(i) as a properly filed claim with all necessary documentation; and

(ii) as the sole instrument for reimbursement; and

(2) may not impose as a condition of reimbursement a requirement to:

(i) modify the uniform claims form or its content; or

(ii) submit additional claims forms.

(b) (1) A uniform claims form submitted under this section shall be
completed properly and may be submitted by electronic transfer.

(2) IF THE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER RENDERING THE SERVICE IS A
CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST OR CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE, THE
UNIFORM CLAIMS FORM SHALL INCLUDE THE IDENTIFICATION MODIFIER
MODIFIERS FOR THE CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST OR CERTIFIED
NURSE MIDWIFE THAT INDICATE WHETHER THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED WITH OR
WITHOUT MEDICAL DIRECTION BY A PHYSICIAN.

(c) If the legitimacy or appropriateness of a health care service is disputed, an
insurer or nonprofit health service plan may request additional medical information
that describes and summarizes the diagnosis, treatment, and services rendered to the
insured.

(d) (1) If necessary to determine eligibility for benefits or to determine
coverage, an insurer or nonprofit health service plan may obtain additional
information from its insured, the insured's employer, or any other nonprovider third
party.

(2) If obtaining additional information results in a delay in paying a
claim, the insurer or nonprofit health service plan shall pay interest in accordance
with the provisions of § 15-1005(d) of this subtitle.

(e) The Commissioner may impose a penalty not exceeding $500 on an insurer
or nonprofit health service plan that violates this section.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1999.

Approved May 27, 1999.

CHAPTER 533
(Senate Bill 232)

AN ACT concerning

Immunity - State and Local Governments - Year 2000 Litigation

FOR the purpose of providing that the State or a local government or an official or
employee of a local government is immune under certain circumstances from