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If you don't find your questions among this group, please review our site, and leave an E-mail message on the appropriate Administration or unit page. This will provide the fastest response.

Who benefits from HMO performance reports?Which HMO report is right for you?

Who is EHNAC?

Why EHNAC Accreditation?

 

What do the regulations require of Payers?

 

How will these regulations help Maryland providers?

 

Are these activities consistent with Federal initiatives to simplify administrative health care transactions?

To apply by mail send the required information to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

To apply in person, the location:
Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza
Monday through Friday & the third Saturday of each month
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more detailed information please see vitalrec.htm

Please contact the Maryland Board of Physicians at the following:

4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

410-764-4777 or 1-800-492-6836

You can check on your HMOs performance using the HMO Report Card that can be found at Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC): http://www.mhcc.state.md.us

According to the MHCC 1997 Policy Report on HMO Performance -"...this report summarizes performance information across HMOs and relates it to key issues that confront health care policy makers.  The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of how Maryland's commercial HMOs are meeting the needs of their members."

To find out how to renew your professional nursing license please contact:

If you wish to file a complaint against the following medical professionals:

Physician
X-ray Technician
Radiographer
Physician's Assistant
Respiratory Therapist

Please contact the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance (BPQA) at : http://www.bpqa.state.md.us 410 764-2480, 410 764-2475, or 410 764-4795.  For complaints against other medical professionals, please contact the general information telephone number for Licensing Boards at 410 764-4700

Is it mandatory to put the Maryland Relay number on all program literature or office correspondence.

Yes, it is mandatory to put the Maryland Relay number on all program literature or office
correspondence.

Are programs and facilities required to post their non-discriminatory policy procedure's?

Yes, the Department requires that programs and facilities receiving federal financial assistance post
their non-discriminatory policy procedure/s in a conspicuous place accessible to both
clients/consumers and staff. The responsible Department official or designee shall from time to time review practices of recipients to determine their compliance.

How do I obtain copies of birth, death, fetal death, and marriage certificates?

Applications for copies of certificates are available from this web site at the Applications
for Certifications Page

How do I obtain verification of a divorce?

The application for copies of divorce verifications are also available from this web site at
the Divorce Verifications Page

What data are available from the Vital Statistics Administration and how can I obtain the data?

What publications are available from the Vital Statistics Administration?

The Publications available from the Vital Statisics Administration are available for
download from this web site at the Reports Page

I am a genealogy searcher. Where can I find records for my research?

For genealogy, researchers should consult the following organizations:

Where is the Division of Vital Records located and what the hours of operation?

This information is available on our Directions Page

How can I obtain a commemorative birth certificate?

The application for a commemorative birth certificate is also available from this web site
at the Commemorative Birth Certificate Page.

What do I have to do in order to work as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the State of Maryland?

You must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners before working in Maryland. Once the necessary requirements are met, the Board issues a temporary license. Practice in Maryland prior to licensure may preclude your being given favorable consideration for licensure and could make you subject to a fine.

If I am licensed in another state may I work, under supervision, until I receive my Maryland license?

No. We will assist you in receiving your Maryland license as quickly as possible. However, the Board can not exempt you from the requirement of having a Maryland license.

 How do I become licensed in Maryland?

• By examination
  General requirements for licensure are evidence of graduation from an approved physical therapy or physical therapy assistant curriculum (whichever is applicable) and a passing score on the national licensing examination.
   
• By endorsement
  If you meet the general requirements and are currently licensed in another state, the Board may waive the national licensing examination. In addition, if you have registered to take the national licensing examination in another state, and are a graduate of an approved physical therapy or physical therapist assistant curriculum (whichever is applicable), you may file for licensure by transfer of examination scores. If you are a graduate of a program of physical therapy in another country, your educational credentials must be considered by a Board approved credential evaluation agency to be comparable to a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy. You will also be required to complete a specified period of supervised clinical experience or provide satisfactory evidence of same if licensed in another state.

How can I get a temporary license?

• If by examination:
   
  • completed application form;
  • application and examination fees; and
  • post-graduation transcript of credits.

