Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1863

Resolved, That copies of the Resolution be sent to the Governor's
Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice.

Approved May 17, 1971.

No. 61
(House Joint Resolution 34)

House Joint Resolution requesting the Governor to appoint a Com-
mission LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL to study the need for legisla-
tion to provide adequate insurance coverage for outpatient medical
services at institutions within the State.

Whereas, Many medical insurers provide coverage for inpatient
hospital services that are not covered on an outpatient basis; and

Whereas, Many hospital services that are performed on an
inpatient basis could easily, and more efficiently, be performed on an
outpatient basis, not the least of which include simple tonsillec-
tomies, many simple, but vital surgical procedures, and a myriad of
preventative diagnostic laboratory procedures; and

Whereas, quite often persons postpone necessary hospital services,
even when such a delay poses a danger to their health and the public
health, because these services are too expensive on an outpatient
basis, and accordingly they wait for hospital space so they can
take advantage of their inpatient hospital coverage; and

Whereas, adequate insurance coverage for outpatient hospital
services could produce a reduction in inpatient load at hospitals
within the State, thereby lowering the overall costs of hospital care;
and

Whereas, extending health services and lowering the overall costs
of medical care are beneficial to insurers and the public at large; now,
therefore be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Governor
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL be requested to appoint a commission to
study the need for legislation to provide adequate insurance cover-
age for outpatient medical services; and be it further.

Resolved, That this commission should consist of: representatives
of the insurance industry; the Insurance Commissioner; representa-
tives of the State Medical Society; representatives from hospital
administration staffs throughout the State; and any other citizens
that the Governor may deem appropriate; and be it further

Resolved, That this commission should issue its report to the

General Assembly and to the Governor prior to the beginning of the
1972 Legislative Session.

Approved May 17, 1971.