What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
The most significant healthcare challenge is a shortage of healthcare practitioners. So I Was proud to support the 2022 state legislative session House Bill 625/Senate Bill 440 to create a commission to study Maryland's health care workforce crisis.
Maryland’s hospitals operate under a unique contract with the federal government that promotes community, equity, and value. It also contributes significantly to Maryland's economy. How do you plan to support the continued success of the Maryland Model?
I strongly support the Population Health Improvement Plan: Planning for Population Health Improvement Developed by the Office of Population Health Improvement (OPHI) at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Public Health Services. In addition, I support measures that improve population health beyond the clinical space.
Maryland is experiencing a shortage of health care practitioners, especially nurses, that we project will worsen in the years ahead. How do you plan to address the immediate crisis and what will you do to make sure we have a robust and sustainable health care workforce pipeline?
Even though enrollment in nursing programs is increasing, it is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. We must provide support for continuing education and consider on-site program partnerships with healthcare agencies and local high schools. In addition, providing professional development resources addresses issues associated with nurses' heightened stress levels when they are assigned to a new area with short notice, especially in the critical care unit. I am interested in supporting or introducing the bill by consulting with stakeholders that address the immediate crisis.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
The recent 2022 state legislative session passed and enrolled House Bill 625/Senate Bill 440 to create a commission to study Maryland's health care workforce crisis. However, this is a significant step forward. I am committed to translating their findings into actionable policies.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
An automatic enrollment process for low-cost or free coverage residents could be an option.
How do you plan to address consumers' growing exposure to health care costs, such as high deductible health plans and rising prescription drug prices in Maryland?
Our senior population in District 8 is substantial. I have always strived to act in their best interest, whether it be helping lower out-of-pocket costs by cosponsoring the Prescription Drug Affordability Board or helping protect Medicare and Medicaid. As a member of the Health & Government Operations Committee, we see many bills that pertain to our senior citizens. I will continue to support and fight for legislation that truly helps them.
Maryland’s worsening medical liability climate, as noted in a recent independent report, threatens access to, and affordability of, health care services in Maryland. Plaintiffs’ attorneys typically take 40% of a medical malpractice judgment. Do you support limiting attorneys’ fees so that the affected individuals can receive more of their settlement or judgment? What additional reforms would you support that balance supporting individuals and families harmed by medical malpractice with ensuring continued access to services in a community?
I was confused about the disparate information. However, I firmly believe that the insurance company and stakeholders should come together to fix this issue.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
Education: As an educator myself and the father of a BCPS student, I know that education needs to be one of our top priorities in the General Assembly. With the work we have done on Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and Blueprint 2.0, I believe we are heading in the right direction. Investing in quality technical and career education in a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff has always been of the utmost importance to me, and I am pleased to see the progress we are making. I will continue fighting to improve our schools and secure every dollar possible for capital projects.
Economic Recovery: The pandemic has caused a lot of hurt to many in our district and around the state. While things are certainly improving, we still have too many in great need through no fault of their own. Taking care of the residents of District 8, supporting small businesses, and helping folks get back to work is imperative, and I will do all I can to make that happen. In the meantime, should anyone have issues with unemployment insurance benefits or anything of that nature, please reach out to my office.
Helping Our Senior Citizens: Our senior population in District 8 is substantial. Acting in their best interest is something I have always strived to do, whether it be helping lower out-of-pocket costs by cosponsoring the Prescription Drug Affordability Board or helping protect Medicare and Medicaid. As a member of the Health & Government Operations Committee, we see many bills come through that pertain to our senior citizens, and I will continue to support and fight for legislation that truly helps them.