   

• If by transfer of examination score:
   
  • completed application form;
  • application fee;
  • post-graduation transcript of credits;
  • sworn statement that you are not now nor ever have been licensed in another state
  • evidence that you are registered to take, or have taken the national licensing examination in another state; and
  • evidence that you have requested examination score to be sent to this Board from the reporting service.

   

• If by waiver of examination (endorsement):
   
  • completed application form;
  • application fee;
  • copy of current license;
  • verification of current license;
  • post-graduation transcripts of credits; and
  • evidence that you have requested that your examination score be sent to this board from the reporting service. In addition, if you are a graduate of a program of physical therapy in another country, you must file evidence of oral competency in the English language and comply with the preceptorship requirement (COMAR 10.38.06.01D).

What is a passing score on the national licensing examination?

A score to be passing on the national licensing examination is the criterion referenced score set by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

What happens if I fail the national licensing examination?

If you fail the examination, you must repeat it.

What shall I do if I believe someone is violating the Physical Therapy Practice Act?

It is your legal and ethical responsibility to report any suspected violation of the law to the Board.  Violators may include unlicensed persons who aid and abet the illegal and unsafe practice of physical therapy as well as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are practicing outside the scope of law.

How can I get more information?

More detailed information regarding the licensure process may be obtained by calling the Board office at (410) 764-4746 or (410) 764-4752. You can also contact us by e-mail at ditpeach@erols.com.

Why is the Board of Physician Quality Assurance creating a profile on each licensed physician?

During the 1999 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, Senate Bill 302, Board of Physician Quality Assurance-Physician Profiles-Disclosure to the Public passed which requires the Board to create a profile on each licensed physician.

What information will be provided on the profile?

The physician profile will include the following information:

1. Final disciplinary actions taken by the BPQA as provided to the National Practitioner Data Bank.
2. Final disciplinary actions taken by another state board as provided to the National Practitioner Data Bank.
3. Medical school attended and the date of graduation.
4. Internship or residency training.
5. Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Osteopathic Association.
6. Hospital privileges
7. Primary practice setting.
8. Participation in Maryland Medical Assistance Program.
9. Links to the American Medical Association and Maryland-licensed Health Maintenance Organizations.

How did the Board retrieve the information provided on the profile?

The Board compiled the information from various sources including Board files, hospital reports and information reported on the physician's last renewal form.

May a physician correct the initial profile?

The physician is given an opportunity to correct any factual inaccuracies before the physician's profile is made available to the public. If a physician does not correct the profile for any factual inaccuracies within 35 days, then the profile is displayed as is on the Internet.

If a physician corrects a profile, when will the profile be provided on the Internet?

The Board will update the profile within 10 business days after receipt of the corrected profile.

If a physician corrects the profile for any factual inaccuracies within 35 days, will the physician receive an additional copy of the profile?

The Board only provides the initial profile to the physician.

What are the consequences for filing false information on the profile?

Answer: Providing false information may be ground for discipline including denial, suspension or revocation of a physician's license.

Are profiles available for all physicians in Maryland?

Profiles are only provided for active licensed physicians. A consumer may access http://www.docboard.org for information on inactive physicians.

Where do I get information about the examination?

The best place to get information regarding the BSWE examination is the American Association of State Social Work Boards or you can call the Board of Social Work Examiners directly at (410) 764-4788.

How do I change my address?

You must request this in writing with a legal signature. Send your written request to:Board of Social Work Examiners
4201 Patterson Ave.
Baltimore, MD. 21215

How do I change my name?

You must send a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or some other court ordered document to the Board at the same address listed above.

How do I get additional information about the different committees?

Call the Board office at (410) 764-4788 for additional information about the committees.

What are the educational requirements for each of the different licensing levels?

Call the Board office at (410) 764-4788 for additional information about the licensing levels if none of the pages listed here have answered your question.

Do you have reciprocity with other states/If so, what other states?

Yes, the Board has reciprocity with all other states, however, there are additional forms that are required. For specific information about reciprocity, or forms, contact gordonh@dhmh.state.md.us or call the Board office at (410) 764-4788.

