November 26, 2025
Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]
Maryland Department of Health announces additional six-month pause for certain behavioral health provider enrollments
Extension impacts 10 jurisdictions and four provider types
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health is extending the temporary moratorium for the enrollment of new Medicaid behavioral health providers of certain types. This action supports the Department’s efforts to strengthen the Public Behavioral Health System and ensure Marylanders get access to high-quality care, and mitigate Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse.
The extension, effective January 1, 2026, runs through June 30, 2026.
“This additional extension is key to our comprehensive strategy to evaluate the provider landscape and deliver the best treatment and support to Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord. “Our goal remains to ensure compliance with regulations, assess the quality of care and proactively identify and prevent fraud, waste and abuse.”
The moratorium applies to newly enrolling Medicaid providers for 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) in the following 10 Maryland counties.Anne Arundel CountyBaltimore CityBaltimore CountyCarroll CountyFrederick CountyHarford CountyHoward CountyMontgomery CountyPrince George’s CountyWashington CountyThis action will not impact access to behavioral health services provided by:current PRP, PHP, and IOP providers;individual practitioners (e.g., licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists); behavioral health services provider clinics operated in regulated hospital spaces; andbehavioral health service providers at Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Maryland Medicaid will continue processing enrollment for existing provider revalidations, relocations, mergers and acquisitions. Maryland Medicaid will also maintain the licensure process for all providers seeking to become licensed community behavioral health providers.
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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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