PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 153

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Health - General
Section 10-202(c)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1994 Replacement Volume and 1995 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The incumbent Director of the Mental Hygiene Administration in the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has enjoyed widespread support from mental
health constituencies statewide in his nearly 8 years in the position, and continues to
enjoy strong support; and

WHEREAS, If the incumbent Director ever leaves the position, State law requires
that the position bo filled by a Board certified physician; and

WHEREAS, The current restrictive qualifications could preclude the recruitment
of a Director with administrative and managerial skills that the incumbent possesses and
that are required for today's complex health care environment; and

WHEREAS, More flexible qualifications would not prevent a physician from
holding the position, but would also open the position up to other professionals, including
the current Deputy Director of the Mental Hygiene Administration and other
nonpsychiatrist Mental Hygiene Administration leaders; now, therefore,

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

Article - Health - General

10-202.

(c) The Director shall be [a physician who:

(1)     Is licensed to practice medicine in this State;

(2)     Is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology;

(3)     Has devoted a substantial amount of professional time to the practice of
psychiatry; and

(4)     Has clinical and administrative experience in mental hygiene] AN
INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCE IN THE HELD OF MENTAL
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1996.

Approved April 30, 1996.

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