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Bill

SB 740

Health Care Facilities - Service Member Community Members (SFC Matthew Fast Act )

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Beidle and 7 co-sponsors

Maryland health care facilities must identify service members and veterans in their care and connect them to military-specific health benefits and support services.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 757
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Bill Summary · SB 740

Legislative bill overview

SB 740, the SFC Matthew Fast Act, requires Maryland health care facilities to establish policies and procedures for identifying and assisting service members and military veterans who seek treatment. The bill mandates that facilities designate staff to help connect these individuals with military-specific health services, benefits, and support resources.

Why is this important

Service members and veterans often face unique health challenges—including service-connected disabilities, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries—that require specialized care coordination. By requiring health care facilities to systematically identify and assist this population, the bill aims to reduce gaps in care and ensure veterans receive appropriate benefits and support services they may not know exist.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Smaller or rural health care facilities may lack dedicated staff or resources to establish robust service member identification and assistance programs
  • Privacy and disclosure concerns: Some service members may not wish to disclose military status, and requirements to ask could create friction or feel intrusive in clinical settings
  • Effectiveness measurement: The bill does not specify how compliance will be monitored or measured, raising questions about enforcement and whether resources are being used efficiently

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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