2020 Maryland Statutes
Public Safety
Title 14 - Emergency Management
Subtitle 1 - Maryland Emergency Management Agency Act
Section 14-110.1 - Emergency Plans for Human Service Facilities

    (a)    In this section, “human service facility” means a facility licensed by the State that is:

        (1)    a nursing home, as defined in § 19–1401 of the Health – General Article;

        (2)    an assisted living facility, as defined in § 19–1801 of the Health – General Article;

        (3)    a hospital, as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article;

        (4)    a related institution as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article;

        (5)    a State–operated institution for mental disease;

        (6)    a group home as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article;

        (7)    an alternative living unit as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article; and

        (8)    a State residential center as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article.

    (b)    A human service facility shall develop an emergency plan.

    (c)    An emergency plan shall include procedures that will be followed before, during, and after an emergency to address:

        (1)    the evacuation, transportation, or shelter–in–place of individuals served by the human service facility;

        (2)    the notification to families, staff, and licensing authorities regarding the action that will be taken concerning the safety and well–being of the individuals served by the human service facility;

        (3)    staff coverage, organization, and assignment of responsibilities; and

        (4)    the continuity of operations, including:

            (i)    procuring essential goods, equipment, and services; and

            (ii)    relocation to alternate facilities.

    (d)    (1)    This subsection does not prohibit a human service facility from applying for and receiving reimbursement:

            (i)    under any applicable insurance policy; or

            (ii)    from any State or federal funds that may be available due to a declared State or federal emergency.

        (2)    A human service facility is solely responsible for any financial obligation arising from voluntary or mandatory activation of any aspect of the emergency plan developed by the human service facility under this section.

    (e)    (1)    On or before November 30, 2007, a State agency that is responsible for the licensing of a human service facility shall adopt regulations governing the development of emergency plans under this section.

        (2)    Regulations adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be developed in consultation with representatives of:

            (i)    the Maryland Emergency Management Agency;

            (ii)    the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems;

            (iii)    local organizations for emergency management; and

            (iv)    human service facilities.

    (f)    For purposes of coordinating local emergency planning efforts, a human service facility shall provide access to the emergency plans developed under this section to local organizations for emergency management.