§24–1203.

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, an agency or organization shall be approved by 2–1–1 Maryland as a 2–1–1 Maryland call center in order to provide 2–1–1 services in the State.

    (b)    When approving a 2–1–1 service provider, 2–1–1 Maryland shall consider:

        (1)    The ability of the proposed 2–1–1 service provider to meet the national 2–1–1 standards recommended by:

            (i)    The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and adopted by the National 2–1–1 Collaborative; or

            (ii)    An equivalent entity;

        (2)    The financial stability of the proposed 2–1–1 service provider;

        (3)    Any community support for the proposed 2–1–1 service provider;

        (4)    Any experience that the proposed 2–1–1 service provider has with other information and referral services;

        (5)    The degree to which the county in which the proposed call center is to be located has dedicated substantial resources to the establishment of a single telephone source for non–emergency inquiries regarding county services; and

        (6)    Any other criteria that 2–1–1 Maryland considers appropriate.

    (c)    If a unit of the State that provides health and human services establishes a public information telephone line or hotline, the unit shall consult with 2–1–1 Maryland about using the 2–1–1 system to provide public access to information.