|
The following questions are
those most frequently asked by telephone, and on the
website.
HOW TO
SEARCH THE PAGE:
Internet
Explorer or Netscape users can use the "FIND NEXT" feature
of their browser to search this page.
Select "EDIT," then "FIND." Enter word you wish to search in
box. Then click on "FIND NEXT." You can also access this
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If you don't find your
questions among this group, please review our site, and
leave an E-mail message on the appropriate Administration or
unit page. This will provide the fastest response.
If you can't
determine which page is appropriate, leave your inquiry
with
healthmd@dhmh.state.md.us.
We will usually respond to you within 24 hours.
-
How do I get
my birth certificates?
How do I check
on my doctors' credentials?
How can I check
on my HMO's performance?
How do I renew
my nursing license in Maryland?
How do I file a
complaint against a Maryland Medical Professional?
How do I get information on HIV/AIDS?
¿
Cómo puedo conseguir información
acerca del VIH/SIDA?
How is HIV/AIDS
transmitted?
Where can I get an HIV test?
What programs are available to provide
HIV/AIDS care?
How many cases of HIV and AIDS are
there in Maryland?
I am in need of alcohol and/or drug
abuse treatment services for myself or my family. How do I
find a program?
Is treatment available for pregnant
women and women with children?
I am looking for information about
alcohol and drug abuse for a paper I am writing for school.
Can you tell me where I can find the most recent resources,
pamphlets or brochures on the topic.?
I am currently providing substance
abuse counseling and would like to become a DHMH Certified
Program. How do I go about this process?
For other
treatment options for women see Maryland's Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Certified Programs listing.
Does CMS cover all childhood illnesses?
What are examples of conditions CMS
covers?
How can I find out if my child's
medical problem is covered?
What are the CMS requirements?
If my income places me above the CMS
financial eligibility scale, does that mean that I
should not apply?
Does CMS cover dental care?
Back to Top
My child was covered by CMS for
evaluation of a heart murmur two years ago.
Does my child
automatically qualify for evaluation and/or treatment of
another condition now?
One of my children is currently
eligible for CMS services. Does this qualify my other
children for services?
How do I apply for assistance?
Does
the Laboratories Administration supply emergency courier
service for correctional facilities and hospitals?
Do
we draw blood for out of state premarital testing/How long
will it take to receive the results/How much does the
testing cost?
Can
I bring food to the Laboratory to be tested?
Does
the state do paternity or forensic DNA testing?
Do
you provide training for medical technologists or certified
phlebotomists?
Can
you answer my questions regarding CLIA regulations or
licensing?
Back to Top
Do
you license clinical laboratories in the state of Maryland?
Do
you license Physicians?
How
do I report a problem with a Physician?
How
do I check to see if there have been complaints made against
my doctor?
Can
you tell me where I can get information about meningitis
immunization?
Can
you give me a result for a specimen which my doctor sent to
your laboratory to be tested for gonorrhea?
I want to send my child's stool to be
tested for parasites. Do you accept specimens directly from
patients for testing?
I found a mold in my apartment. How
can I go about having it tested?
Where
can I get a list of the drinking water certified
laboratories in Maryland?
Back to Top
How
can I get my environmental laboratory certified to analyze
drinking water in Maryland?
Is
Maryland a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
Program (NELAP) authority?
Does
Maryland recognize NELAP accreditation?
I got sick after eating this food.
How do I have it tested and Where?
The
electricity was off in my house, is the food in the freezer
or refrigerator okay to eat?
I have a report of "Microbiological
Examination of Miscellaneous Foods." What does it mean/Is
the food bad/Did it make me sick?
How
do I get my water tested?
I had my water tested by the state
three days ago. Could you please give me the results of
that test?
Back to Top
Do
you accept samples on……?
What are
COLIFORMS/What
is their significance?
What is
ESCHERICHIA COLI/
What is its
significance?
What are ENTEROCOCCI/What
is their significance?
CDC West Nile
Questions and Answers
What
is the
newborn
screening program?
Why
is my baby tested?
How
is my baby tested?
What
are the names of these disorders?
Back to Top
But
my baby seems healthy, are the tests still necessary?
Is
my permission required?
How
much will theses tests cost?
How
does a baby get one of these disorders?
When
is the best time to test my baby?
How
soon will I know the results?
What
if I am told that a retest is necessary?
What
if my baby has one of these disorders; Is there a cure?
If this child has a
disorder, Will
my future children have it also?
How
can I make it easier for the doctor to help my baby?
I
am going to collect a diagnostic or
environmental specimen/sample, what do I need to do, How is
it to be handled, what lab slip, etc?
Where
do I go for immunizations?
Back to Top
What
is the phone number to a specific central laboratories lab
area in Baltimore?
How
late may I bring samples into the lab?
When
will my samples get to Baltimore?
What does OHCQ regulate?
How can I file a complaint of
discrimination in services delivery or treatment?
How can I access interpreter or
foreign language services for medical emergencies?
Is it mandatory to put the Maryland
Relay number on all program literature or office
correspondence?
Back to Top
Are programs and facilities required
to post their non-discriminatory policy
procedure's?
How do
I know if I or someone else needs help?
How to be an
active partner in your care
Who will take the call?
How do I obtain copies of birth,
death, fetal death, and marriage certificates?
How do I obtain verification of a
divorce?
What data are available from the Vital
Statistics Administration and how can I obtain the
data?
Back to Top
What publications are available from
the Vital Statistics Administration?
I am a genealogy searcher. Where can I
find records for my research?
Where is the Division of Vital Records
located and what the hours of operation?
How can I obtain a commemorative birth
certificate?
Back to Top
Why is the Board of
Physician Quality Assurance creating a profile on each
licensed physician?
What information will be
provided on the profile?
How did the Board
retrieve the information provided on the profile?
May a physician correct
the initial profile?
If a physician corrects a
profile, when will the profile be provided on the Internet?
If a physician corrects
the profile for any factual inaccuracies within 35 days,
will the physician receive an additional copy of the profile?
What are the consequences
for filing false information on the profile?
Are profiles available
for all physicians in Maryland?
Where do I get information about the
examination?
How do I change my address?
How do I change my name?
How do I get additional information
about the different committees?
What are the educational requirements
for each of the different licensing levels?
Do you have reciprocity with other
states/If so, what other states?
Back to Top
Who benefits from HMO performance
reports?Which
HMO report is right for you?
Who is EHNAC?
-
Why EHNAC Accreditation?
-
-
What do the regulations require of
Payers?
-
-
How will these regulations help
Maryland providers?
-
-
Are these activities consistent with
Federal initiatives to simplify administrative health care
transactions?
Back to Top
How does one obtain
vendor licenses?
Why is
Baltimore known as The City of Firsts?
What is the
History of Baltimore City's Government?
How can I locate a
loved-one's grave site?
How do I receive
assistance for child support enforcement?
What is Baltimore's total
land area?
What is Baltimore's total
water area (including lakes)?
What is Baltimore's total
area, including streets and water?
What is Baltimore's total
harbor area?
How much land is zoned
for Business use?
How much land is zoned
for Industrial use?
How much land is zoned
for Residential use?
Where can I go to get an anonymous HIV
test?
I am HIV positive, where can I get
help?
