WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 332

WHEREAS, Medical review committees of community health
centers are not governed by the current law providing civil
immunity and confidentiality for those who participate in medical
review committee activities or proceedings; and

WHEREAS, Community health center medical review committees
need civil immunity and confidentiality for those who participate
in medical review committee activities to ensure the continuing
improvement of the health care services they provide; now,
therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health Occupations

14-601.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the
meanings indicated.

(2)  (i) "Alternative health care system" means a
system of health care delivery other than a hospital or related
institution.

(ii) "Alternative health care system" includes:

1.  A health maintenance organization;

2.  A preferred provider organization;
[or]

3.  An independent practice association;
OR

4. A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER AS DEFINED
IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE OF THE UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

4.  A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER THAT IS A
NONPROFIT, FREESTANDING AMBULATORY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER GOVERNED
BY A VOLUNTARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THAT PROVIDES PRIMARY
HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO THE MEDICALLY INDIGENT, BOTH INSURED AND
UNDERINSURED.

(3)  "Medical review committee" means a committee or
board that:

(i) Is within one of the categories described
in subsection (b) of this section; and

(ii) Performs any of the functions listed in
subsection (c) of this section.

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