1286

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 108

(f)  Health service area.

"Health service area" means an area of this State that
the Governor, with the approval of the United States
Secretary of Health and Human Services, designates under
the Federal Act as appropriate for planning and developing
of health services.

(g)  Health systems agency.

"Health systems agency" means a body that the United
States Secretary of Health and Human Services, after
consultation with the Governor, designates under the Federal
Act to plan and develop health resources for a health
service area.

(h) State agency.

"State agency" means the State Health Planning and
Development Agency.]

[19-102.

(a)  Findings.

The General Assembly finds that:

(1)   It is a priority of this State to assure its
citizens equal access to quality health care at a reasonable
cost; and

(2)  The citizens of this State have a
fundamental interest in planning the development of quality
health services within each health service area.

(b)  Recognition of Federal Act.

This State recognizes the Federal Act and any amendment
to the Federal Act that does not require State legislation
to be effective.]

[19-103.

There is a State Health Planning and Development Agency
in the Department.]

[19-104.

(a)  Position and appointment.

The head of the State agency is the Executive Director,
who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice of
the Secretary.

(b)  Duties.