May18,2000

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 865 - Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - Appointment of an Ombudsman for a Nursing Home Resident.

This bill requires the Department of Aging to establish and submit a budget that supports minimum staffing ratios for the ombudsman program at the higher of one full-time ombudsman per 1,000 long-term care beds, 20 hours of ombudsman time per week per area agency or ten hours of ombudsman time per week per nursing home.

Senate Bill 764, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2000, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 865.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor