Maryland § 7-112

§ 7-112.

    (a)    There is an Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs.

    (b)    The Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs consists of the following members:

        (1)    one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;

        (2)    two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

        (3)    the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;

        (4)    the Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;

        (5)    the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;

        (6)    the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;

        (7)    the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy;

        (8)    one representative of the Maryland Speech–Language–Hearing Association;

        (9)    one representative of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council;

        (10)    one representative of the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association;

        (11)    one representative of The ARC Maryland;

        (12)    one representative of Pathfinders for Autism;

        (13)    one representative of Itineris;

        (14)    the following members, appointed by the Governor:

            (i)    a school psychologist;

            (ii)    a physical therapist;

            (iii)    a pediatrician;

            (iv)    two parents of children with autism;

            (v)    two self–advocates with autism;

            (vi)    one representative of public universities in the State;

            (vii)    one representative of local public school systems in the State; and

            (viii)    one representative from the business community; and

        (15)    any additional members with expertise or experience in autism–related needs as considered necessary, appointed by the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy.

    (c)    The State Coordinator for Autism Strategy shall chair the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs.

    (d)    The Department shall provide staff for the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs.

    (e)    In appointing members under subsection (b) of this section, the appointing authority shall consider the geographical diversity of the State so that the composition of the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs reflects the various communities of the State.

    (f)    A member of the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs:

        (1)    may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs; but

        (2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

    (g)    The Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs shall work with the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy to:

        (1)    identify and evaluate existing services for individuals with autism and their families;

        (2)    develop a strategic plan for addressing autism–related needs in the State;

        (3)    promote, monitor, and evaluate implementation of the strategic plan; and

        (4)    recommend and implement changes to the strategic plan.

    (h)    (1)    The Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs shall hold its initial meeting on or before December 31, 2020.

        (2)    Beginning in 2021, the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism–Related Needs shall meet quarterly each calendar year.