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Bill

HB 1142

Public Health - Maryland Interested Parties Advisory Group - Establishment

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 21 co-sponsors

Maryland establishes a stakeholder advisory group to guide the Department of Health on public health policies and programs through formalized stakeholder consultation.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 754
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Bill Summary · HB 1142

Legislative bill overview

HB 1142 establishes an Interested Parties Advisory Group within Maryland's Department of Health to provide guidance on public health policy and program development. The group comprises representatives from healthcare providers, community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders who meet regularly to advise the department on emerging health issues and implementation strategies.

Why is this important

This legislation formalizes stakeholder input into Maryland's public health decision-making, potentially improving policy responsiveness to community needs and healthcare industry perspectives. The advisory structure can enhance transparency and coordination between government health agencies and the diverse organizations affected by public health initiatives, though its actual impact depends on how seriously department leadership weighs advisory recommendations.

Potential points of contention

  • Representation concerns: Questions about which groups are included or excluded from the advisory group and whether all affected communities have meaningful voice in the process
  • Advisory vs. binding power: The group's recommendations are likely non-binding, raising questions about whether it creates genuine influence or merely a consultative appearance without substantive decision-making authority
  • Resource allocation: Establishing and maintaining the group requires staff time and funding that could alternatively support direct public health services or programs

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

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