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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
  • Disease Control
  • Environment
  • Fiscal and Administrative
  • Health of Children and Adults

ANIMAL SERVICES

View animal laws and policies.

TopicDescriptionCitation
Animal Holding FacilitiesBill prohibiting animal shelter having unreasonable noise and light on other real estate propertiesCounty Bill 2-18
Animal WelfareOscar's Law requiring certain care and shelter of animals that are not kept in a home or buildingMaryland HB 16(link is external)
Exotic AnimalsProhibits ownership and sale of exotic animalsCriminal Law 10-621(link is external)
Exotic Bird PermitsInspects exotic bird records and issues permitsHealth General 24-101 to 24-110(link is external)
Pet Store InspectionsInspects pet stores for compliance with reptile caution notices, exotic bird records, humane and sanitary conditionsHB1662(link is external)
Pets for VetsAdoption fees waived for veteransSB 0338(link is external)
RabiesInvestigates animal attacks involving humans, collects and sends specimens for testing, enforces quarantines, conducts vaccination clinicsCOMAR 10.06.02(link is external)
Regulation for Pet StoresRegulations for Retail Pet StoresHB1662(link is external)
Research Animal AdoptionHumane Adoption of Companion Animals Used in Research Act of 2018SB0675(link is external)
Spay and Neuter ExtensionExtends the Spay and Neuter Program for 10 years, until September 30, 2032SB 206(link is external)
Trap, Neuter, and ReturnEstablishes a Trap-Neuter-Return Program; requiring the Health Officer to establish guidelines for the Trap-Neuter-Return Program.County Bill 86-21
Vector ControlResponse to complaints about rodents, mosquito control, animal hoarding, vermin or insect infestations, West Nile Virus investigations, Lyme disease awarenessBaltimore County Code of Ordinances 12-8-107, Article 13(link is external)

DISEASE CONTROL

TopicDescriptionCitation
Food Borne Illness InvestigationInvestigates food and water borne illnesses related to food service facilities and within institutional facilitiesCOMAR 10.06.01(link is external)
HIV and CD4 Lymphocyte Investigations and Case ReportingRequirements 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 AIDSCOMAR 10.18.02(link is external)
HIV Counseling and Testing ProceduresRequirements for pre-test and post-test counseling and informed consent when HIV testing is performedCOMAR 10.18.08(link is external)
HIV Investigations and Case Reporting AIDSRequirements for reporting a case of AIDS and health officer follow up of a physician report of AIDSCOMAR 10.18.03(link is external)
HIV Testing for Convicted PersonsHIV testing of persons accused or convicted, or both, of certain crimesCOMAR 10.52.10(link is external)
HIV Testing Pregnant WomenRequirements for counseling and informed consent when HIV testing is performed on pregnant womenCOMAR 10.18.09(link is external)
Minor Consent LawDefines how minors can consent to health proceduresHealth General Assembly 20-102(link is external)
Olivia's LawColleges and Universities mandated to implement infectious disease outbreak proceduresHB 187(link is external)
QuarantineHealth officer may issue directive to an individual or a group to remain in isolation or place of quarantineHealth General Assembly 18-901(link is external)
Reportable DiseasesList of reportable diseases and conditions which health care providers, institutions and others are required to reportCOMAR 10.06.01.03(link is external)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)Clinical services for screening, diagnosis, partner identification and treatmentCOMAR 10.06.07(link is external)
STI Testing and Contact TracingAssure 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(link is external)
TuberculosisAssure 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(link is external)