Back to Top
I am pregnant and need medical
assistance. Where can I go?
Where can I go to get medical
assistance for my children?
Can someone come to my school and talk
about HIV and AIDS?
Where can I get immunizations for my
child?
How can I get a nurse to provide
services for a relative in my home?
How can I find out if I am pregnant?
My child has pediculosis (head lice),
what can I do?
I have no health insurance, where can
I get a physical exam to start a new job?
How can I change the primary care
provider that I was assigned in the Health Choice Program?
Where are the nearest health
department clinics and what are their phone numbers?
Where do I call for: pregnancy
testing, immunizations, children's physicals, or lead
screening?
I have no health insurance and my
child needs medical follow-up. What can I do?
Back to Top
How can I get help for my elderly
parents?
How do I get service from Home Health?
Is there a cost for Home Health
Services?
How do I go about getting someone in a
nursing home?
How do I get Medical Assistance?
I need inpatient treatment and I have
no money, where can I go and can your agency get me into a
program?
When a person doesn't want to go into
treatment, what legal steps can I take?
Does your bureau offer speakers to
talk about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?
Does your bureau provide educational
information about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?
What does it mean if someone has a
positive skin test for tuberculosis?
What do I do if I am bitten by a dog
or cat?
Back to Top
While visiting at a nursing home, I
noticed an insect crawling along the floor in the room. Who
should I contact and what will be done?
What do I do if I lost a pet in
Baltimore County?
What do I do if there is a problem
with barking dogs in my community?
What is the life expectancy in
Baltimore County?
What are the leading causes of death
for Baltimore County residents?
How many births are there to Baltimore
County residents/How many are teen
births?
What is the fertility rate?
What is the teen birth rate?
For additional information
please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
Please contact the
Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance at the
following:
4201 Patterson AvenueBaltimore,
Maryland 21215
| General
Information |
|
410 764-4777 |
| Executive
Director |
C. Irving
Pinder |
410
764-4770 |
| Deputy
Director |
Margaret
T. Anzalone |
410
764-4780 |
|
Chief/Compliance Division |
Barbara
K. Vona |
410
764-2475 |
|
Chief/Allied Health Program |
Kathy
Scott |
410
764-5973 |
|
Chief/Licensure |
Jim
Webster |
410
764-2460 |
Or you can reach BPQA
using at
http://www.bpqa.state.md.us
You can check on your HMOs
performance using the HMO Report Card that can be found at
Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC):
http://www.mhcc.state.md.us
According to the MHCC 1997
Policy Report on HMO Performance -"...this report
summarizes performance information across HMOs and relates
it to key issues that confront health care policy makers.
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of how
Maryland's commercial HMOs are meeting the needs of their
members."
To find out how to renew
your professional nursing license please contact:
Maryland Board of
Nursing
Reisterstown Road Plaza Mall
4140 Patterson AvenueBaltimore,
Maryland 21215410 764-5124
or go to their web site
Board of Nursing
If you wish to file a
complaint against the following medical professionals:
PhysicianX-ray TechnicianRadiographerPhysician's
AssistantRespiratory
Therapist
Please contact the
Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance (BPQA) at :
http://www.bpqa.state.md.us410 764-2480, 410 764-2475, or
410 764-4795. For complaints against other medical
professionals, please contact the general information
telephone number for Licensing Boards at 410 764-4700
Back to Top
How can I file a complaint of discrimination in services
delivery or treatment?
By writing or
calling the:
Equal
Access Compliance Unit
Office of Community Relations
5th Floor, Herbert R. O’Conor Building
201 West Preston Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(401) 767-6592; The Maryland Relay 711 or
1-800-735-2258
By writing or
calling the Administrator of the facility where the alleged
discrriminatory act took place, with carbon copies to the
Equal Access Compliance Unit.
By writing or
calling the U.S.Office for Civil Rights, Region III, 150 S.
Independence Mall,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106; (215) 861-4441, TDD (215)
861-4440.
How can I access interpreter or foreign
language services for medical emergencies?
State facilities and
programs receiving federal financial assistance or licensed
by the state should
provide or have access to services and devices, such as,
qualified interpreters, assistive listening
devices, notetakers, and written materials.
Is it mandatory to put the
Maryland Relay number on all program literature or office
correspondence.
Yes, it is mandatory to
put the Maryland Relay number on all program literature or
office
correspondence.
Are programs and facilities required to post
their non-discriminatory policy
procedure's?
Yes, the Department
requires that programs and facilities receiving federal
financial assistance post
their non-discriminatory policy procedure/s in a conspicuous
place accessible to both
clients/consumers and staff. The responsible Department
official or designee shall from time to time review
practices of recipients to determine their compliance.
How do I obtain copies of birth, death, fetal
death, and marriage certificates?
For additional information
please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
How do I obtain verification of a divorce?
For additional information
please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
What data are available from the Vital
Statistics Administration and how can I obtain the
data?
What publications are available from the
Vital Statistics Administration?
The Publications available
from the Vital Statisics Administration are available for
download from this web site at the Reports Page
I am a genealogy searcher. Where can I find
records for my research?
For genealogy,
researchers should consult the following organizations:
Maryland
State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-260-6400 |
Maryland
State Law Library
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, Maryland 21401 |
Enoch Pratt
Free Library
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-396-5468 |
Peabody
Library
17 East Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21201 |
|
Maryland
Historical Society
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-685-3750 |
Where is the Division of Vital Records
located and what the hours of operation?
This information is
available on our Directions Page
How can I obtain a
commemorative birth certificate?
For additional information
please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
What do I have to do in order to work as a
physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the
State of Maryland?
You must be
licensed by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
before working in Maryland. Once the necessary requirements
are met, the Board issues a temporary license. Practice in
Maryland prior to licensure may preclude your being given
favorable consideration for licensure and could make you
subject to a fine.
If I am licensed in another state may I work,
under supervision, until I receive my Maryland license?
No. We will
assist you in receiving your Maryland license as quickly as
possible. However, the Board can not exempt you from the
requirement of having a Maryland license.
How
do I become licensed in Maryland?
- By examination
General requirements for licensure are evidence of
graduation from an approved physical therapy or physical
therapy assistant curriculum (whichever is applicable) and
a passing score on the national licensing examination.
- By endorsement
If you meet the general requirements and are currently
licensed in another state, the Board may waive the
national licensing examination. In addition, if you have
registered to take the national licensing examination in
another state, and are a graduate of an approved physical
therapy or physical therapist assistant curriculum
(whichever is applicable), you may file for licensure by
transfer of examination scores. If you are a graduate of a
program of physical therapy in another country, your
educational credentials must be considered by a Board
approved credential evaluation agency to be comparable to
a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy. You will also be
required to complete a specified period of supervised
clinical experience or provide satisfactory evidence of
same if licensed in another state.
How can I get a
temporary license?
- If by
examination:
- completed application
form;
- application and
examination fees; and
- post-graduation
transcript of credits.
- If by transfer
of examination score:
- completed application
form;
- application fee;
- post-graduation
transcript of credits;
- sworn statement that
you are not now nor ever have been licensed in another
state
- evidence that you are
registered to take, or have taken the national licensing
examination in another state; and
- evidence that you
have requested examination score to be sent to this
Board from the reporting service.
