MarylandSB 00832026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Health Occupations - Grounds for Discipline - Federal and Court Actions

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcAudiologists and Speech PathologistsCommittees and CommissionsComplementary and Alternative MedicineCounselors and TherapistsCourts -see also- AppCt; Circuit; District; Orphans'; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DentistsDietitians and NutritionistsDisciplineEnvironmental HealthHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hearing AidsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedical ExaminersOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPhysician AssistantsPhysicians -see also- MedExmnrs; Pediatr; Psychiatrists etc.PodiatristsRadiationSocial WorkersSports and RecreationVeterans

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Stricter discipline for behavioral health licenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, boards for counselors, psychologists, and social workers can act on more outside findings. If the military or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disciplined you for conduct that also breaks Maryland rules, the board can deny, reprimand, put you on probation, suspend, or revoke your license. Out-of-state or foreign licensing actions count for counselors and psychologists. For psychologists and social workers, court findings from any state or country also count.

Stricter discipline for dentists and hygienists

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Dental Board can act on licenses based on some federal actions. If the military or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disciplined you for conduct that also breaks Maryland rules, the Board can deny, reprimand, put you on probation, suspend, or revoke your dentist or dental hygienist license.

Stricter discipline for medical board licenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Maryland Board of Physicians and its committees can use more outside actions to discipline licenses. If the military or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disciplined you for conduct that also breaks Maryland rules, the Board can deny, reprimand, put you on probation, suspend, or revoke your license. This applies to physicians, physician assistants, respiratory care practitioners, radiology technologists, polysomnography practitioners, athletic trainers, perfusionists, naturopaths, and genetic counselors. For naturopaths, discipline or conviction by a court of any state or country also counts.

Stricter discipline for other health licenses

Beginning October 1, 2026, several Maryland boards can use more outside actions to discipline licenses. If the military or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disciplined you for conduct that also breaks Maryland rules, boards can deny, reprimand, put you on probation, suspend, or revoke licenses for audiology, speech-language pathology, hearing aid dispensing, music therapy, dietetics, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and environmental health. For podiatrists, out-of-state or foreign licensing or court actions also count.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 1 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 2/12/2026