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 864 - Continuing Care Communities - Certificate of Need Exemption - Comprehensive Care Nursing Beds.

This bill increases the number of nursing home beds a continuing care community (CCC) is authorized to maintain to qualify for an exemption from a certificate of need (CON). The bill provides for an exemption from CON requirements if the number of nursing home beds in a CCC does not exceed 24 percent of the number of independent living units (ILU) in a CCC with fewer than 300 ILUs, or 20 percent of the number of ILUs in a CCC with 300 or more ILUs. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) must report to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2002 on the bill's effect on the long-term care industry.

Senate Bill 403, 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 864.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor