June 24, 2026
Media Contact:Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations,
[email protected]Maryland Department of Health extends pause for certain behavioral health providersBaltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health is extending a temporary suspension for certain new Medicaid behavioral health provider enrollments as it continues its efforts to combat potential fraud, waste and abuse, and ensure the quality of providers.
“We remain committed to maintaining strong fiscal integrity across the program while maintaining robust behavioral health services available to Marylanders,” said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Dr. Rachel Talley. “We continue to work to strengthen the quality of our providers, including rooting out negligent bad actors, without compromising the behavioral health needs of participants or providing support to the network of healthcare professionals who deliver these critical services.”
The moratorium prevents new provider sign-ups under Maryland Medicaid for four behavioral health programs/services licensed under Code of Maryland Regulations 10.63 and 10.09 for community-based health programs: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP); Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (Health Home); Level 2.5 Partial Hospital Programs (PHP); and Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs (IOP). Historically, these areas have experienced rapid growth since the State moved to an accreditation-based model for provider licensing. The temporary pause is necessary to address potential improper practices and safeguard the integrity of the behavioral health provider network. Only these programs and services are impacted for the following 10 geographic areas in Maryland:
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Carroll County
- Frederick County
- Harford County
- Howard County
- Montgomery County
- Prince George’s County
- Washington County
The Department will continue the licensure process for all providers seeking to become a licensed community behavioral health provider and maintain the enrollment process for existing provider Medicaid revalidations, relocations, mergers, and acquisitions.
The moratorium extension runs from July 1, 2026, for six months.
For more information, review the
Maryland Medicaid transmittal to providers. For questions, please email
[email protected].
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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