- If by waiver
of examination (endorsement):
- completed application
form;
- application fee;
- copy of current
license;
- verification of
current license;
- post-graduation
transcripts of credits; and
- evidence that you
have requested that your examination score be sent to
this board from the reporting service. In addition, if
you are a graduate of a program of physical therapy in
another country, you must file evidence of oral
competency in the English language and comply with the
preceptorship requirement (COMAR 10.38.06.01D).
What is a passing score on the national
licensing examination?
A score
to be passing on the national licensing examination is the
criterion referenced score set by the
Federation of State Boards of Physical
Therapy.
What happens if I fail the national licensing
examination?
If you fail
the examination, you must repeat it.
What shall I do if I believe someone is
violating the Physical Therapy Practice Act?
It is your
legal and ethical responsibility to report any suspected
violation of the law to the Board. Violators may include
unlicensed persons who aid and abet the illegal and unsafe
practice of physical therapy as well as physical therapists
or physical therapist assistants who are practicing outside
the scope of law.
How
can I get more information?
More
detailed information regarding the licensure process may be
obtained by calling the Board office at (410) 764-4746 or
(410) 764-4752. You can also contact us by e-mail at
ditpeach@erols.com.
Why is the Board of Physician Quality Assurance creating a
profile on each licensed physician?
During
the 1999 Session of the Maryland General Assembly,
Senate Bill 302,
Board of Physician Quality Assurance-Physician
Profiles-Disclosure to the Public passed which requires the
Board to create a profile on each licensed physician.
What information will be provided on the profile?
The physician
profile will include the following information:
-
Final disciplinary actions taken by the BPQA as provided
to the National Practitioner Data Bank.
-
Final disciplinary actions taken by another state board as
provided to the National Practitioner Data Bank.
-
Medical school attended and the date of graduation.
-
Internship or residency training.
-
Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties
and the American Osteopathic Association.
-
Hospital privileges
-
Primary practice setting.
-
Participation in Maryland Medical Assistance Program.
-
Links to the American Medical Association and
Maryland-licensed Health Maintenance Organizations.
How did the Board retrieve the information provided on the
profile?
The Board
compiled the information from various sources including
Board files, hospital reports and information reported on
the physician's last renewal form.
May a
physician correct the initial profile?
The physician
is given an opportunity to correct any factual inaccuracies
before the physician's profile is made available to the
public. If a physician does not correct the profile for any
factual inaccuracies within 35 days, then the profile is
displayed as is on the Internet.
If a physician corrects a profile, when will the profile be
provided on the Internet?
The Board
will update the profile within 10 business days after
receipt of the corrected profile.
If a physician corrects the profile for any factual
inaccuracies within 35 days, will the physician receive an
additional copy of the profile?
The Board
only provides the initial profile to the physician.
What are the consequences for filing false information on
the profile?
Answer:
Providing false information may be ground for discipline
including denial, suspension or revocation of a physician's
license.
Are profiles available for all physicians in Maryland?
Profiles are only provided for active licensed physicians. A
consumer may access
http://www.docboard.org
for information on inactive physicians.
Where do I get information about the examination?
The
best place to get information regarding the BSWE examination
is
the American Association of State
Social Work Boards or you
can call the Board of Social Work Examiners directly at
(410) 764-4788.
How do I change my
address?
You must
request this in writing with a legal signature. Send your
written request to:Board of Social Work Examiners
4201 Patterson Ave.
Baltimore, MD. 21215
How do I change my name?
You must send
a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or some
other court ordered document to the Board at the same
address listed above.
How do I get additional information about the different
committees?
Call the
Board office at (410) 764-4788 for additional information
about the committees.
What are the educational requirements for each of the
different licensing levels?
Call the
Board office at (410) 764-4788 for additional information
about the licensing levels if none of the pages listed here
have answered your question.
Do you have reciprocity with other states/If
so, what other states?
Yes,
the Board has reciprocity with all other states, however,
there are additional forms that are required. For specific
information about reciprocity, or forms, contact
gordonh@dhmh.state.md.us
or call the Board office at (410) 764-4788.
If you
have any questions concerning continuing education, please
send your inquiry to:
stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us
or call the Board of Social Work directly at (410) 764-4788.
If you
have any additional questions NOT covered on this, or any
other web page, please direct your comments or questions to
stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us.
Board of Social Work Examiners
4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
(Tel) 410-764-4788 (Fax) 410-358-2469 (TDD) 800-542-4964
Content questions? contact
stateneb@dhmh.state.md.us
COPYRIGHT © 1998, 1999, 2000 Maryland DHMH
Who
benefits from HMO performance reports?
Consumers &
Employers - HMO reports help consumers and employers
make informed decisions about enrolling and contracting with
health plans. Information on quality allows consumers and
businesses to select plans based on value and not just cost.
HMOs & Providers - HMOs and providers can
assess the care being provided to members and identify areas
needing improvement. Health plans want to compare their
performance with the performance of other plans.
Government Officials - Government officials use
performance reports to monitor the efforts of HMOs to meet
public health objectives in areas such as childhood
immunizations, mammography screening, and access to care.
Overall - HMO performance reports should increase
plan performance by stimulating marketplace competition
around quality. The Commission’s HMO performance
reports are the only source of objective and
independently audited information on the quality and
performance of all commercial HMOs operating in Maryland.
Which HMO report is right for you?
The Division
responds to special requests for information on health care
delivery systems issues that are requested by the Maryland
legislature, executive departments, and other external
groups. The Division also serves as an incubator for newly
mandated Commission activities, laying the groundwork for
full implementation.
Finally, the
Division is also responsible for monitoring health care
reform initiatives being undertaken in other states. The
Division researches the current health care policies and
benefits of those states to determine if their initiatives
can improve access to, increase the quality of, or lower the
costs of health care in Maryland. Any recommendations are
developed in accordance with the Commission's mandates from
the General Assembly.
Nursing
Home Report Cards: Chapter 382 (Senate Bill 740 [1999])
requires the Commission, in consultation with the Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Aging, to
develop a system to comparatively evaluate the quality of
care and performance of nursing facilities. To provide
guidance in the development of a nursing home performance
report, the Commission has convened a steering committee of
interested parties including representatives of relevant
state agencies, nursing homes, academic experts in data
collection issues, and consumers. A progress report to the
General Assembly on the development of the nursing home
evaluation system is required by January 1, 2001 and the
evaluation system must be implemented on or before July 1,
2001.
Report on the Nursing Facility Performance Evaluation
System, January 2001 (pdf)
Hospital
and Ambulatory Surgical Facility Report Cards: Chapter
657 (House Bill 705 [1999]) requires the Commission to
develop similar performance reports on hospitals and
ambulatory surgical facilities (ASF). A Steering Committee
has been formed which includes representatives of the
hospital industry, the ambulatory surgical facility
industry, State regulators, data and performance evaluation
experts, and a consumer member. A progress report to the
General Assembly on the development of the hospital/ASF
evaluation system is required by January 1, 2001 and the
evaluation system must be implemented on or before July 1,
2001.
