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    Maryland Department of Health
    Ambulatory Care

    main_Surg_Abort.jpg  

    Background
     
    In July 2011, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene began a stakeholder process to develop regulations for surgical abortion providers under Health General Article 20-209, which states:
     
    The Department may adopt regulations that: 
    (1) Are both necessary and the least intrusive method to protect the life or health of the woman; and 
    (2) Are not inconsistent with established medical practice.
     
    Stakeholders involved in the process included the Maryland Catholic Conference, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, and others.  Over the course of the next several months, the Department shared draft regulations with stakeholders, reviewed nearly 1200 comments from the public, and made changes based on the constructive feedback received.
     
    In December 2011, the Department formally proposed regulations, and in July 2012, after additional public comment and completion of the rulemaking process, the Department adopted final regulations.  As a result of these actions, Maryland surgical abortion facilities became subject to licensure for the first time.  The new regulations supplement state oversight of licensed physicians and other health care professionals.  The regulations are codified at COMAR 10.12.01.

    Implementation of the Regulations
     
    The Department's summary updates to the Maryland General Assembly and the public on the implementation of these regulations are below.

    Surgical Abortion Facility Surveys

    Click on the link below to access initial licensure surveys and complaint investigations by facility.
    ​Regulatory Actions
     
    On March 5, 2013, OHCQ suspended the license of three facilities operated by Associates in OB/GYN Care. (OB/GYN Care Suspension Letter, March 5, 2013). Those suspensions were lifted after receipt of acceptable plans of correction and follow-up on-site surveys [OB/GYN Care Lift of Suspension Letter, March 25 2013]. 
     
    On May 9, OHCQ suspended the license of all four Associates in OB/GYN Care facilities in Maryland (OB/GYN Care Suspension Letter, May 9 Suspension letter). As a result of a Show Cause Hearing on May 22, the summary suspensions have been continued (Show Cause Hearing Decision May 23, 2013).'
     
    Licensure