Maryland § 15-141.3

§ 15-141.3.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Certified violence prevention professional” means a prevention professional who meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.

        (3)    “Community violence” means intentional acts of interpersonal violence committed in public areas by individuals who are not family members or intimate partners of the victim.

        (4)    (i)    “Community violence prevention services” means evidence–based, trauma–informed, supportive, and nonpsychotherapeutic services provided by a certified violence prevention professional, within or outside a clinical setting, for the purpose of promoting improved health outcomes and positive behavioral change, preventing injury recidivism, and reducing the likelihood that an individual who is the victim of community violence will commit or promote violence.

            (ii)    “Community violence prevention services” includes peer support and counseling, mentorship, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, targeted case management referrals to certified or licensed health care professionals or social services providers, patient education, and screening services to victims of violence.

        (5)    “Interpersonal violence” means the intentional use of physical force or power against another individual by an individual or a small group of individuals.

        (6)    “Prevention professional” has the meaning provided by the National Uniform Claim Committee, or its successor, under Code Number 405300000X.

    (b)    The Program shall provide community violence prevention services to Program recipients who have:

        (1)    (i)    Been exposed to community violence; or

            (ii)    A personal history of injury sustained as a result of an act of community violence; and

        (2)    Been referred by a certified or licensed health care provider or social services provider to a certified violence prevention professional to receive community violence prevention services after the provider makes a determination that the Program recipient is at an elevated risk of violent injury or retaliation resulting from another act of community violence.

    (c)    A prevention professional seeking certification as a certified violence prevention professional shall:

        (1)    Complete an accredited training and certification program for certified violence prevention professionals, approved in accordance with subsection (d) of this section; and

        (2)    Maintain the certification completed under item (1) of this subsection.

    (d)    On or before January 1, 2023, the Department shall approve at least one accredited training and certification program for certified violence prevention professionals, which shall include:

        (1)    At least 35 hours of initial training, addressing the following:

            (i)    The profound effects of trauma and violence and the basics of trauma–informed care;

            (ii)    Community violence prevention strategies, including conflict mediation and retaliation prevention related to community violence;

            (iii)    Case management and advocacy practices; and

            (iv)    Patient privacy and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; and

        (2)    At least 6 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

    (e)    An entity that employs or contracts with a certified violence prevention professional to provide community violence prevention services shall:

        (1)    Maintain documentation that the certified violence prevention professional has met the requirements of subsection (c) of this section; and

        (2)    Ensure that the certified violence prevention professional is providing community violence prevention services in compliance with any applicable standard of care, rule, regulation, and State or federal law.

    (f)    This section may not be construed to alter the scope of practice for any health care professional.