Report on the Hospital/Ambulatory
Surgical Facility Performance Evaluation System, January
2001 (pdf)
The Task
Force to Develop Performance Quality Measures for Managed
Behavioral Health Care Organizations: Chapter 579
(Senate Bill 585 [1999]) requires the Task Force to develop
measures of quality for the provision of behavioral health
care services to members or enrollees of managed behavioral
health care organizations. Managed behavioral health care
organizations are defined as "a company, organization, or
subsidiary that: contracts with a carrier to provide,
undertake to arrange, or administer behavioral health care
services to members; or otherwise makes behavioral health
care services available to members through contracts with
mental health care providers." Behavioral health care
services are defined as "procedures or services rendered by
a health care provider for the treatment of mental illness,
emotional disorders, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse."
In October
1999, a 10-member Task Force was convened including the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or
the Secretary's designee, the Executive Director of the
Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) who is designated the
Chairman, and the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The
remaining seven were appointed by the MHCC based on
nominations from professional associations or groups
designated in the bill. An Interim Report was presented to
the General Assembly in December 1999. The Task Force
recommended, and the legislature agreed, that, with the
exception of a few initial steps, the deadline for final
recommendations be extended to December 15, 2000 in order to
permit a more thorough analysis of the measures that should
be reported.
Interim Report of the Task
Force to Develop Quality Measures for Managed Behavioral
Health Care Organizations, December 15, 1999 (pdf)
Final Report of the Task Force to
Develop Quality Measures for Managed Behavioral Health Care
Organizations, December 2000 (pdf)
Who is EHNAC?
The Electronic Healthcare
Network Accreditation Commission is an independent,
not-for-profit accrediting body. It is comprised of an
Executive Director and nine (9) industry and consumer
representatives from the following groups: Two (2)
commissioners represent clearinghouses and transaction
processing networks with parent company revenue under
$3,000,000; two (2) represent clearinghouses and transaction
processing networks with parent company revenue in excess of
$3,000,000; one (1) commissioner represents VANs [value
added networks]; two (2) commissioners represent the public
as ad hoc members; one (1) commissioner represents a
private payer or insurer and one (1) commissioner represents
the provider community, hospital, physician or other
consumer organization.
With the help of industry
work groups, EHNAC establishes clear standards against which
clearinghouse and value-added network performance is
measured. EHNAC defines its evaluation and accreditation
procedures, including different accreditation levels,
methods for granting and revoking accreditation,
probationary periods and provisional accreditation. These
steps are intended to represent full disclosure of the
process and rules under which accreditation will operate,
giving participants as clear an understanding as possible of
expectations and processes.
Why EHNAC Accreditation?
Accreditation supports
continuous improvement of an organization while helping to
raise the standards of an industry as a whole, evaluating
performance measured against industry-established standards.
The accreditation process and the work of an independent
accrediting body protect the interests of the general public
while providing a benchmark for prospective users to
evaluate service capabilities.
The Commission holds a
seat on the EHNAC standards committee and has already
effectively lobbied for the adoption of certain standards
(e.g., open connectivity and stronger confidentiality
measures). By granting EHNAC deemed status and opting to
work with EHNAC in the continuous improvement of these
standards, the Commission supports the evolution of national
standards for clearinghouses and networks. State standards
could prove costly to both providers in terms of quality and
the EDI industry in terms of accreditation costs.
What do
the regulations require of Payers?
The regulations apply to
payers with annual health care premiums of over $1 million
dollars. The payer regulations have two major requirements.
First, payers must be capable of accepting claims through a
payer designated MHCC-certified EHN. This does not limit a
payer’s selection of more than one EHN, it merely states
that at least one EHN must be MHCC-certified. Payers must
also submit an EDI Progress Report that will aid the
Commission in tracking the progress of health care EDI in
Maryland.
How will these regulations help Maryland providers?
These regulations will
help to establish an EDI infrastructure in Maryland in which
providers can be confident that claims will reach their
intended payers. These regulations eliminate the chance that
a provider who does business with many payers will have to
contract with several different EHNs to make sure claims get
to the payers. By contracting with an MHCC-certified EHN,
practitioners and payers will know that the EHN has met data
security and confidentiality requirements that go beyond
those of the EHNAC accreditation program. Additionally,
practitioners and payers alike should enjoy an increased
confidence in a decision to contract with an MHCC-certified
EHN.
Are these activities consistent with Federal initiatives to
simplify administrative health care transactions?
The Health Care
Portability Act (H.R.3103) will establish standards for the
transmittal and use of electronic claims data. The
regulations enacted by the Commission are fully compatible
with the Federal initiatives. The Commission will continue
to work with federal and industry work groups to ensure that
Maryland’s health care EDI needs are considered as national
standards are developed.
How can one obtain copies of Birth, Death and Marriage
Certificates?
For
additional information please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
How does one
obtain vendor licenses?
For clothing,
call (410) 333-3790. For food, (410) 396-3787
Why is Baltimore known as The City of
Firsts?
What is the
History of Baltimore City's Government?
How can I
locate a loved-one's grave site?
Online
services are available at sites such as
this one
How do I receive assistance for child support enforcement?
By calling
(410) 962-1110 or (800) 723-9937 for enforcement. If
questions arise, contact the Courts at (410) 347-2011. They
should be able to supply additional needed information
regarding your case
What is
Baltimore's total land area?
49,183.15 acres
What is Baltimore's total water area (including lakes)?
6,631.27 acres
What is Baltimore's total area, including streets and water?
55,674.97 acres
What is
Baltimore's total harbor area?
6,491.82 acres
How much
land is zoned for Business use?
8,654.83 acres
How much
land is zoned for Industrial use?
15,133.89 acres
How
much land is zoned for Residential use?
25,394.43 acres
Rivers Lakes & Streams
Druid Lake
48.85 acres
Lake Montebello
54.22 acres
Lake Ashburton
29.34 acres
Fort Armistead Lake
7.03 acres
Where
can I go to get an anonymous HIV test?
hdsites.cfm
I am HIV
positive, where can I get help?
hdcasemg.cfm
I am pregnant and need medical assistance. Where can I go?
hdpwcmkc.cfm
Where can I go to get medical assistance for my children?
hdpwcmkc.cfm
Can someone come to my school and talk about HIV and AIDS?
hdactiv.cfm
Where
can I get immunizations for my child?
Immunizations
are available at our health center sites. Contact a public
health nurse at the health center nearest you to arrange a
time suitable to you. Call 410-887-2705 for the site and
phone number.
How can I get a nurse to provide services for a relative in
my home?
Call
410-887-2705. A public health nurse will obtain the
necessary information to determine what services are
appropriate for your problem. Nursing Assistants are
available through the Home Health Division of the Long Term
Care Bureau or other private agencies. If the family member
is home bound, call 410-887-2726 to speak with the Home
Health Supervisor.
How can I find
out if I am pregnant?
Contact the
health center nearest your residence
to schedule an appointment for a screening and assessment by
a public health nurse and to schedule an appointment to
speak with a PWC worker to apply for the Pregnant Women and
Children's (PWC) medical insurance program, if needed.
My child has pediculosis (head lice), what can I do?
The public
health nurse in your nearest health center can provide you
with all of the
information about medication,
environmental clean-up and other necessary measures.
I have no health insurance, where can I get a physical exam
to start a new job?
Call central
information and referral at 410-887-2705 for
recommendations.
How can I change the primary care provider that I was
assigned in the Health Choice Program?
