Public Health Laws
Public health laws are in place to protect the health of the public. The Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) are the two main sources of public health laws in Maryland. The laws that may be of interest are listed below with the link to the source document included.
ANIMAL SERVICES
View animal laws and policies.
| Topic | Description | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Holding Facilities | Bill prohibiting animal shelter having unreasonable noise and light on other real estate properties | County Bill 2-18 |
| Animal Welfare | Oscar's Law requiring certain care and shelter of animals that are not kept in a home or building | Maryland HB 16 |
| Exotic Animals | Prohibits ownership and sale of exotic animals | Criminal Law 10-621 |
| Exotic Bird Permits | Inspects exotic bird records and issues permits | Health General 24-101 to 24-110 |
| Pet Store Inspections | Inspects pet stores for compliance with reptile caution notices, exotic bird records, humane and sanitary conditions | HB1662 |
| Pets for Vets | Adoption fees waived for veterans | SB 0338 |
| Rabies | Investigates animal attacks involving humans, collects and sends specimens for testing, enforces quarantines, conducts vaccination clinics | COMAR 10.06.02 |
| Regulation for Pet Stores | Regulations for Retail Pet Stores | HB1662 |
| Research Animal Adoption | Humane Adoption of Companion Animals Used in Research Act of 2018 | SB0675 |
| Spay and Neuter Extension | Extends the Spay and Neuter Program for 10 years, until September 30, 2032 | SB 206 |
| Trap, Neuter, and Return | Establishes a Trap-Neuter-Return Program; requiring the Health Officer to establish guidelines for the Trap-Neuter-Return Program. | County Bill 86-21 |
| Vector Control | Response to complaints about rodents, mosquito control, animal hoarding, vermin or insect infestations, West Nile Virus investigations, Lyme disease awareness | Baltimore County Code of Ordinances 12-8-107, Article 13 |
DISEASE CONTROL
| Topic | Description | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Food Borne Illness Investigation | Investigates food and water borne illnesses related to food service facilities and within institutional facilities | COMAR 10.06.01 |
| HIV and CD4 Lymphocyte Investigations and Case Reporting | Requirements for physician reporting of a case of HIV or AIDS, or birth of an infant whose mother has tested positive for HIV; Institution reporting of a case of HIV or AIDS; Lab reporting of a test result for HIV infection or CD4 count; health officer follow up of a physician report of AIDS | COMAR 10.18.02 |
| HIV Counseling and Testing Procedures | Requirements for pre-test and post-test counseling and informed consent when HIV testing is performed | COMAR 10.18.08 |
| HIV Investigations and Case Reporting AIDS | Requirements for reporting a case of AIDS and health officer follow up of a physician report of AIDS | COMAR 10.18.03 |
| HIV Testing for Convicted Persons | HIV testing of persons accused or convicted, or both, of certain crimes | COMAR 10.52.10 |
| HIV Testing Pregnant Women | Requirements for counseling and informed consent when HIV testing is performed on pregnant women | COMAR 10.18.09 |
| Minor Consent Law | Defines how minors can consent to health procedures | Health General Assembly 20-102 |
| Olivia's Law | Colleges and Universities mandated to implement infectious disease outbreak procedures | HB 187 |
| Quarantine | Health officer may issue directive to an individual or a group to remain in isolation or place of quarantine | Health General Assembly 18-901 |
| Reportable Diseases | List of reportable diseases and conditions which health care providers, institutions and others are required to report | COMAR 10.06.01.03 |
| Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) | Clinical services for screening, diagnosis, partner identification and treatment | COMAR 10.06.07 |
| STI Testing and Contact Tracing | Assure clients and contacts that have or have been exposed to certain reportable STIs obtain appropriate treatment and follow up, and all information is entered into the state database. | COMAR 10.06.01.17 |
| Tuberculosis | Assure that individuals are assessed and treated according to protocol, contacts are investigated and treated accordingly, and information is entered into the state database. | COMAR 10.06.01.20 |
ENVIRONMENT
| Topic | Description | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Safety | Animal health in agriculture | Annotated Code of Maryland Agriculture Article |
| Bathing Beach Toxic Substances | Safety of water at beaches | COMAR 26.08.01 COMAR 26.08.02 COMAR 08.04.16 EPA Beach Act |
| Bottled Water | Procedures for obtaining proper permits for bottling and dispensing drinking water from spring construction to unit processing. | COMAR 10.15.11 |
| Building Permits | Building permits issued related to water and sewage | COMAR 26.04.02 |
| Building Plan Review | Major projects, public water and sewer and plat reviews | COMAR 26.04.03 |
| Campgrounds | Inspections and investigations, permits for campgrounds | COMAR 10.16.03 |
| Canning | Requirements for operating canning and acidified food manufacturing plants | COMAR 10.15.01 |
| Crab meat | Processing regulations to ensure safe and sanitary crab meat and working conditions for employees | COMAR 10.15.02 |
| Drain Cover Requirement Pools and Spas | Requirement for covering drains pools and spas | 15 USC 8003 |
| Drinking Water Safety | Regulations to protect drinking water | Safe Drinking Water Act Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 Part 131 |
| Food and Drink Processing and Transportation | Processing, producing, transporting and storing items for human consumption | COMAR 10.15.04 |
| Food Inspection | Inspection of meat and poultry products | U.S. Department of Agriculture Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) |
| Food Labeling | Branding of foods and dietary supplements | U.S. Code, Food 21, Section 343 |
| Food Safety | Safety of food and recalls | U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) |
| Food Safety | Transportation of food and additives | U.S. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) |
| Food Safety | Food safety recommendations to prevent food related illness | U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code 2013 and Supplements |
| Food Service Facilities | Assure that food service facilities serve food that is safe for human consumption, that buildings meet proper standards for cleanliness, conduct inspections, provides training, issues food | COMAR 10.15.03 |
| Food, Drugs and Cosmetics | Sale of foods to consumers | Annotated Code of Maryland Health General Article |
| Frozen Dairy Foods | Manufacture and sale of frozen dairy foods and ices | COMAR 10.15.05 |
| Hazard Investigation | Local Health Officer has the authority to investigate any condition that is dangerous to human health and to inspect schools, places of employment and businesses | Environmental Article 10-201 |
| Hazards—Controlled Substances | Regulation to control the manufacturing, distribution, and use of controlled, dangerous substances | COMAR 10.19.03 |
| Hotels and Motels | Investigation of complaints regarding hotels and motels | Health-General 20-301 |
| Indoor Smoking | Prohibition of smoking in indoor areas open to the public | COMAR 10.19.04 |
| Lead Paint Poisoning Investigations | Regulations for techniques for abatement of lead containing substances from interior and certain exterior surfaces in residential areas and day care properties | COMAR 26.02.07 COMAR 26.16.02 COMAR 26.16.05 |
| Manufactured Grade Milk | Production, processing, transportation, storage and distribution of manufactured grade milk | COMAR 10.15.09 |
| Milk | Production, processing, transportation, storage and distribution of milk | COMAR 10.15.06 |
| Mobile Home Park License | Inspections and investigations, permits for mobile home parks | COMAR 10.16.02 |
| Mobile Reciprocity License | License issued to a mobile food service which is operating in the jurisdiction; is operating within 90 miles of its base of operation; holds a valid license from the county of origin. | Maryland Senate Bill 262 |
| Nuisance Complaints | Nuisance complaints investigation | General Assembly Environmental 10-201 |
| Open Burning | Prohibits the start of an open fire with out a permit and control officer approval | COMAR 26.11.07 |
| Other Licenses | Regulations protecting public health and safety of occupants of migratory labor camps | COMAR 10.16.01 COMAR 10.16.03 COMAR 10.16.05 |
| Performance Criteria for Beaches | Guidance and performance criteria for beaches | National Beach Guidance and Required Performance Criteria EPA-823-B-02-004 Recreational Water Quality Criteria EPA |
| Seafood | Procedures for the safe handling and processing of seafood. | COMAR 10.15.10 |
| Sewage Overflows | Maryland Department of the Environment sewage overflow enforcement | COMAR 26.08.10 |
| Shellfish | Procedures for processing and handling shellfish which are sold for human consumption | COMAR 10.15.07 |
| Solid Waste—General | Investigate complaints, review sewage and sludge applications and sites, review demolition permits | COMAR 26.04.06 |
| Solid Waste—Medical | Applies to entities that generate and handle special medical waste or sharps, or treat and dispose of medical waste | COMAR 10.06.06 |
| Solid Waste—Septic | Review applications, issue permits, inspect installed, investigate failing systems | COMAR 26.04.02 |
| Swimming Pool and Spa Licenses | Regulations to protect and promote the health and safety of those using public pools or spas including construction and disinfecting | COMAR 10.17.01 COMAR 10.17.02 CDC Modal Aquatic Code |
| Swimming Pools, Spas and Bathing Beaches | Permits and regulations on public water systems | COMAR 26.04.01 |
| Swimming and Bathing Beach Licenses | Annual permit for operations of public beaches including sanitation quality of facilities and waters | COMAR 26.08.09 |
| Water Emergency | Maryland Department of the Environment water control program; emergency water supply | COMAR 26.04.01 |
| Water Percolation | Percolation testing and soil analysis, site plan review and ground water monitoring | COMAR 26.04.02 |
| Water Potability | Regulations establishing standards and procedures applicable to well construction | COMAR 26.04.04 |
| Water Well Construction | Permits and inspections of wells | COMAR 26.04.04 |
| Youth Camps | Certifications for youth camps | COMAR 10.16.06 |
FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
| Topic | Description | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Acute General and Specialty Hospitals | Licensing requirements for hospitals | COMAR 10.07.01 |
| Adult Foster Care | Licensing requirements for adult foster care | COMAR 07.02.17 |
