Developmental Disabilities Administration

Deputy Secretary Announcement

Secretary of Health, Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, has announced that effective January 10, 2024, Marlana R. Hutchinson will join MDH’s senior leadership team as the Deputy Secretary for Developmental Disabilities. Ms. Hutchinson has 29 years of experience with a specific emphasis on Medicaid home and community-based services, public health, public policy, and healthcare administration. She has worked at the Maryland Department of Health since 1994 and served in many pivotal roles.


Ms. Hutchinson has been the Director of the Office of Long Term Services and Supports (OLTSS) in the Medicaid Administration since December 2019. She is responsible for leading and implementing cross-cutting, innovative and transformative initiatives for home and community-based programs and certain long term care industries. She is responsible for all of Maryland's Medicaid waiver programs (including the DDA-operated Community Pathways, Community Supports, and Family Supports waivers), Community First Choice, nursing services, and disposable medical supplies/durable medical equipment (DMS/DME). She is also responsible for nursing facilities, chronic and special pediatric hospitals, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).


Marlana is committed to ensuring that individuals and families are given choices regarding their service options with the appropriate level of services.


We are very excited for her to step into this role and bring her expertise and leadership to DDA. 

DDA Headquarters

201 W. Preston Street, 4th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: (410)767-5600

Fax: (410)767-5850

Toll Free: 1(844)253-8694


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