Contact the
Enrollee Action Line at Foundation Federal Health Services
at 1-800-284-4510 to discuss your concern.
Where are the nearest health department clinics and what are
their phone numbers?
Contact your
nearest health center:
Baltimore Highlands -
Lansdowne Health Center - 410-887-1003
Dundalk Health Center - 410-887-7182
Eastern Family Resource Center -
410-887-6452
Essex Health Center - 410-887-0246
Hannah More Academy Center -
410-887-1152
Liberty Family Resource Center -
410-887-0607
Towson Health Center - 410-887-5992
Woodlawn Health Center -
410-887-1332
Where do I call for: pregnancy testing, immunizations,
children's physicals, or lead screening?
Contact your
nearest health center:
Baltimore Highlands -
Lansdowne Health Center - 410-887-1003
Dundalk Health Center - 410-887-7182
Eastern Family Resource Center -
410-887-6452
Essex Health Center - 410-887-0246
Hannah More Academy Center -
410-887-1152
Liberty Family Resource Center -
410-887-0607
Towson Health Center - 410-887-5992
Woodlawn Health Center -
410-887-1332
Call
Conservation of Hearing and Vision at 410-887-2722. We can
also help eligible families with costs of glasses and
examinations.
I have no health insurance and my child needs medical
follow-up. What can I do?
Some medical
problems of children may be eligible for assistance
programs, call 410-887-2718. You can apply for the Child
Health Insurance Program if you are eligible according to
your income. Call 410-887-2957 for an application.
How can
I get help for my elderly parents?
By making a referral to
Geriatric Evaluation Services (GES)
at 410-887-2754, we can make a home visit, do an assessment,
and access services from the community according to need.
How do I get
service from Home Health?
Call
410-887-2725 and review your needs with an intake
supervisor.
Is there a cost
for
Home Health
Services ?
We will bill
Medicare or any other insurer, if available. We also have a
sliding scale fee for those with no insurance coverage. We
do not deny service due to inability to pay.
How do I go about getting someone in a nursing home?
First, you need to talk with your doctor to evaluate your
needs. Secondly, you can call
Geriatric Evaluation Services
(GES) at 410-887-2754 for guidance with the steps necessary
for placement in a nursing home.
How do I get
Medical Assistance?
You need to
call the Department of Social Services at 410-887-2520.
I need inpatient treatment and I have no money, where can I
go and can your agency get me into a program?
The
Bureau of Substance Abuse
can only make referrals to a program. We cannot get anyone
into a particular program. All treatment programs will need
to do an evaluation/assessment, before anyone is admitted to
a treatment facility. There are very few 28-30 day inpatient
programs available. There are a few programs that will
accept indigent clients, however, these programs usually
have a waiting list. The Bureau of Substance Abuse can do an
evaluation and help facilitate the referral process. We do
not have the power to force any agency to take a person into
their program. For more information, call 410-887-3828.
Right Turn of
Maryland, LLC operates the Baltimore County DWI/Correctional
Treatment facility. Potential clients must undergo a
Substance Assessment to determine if they are appropiate for
admisssion. Assessments are provided at no cost by staff of
the Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of
Substance Abuse. For more information, contact Nick Gori,
Criminal Justice Coordinator at 410-887-3828.
When a person doesn't want to go into treatment, what legal
steps can I take?
If a person
is not motivated for treatment, there is little that can be
done. If the person is a danger or threat to themselves or
others, the certification process can be started. Two
doctors must attest to the fact that the person is a danger
or threat and process the certification paperwork. An
intervention can be set up with the person and significant
others to make them aware of the problems their drug usage
is causing them and others. The intervention should be
conducted by trained professionals.
Does your bureau offer speakers to talk about alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs?
Presenters
are available to offer education and information about
problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Call the Bureau of Substance Abuse at 410-887-3828 to
schedule a speaker.
Does your bureau provide educational information about
alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?
The
Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse has a
resource center which provides educational pamphlets and
brochures about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, including
the Drug and Alcohol Information Referral Booklet. If
interested, please call 410-887-3828 to receive educational
materials. In addition, there are literature racks filled
with educational materials located at each Baltimore County
Library.
What does it mean if someone has a positive skin test for
tuberculosis?
A positive
skin test usually means that the person has been infected
with the TB germ. It does not mean the person has
tuberculosis or TB disease. Other tests are needed to see if
the person has TB disease. This is usually done by a doctor,
clinic or the local Health Department. For more information,
call 410-887-2711.
What
do I do if I am bitten by a dog or cat?
The wound site should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed with
soap, water and antiseptic.
Tetanus prophylaxsis
may be needed. If the owner of the animal is known, the
police should be called. If the animal is a stray and can be
safely confined, contact Animal Control at 410-887-5961 to
arrange pickup of the animal. If the dog or cat escapes,
call the Police to report the incident. Call the Baltimore
County Health Department at 410-887-2729 on the next
business day so that further recommendations can be made.
If someone is bitten
by any animal that is obviously sick or behaving abnormally,
seek immediate medical evaluation. If the animal is
available, it must be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian
or turned over to Animal Control. The Police and Baltimore
County Department of Health should also be immediately
notified. The 24 hour emergency on-call number for the
Health Department is 410-832-7179.
While visiting at a nursing home, I noticed an insect
crawling along the floor in the room. Who should I contact
and what will be done?
The Baltimore
County Health Department, Medical Environmental Health
Program should be contacted at 410-887-6005 to report this
problem or any other environmental complaint. A registered
sanitarian will be assigned to investigate and evaluate
these problems at the facility. If the complaint is
substantiated, the facility will be required to take the
necessary actions to correct the situation.
What do I do if I lost a pet in Baltimore County?
You may visit the
Baltimore County Animal Shelter at 13800 Manor Road between
the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, Monday through Saturday. Any
dog or cat received by Animal Control will be checked for
identification or the required license tag and efforts will
be made to contact the pet owner.
If the animal has no
identification, the owner can come to the Animal Shelter to
see if their pet is here; the owner may also fill out a lost
pet card for the shelter bulletin board. Photos of lost pets
are encouraged.
What do I do if there is a problem with barking dogs in my
community?
Call the
Baltimore County Animal Control Division at 410-887-5961
Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Reports are taken
by phone, but not anonymously.
How can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?
For
additional information please visit
http://mdpublichealth.org/vsa/html/apps.html
What is the life expectancy in Baltimore County?
For males
born in 1997, the life expectancy is 74.4 years. For females
born in 1997, the life expectancy is 79.6 years
What are the leading causes of death for Baltimore County
residents?
1. Heart
Disease
2. Cancer
3. Cerebrovascular Disease
4. Pneumonia and Influenza
5. COPD - (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
6. Diabetes
7. Accidents and Adverse Effects
|
2,051 deaths
1,809 deaths
479 deaths
299 deaths
289 deaths
210 deaths
166 deaths |
For more information -
call 410-887-2077
How many births are there to Baltimore County residents/How
many are teen births?
In 1998, there were a total of 9,080 births to Baltimore
County women. Of those, 775 were to mothers under 20 years
old.
For more information - call 410-887-2077
What is the fertility
rate?