| Assistance to Health Officer | Code related to assistance to the health officer to administer laws | Baltimore County Code 3-2-604 |
| Assisted Living Programs | Licensing requirements for assisted living programs | COMAR 10.07.14 |
| Code of Baltimore County Regulations (COBAR) | Codes related to pools, zoning, towing and others enacted by the County Council | COBAR |
| Comprehensive Care Facilities | Licensing requirements for extended and comprehensive care facilities | COMAR 10.07.02 |
| County Board of Health Powers and Duties | Codes related to pools, zoning, towing and others enacted by the County Council | Health General Assembly 3-301 to 3-309 |
| Day Care for Medically Disabled Adults | Licensing requirements for extended and comprehensive care facilities | COMAR 10.12.04 |
| Local Board of Health Duties | Role of the Board of Health | Baltimore County Code 7-539 |
| Local Health Officer | Role of the Local Health officer | Health General Assembly 3-301 to 3-309 |
| Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs for Adults | Licensing requirements for adult psychiatric rehabilitation | COMAR 10.21.21 |
| Residential Treatment Centers for Emotionally Disturbed Children and Adolescents | Licensing requirements for residential care for emotionally disturbed children | COMAR 10.07.04 |
| State Funding for Local Health Services | Amount of General Funds from the state provided to local health departments for core funding | COMAR 10.04.01 |
| Treatment Foster Care Programs | Licensing requirements for treatment foster care | COMAR 07.02.21 |
HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS
| Topic | Description | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Abatement of Nuisances | Nuisances and unsanitary conditions abatement | Health General Assembly 20-301 |
| Birth Certificates | Copies of birth, death and fetal death certificates | Health General Assembly 4-217 |
| Child Care | Child care home licensing | Family Law Article 5-508 |
| Correctional Facilities - Substance Use Disorder Treatment | Requiring correctional facilities to provide medication assisted treatment | HB116 |
| Disease Reporting in Facilities | Reporting of Infectious diseases to Health Department | Health General Article 18-102 |
| Emergency Preparedness | Requirements for county and facility emergency preparedness | Health General Public Safety Article 14-110 |
| Good Samaritan Law | Protects the public when assisting in an emergency, expanded to include overdose | HB190 |
| Group Homes for Children | Regulations for therapeutic group homes | Health General Article 10-922 Health Occupations Article 20-302 Human Services Article 2 COMAR 14.31.06 Independent Agencies |
| Immunizations—Meningococcal | Requirements for meningococcal vaccination of individuals enrolled in institutions of higher education who are living in on campus housing | COMAR 10.06.05 |
| Immunizations—School Entry | Restrictions for schools to admit or retain a student unless the parent or guardian has furnished evidence of age appropriate immunity | COMAR 10.06.04 |
| Inspections of Facilities | Inspections of hospitals and other care facilities | Health General Article 19-308 Health General Article 19-307 Health General Title 19, Subtitle 18 Health General Article 14-206 Health General Article 5-519 |
| Permits and Inspections | Environmental impacts and hazards permits and inspections | Annotated Code of Maryland Environmental Articles |
| School-Based Health Centers | Conditions for participation | COMAR 10.09.76.03 |
| School Health Services | Standards for students | COMAR 13A.05.05.07 |
| Sexually Transmitted Infections | Expedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea | COMAR 10.06.07 |
| Substance Use Disorder Program | Licensing of substance use disorder program | General Health Article 8-404 |
| Syringe Services | Authorizing syringe services program to prevent disease | SB279 |
| Tanning Device Use by Minors | Restricts use of tanning devices by minors | COMAR 10.52.06 |
| Tattoo and Body Piercing | Regulations on handling and disposing of sharp waste that have had contact with body fluids; requirements for procedures | COMAR 10.06.06G COMAR 10.06.01H |
| Tobacco Sales to Minors | May not distribute tobacco products to a minor | Baltimore County Code Title 12 13-12.01 |
| Transportation Safety—Bike Helmets | Helmets required for under age 16, including passengers, who ride bikes on the road | Transportation General Assembly Article 21-1207.2 |
| Transportation Safety—Bike Traffic | Traffic laws apply to bikes and motor scooters | Transportation General Assembly Article 21-1202 |
| Transportation Safety—Cell Phones | Texting is banned, hand held cell phone restrictions and all use banned for learners | Transportation General Assembly Article 21-1124 |
| Transportation Safety—Child Safety Seats | All children under eight years of age must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat unless the child is four feet, nine inches or taller. The child restraint must be right for the child's size, age and weight. | Transportation General Assembly Article 22-412.2 |
| Transportation Safety—Pedestrians | Pedestrian rights and rules to prevent injury | Transportation General Assembly Article 21-202 |
| Transportation Safety—Seatbelts | Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts | Transportation General Assembly Article 22-412 |