(a) There is a Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies Fund. (b) The purpose of the Fund is to support the Department in studying the effectiveness of and improving access to alternative therapies for post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries in veterans. (c) The Department shall administer the Fund. (d) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (e) The Fund consists of: (1) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and (2) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. (f) The Fund may be used only for: (1) Studying the use of alternative therapies for veterans with post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries; (2) Providing cost–free access to alternative therapies for veterans with post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries; (3) Any uses determined by the Department under subsection (i) of this section; and (4) Administrative expenses of the Department in administering the ic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries; (3) Any uses determined by the Department under subsection (i) of this section; and (4) Administrative expenses of the Department in administering the Fund. (g) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. (2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the General Fund of the State. (h) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. (i) The Department periodically shall consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Sheppard Pratt, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and BrainFutures to determine: (1) The effectiveness of and a method for improving access to alternative therapies for treating post–traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries in veterans; and (2) Appropriate uses of the Fund that further the Fund’s purpose under subsection (b) of this section. (j) On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Department shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General b) of this section. (j) On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Department shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report on the use of the Fund during the immediately preceding fiscal year.
Maryland Legal Code