If you’ve been thinking about opening a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) in Maryland, you’ve likely heard about the county moratoriums — restrictions that prevent new PRP programs from opening in certain areas until further notice.

This topic causes a lot of confusion for new providers, so let’s clear it up.

What is the PRP Moratorium?

The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) placed a moratorium on approving new PRP providers in several counties to manage program quality, oversight, and regional saturation.

In short, a moratorium means the state is not currently accepting new PRP applications in those counties. It does not mean existing PRPs can’t continue to operate — only that new providers cannot receive their 10.63 license to open a PRP in those counties until the moratorium is lifted.

Which Counties are Affected?

The list of counties under the moratorium changes over time as the BHA reviews program availability and community needs.

To make this easier, Curry Coaching & Consulting^TM has created a downloadable PRP Moratorium by County Handout that lists every Maryland county and notes whether:

• Moratorium Lifted — New PRP applications are being accepted
• Moratorium Still Applies — The county is currently closed to new PRP approvals

You can download the most up-to-date handout for 2025 HERE.

Why Does the Moratorium Exist?

The moratorium serves several important purposes:

• To ensure quality oversight of existing PRPs
• To prevent oversaturation in counties with high provider-to-client ratios
• To support equitable access by encouraging programs in underserved areas

Ultimately, the goal is to maintain quality and balance within Maryland’s behavioral health system.

Can I Still Start a PRP if My County is Closed?

If your target county is currently under a moratorium, you’ll need to select a different Maryland county that is open for new PRP applications.

The BHA will not process or approve new PRP 10.63 applications in closed counties — even if your organization has obtained CARF or Joint Commission accreditation.

However, you can still take proactive steps to prepare:

• Begin developing policies, procedures, and documentation
• Complete your accreditation process
• Identify alternate service areas where applications are being accepted

Monitor BHA updates so you’re ready to apply when the moratorium lifts.

How Often Does the List Change?

BHA reviews moratorium status periodically, often every 6–12 months.
Changes may depend on factors such as:

• Local demand for PRP services
• Staffing availability
• Quality assurance findings
• Medicaid utilization data

It’s critical to check the current list before submitting any application to confirm that your chosen county is open for new PRP approvals.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to open a PRP in Maryland, knowing whether your target county is under a moratorium is essential.

Our updated PRP Moratorium by County handout makes it simple to check the status of each county at a glance — saving you time and preventing unnecessary delays.

Download the Latest Handout Here

Need help deciding where to open your program? Curry Coaching & Consulting^TM can help you analyze open counties, assess community needs, and plan your PRP startup strategy with confidence.