Maryland Department of Health

The State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) for Maryland identifies the state's top health priorities and lays out associated goals and objectives for improved health outcomes over the next five years. The plan focuses on five priority areas: chronic disease, access to care, women's health, violence, and behavioral health. It aims to address health equity by incorporating it into the goals, objectives, and strategies of each priority area. The plan also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to enhance public health across Maryland.

The meeting included approval of consent agenda items such as nurse practitioner programs and certificate training programs. Discussions involved site visit reports, requests for approval of expert consultants and plans of action for Morgan State University and Prince George's County Community College, and consideration of an outside consultant for Bowie State University. A legislative report was provided, along with updates on a work group for CEU requirements and direct-entry midwife applications. An audience inquiry regarding an outside consultant for Bowie State University was addressed.

The board meeting covered various topics including approval of advanced practice nursing education programs, certified nursing assistant training programs, and faculty for these programs. Discussions also included requests for waivers of graduate degrees, reports on nursing program surveys, and legislative proposals for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The board reviewed applications for licensure as a direct-entry midwife and electrology practices, along with renewal applications and a request to deny a continuing education course.

The board meeting included discussions and approvals related to several nurse practitioner programs, certified nurse aid training programs, and a nurse refresher program. The agenda also covered topics such as adjunct clinical faculty appointments, accreditation status for nursing programs, and requests for approval of expert consultants and action plans for nursing departments. Discussions included blended formats for nurse refresher courses, amendments to regulations for the Nurse Licensure Compact, renaming of a training program, and a legislative report. Finally, the board addressed an audience inquiry and adjourned the open session.

The Maryland Board of Nursing meeting addressed various topics, including updates on personnel changes (resignations of the executive director and health policy planning administrator), the termination of the federal COVID emergency and its implications for temporary nurse aides, and site visit reports for Harford Community College and the University of Maryland School of Nursing. The board approved a substantial modification to the University of Maryland's master's entry program. Legislative affairs were discussed, covering bills signed by the governor related to mental health, clinical nurse specialists, physician licensure, and the Board of Nursing itself. The meeting also included actions on direct-entry midwifery and electrology applications and renewals, and the reappointment of a committee member. Finally, the board moved into a closed session to discuss confidential licensure and certification matters.