Nursing homes provide critical care to some of Maryland’s most vulnerable residents, making it essential that they adhere to strict health and safety regulations.
According to a Maryland Matters article, as of the end of March, nearly 60% of the state’s 220 nursing homes had received an inspection within the past 16 months—the federal benchmark for timely oversight. That’s a marked improvement from last June, when only 21% met that threshold.
But the reality remains troubling as some facilities have gone more than four years without a comprehensive review, leaving vulnerable residents potentially exposed to unsafe or substandard living conditions.
In the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed SB 376, which aims to increase transparency and keep the pressure on state regulators. Sponsored by Senator Ben Kramer (D-Montgomery), the bill requires the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to submit quarterly reports to lawmakers on the status of inspections and mandates semiannual updates to counties detailing local inspection progress.
From the article:
“These are the most vulnerable people in our population,” said Senator Kramer (D-Montgomery). “And nobody is putting eyes on the nursing home to ensure that these seniors are being properly cared for.”
The bill, now awaiting the Governor’s signature, originally included language that would have allowed counties to partner with MDH to conduct inspections—a model based on a previous agreement with Montgomery County. Empowering local governments could accelerate the state’s progress by easing the workload on state inspectors.
MACo submitted written testimony in support of the bill. Allowing local governments to assist with inspections and investigations ensures that no facility goes unchecked simply due to limited State resources. Counties believe that, given ongoing workforce challenges, allowing local agencies to complement State efforts when they feel they are capable is a wise strategy for protecting all Marylanders. However, that provision was ultimately removed after pushback from MDH citing cost and coordination concerns.
