and other materials prepared for the public. The
Division undertakes activities to encourage business
and industry to maintain high standards of honesty
fair business practices, and public responsibility in
the production, promotion, and sales of consumer
grinds and services (Code Commercial Law Article,
sees. 13-101 through 13-501).

HEALTH EDUCATION 6-ADVOCACY UNIT
Vikram Khanna, Director
576-6550

Within the Division of Consumer Protection,
the Health Education and Advocacy Unit was
created in 1986 (Chapters 296 and 565, Acts of
1986). The Unit implements an educational and
advocacy program enabling health-care consumers
to make more informed choices in the health
marketplace and participate in decisions concerning
their health care.
The Unit helps health-care consumers under-
stand their health-care bills and third party
coverage, identify improper billing or coverage
determinations, and report such problems to ap-
propriate agencies, insurers, or providers. The
Unit may refer concerns raised by health-care
consumers to professional, licensing or discipli-
nary bodies. The Unit also may recommend to
government officers and agencies measures to
promote the interests of health-care consumers in
the health marketplace.

HEALTH CLUB REGISTRATION UNIT
Sreven Sakomota-Wengel, Administrator
576-6550

The Health Club Registration Unit was estab-
lished within the Division of Consumer Protection
in 1986. The Unit is responsible for the registration
of Maryland health clubs and for ensuring that they
are properly bonded (Code Commercial Law Ar-
ticle, sees. 14-12B-01 through 14-12B-08).

ARBITRATION UNIT
Gilbert S. Bimbach, Director
576-6550

The Arbitration Unit mediates disputes between
consumers and businesses (Code Commercial Law
Article, sec. 13-404). Both parties must agree to
submit the dispute to arbitration. Neither party is
charged for this service.

COMPLAINT HANDLING UNIT
Rebecca G. Bowman, Director

576-6550
Consumer Hotlines—Baltimore: 528-8662
Hagerstown: 791-4780
Salisbury: 543-6609

Constitutional Offices &Agencies/183

The Complaint Handling Unit receives and con-
ciliates individual consumer complaints (Code Com-
mercial Law Article, sees. 13-401, 13-402). The
Unit's three telephone "hotlines" provide consumers
with prepurchase advice, business complaint his-
tories, and instructions on how to file a complaint.

INVESTIGATIVE UNTT
Eston Scott, Director
576-6570

The Investigative Unit investigates all actions of
unfair or deceptive trade practices.

CONSUMER COUNCIL
Mark Silbergeld, Chairperson^ 1994

Appointed by Governor with Senate advice & consent:
CherylA Hysted, 1992; Nancy T. Perry, 1992; Paul
A. Riecks, 1992; Edythe M. Rickard, 1994; A.
Kimbrough Sherman, 1994; Edna D. Butcher, 1996;
Hardev Singh Palta, 1996; Frank A. Porter, 1996.

Ex officio: William Leibovici, Chief, Division of
Consumer Protection

Staff: Steven Sakamoro-Wengel
576-6550

Created in 1974 as part of the Division of Con-
sumer Protection, the Consumer Council advises
the Division on general goals, undertakes studies
and reports, and fosters cooperation among federal,
State and local agencies, and private groups (Chap-
ter 609, Acts of 1974).
The Council consists of the Chief of the
Division of Consumer Protection and nine mem-
bers appointed by the Governor with Senate
consent. Three members represent consumer
groups or interests, three represent business
groups or interests, and tlirec represent the
public sector. Members serve without compensa-
tion for six-year terms (Code Commercial Law
Article, sec. 13-202).

CRIMINAL APPEALS DIVISION
Gary E. Bair, Chief
Mary Ellen Barbera, Deputy Chief

200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202 576-6410

The Criminal Appeals Division represents the
State in suits involving the criminal justice system.
Advocating the State's position in written briefs and
at oral argument, the Division handles all appeals
in criminal cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, the
Maryland Court of Appeals, and the Maryland
Court of Special Appeals. The Division represents
the State as well in federal court on collateral review
of State criminal convictions. The Division also
advises State's Attorneys and other law enforce-
ment personnel on legal matters.