The mission of the MD Department of Health is to improve the health status of every Maryland resident and to promote access to quality healthcare. MDH regulates healthcare providers, facilities, and organizations, and manages direct services to patients, where appropriate. MDH has four major administrations or divisions: Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Public Health Services Administration (PHS), and Healthcare Financing Administration (HCF or Medicaid or MA). ​