New laws aim to improve transparency, wages, and access across Maryland’s care systems from nursing homes and hospitals to home care.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2025
Media Contact: Daniela Perez, [email protected]
New laws aim to improve transparency, wages, and access across Maryland’s care systems from nursing homes and hospitals to home care.
Annapolis, MD — May 20, 2025 — Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a sweeping package of care-focused legislation into law, marking a major victory for care workers, families, and advocates across the state. The newly enacted laws reflect a bold commitment to strengthening Maryland’s care infrastructure from nursing homes and hospitals to home and community-based services. Among the laws signed is the Maryland Interested Parties Advisory Group Act (HB 1142/SB 920), a bill led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) in collaboration with Caring Across Maryland.
The Maryland Interested Parties Advisory Group Act establishes an Advisory Group that ensures home care workers, consumers, and providers have a formal voice in evaluating Medicaid provider reimbursement rates. The Advisory Group is mandated to submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly, beginning in 2026, detailing its activities and recommendations to improve access to home- and community-based services.
“This is a historic win for care workers and families across Maryland. By increasing transparency and bringing those most affected into the decision-making process, we’re taking a critical step toward a more just and inclusive care economy,” said Allison Yunda, Maryland Lead Organizer at NDWA.”These legislative wins are the result of care workers speaking out, organizing, and making their voices heard. Their advocacy helped move this care package forward and will continue to shape a more just and inclusive care economy.”
The enactment of this care-focused legislation is part of NDWA’s broader national campaign to transform care across the country – by raising wages, expanding access to services, and ensuring care jobs are treated as the essential, dignified work they are. Today, the median annual income for direct care workers is just $23,688, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Other significant bills signed into law include:
These legislative advancements reflect NDWA Maryland’s dedication to strengthening its state’s care infrastructure and ensuring that the needs of both care workers and care recipients are met with dignity and fairness.
