§24–1202.

    (a)    The General Assembly:

        (1)    Recognizes the importance of a statewide information and referral system for health and human services;

        (2)    Recognizes that an integrated telephone system would provide a single source for information and referral to health and human services, community preparedness, and crisis information and could be accessed toll free from anywhere in Maryland, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;

        (3)    Acknowledges that the three–digit number, 2–1–1, is a nationally recognized and applied telephone number which may be used for information and referral and eliminates delays caused by lack of familiarity with health and human services numbers and by understandable confusion in circumstances of crisis; and

        (4)    Recognizes a demonstrated need for an easy to remember, easy to use telephone number that will enable individuals in need to be directed to available community resources.

    (b)    The purpose of this subtitle is to establish the three–digit number, 2–1–1, as the primary information and referral telephone number for health and human services in the State.