Maryland State Agencies Key Terms

Familiarization of Maryland state agencies' functions enables completion of business in a timely manner

By Renee Baumgardner

Having knowledge of the roles and functions of Maryland state agencies enables one to be more productive in their business transactions because they will know exactly which agency to contact to get the services they need.

Agencies commonly utilized by business and organizations include the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Department of Public Health, Office of Tourism, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Office of Planning and Board of Public Works.

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is responsible for protecting workers by ensuring they have safe working environments and protecting consumers through licensing regulations. Divisions of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation include the Office of Fair Practices, Division of Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance and Division of Financial Regulation.
Try: Refer to the State of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website for more information.

Department of Public Health

The Maryland Department of Public Health aims to protect and develop the health of Maryland's citizens by ensuring everyone has access to quality health care and holding outreach programs designed to educate the public on health issues such as cancer, diabetes and communicable diseases. One may also obtain birth, death and marriage certificates from the Division of Vital Records.
Try: Refer to the State of Maryland’s Department of Public Health website for more information on services provided.

Office of Tourism

As the name implies, the Maryland Office of Tourism works to promote Maryland attractions, such as the Chesapeake Bay, Ocean City, the Inner Harbor and Deep Creek Lake, in an effort to make those locations tourist destinations and support the local economy.
Try: Refer to the State of Maryland’s Office of Tourism website for more information on the functions of this agency.

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services works to ensure that Maryland's citizens live in safe communities. This department oversees the Division of Corrections, the Division of Parole and Probation, Parole Commission, the Internal Investigative Unit and the Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
Try: Reference the State of Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website for more information on services provided.

Office of Planning

The Maryland Office of Planning works to promote sustainable communities and protect the environment. The Office of Planning provides services such as intergovernmental assistance, planning data, local planning assistance and Smart Growth implementation.
Try: Refer to the State of Maryland’s Office of Planning website for more information on the functions of this agency.

Board of Public Works

The Maryland Board of Public Works oversees the spending activities for the State of Maryland, guaranteeing that all expenses are necessary, proper, economical and legal. The Board of Public Works reviews and approves capital projects, procurement contracts and the movement of the State's assets.
Try: Refer to the State of Maryland Board of Public Works website for more information on the activities of this agency.