1514                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                     Ch. 109

(1982 Volume and 1984 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article - Health - General

Section 19-114.1, 19-115(n) and (c), 19-118(j), 19-118(e),

19-123, 19-207.2, 19-325, and 19-326, and 19-326.1,

and 19-331
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Volume and 1984 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article - Commercial Law

Section 11-203(13)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1983 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 41 - Governor - Executive and Administrative

Departments
Section 206E

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 43C - Maryland Health and Higher Educational

Facilities Authority
Section 16A

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, Initiatives by the third party payors and hospitals
in response to the escalation in health care costs and apparent
changes in medical practice have contributed to a dramatic
decline in the utilization of hospital services; and

WHEREAS, The decline in the utilization of hospital services
has led to a significant increase in excess capacity in Maryland
hospitals; and

WHEREAS, There are large costs associated with the
maintenance of excess hospital capacity and excess capacity can
result in an increase of inappropriate utilization of hospital
services; and