SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall apply to all
policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in the State
on or after October 1, 1999. Any policy or health benefit plan in effect before October 1,
1999, shall comply with the provisions of this Act by October 1, 2000.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1999.

Approved April 27, 1999.

CHAPTER 156
(Senate Bill 187)

AN ACT concerning

Assisted Living Programs - Small Facilities

FOR the purpose of extending a certain date before which the Secretary of Health and
Mental Hygiene is prohibited from imposing sanctions under a certain provision
of law or regulations adopted under it concerning assisted living programs that
provide services to a certain maximum number of individuals unless certain
circumstances occur; making a certain technical correction; and generally
relating to assisted living programs.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Chapter 646 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1998
Section 1

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

Chapter 646 of the Acts of 1998

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That, notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 147 of the Acts of the
General Assembly of 1996, the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, prior to July
1, [1999] 2000, may not impose any sanctions under that Act, or any regulation
adopted under it, with respect to an assisted living program, as defined in § 19-801 §
19-1801 of the Health-General Article, that provides services to 15 or fewer
individuals, unless the actions of an assisted living program that provides services to
15 or fewer individuals have: (1) caused actual physical or emotional harm to a
resident in the program; or (2) placed a resident in the program at risk of physical or
emotional harm.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1999.

Approved April 27, 1999.