The General Fertility Rate* for All Races is 56.8
The General Fertility Rate* for Whites is 50.9
The General Fertility Rate* for Blacks is 74.4
* Number of births per 1,000 women age 15 - 44
What is the teen birth
rate?
The teen birth rate** for All Races is 36.3
The teen birth rate** for Whites is 28.1
The teen birth rate** for Blacks is 69.0
**Number of births per 1,000 females age 15 - 19
I am in need of alcohol and/or drug abuse treatment services
for myself or my family. How do I find a program?
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Administration maintains a resource directory with the name,
address, phone number and services offered for all DHMH
certified programs operating in Maryland. These programs are
listed by county on this website (Resource
Directory)
or for more specific information you can call the
Treatment Services Division at 410-402-8600.
Is
treatment available for pregnant women and women with
children?
Since 1990,
the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration has required
publicly funded programs to give pregnant women priority for
admission to treatment. For treatment options for women see
ADAA's
Resource Directory listing and search under
"populations" for services for women and/or services for
women and children. If you have a specific need for
this population that is not addressed in the Resource
Directory contact ADAA at 410*402-8600 and request
assistance from your regional Technical Services Manager.
I am looking for information about alcohol and drug abuse
for a paper I am writing for school. Can you tell me where I
can find the most recent resources, pamphlets or brochures
on the topic?
The Prevention Office at ADAA is an
affiliate of the Regional and Drug Awareness Resource
(RADAR) Network, a service of Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).The
office maintains a resource center, open to the public,
which stocks a limited supply of literature provided by the
resources listed below. Call the office at 410-402-8600 to
see if we have the materials on alcohol and drug abuse for
which you may be looking
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
NACADI provides publications, resources, referrals, research
and statistics, searchable databases, serves as a gateway to
the Centers for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and
Prevention (CSAP), and many other governmental agencies
concerned with substance abuse. Publications may be ordered
directly from NCADI through their online catalog.
Office of National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP) ONDCP provides
information, resources, and links to many public policy and
academic research centers concerned with alcohol and drug
abuse.
I am currently providing substance abuse counseling and
would like to become a DHMH Certified Program. How do I go
about this process?
The
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA) welcomes and
encourages the establishment of professional alcohol and
drug abuse treatment services and facilities in the State of
Maryland. The Department Of Health And Mental Hygiene (DHMH)
conducts all licensing and certification activities through
the the
Office of Health Care Quality
(OHCQ) located at Bland Bryant Building, Spring Grove
Hospital Center, 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland
21228, (410) 402-8050.
The Licensing
and Certification Administration provides all of the
necessary information required to become a licensed and
certified alcohol and drug abuse treatment provider in the
State of Maryland in accordance with Health-General Article
§ 8-404, Annotated Code of Maryland. In the case of programs
treating heroin and other narcotic addictions using
pharmacotherapy, additional licensing is required by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) and the State Office of Drug Control.
These agencies requirements are included in the OHCQ
information.
Separate
license and certification is required for each level of care
in the alcohol and drug abuse treatment continuum, and each
location in which the treatment is to be provided. When
requesting certification information of the OHCQ, please
state the level of care you plan to have certified as there
is a seperate application package for each level of care or
modality. The OHCQ will mail the complete package to you.
This will contain the State and federal regulations as well
as additional agencies to contact when necessary.
Alcohol and
drug abuse treatment services shall only be provided by the
following:
- Substance
abuse treatment programs that are certified by the
Department in accordance with Health-General Article §
8-404, Annotated Code of Maryland
-
Practitioners appropriately licensed, certified, or
otherwise legally authorized under Health Occupations
Article, Annotated Code of Maryland:
or whom substance abuse treatment services fall within the
practitioner's scope of practice, and
who do not advertise their practice as an alcohol and drug
abuse treatment program; and
- Entities
exempted from certification requirements in accordance
with Health-General Article, §8-403(d), Annotated Code of
Maryland.
Does CMS
cover all childhood illnesses?
CMS assists
families who have a child (or children) with a variety of
disabling or long term conditions, but does not plan or
purchase care for common childhood illnesses such as colds,
flu or minor injuries.
What are
examples of conditions CMS covers?
Covered
conditions may not include but are not limited to: cerebral
palsy, oral-facial anomalies, speech/language problems,
spina bifida, heart disease/defects, hearing impairment,
cystic fibrosis, chronic renal disease, epilepsy/seizure
disorder.
How can I find
out if my child's medical problem is covered?
Check with
your local health department. Community health nurses assist
in implementing the program statewide. A hospital social
worker can also help you complete an application. Or, you
may call the Central Office at 410-767-1818.
What are the CMS
requirements?
Here are the
basics:
Your child
must have or be suspected of having a condition which is
chronic and/or disabling; You must qualify financially on
the basis of family income and expenses;
You must file
an application and be determined CMS eligible before
treatment is begun; All services must be preauthorized;
Other financial resources such as Medicaid or health
insurance, which may cover your child, must be used first to
pay for services.
If my income places me above the CMS financial eligibility
scale, does that mean that I should not apply?
Not at all.
We take into account your medical expenses for the entire
family and we make allowance for such expenses as child
care. Out of pocket medical expenses can be deducted.
Does CMS cover
dental care?
We cover
dental care for eligible children who have disabling
conditions which prevent them from receiving care in an
ordinary dental office. Special dental clinics are approved
to provide this care. We also purchase dental care for
eligible children with oral facial anomalies such as cleft
palate.
My child was
covered by CMS for evaluation of a heart murmur two years
ago. Does my child automatically qualify for evaluation
and/or treatment of another condition now?
Eligibility
must be updated each year. In addition, not all medical
conditions qualify a child for our services.
One of my
children is currently eligible for CMS services. Does this
qualify my other children for services?
Not
necessarily. The nature of the child's medical condition
makes a difference.
How do I apply
for assistance?
Applications
are available at your
local
health department, the hospital clinic or department of
social work. You may also call the CMS Central Office at
410-767-1818 if you would like an application mailed to you
Does the
laboratories administration supply emergency courier service
for correctional facilities and hospitals?
A. No. The
Laboratories Administration does not supply courier service
for any of the correctional facilities or hospitals.
Therefore they must contact personnel within their facility
or make private arrangements for this service.
Do we draw blood
for out of state premarital testing/How long will it take to
receive the results/How much does the testing cost?
A. No. We do
not draw blood for premarital testing. This is done at some
local health departments or at private physician offices.
Once the Laboratories Administration receives the specimen,
the results are usually mailed within 48 hours. There is no
charge for premarital testing.
Can I bring food
to the laboratory to be tested?
A. No. You
must contact your
local
health department. They will collect any necessary
information from you and make arrangements to collect the
food sample and deliver it to the laboratory.
Does the state
do paternity or forensic DNA testing?
A. No, the
State of Maryland Laboratories Administration does not do
any type of forensic DNA or paternity testing.
Do you provide
training for medical technologists or certified
phlebotomists?
A. No.
Laboratories Administration does not provide training in
these areas. Please contact your local community college for
information on their programs.
Can you answer
my questions regarding CLIA regulations or licensing?
A.
Please call the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s
Office of Health Care Quality
at 410-402-8025 for questions regarding Maryland
laboratories. Non-Maryland laboratories should contact the
appropriate agency in their state.
Do you license
clinical laboratories in the state of Maryland?
