(a) Definitions. In this Section:
(1) Developmental disability means developmental disability as defined in Section 7-101 of the Health - General Article of the Maryland Code.
(2) Direct service worker means an employee of a service provider that provides direct treatment or services to persons with developmental disabilities for at least 50 percent of their work hours.
(3) Service provider means an organization providing direct residential, meaningful day (including employment and community development services) or support services to clients through the Developmental Disabilities Administration of the Maryland Department of Health.
(b) Payment. Each year, to the extent that funds are appropriated, the Director of Finance must make a payment to each eligible service provider in recognition of the higher cost of living in Montgomery County compared to other parts of Maryland.
(c) Recommended amount of payment. The Director of Health and Human Services must, by February 1 of each year, recommend to the Executive and Council the amount of the payment, considering:
(1) the State reimbursement rates to service providers;
(2) the total cost of providing services, including wages; and
(3) the additional operating support needed to allow each service provider to pay direct service workers, on average, 125 percent of the County minimum wage.
(d) Eligibility for payment. To receive a payment under this Section, a service provider must:
(1) demonstrate to the Department of Health and Human Services that it pays direct service workers at a rate specified in the Council’s current operating budget resolution; and
(2) meet any other eligibility standards set in regulation.
(e) Regulations. The Executive may issue regulations under Method (2) to implement this Section. (2017 L.M.C., ch. 37, §1.)