Signed by Governor Larry Hogan, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends consumer health information language and appropriates funds for resources.

Highlights:

• Defines “plain language” as “language that is clear, concise, well-organized, and complies with other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience” (Page 3).

• Requires State and local agencies to “use plain language in public communications about health, health insurnace, safety, and social services benefits” (Page 3).

• Authorizes University of Maryland Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy to serve as State Consumer Health Information Hub (Page 3).

• Requires such Hub to promote public health, health literacy criteria, health literacy challenges, etc (Page 4).

• Appropriates $350,000 to such Hub for fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter (Page 4).

• Requires such Hub to support educational, workforce development efforts (Page 5).

• Establishes effective date of July 1, 2022; Act to terminate on June 30, 2026 (Page 7).

Full Bill Text