If you have any questions concerning continuing education, please send your inquiry to: stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us  or call the Board of Social Work directly at (410) 764-4788.

If you have any additional questions NOT covered on this, or any other web page, please direct your comments or questions to stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us.

Board of Social Work Examiners
4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
(Tel) 410-764-4788 (Fax) 410-358-2469 (TDD) 800-542-4964
Content questions?  contact stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us
COPYRIGHT © 1998, 1999, 2000 Maryland DHMH

Who benefits from HMO performance reports?

Consumers & Employers - HMO reports help consumers and employers make informed decisions about enrolling and contracting with health plans. Information on quality allows consumers and businesses to select plans based on value and not just cost.
HMOs & Providers - HMOs and providers can assess the care being provided to members and identify areas needing improvement. Health plans want to compare their performance with the performance of other plans.
Government Officials - Government officials use performance reports to monitor the efforts of HMOs to meet public health objectives in areas such as childhood immunizations, mammography screening, and access to care.
Overall - HMO performance reports should increase plan performance by stimulating marketplace competition around quality. The Commission’s HMO performance reports  are the only source of objective and independently audited information on the quality and performance of all commercial HMOs operating in Maryland.

Which HMO report is right for you?

The Division responds to special requests for information on health care delivery systems issues  that are requested by the Maryland legislature, executive departments, and other external groups. The Division also serves as an incubator for newly mandated Commission activities, laying the groundwork for full implementation.

Finally, the Division is also responsible for monitoring health care reform initiatives being undertaken in other states. The Division researches the current health care policies and benefits of those states to determine if their initiatives can improve access to, increase the quality of, or lower the costs of health care in Maryland. Any recommendations are developed in accordance with the Commission's mandates from the General Assembly.

Nursing Home Report Cards: Chapter 382 (Senate Bill 740 [1999]) requires the Commission, in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Aging, to develop a system to comparatively evaluate the quality of care and performance of nursing facilities. To provide guidance in the development of a nursing home performance report, the Commission has convened a steering committee of interested parties including representatives of relevant state agencies, nursing homes, academic experts in data collection issues, and consumers. A progress report to the General Assembly on the development of the nursing home evaluation system is required by January 1, 2001 and the evaluation system must be implemented on or before July 1, 2001.
Report on the Nursing Facility Performance Evaluation System, January 2001 (pdf)

Hospital and Ambulatory Surgical Facility Report Cards: Chapter 657 (House Bill 705 [1999]) requires the Commission to develop similar performance reports on hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities (ASF). A Steering Committee has been formed which includes representatives of the hospital industry, the ambulatory surgical facility industry, State regulators, data and performance evaluation experts, and a consumer member. A progress report to the General Assembly on the development of the hospital/ASF evaluation system is required by January 1, 2001 and the evaluation system must be implemented on or before July 1, 2001.
Report on the Hospital/Ambulatory Surgical Facility Performance Evaluation System, January 2001 (pdf)

The Task Force to Develop Performance Quality Measures for Managed Behavioral Health Care Organizations: Chapter 579 (Senate Bill 585 [1999]) requires the Task Force to develop measures of quality for the provision of behavioral health care services to members or enrollees of managed behavioral health care organizations. Managed behavioral health care organizations are defined as "a company, organization, or subsidiary that: contracts with a carrier to provide, undertake to arrange, or administer behavioral health care services to members; or otherwise makes behavioral health care services available to members through contracts with mental health care providers." Behavioral health care services are defined as "procedures or services rendered by a health care provider for the treatment of mental illness, emotional disorders, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse."

In October 1999, a 10-member Task Force was convened including the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Secretary's designee, the Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) who is designated the Chairman, and the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The remaining seven were appointed by the MHCC based on nominations from professional associations or groups designated in the bill. An Interim Report was presented to the General Assembly in December 1999. The Task Force recommended, and the legislature agreed, that, with the exception of a few initial steps, the deadline for final recommendations be extended to December 15, 2000 in order to permit a more thorough analysis of the measures that should be reported.
Interim Report of the Task Force to Develop Quality Measures for Managed Behavioral Health Care Organizations, December 15, 1999 (pdf)

Final Report of the Task Force to Develop Quality Measures for Managed Behavioral Health Care Organizations, December 2000 (pdf)

Who is EHNAC?