A. No.
Call the
Office of Health Care Quality at
410-402-8025 for licensing of Maryland clinical
laboratories.
Do you license
physicians?
A. No. Call
the
Board of
Physicians, Quality Assurance, at 410-764-4777 for
licensing of Maryland physicians.
How do I report
a problem with a physician?
A. Call the
Board of Physicians,
Quality Assurance, at 410-764-4777 to report any
problems with physicians.
How do I check
to see if there have been complaints made against my doctor?
A. Call the
Board of Physicians,
Quality Assurance at 410-764-4777.
Can you tell me where I can get information about meningitis
immunization?
A. Please
contact
Epidemiology and Disease Control at (410) 767-7600.
Can you give me a result for a specimen which my doctor sent
to your laboratory rto be tested for gonorrhea?
A. After
tests are performed, we send the results back to the health
care provider. You will have to call your physician’s office
or your local health department for the result. If you want
to obtain results directly from the Laboratories
Administration, you must make the request in writing and the
Laboratories Administration must first notify your health
care provider.
I want to send my child's stool to be tested for parasites.
Do you accept specimens directly from patients for testing?
A. By law, we
cannot accept specimens from the general public. You have to
send specimens through your doctor or
local
health department.
I found a mold in my apartment. How can I go about having it
tested?
A. Please
contact your
local
health department, they will be able to assess the
situation and decide on what to do. We cannot accept samples
from the general public.
Where can I get a list of the drinking water certified
laboratories in Maryland?
A. The
list can be obtained from the Internet at:
www.dhmh.state.md.us/labs/pdf//certifiedlist601.pdf,
or by contacting the Certification Office at 410-767-5074,
410-767-5042, or 410-767-5853, or by email at:
stancavagem@dhmh.state.md.us.
How can I get my environmental laboratory certified to
analyze drinking water in Maryland?
A. You can
obtain an application packet by contacting the Certification
Office at 410-767-5074, 410-767-5042, or 410-767-5853, or by
email at
stancavagem@dhmh.state.md.us. A laboratory must apply
for and be granted certification before a laboratory can
analyze compliance samples in the State of Maryland.
Is Maryland a
National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
(NELAP) authority?
A. Maryland
has not joined
NELAP at this time.
Does Maryland
recognize NELAP accreditation?
A. Our
reciprocal certification program recognizes the laboratory’s
Drinking Water Certification from the State in which it is
located. This certification can be a State program or NELAP,
but it must be issued from the state where the laboratory is
physically located. Certification must be applied for and
granted before a laboratory can analyze compliance samples
in the State of Maryland.
I got sick after
eating this food. How do I have it tested and where?
A. Call your
local
health department for assistance. The Laboratory, by
law, cannot accept a sample directly from a private citizen.
The electricity
was off in my house. Is the food in the freezer or
refrigerator okay to eat?
A. Please
call Food Control at 410-767-8444, or your
local
health department.
I have a report
of "microbiological examination of miscellaneous foods."
What does it mean/Is the food bad/Did it make me sick?
A. Call the
State Outbreak
Investigation Office at 410-767-6677 or
Food Control at 410-767-8444.
How do I get my
water tested?
A. The Water
Microbiology section tests water samples that are collected
by sanitarians working for the county Health Departments. To
have your water tested, you need to contact the
Environmental Health Section of your
County
Health Department. There may be a charge for performing
the test.
I had my water
tested by the state three days ago. Could you please give me
the results of that test?
A. The Water
Microbiology Section does not release results of testing to
individuals. You may obtain the results from the sanitarian
in your county who collected the sample. Results on
"Invoiced" samples are not released to the sanitarian until
the invoice has been paid. The Water Microbiology Section
completes its testing and reporting of results in two
working days. The results should be available from the
county Health Department about five working days after the
sample was collected.
Do you accept samples
a on……?
A. The Water
Microbiology Section only accepts samples collected by
registered sanitarians. These samples are submitted to the
Laboratory through the county Health Departments. We do not
process water samples on holidays. The Laboratories
Administration regularly publishes a
listing of dates when it will be closed (Holiday
Schedule). We follow those guidelines. In addition, in
October we provide all submitters with a schedule of when
samples may be submitted during the Holiday season.
What are
coliforms/what is their significance?
A. Coliforms
are a type of intestinal bacteria that are used in assessing
the quality of waters.
What is
escherichia coli/what is its significance?
A.
Escherichia coli is a specific type of coliform. It is
associated with warm-blooded vertebrate fecal contamination
of water. There are designated limits on the numbers of this
organism that may be found in waters depending on the
intended use of the water.
What are the
enterococci/what is their significance?
A.
Enterococci are another group of intestinal organisms that
are used to determine the microbiological quality of water.
They are the mandated indicator organism to be used when
assessing the quality of marine or estuarine water.
What is the
newborn screening program?
A. The
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers
newborn screening as a service to families with new babies.
This program identifies newborn babies with certain rare,
serious disorders of body chemistry. These disorders can be
treated if detected early.
However,
before your baby can be tested, you, as the parent, must
agree. You may wish to discuss this issue with your spouse,
another member, a friend, doctor, or nurse. We hope you
will.
Why is my baby
tested?
A. The
testing is done to help assure that your baby will be as
healthy as possible. A simple quick and economical blood
test provides important information about your baby's health
that you or even your doctor might not otherwise know.
The Newborn
Screening Program identifies the few infants who may have
one of several rare disorders and alerts the doctors to this
possibility. With early diagnosis and medical treatment,
serious illness can usually be prevented.
How is my baby
tested?
A. Once you
give permission, your baby's heel will be pricked to get a
few drops of blood. This blood will then be placed on
special absorbent paper, dried, and mailed to the State
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Laboratory for
examination. The laboratory needs just a tiny sample of
blood to do all of the tests described in this brochure. The
heel prick feels no worse than being stuck by a pin.
Complications, such as infection of the heel, are very rare.
What are the
names of these disorders?
A.
Biotinidase deficiency (BI-oh-TIN-a-dase)
The body is unable to recycle the B vitamin called Biotin
(BI-oh-TIN). Babies with this deficiency need more biotin
than other babies. Treatment with extra biotin prevents the
mental retardation and deafness that would otherwise result.
Branched chain ketoaciduria (KEE toe-acid-u-ree-ah)
This defect results from the body's inability to use some
components (the branched chain amino acids) of food protein.
This defect is also called maple syrup urine disease because
the urine smells like maple syrup! This disorder is due to
the lack of an enzyme (a chemical substance in the body).
Treatment with a special diet can prevent life threatening
complications.
Galactosemia (ga-LAK-toe-see-me-ah)
Milk sugar (galactose) cannot be used by the body due to the
lack of an enzyme. A diet low in galactose can prevent
life-threatening complications.
Homocystinuria (HO-mo-SIS-tin-u-ree-ah)
Lack of an enzyme in the liver can produce mental
retardation and body changes. A special diet can prevent
mental retardation and other complications.
Hypothyroidism (HI-po-THI-royd-ism)
The body is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone
(thyroxin) which leads to mental retardation and slow
growth. This condition can be treated by giving thyroxin
tablets.
