AT HOME" SHALL INCLUDE ASSISTANCE WITH
THE PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE OF THE DWELLING OF AN INDIVIDUAL.

(B)     (1) THE OFFICE SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS THAT SET STANDARDS
FOR PROVIDERS THAT ENTER INTO CONTINUING CARE AT HOME AGREEMENTS.

(2)     THE REGULATIONS SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF
CONTINUING CARE AT HOME PROVIDERS AND THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF
CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION.

(3)     THE REGULATIONS SHALL REQUIRE THE OFFICE TO SET THE
INITIAL CERTIFICATION AND RENEWAL FEES IN A MANNER THAT WILL PRODUCE
FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO, AT A MINIMUM, COVER THE ACTUAL DIRECT AND INDIRECT
COSTS OF THE OFFICE TO REGULATE AND CERTIFY CONTINUING CARE AT HOME
PROVIDERS.

(C)     IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION,
THE REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE OFFICE SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM,
PROVISIONS THAT:

(1)     PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
CONTINUING CARE AT HOME PROJECTS;

(2)     SET MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INDIVIDUALS, WHO WILL BE GOING
INTO HOMES TO PROVIDE CONTINUING CARE AT HOME SERVICES, THAT ARE
EMPLOYED BY OR UNDER CONTRACT WITH CONTINUING CARE AT HOME
PROVIDERS;

(2) SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (P) OF THIS SECTION,
SET MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED BY OR UNDER
CONTRACT WITH CONTINUING CARE AT HOME PROVIDERS WHO WILL BE GOING
INTO HOMES TO PROVIDE CONTINUING CARE AT HOME SERVICES;

(3) REQUIRE A CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK FOR INDIVIDUALS
EMPLOYED BY OR UNDER CONTRACT WITH A CONTINUING CARE AT HOME

- 1486 -