HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                     1523

(2) Unless the Commission orders otherwise in
conformity to this section, a change in the rate schedule or
charge is effective on the date that the notice specifies. That
effective date shall be at least 30 days after the date on which
the notice is filed.

(b)  (1) Commission review of a proposed change may not
exceed 150 days after the notice is filed.

(2)  The Commission may hold a public hearing to
consider the notice.

(3)  If the Commission decides to hold a public
hearing, the Commission:

(i) Within 65 days after the filing of the
notice, shall set a place and date for the hearing; and

(ii) May suspend the effective date of any
proposed change until 30 days after conclusion of the hearing.

(4)  If the Commission suspends the effective date of
a proposed change, the Commission shall give the facility a
written statement of the reasons for the suspension.

(5)  The Commission:

(i) May conduct the public hearing without
complying with formal rules of evidence; and

(ii) Shall allow any interested party to
introduce evidence that relates to the proposed change, including
testimony by witnesses.

(c) (1) The Commission may permit a facility to change any
rate or charge temporarily, if the Commission considers it to be
in the public interest.

(2)  An approved temporary change becomes effective
immediately on filing.

(3)  Under the review procedures of this section, the
Commission promptly shall consider the reasonableness of the
temporary change.

(d)  If the Commission modifies a proposed change or
approves only part of a proposed change, a facility, without
losing its right to appeal the part of the Commission order that
denies full approval of the proposed change, may:

(1)  Charge its patients according to the decision of
the Commission; and

(2)  Accept any benefits under that decision.