Phenylketonuria (FEN-nil-KEE-tone-u-ree-ah)
Also called PKU. A component of food protein (phenylalanine)
cannot be used by the body due to the lack of an enzyme. A
special diet low in phenylalanine can prevent the brain
damage that would otherwise result.
Sickle Cell Anemia
This is a serious blood disorder. Under certain conditions
the abnormal blood cells can clog up the small blood vessels
causing painful "crises." Babies with sickle cell anemia
also have less resistance to infections, which may be life
threatening. A regular treatment program using penicillin
helps avoid serious complications.
Tyrosinemia (TY-ro-SIN-e-me-ah)
Tyrosine, another component of the protein in food, cannot
be used properly. This can result in a variety of
complications including brain damage, and may be life
threatening. Children with this disorder are treated with a
special diet and in some cases with a liver transplant.
Work is still going on to develop tests for other serious
disorders. Your baby may be tested for these as well. You
will be told if any of these new tests suggests that your
baby might have a problem.
From time to time, the state laboratory conducts studies on
other important health problems using these specimens. These
are only done after all the other tests are completed. These
studies determine how many babies are affected by the
problem being studied. They do not tell us whether
individual babies have the problem, because the samples are
not identified by name.
But my baby
seems healthy, are the tests still necessary?
A. Yes, the
tests are necessary. Most infants with conditions identified
by the Newborn Screening Program show no obvious signs of
illness immediately after birth. However, each of these
disorders can cause serious problems. If not found early and
treated, all, except sickle cell anemia may cause brain
damage and mental retardation.
THERE ARE
MANY OTHER CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION. We have only dealt
with the few for which there are good screening tests. Poor
growth, impaired vision, and lowered resistance to infection
can also occur as a result of some of these disorders.
These
disorders do not always show symptoms in the same way. Some
babies may become dangerously ill within the first few weeks
of life. Others may appear healthy for months or even the
first few years of life. In either situation, serious harm
is occurring that could be prevented with early treatment.
Once the damage has occurred it can never be repaired.
Is my permission
required?
A. Most
parents want to be informed about what is important to their
baby's health so they can be sure that their child receives
good care. Testing newborns for these disorders is an
important part of good baby care.
The State of
Maryland requires that you be asked for permission before
the screening tests are done. You will receive a permission
form after your baby is born. This will give you the chance
to say "yes" or "no." Please, say 'YES'!
How much will
these tests cost?
A. The State
Laboratory charges the hospital a small fee for doing the
tests on your baby’s blood sample. In addition, the doctor,
clinic, or hospital may charge a small fee to do the heel
prick.
How does a baby
get one of these disorders?
A. Except for
hypothyroidism, a baby inherits the disorder from both
parents. Parents and relatives usually show no sign of the
disorder. In most cases of hypothyroidism the cause is not
known. In a few, it is inherited.
These
disorders are quite rare, and the chances are excellent that
your child will not have one of them. The few children who
are born with these problems are generally from healthy
families. Testing EVERY baby after birth will make sure that
each infant who has a disorder will be identified - and
started on early treatment.
When is the best
time to test my baby?
A. We
strongly recommend that each baby be tested twice.
The first
test is usually done shortly before the baby leaves the
hospital. For the most reliable results, it should be done
after the baby has received at least 24 hours of breast or
formula feedings.
In some
cases, babies leave the hospital before they have had milk
for 24 hours. They should be tested before they leave the
hospital, but some of the test results will not be accurate
because the baby hasn't yet had enough milk. The test should
be repeated as soon as possible after the baby has had 24
hours of milk feedings. This will probably be the case by
the time you take your baby to the doctor or clinic for his
first check-up, which should be within the first two weeks
of life. If your baby was not born in a hospital, the first
test should be done at the first check-up, again, preferably
within the first two weeks.
Most doctors will routinely obtain a second blood sample
when the baby is a little older (4 to 6 weeks), even if the
first test was ideal and normal. This second test just gives
us another chance to find the babies with problems.
How soon will I
know the results?
A. In most
cases, the test results will be normal and you will not be
notified. Your doctor or clinic will get the report when the
tests are completed.
Results are
usually available in about ten days. Generally, parents are
notified only if there is a problem. You can ask about the
results when you bring your baby to the doctor or clinic for
a regular checkup.
Although "no news is good news," it is important to remember
that these tests provide information only about the
disorders that we have discussed. Even if your infant does
not have one of these particular disorders, there may be
other medical problems that cannot be picked up by these
tests. Therefore, it is very important for your baby to have
regular checkups and good general medical care.
What if I am
told that a retest is necessary?
A. Re-testing
may be required for a number of good reasons. The most
frequent reason is that the first sample contained too
little blood to allow for completion all the tests. This
does not mean there is anything wrong with the baby. It
simply means that another sample must be obtained so that
the complete set of tests can be performed.
On the rare
occasions when the test indicates a possible problem, a new
blood sample is requested, and the tests are repeated. As a
general rule, only when one of the test results is abnormal
for second time will the doctor discuss the need for further
evaluation.
If you are asked to have your baby re-tested, please act
quickly!
What if my baby
has one of these disorders/is there a cure?
A. Because
most of these disorders are inborn problems of the body
chemistry, they cannot be "cured" (just as eye color or
height cannot be permanently changed). However the serious
effects of the disorder can be lessened and often completely
prevented by early treatment. The treatment is usually a
special diet or medication. The health department or your
doctor will make arrangements for referral and treatment.
If this child
has a disorder, will my future children have it also?
A. The answer
to this question is an individual one and will depend upon
your child’s diagnosis. It can best be answered by a genetic
counselor who can, with your help, study your family’s
health history. This process is called genetic counseling.
Many families
seek genetic counseling to better understand why they
happened to have a child with an inherited disorder. They
may also wish to discuss possible risks to future children.
If you would like more information about genetic counseling,
your doctor or health department will help you to obtain it.
How can I make
it easier for the doctor to help my baby?
A. Please
give your doctor or clinic a telephone number where you can
be reached. If your address changes after you leave the
hospital, it is important that your doctor or clinic know
how to reach you. Please give them your new address and
telephone number.
If your
doctor asks you to bring the baby in for re-testing, do so
as soon as you can. If your child does have a disorder, your
prompt action in following the doctor’s instructions can be
very important.
As parent, you can help to assure the health of your child
and of the new generation by your cooperation with the
Newborn Screening Program.
I am going to
collect a diagnostic or environmental specimen/sample, what
do I need to do, how is it to be handled, what lab slip,
etc?
A. Please
review the
Guide to Public Health Laboratory Services and Guide to
Environmental Laboratory Services for answers to your
questions.
Where do I go
for immunizations?
A. Contact
your doctor or
local
health department.
What is the
phone number to a specific central laboratories lab area in
Baltimore?
A.
Laboratories Administration Functional Directory
How late may I
bring samples into the lab?
A. Samples
can be brought in from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
When will my
samples get to Baltimore?
A. Your
samples will be in Baltimore the following morning.
Who will take
the call?
Client
Services Representative (CSR): When anyone calls the
toll-free number, a CSR will answer the phone. They will get
some general information, such as your name and the reason
for calling. If treatment is needed, the caller can talk to
a Care Manager.
Care Manager: Care Managers coordinate services. They are
experienced and licensed. They will help you get the best
care possible. |
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