Section 13-5106 - Assessment of foundational public health capabilities(a) The Commission shall assess the foundational public health capabilities of the Department and local health departments in the State.(b)(1) In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall:(i) Explain the impact of the foundational public health capabilities on the State's ability to address foundational public health areas, including as the foundational public health areas relate to behavioral health;(ii) Explain the impact of the foundational public health capabilities on the State's ability to respond to COVID-19, overdoses, maternal and infant mortality, and other major public health challenges as appropriate; and(iii) Provide public outreach to hold at least three public meetings in different areas of the State that include an opportunity for public comment.(2) In conducting the assessment required under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission may: (i) Request deidentified and publicly available data from the Department, local health departments, and the State-designated health data utility; and(ii) Request interviews with State and local health officials.(c)(1) Based on the assessment conducted under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall make recommendations for reform in the following areas: (i) Organization of State and local public health departments;(ii) Information technology, information exchange, and data and analytics;(iii) Workforce, including human resources and use of the medical reserve corps for public health;(iv) Procurement, including oversight of contractors;(vi) Communication and public engagement; and(vii) Any other area considered appropriate by the Commission.(2) The recommendations made under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include the funding or legislation required to implement the recommendation, if any.(3) The Commission shall justify each recommendation made under paragraph (1) of this subsection based on how the recommendation contributes to the provision of foundational public health services.(4)(i) The Commission shall make a draft of its recommendations available for public comment for 30 days.(ii) The final report of the Commission shall include a response to any substantive public comment received on the draft recommendations.(5)(i) The Commission shall use best efforts to reach consensus on its recommendations.(ii) If the Commission cannot reach consensus on its recommendations, the Commission shall include the opportunity for dissenting comments in the Commission's final report.Added by 2023 Md. Laws, Ch. 385,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2023, exp. 7/1/2025.