The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body. It is comprised of an Executive Director and nine (9) industry and consumer representatives from the following groups: Two (2) commissioners represent clearinghouses and transaction processing networks with parent company revenue under $3,000,000; two (2) represent clearinghouses and transaction processing networks with parent company revenue in excess of $3,000,000; one (1) commissioner represents VANs [value added networks]; two (2) commissioners represent the public as ad hoc members; one (1) commissioner represents a private payer or insurer and one (1) commissioner represents the provider community, hospital, physician or other consumer organization. 

With the help of industry work groups, EHNAC establishes clear standards against which clearinghouse and value-added network performance is measured. EHNAC defines its evaluation and accreditation procedures, including different accreditation levels, methods for granting and revoking accreditation, probationary periods and provisional accreditation. These steps are intended to represent full disclosure of the process and rules under which accreditation will operate, giving participants as clear an understanding as possible of expectations and processes.

Why EHNAC Accreditation?

Accreditation supports continuous improvement of an organization while helping to raise the standards of an industry as a whole, evaluating performance measured against industry-established standards. The accreditation process and the work of an independent accrediting body protect the interests of the general public while providing a benchmark for prospective users to evaluate service capabilities.

The Commission holds a seat on the EHNAC standards committee and has already effectively lobbied for the adoption of certain standards (e.g., open connectivity and stronger confidentiality measures). By granting EHNAC deemed status and opting to work with EHNAC in the continuous improvement of these standards, the Commission supports the evolution of national standards for clearinghouses and networks. State standards could prove costly to both providers in terms of quality and the EDI industry in terms of accreditation costs.

What do the regulations require of Payers?

The regulations apply to payers with annual health care premiums of over $1 million dollars. The payer regulations have two major requirements. First, payers must be capable of accepting claims through a payer designated MHCC-certified EHN. This does not limit a payer’s selection of more than one EHN, it merely states that at least one EHN must be MHCC-certified. Payers must also submit an EDI Progress Report that will aid the Commission in tracking the progress of health care EDI in Maryland.

How will these regulations help Maryland providers?

These regulations will help to establish an EDI infrastructure in Maryland in which providers can be confident that claims will reach their intended payers. These regulations eliminate the chance that a provider who does business with many payers will have to contract with several different EHNs to make sure claims get to the payers. By contracting with an MHCC-certified EHN, practitioners and payers will know that the EHN has met data security and confidentiality requirements that go beyond those of the EHNAC accreditation program. Additionally, practitioners and payers alike should enjoy an increased confidence in a decision to contract with an MHCC-certified EHN.

Are these activities consistent with Federal initiatives to simplify administrative health care transactions?

The Health Care Portability Act (H.R.3103) will establish standards for the transmittal and use of electronic claims data. The regulations enacted by the Commission are fully compatible with the Federal initiatives. The Commission will continue to work with federal and industry work groups to ensure that Maryland’s health care EDI needs are considered as national standards are developed.

How much land is zoned for Industrial use?

15,133.89 acres

How much land is zoned for Residential use?

25,394.43 acres

Where can I go to get an anonymous HIV test?

I am HIV positive, where can I get help?

hdcasemg.cfm

I am pregnant and need medical assistance. Where can I go?

Where can I go to get medical assistance for my children?

Can someone come to my school and talk about HIV and AIDS?

Where can I get immunizations for my child?

Immunizations are available at our health center sites. Contact a public health nurse at the health center nearest you to arrange a time suitable to you. Call 410-887-2705 for the site and phone number.

How can I get a nurse to provide services for a relative in my home?

Call 410-887-2705. A public health nurse will obtain the necessary information to determine what services are appropriate for your problem. Nursing Assistants are available through the Home Health Division of the Long Term Care Bureau or other private agencies. If the family member is home bound, call 410-887-2726 to speak with the Home Health Supervisor.

How can I find out if I am pregnant?

My child has pediculosis (head lice), what can I do?

