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ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor Ch. 272
(1) INSURERS AND NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLANS THAT PROVIDE
HOSPITAL, MEDICAL, OR SURGICAL BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS UNDER
HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES THAT ARE ISSUED OR DELIVERED IN THE STATE; AND
(2) HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE HOSPITAL,
MEDICAL, OR SURGICAL BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS OR CROUPS UNDER CONTRACTS
THAT ARE ISSUED OR DELIVERED IN THE STATE.
(B) IF AN INSURED INDIVIDUAL IS TRANSPORTED BETWEEN HOSPITALS BY
HELICOPTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE COVERED SERVICES THAT ARE NOT IN
RESPONSE TO AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION, THE HELICOPTER
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER MAY NOT BILL OR SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE
INSURED FOR ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE ENTITY
SUBJECT TO THIS SECTION FOR THE HELICOPTER TRANSPORTATION REGARDLESS
OF WHETHER THE PROVIDER IS UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE ENTITY SUBJECT TO
THIS SECTION
(a) The Maryland Health Care Commission, in conjunction with the Health
Services Cost Review Commission and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical
Services Systems, and with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General, shall
study:
(1) the financial aspects of inter-hospital patient transfer and scene
transport by air ambulance services operating in Maryland, including:
(i) the types and costs of operations;
(ii) charges for services provided, including billing practices; and
(iii) reimbursement by payors;
(2) state and federal laws applicable to the operation of air ambulance
services in the State: and
(3) mechanisms available to the State to regulate financial aspects of air
ambulance services and to ensure cost-effective use of air ambulance services for
inter-hospital patient transfer and scene transport.
(b) On or before December 1, 2006, the Maryland Health Care Commission,
the Health Services Cost Review Commission, and the Maryland Institute for
Emergency Medical Services Systems shall submit a report on the study and any
findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of
the State Government Article, to the Senate Finance Committee and the House
Health and Government Operations Committee.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October July 1, 2006.
Approved May 2, 2006.
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