ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 459

Article - Health - General

Section 19-706(zz)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(2000 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

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

Article - Insurance

15-713.

(A) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, OR BLANKET HEALTH
INSURANCE POLICIES AND CONTRACTS DELIVERED OR ISSUED FOR DELIVERY IN
THE STATE BY INSURERS, NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLANS, AND HEALTH
MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

.(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of an individual, group, or blanket
health insurance policy OR CONTRACT SUBJECT TO THIS SECTION, if the policy OR
CONTRACT provides for reimbursement for a service that is within the lawful scope of
practice of a licensed podiatrist, the insured or any other person covered by OR
ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT UNDER the policy OR CONTRACT is entitled to THE
SAME AMOUNT OF reimbursement for the service regardless of whether the service is
performed by a physician or licensed podiatrist.

(C) THIS SECTION DOES NOT PROHIBIT, AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED AS
PROHIBITING, THE DETERMINATION OF REIMBURSEMENT BASED ON THE
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE DELIVERY OF SERVICE, THE PREEMINENT
QUALIFICATIONS OF A PHYSICIAN OR PODIATRIST, OR THE NEED TO PROVIDE
SERVICES IN AN UNDERSERVED AREA OF THE STATE.

Article - Health - General

19-706.

(ZZ) THE PROVISIONS OF § 15-713 OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE APPLY TO
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Maryland Insurance
Administration shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the
State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before October 1, 2006 on
the effect of this Act, including fees paid to podiatrists and physicians, health
insurance premiums, podiatrist and physician participation in third party payer
programs, and any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action.

SECTION 3. 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act applies to
all policies and contracts subject to this Act that are delivered, issued for delivery, or
renewed in the State on or after October 1, 2004.

SECTION 4. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect October 1, 2004.

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