ENVIRONMENT

TopicDescriptionCitation
Agricultural SafetyAnimal health in agricultureAnnotated Code of Maryland Agriculture Article(link is external)
Bathing Beach Toxic SubstancesSafety of water at beachesCOMAR 26.08.01(link is external)
COMAR 26.08.02(link is external)
COMAR 08.04.16(link is external)
EPA Beach Act(link is external)
Bottled WaterProcedures for obtaining proper permits for bottling and dispensing drinking water from spring construction to unit processing.COMAR 10.15.11(link is external)
Building PermitsBuilding permits issued related to water and sewageCOMAR 26.04.02(link is external)
Building Plan ReviewMajor projects, public water and sewer and plat reviewsCOMAR 26.04.03(link is external)
CampgroundsInspections and investigations, permits for campgroundsCOMAR 10.16.03(link is external)
CanningRequirements for operating canning and acidified food manufacturing plantsCOMAR 10.15.01(link is external)
Crab meatProcessing regulations to ensure safe and sanitary crab meat and working conditions for employeesCOMAR 10.15.02(link is external)
Drain Cover Requirement Pools and SpasRequirement for covering drains pools and spas15 USC 8003(link is external)
Drinking Water SafetyRegulations to protect drinking waterSafe Drinking Water Act Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(link is external) 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 Part 131(link is external)
Food and Drink Processing and TransportationProcessing, producing, transporting and storing items for human consumptionCOMAR 10.15.04(link is external)
Food InspectionInspection of meat and poultry productsU.S. Department of Agriculture Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)(link is external)
Food LabelingBranding of foods and dietary supplementsU.S. Code, Food 21, Section 343(link is external)
Food SafetySafety of food and recallsU.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)(link is external)
Food SafetyTransportation of food and additivesU.S. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)(link is external)
Food SafetyFood safety recommendations to prevent food related illnessU.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code 2013 and Supplements(link is external)
Food Service FacilitiesAssure that food service facilities serve food that is safe for human consumption, that buildings meet proper standards for cleanliness, conduct inspections, provides training, issues foodCOMAR 10.15.03(link is external)
Food, Drugs and CosmeticsSale of foods to consumersAnnotated Code of Maryland Health General Article(link is external)
Frozen Dairy FoodsManufacture and sale of frozen dairy foods and icesCOMAR 10.15.05(link is external)
Hazard InvestigationLocal Health Officer has the authority to investigate any condition that is dangerous to human health and to inspect schools, places of employment and businessesEnvironmental Article 10-201(link is external)
Hazards—Controlled SubstancesRegulation to control the manufacturing, distribution, and use of controlled, dangerous substancesCOMAR 10.19.03(link is external)
Hotels and MotelsInvestigation of complaints regarding hotels and motelsHealth-General 20-301(link is external)
Indoor SmokingProhibition of smoking in indoor areas open to the publicCOMAR 10.19.04(link is external)
Lead Paint Poisoning InvestigationsRegulations for techniques for abatement of lead containing substances from interior and certain exterior surfaces in residential areas and day care propertiesCOMAR 26.02.07(link is external)
COMAR 26.16.02(link is external)
COMAR 26.16.05(link is external)
Manufactured Grade MilkProduction, processing, transportation, storage and distribution of manufactured grade milkCOMAR 10.15.09(link is external)
MilkProduction, processing, transportation, storage and distribution of milkCOMAR 10.15.06(link is external)
Mobile Home Park LicenseInspections and investigations, permits for mobile home parksCOMAR 10.16.02(link is external)
Mobile Reciprocity LicenseLicense 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(link is external)
Nuisance ComplaintsNuisance complaints investigationGeneral Assembly Environmental 10-201(link is external)
Open BurningProhibits the start of an open fire with out a permit and control officer approvalCOMAR 26.11.07(link is external)
Other LicensesRegulations protecting public health and safety of occupants of migratory labor campsCOMAR 10.16.01(link is external)
COMAR 10.16.03(link is external)
COMAR 10.16.05(link is external)
Performance Criteria for BeachesGuidance and performance criteria for beachesNational Beach Guidance and Required Performance Criteria EPA-823-B-02-004(link is external)
Recreational Water Quality Criteria EPA(link is external)
SeafoodProcedures for the safe handling and processing of seafood.COMAR 10.15.10(link is external)
Sewage OverflowsMaryland Department of the Environment sewage overflow enforcementCOMAR 26.08.10(link is external)
ShellfishProcedures for processing and handling shellfish which are sold for human consumptionCOMAR 10.15.07(link is external)
Solid Waste—GeneralInvestigate complaints, review sewage and sludge applications and sites, review demolition permitsCOMAR 26.04.06(link is external)
Solid Waste—MedicalApplies to entities that generate and handle special medical waste or sharps, or treat and dispose of medical wasteCOMAR 10.06.06(link is external)
Solid Waste—SepticReview applications, issue permits, inspect installed, investigate failing systemsCOMAR 26.04.02(link is external)
Swimming Pool and Spa LicensesRegulations to protect and promote the health and safety of those using public pools or spas including construction and disinfectingCOMAR 10.17.01(link is external)
COMAR 10.17.02(link is external)
CDC Modal Aquatic Code(link is external)
Swimming Pools, Spas and Bathing BeachesPermits and regulations on public water systemsCOMAR 26.04.01(link is external)
Swimming and Bathing Beach LicensesAnnual permit for operations of public beaches including sanitation quality of facilities and watersCOMAR 26.08.09(link is external)
Water EmergencyMaryland Department of the Environment water control program; emergency water supplyCOMAR 26.04.01(link is external)
Water PercolationPercolation testing and soil analysis, site plan review and ground water monitoringCOMAR 26.04.02(link is external)
Water PotabilityRegulations establishing standards and procedures applicable to well constructionCOMAR 26.04.04(link is external)
Water Well ConstructionPermits and inspections of wellsCOMAR 26.04.04(link is external)
Youth CampsCertifications for youth campsCOMAR 10.16.06(link is external)

FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

TopicDescriptionCitation
Acute General and Specialty HospitalsLicensing requirements for hospitalsCOMAR 10.07.01(link is external)
Adult Foster CareLicensing requirements for adult foster careCOMAR 07.02.17(link is external)
Assistance to Health OfficerCode related to assistance to the health officer to administer lawsBaltimore County Code 3-2-604(link is external)
Assisted Living ProgramsLicensing requirements for assisted living programsCOMAR 10.07.14(link is external)
Code of Baltimore County Regulations (COBAR)Codes related to pools, zoning, towing and others enacted by the County CouncilCOBAR
Comprehensive Care FacilitiesLicensing requirements for extended and comprehensive care facilitiesCOMAR 10.07.02(link is external)
County Board of Health Powers and DutiesCodes related to pools, zoning, towing and others enacted by the County CouncilHealth General Assembly 3-301 to 3-309(link is external)
Day Care for Medically Disabled AdultsLicensing requirements for extended and comprehensive care facilitiesCOMAR 10.12.04(link is external)
Local Board of Health DutiesRole of the Board of HealthBaltimore County Code 7-539(link is external)
Local Health OfficerRole of the Local Health officerHealth General Assembly 3-301 to 3-309(link is external)
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs for AdultsLicensing requirements for adult psychiatric rehabilitationCOMAR 10.21.21(link is external)
Residential Treatment Centers for Emotionally Disturbed Children and AdolescentsLicensing requirements for residential care for emotionally disturbed childrenCOMAR 10.07.04(link is external)
State Funding for Local Health ServicesAmount of General Funds from the state provided to local health departments for core fundingCOMAR 10.04.01(link is external)
Treatment Foster Care ProgramsLicensing requirements for treatment foster careCOMAR 07.02.21(link is external)

HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS

TopicDescriptionCitation
Abatement of NuisancesNuisances and unsanitary conditions abatementHealth General Assembly 20-301(link is external)
Birth CertificatesCopies of birth, death and fetal death certificatesHealth General Assembly 4-217(link is external)
Child CareChild care home licensingFamily Law Article 5-508(link is external)
Correctional Facilities - Substance Use Disorder TreatmentRequiring correctional facilities to provide medication assisted treatmentHB116(link is external)
Disease Reporting in FacilitiesReporting of Infectious diseases to Health DepartmentHealth General Article 18-102(link is external)
Emergency PreparednessRequirements for county and facility emergency preparednessHealth General Public Safety Article 14-110(link is external)
Good Samaritan LawProtects the public when assisting in an emergency, expanded to include overdoseHB190(link is external)
Group Homes for ChildrenRegulations for therapeutic group homesHealth General Article 10-922(link is external)
Health Occupations Article 20-302(link is external)
Human Services Article 2(link is external)
COMAR 14.31.06 Independent Agencies(link is external)
Immunizations—MeningococcalRequirements for meningococcal vaccination of individuals enrolled in institutions of higher education who are living in on campus housingCOMAR 10.06.05(link is external)
Immunizations—School EntryRestrictions for schools to admit or retain a student unless the parent or guardian has furnished evidence of age appropriate immunityCOMAR 10.06.04(link is external)
Inspections of FacilitiesInspections of hospitals and other care facilitiesHealth General Article 19-308(link is external)
Health General Article 19-307(link is external)
Health General Title 19, Subtitle 18(link is external)
Health General Article 14-206(link is external)
Health General Article 5-519(link is external)
Permits and InspectionsEnvironmental impacts and hazards permits and inspectionsAnnotated Code of Maryland Environmental Articles(link is external)
School-Based Health CentersConditions for participationCOMAR 10.09.76.03(link is external)
School Health ServicesStandards for studentsCOMAR 13A.05.05.07(link is external)
Sexually Transmitted InfectionsExpedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia and GonorrheaCOMAR 10.06.07(link is external)
Substance Use Disorder ProgramLicensing of substance use disorder programGeneral Health Article 8-404(link is external)
Syringe ServicesAuthorizing syringe services program to prevent diseaseSB279(link is external)
Tanning Device Use by MinorsRestricts use of tanning devices by minorsCOMAR 10.52.06(link is external)
Tattoo and Body PiercingRegulations on handling and disposing of sharp waste that have had contact with body fluids; requirements for proceduresCOMAR 10.06.06G(link is external)
COMAR 10.06.01H(link is external)
Tobacco Sales to MinorsMay not distribute tobacco products to a minorBaltimore County Code Title 12 13-12.01(link is external)
Transportation Safety—Bike HelmetsHelmets required for under age 16, including passengers, who ride bikes on the roadTransportation General Assembly Article 21-1207.2(link is external)
Transportation Safety—Bike TrafficTraffic laws apply to bikes and motor scootersTransportation General Assembly Article 21-1202(link is external)
Transportation Safety—Cell PhonesTexting is banned, hand held cell phone restrictions and all use banned for learnersTransportation General Assembly Article 21-1124(link is external)
Transportation Safety—Child Safety SeatsAll 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(link is external)
Transportation Safety—PedestriansPedestrian rights and rules to prevent injuryTransportation General Assembly Article 21-202(link is external)
Transportation Safety—SeatbeltsDrivers and front seat passengers must wear seat beltsTransportation General Assembly Article 22-412(link is external)

Contact Us

Department of Health

6401 York Road, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21212

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email

hhs@baltimorecountymd.gov

Health

410-887-2243

TTY

711

Director, Health and Human Services, Health Officer

Lucy Wilson

Deputy Health Officer

Della Leister

Deputy Director of Finance and Administration

Lawrence Richardson

Request Contact

Submit a contact request.

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