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2006 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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Ch. 256
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certain rate of change as recommended by the Community Services
Reimbursement Rate Commission; requiring that certain adjustments be made
to meet the needs of certain individuals; prohibiting the annual rate of change
from exceeding a certain maximum rate; defining certain terms; and generally
relating to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and fees paid to
community developmental disabilities and mental health services providers.
BY adding to
Article - Health - General
Section 16-201.2
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2005 Replacement Volume and 2005 Supplement)
Preamble
WHEREAS. Annual cost-of-living adjustments to reimbursement rates paid for
community-based developmental disability and mental health services are necessary
for quality care; and
WHEREAS, Annual cost-of-living adjustments have not been a routine part of
rate-setting for community mental health services or community developmental
disability services: and
WHEREAS, The last inflationary increase in rates for community
developmental disability services was fiscal 2002 and, until the fiscal 2007 budget
allowance, the last inflationary rate increase for community mental health services
was prior to the implementation of the Medicaid managed care waiver program in
1997; and
WHEREAS. The lack of regular cost-of-living adjustments in rates paid to
community mental health and developmental disability providers is eroding service
quality, reducing access to essential care, and deepening an already severe workforce
crisis: and
WHEREAS, Whether by statute, regulation, or practice, annual cost-of-living
adjustments are built into the reimbursement rates of other major providers of public
health services, including community hospitals, community health centers, nursing
homes, and medical daycare centers; and
WHEREAS. Making annual adjustments for cost of living in rates for
community mental health and developmental disability services would not only
correct a long-standing rate-setting inequity but also help ensure quality care for
persons with psychiatric and developmental disabilities; now, therefore.
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
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- 1492 -
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