1. (a)

   1. (1) There is a Maryland Emergency Department Wait Time Reduction Commission.
   2. (2) The purpose of the Commission is to address factors throughout the health care system that contribute to increased emergency department wait times.

2. (b) The Commission consists of the following members:

   1. (1) The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee;
   2. (2) The Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, or the Executive Director's designee;
   3. (3) The Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Executive Director's designee;
   4. (4) The Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Executive Director's designee; and

   5. (5) The following members, appointed by the Secretary:

      1. (i) Two individuals who have operations leadership responsibilities over a hospital emergency department in the State, including one emergency department physician;
      2. (ii) One individual with professional experience in an emergency department who is not a physician or an advanced practice provider, such as a nurse or care manager;
      3. (iii) One representative of a local emergency medical service;
      4. (iv) One representative of a managed care plan with experience in care management or care coordination;
      5. (v) One representative of an advanced primary care practice;
      6. (vi) One representative of the Maryland Hospital Association;
      7. (vii) One representative of a patient advocacy organization; and
      8. (viii) One representative of a behavioral health provider.
3. (c) The Secretary of Health and the Executive Director of the Health Services Cost Review Commission shall cochair the Commission.
4. (d) The Health Services Cost Review Commission shall provide staff for the Commission.

5. (e) A member of the Commission:

   1. (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but
   2. (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 844, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.