I have no health insurance, where can I get a physical exam to start a new job?

Call central information and referral at 410-887-2705 for recommendations.

How can I change the primary care provider that I was assigned in the Health Choice Program?

Contact the Enrollee Action Line at Foundation Federal Health Services at 1-800-284-4510 to discuss your concern.

Where are the nearest health department clinics and what are their phone numbers?

Where do I call for: pregnancy testing, immunizations, children's physicals, or lead screening?

Call Conservation of Hearing and Vision at 410-887-2722. We can also help eligible families with costs of glasses and examinations.

I have no health insurance and my child needs medical follow-up. What can I do?

Some medical problems of children may be eligible for assistance programs, call 410-887-2718. You can apply for the Child Health Insurance Program if you are eligible according to your income. Call 410-887-2957 for an application.

How can I get help for my elderly parents?

How do I get service from Home Health?

Call 410-887-2725 and review your needs with an intake supervisor.

We will bill Medicare or any other insurer, if available. We also have a sliding scale fee for those with no insurance coverage. We do not deny service due to inability to pay.

How do I go about getting someone in a nursing home?

How do I get Medical Assistance?

You need to call the Department of Social Services at 410-887-2520.

I need inpatient treatment and I have no money, where can I go and can your agency get me into a program?

Right Turn of Maryland, LLC operates the Baltimore County DWI/Correctional Treatment facility. Potential clients must undergo a Substance Assessment to determine if they are appropiate for admisssion. Assessments are provided at no cost by staff of the Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse. For more information, contact Nick Gori, Criminal Justice Coordinator at 410-887-3828.

When a person doesn't want to go into treatment, what legal steps can I take?

If a person is not motivated for treatment, there is little that can be done. If the person is a danger or threat to themselves or others, the certification process can be started. Two doctors must attest to the fact that the person is a danger or threat and process the certification paperwork. An intervention can be set up with the person and significant others to make them aware of the problems their drug usage is causing them and others. The intervention should be conducted by trained professionals.

Does your bureau offer speakers to talk about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?

Presenters are available to offer education and information about problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Call the Bureau of Substance Abuse at 410-887-3828 to schedule a speaker.

Does your bureau provide educational information about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?

The Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse has a resource center which provides educational pamphlets and brochures about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, including the Drug and Alcohol Information Referral Booklet. If interested, please call 410-887-3828 to receive educational materials. In addition, there are literature racks filled with educational materials located at each Baltimore County Library.

What does it mean if someone has a positive skin test for tuberculosis?

A positive skin test usually means that the person has been infected with the TB germ. It does not mean the person has tuberculosis or TB disease. Other tests are needed to see if the person has TB disease. This is usually done by a doctor, clinic or the local Health Department. For more information, call 410-887-2711.

What do I do if I am bitten by a dog or cat?

While visiting at a nursing home, I noticed an insect crawling along the floor in the room. Who should I contact and what will be done?

The Baltimore County Health Department, Medical Environmental Health Program should be contacted at 410-887-6005 to report this problem or any other environmental complaint. A registered sanitarian will be assigned to investigate and evaluate these problems at the facility. If the complaint is substantiated, the facility will be required to take the necessary actions to correct the situation.

What do I do if I lost a pet in Baltimore County?

You may visit the Baltimore County Animal Shelter at 13800 Manor Road between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, Monday through Saturday. Any dog or cat received by Animal Control will be checked for identification or the required license tag and efforts will be made to contact the pet owner.

If the animal has no identification, the owner can come to the Animal Shelter to see if their pet is here; the owner may also fill out a lost pet card for the shelter bulletin board. Photos of lost pets are encouraged.

What do I do if there is a problem with barking dogs in my community?

Call the Baltimore County Animal Control Division at 410-887-5961 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Reports are taken by phone, but not anonymously.

How can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

Birth and death certificates are issued by the State of Maryland, Division of Vital Records. Call 410-764-3038.

What is the life expectancy in Baltimore County?

In 1998, there were a total of 9,080 births to Baltimore County women. Of those, 775 were to mothers under 20 years old.

For more information - call 410-887-2077