Supporters urge transparency for uninsured long‑term care providers, midwives with SB 293

Senate Finance Committee members heard testimony on SB 293, which extends existing notification requirements to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and nurse midwives so patients and residents are informed in writing if a provider or facility lacks professional liability insurance. Sponsor testimony tied the bill to prior statutes that require uninsured physicians and nurse practitioners to notify patients and keep a signed notice on file.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change would protect patients and families who currently have no practical remedy when facilities lack insurance. "Professional liability insurance serves as a critical safeguard protecting patients," Emily Malarkey of the Maryland Association for Justice told the committee. Attorneys recounted cases where families could not recover after catastrophic outcomes because a facility or provider was uninsured.

Personal testimony: Ashley White testified about the 2023 death of her daughter Nayeli and said she would have made a different care choice had she been informed the midwife lacked insurance. Carrie Craig, the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, told the committee Maryland has over 54,000 licensed long‑term care beds and that transparency helps residents make informed choices.

Questions and scope: Committee members asked whether notice content is sufficiently specific; supporters said the bill mirrors the language enacted for physicians and nurse practitioners and does not prescribe exact notice wording. The sponsor acknowledged questions about outreach to midwives' organizations and said offices would follow up.

Next steps: The committee took testimony; no vote was taken at the hearing.