All hospitals and health-related institutions in Maryland must be licensed by the Office. The quality of care and compliance with both State and federal regulations in 8,000 health-care facilities and health-related services and programs is monitored by the Office. To regulate these institutions and programs, the Office conducts more than 10,000 inspections yearly. The Office also is responsible for inspection and certification recommendations for all health facilities participating in the Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) and Medicare. The OHCQ initiates administrative action against facilities that violate State rules and regulations.

ADMINISTRATION
This is the administrative and management arm of the Office of Health Care Quality. It provides guidance and support to all programs within the Office by developing operational policies and procedures, developing regulations, budgets and legislation.

• Quality Assurance Unit
  This program investigates quality of care complaints referred by the Insurance Commissioner and enforces statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the quality of care provided by health maintenance organizations. During the 1999 legislative session, House Bill 1210 established this unit under the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Health Maintenance Organizations and Hospitals
  The Hospital Unit within this Administration evaluates all hospitals and investigates and responds to all consumer complaints. This unit is responsible for the licensure and certification of hospitals participating in Medicare

FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Margie Heald, Deputy Director

This unit is responsible for licensing all nursing homes and certifying them for participation in Medicare and/or Medicaid. It is also responsible for licensing Laboratories, and Ambulatory Care Agencies.

• Long Term Care
• Laboratories
• Ambulatory Care

STATE PROGRAMS
William H. Dorrill, Deputy Director

This unit ensures that all assisted living programs, all residential and outpatient mental health programs, all alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs and services and all facilities for the developmentally disabled meet the requirements of State regulations. The Office of Health Care Quality is the designated licensure agent for the facilities, treatment programs, or services that are funded or operated by the Mental Hygiene Administration, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

• Developmental Disabilities

• Assisted Living

• Adult Medical Day Care

• Substance Abuse

• Community Mental Health