Maryland Department of Human Resources Section 129A

      (a)      (1)      There is a Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council in the Department of Human Resources.

            (2)      The purpose of the Council is to coordinate statewide planning, development, and implementation of family caregiver support services.

      (b)      (1)      The Council shall consist of the following members, appointed by the Governor:

                  (i)      Two representatives from the Department of Human Resources;

                  (ii)      Three representatives from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;

                  (iii)      One representative from the Department of Aging;

                  (iv)      One representative from an area agency on aging;

                  (v)      One representative from the Department of Disabilities;

                  (vi)      One representative from the Maryland Respite Care Coalition;

                  (vii)      Two consumers of respite services;

                  (viii)      Three family caregivers; and

                  (ix)      Three representatives of organizations that provide or have interest or expertise in respite services.

            (2)      In appointing members to the Council, the Governor, to the extent possible, shall consider groups representing individuals with:

                  (i)      Alzheimer's disease and related disorders;

                  (ii)      Developmental disabilities;

                  (iii)      Physical disabilities;

                  (iv)      Chronic illnesses;

                  (v)      Mental or emotional conditions that require supervision; and

                  (vi)      Vulnerability to abuse or neglect.

            (3)      A member of the Council shall serve a 3-year term and may be reappointed.

            (4)      The Governor shall appoint a chairman of the Council from among the members.

            (5)      The Department of Human Resources shall provide staff support to the Council, including an individual from the Department to serve as executive director of the Council.

            (6)      Members of the Council shall serve without compensation except that the members may be reimbursed for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

      (c)      The Council shall:

            (1)      Solicit and gather concerns of caregivers by conducting surveys, holding public hearings, establishing a telephone hotline for public access, and other appropriate means;

            (2)      Develop and distribute to interested parties a handbook of current respite and other family caregiver services available in the State;

            (3)      Review successful respite care programs in other states;

            (4)      Develop a model family caregiver support program that incorporates best practices from existing programs in the State and in other states;

            (5)      Coordinate activities of existing and proposed family caregiver support services among the State and local public agencies;

            (6)      Research available funding sources and explore possibilities for additional funds; and

            (7)      Identify unmet needs and priorities for additional funds.

      (d)      The Council shall submit to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly an annual report on its activities.