The MPS Legislative Committee and lobbyists thoroughly screen bills that are introduced through the legislative session and provide feedback on those that are most important to psychiatry.  Please contact Meagan Floyd at mfloyd@mdpsych.org if you would like to be involved in this effort.

Legislative Committee
The MPS Legislative Committee meets frequently during the Maryland General Assembly to review proposed legislation that involves mental health, substance abuse, patient’s rights, child abuse, psychiatric practice, insurance, parity and related issues. This committee liaisons with other MPS committees, the Washington Psychiatric Society (WPS), our lobbyist, MedChi and other consumer and provider organizations. Both state and federal legislation is considered by this committee.

MPS LAC Board
The MPS Legislative Action Committee (LAC) provides the main communication mechanism for reviewing Maryland legislation that may impact psychiatry. Only members who review legislation have access to this website; however, MPS members may request access by contacting the MPS office. The site contains a record of MPS legislative actions from 2006 to present. Members are able to comment on current legislation and assist in shaping the position that psychiatry adopts in regards to specific legislation, which is recorded on the LAC Board.

Maryland Psychiatric Political Action Committee
The Maryland Psychiatric Political Action Committee (MPPAC) is an independent organization whose key officers are appointed by the MPS and SMPS. The MPPAC members and its volunteer board are typically Maryland psychiatrists, but membership is open to all. Contributions to the MPPAC fund selected state Delegates and Senators who are influential in mental health and related legislation or who support treatment of these disorders. Board members and contributors attend many legislative events and meet with legislators in Annapolis to help educate elected officials and build rapport. By supporting elected officials, psychiatrists are able to gain access to help educate and advocate about mental health, public and private policy making, and popular opinion. To donate please make checks payable to “MPPAC” and mail to 1211 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201 .