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 749 - Nursing Homes - Quality of Care - Inspections.

This bill requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to make a site visit and conduct a full survey of each licensed nursing home at least two times per calendar year. The surveys must be unannounced. DHMH may waive the survey requirements for a nursing home that, in the two most recent surveys conducted after October 1, 2000, has had no deficiencies that have the potential for minimum harm or greater.

Senate Bill 688, 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 749.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor