What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
Violence, particulary in the ER has been one of the greatest health care challenges facing Maryland today. In 2020, I introduced legislation that would allow an Employer to obtain a Peace Order for its workplace, employees and invitees. The legislation passed the House in 2021 but not the Senate. With the help of the MHA and MNA we were able to pass the legislation in 2021 (HB 289).
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 will suport any legislation that promotes the continued success of the Maryland Model. I Chair the Ways & Meas Committe, these issues will be heard in the Health and Government Operatios committee. I'll support any legislation that comes to the House floor for a vote and cosponsor any such legislation.
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?
One way to attract and retain nurses in Marylad is to provide repayment of school tuition and student loans if the idividual commits to working ni Maryland for a certain period of time
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
First, make it easier to enroll in healthcare plans by utilizig an automatic enrollment; second, making healthcare more affordable; and, third, allowing immigrats, regardless of status to obtain health insurance.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
Ensuring that all Marylanders obtain health care, regardless of their zip code and immigration status, is critical. Also, the legislature must pass legislatio so that all women have access to reproductive care, including pre/post natal care. Africa American women in Marylad have a high infant mortality rate - this should not be the case. The legislature must look at these issues from a racial and social justice lens.
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?
The legislature should enact reccomendations of the Perscription Drug Affordability Board and continue to fund the Board. We must also build upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure Marylanders can afford healthcare for themselves and their families.
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?
Yes, I support reasonable limits on attorney's fees.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
Priority 1 – Since 2019 I have introduced legislation to alter how divorces are obtained in Maryland. The current statutory structure makes it difficult, if not impossible, for a financially dependent or abused spouse to obtain a divorce. The House has passed legislation that I introduced to alter the divorce statute each year. In 2021 I participated in an interim workgroup with the family law section of the Maryland Bar Association, The Woman’s Law Center, the House of Ruth and other stakeholders, and we proposed legislation in 2022 that would revamp laws related to divorce and separation in Maryland. I would reintroduce this legislation in the 2023 Legislative Session. If passed, this would help a significant number of individuals, including children, trapped in unhealthy and abusive marriages.
Priority 2 – During the 2022 Legislative Session, I introduced legislation that would hold firearm dealers responsible for certain actions. The legislation prohibits a “firearm industry member” from knowingly and recklessly engaging in conduct that (1) is unlawful or (2) under the totality of the circumstances, is unreasonable and creates, maintains, or contributes to a condition in the State that endangers the health and safety of the public through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a “qualified product.”
Priority 3 – During the 2023 Legislative Session, I would like to continue to focus on the various responsibilities related to Chairing the Ways and Means Committee. One of these responsibilities includes again passing the shifting the burden of proof in Special Education litigation out of the House.