(a) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish procedures for the distribution of money from the Fund. (2) In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall consult with the members of the Children’s Cabinet. (3) In establishing procedures for awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle, including the procedure by which a federally qualified health center, hospital, or provider of prenatal care may apply for a grant, the Secretary shall consult with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau in the Department. (b) Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1503 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from a county or municipality that: (1) Has: (i) A high number of births to women enrolled in Medicaid; (ii) High rates of infant mortality; (iii) High rates of preterm births; and (iv) High rates of infants with low birthweight; and (2) Demonstrates that the program will be coordinated with community–based service providers. (c) Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from federally qualified health centers, hospitals, or providers of ith community–based service providers. (c) Priority on awarding grants under § 24–1506 of this subtitle shall be given to proposals from federally qualified health centers, hospitals, or providers of prenatal care that propose to serve communities that have: (1) A high number of births to women enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program; (2) High rates of infant mortality; (3) High rates of preterm births; and (4) High rates of infants with low birthweight.
Maryland Legal Code