2006                                         LAWS OF MARYLAND                                     Ch. 565

(A) THE UNIT MAY IMPLEMENT AN EDUCATIONAL AND ADVOCACY
PROGRAM DESIGNED TO:

(1) ENABLE HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS TO MAKE MORE
INFORMED CHOICES IN THE HEALTH MARKETPLACE, AND TO BE ABLE TO
PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONS CONCERNING THEIR HEALTH CARE; AND

(2) OTHERWISE PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF HEALTH
CONSUMERS IN THE HEALTH MARKETPLACE.

(B) (1) THE UNIT MAY ASSIST HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS IN
UNDERSTANDING THEIR HEALTH CARE BILLS AND THIRD PARTY COVERAGE,
IN IDENTIFYING IMPROPER BILLING OR COVERAGE DETERMINATIONS, AND
IN REPORTING ANY BILLING OR COVERAGE PROBLEMS TO APPROPRIATE
ENTITIES, INCLUDING THE DIVISION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, INSURERS, OR PROVIDERS.

(2) WHENEVER ANY BILLING OR COVERAGE QUESTION

CONCERNS THE ADEQUACY OR PROPRIETY OF ANY SERVICES OR TREATMENT,

THE UNIT SHALL REFER THE MATTER TO AN APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL,

LICENSING, OR DISCIPLINARY BODY, AS APPLICABLE. THE UNIT MAY

MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THE CONCERNS RAISED BY HEALTH CONSUMERS
THROUGH SUCH REFERRALS.

(3) WHENEVER ANY BILLING OR COVERAGE QUESTION
CONCERNS A MATTER WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE INSURANCE
COMMISSIONER, THE UNIT SHALL REFER THE MATTER TO THE
COMMISSIONER. THE UNIT MAY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THE CONCERNS
RAISED BY HEALTH CONSUMERS THROUGH SUCH REFERRALS.

(4) THE UNIT SHALL WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND MENTAL HYGIENE TO ASSIST WITH RESOLVING ANY BILLING OR
COVERAGE QUESTIONS AS NECESSARY.

(C) THE UNIT MAY;

(1) RECOMMEND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE GOVERNOR,
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
ANY MEASURES THAT WILL PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF HEALTH CONSUMERS
IN THE HEALTH MARKET PLACE; AND

(2) PRESENT FOR CONSIDERATION RELEVANT INFORMATION ON
THE EFFECTS ON HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS GENERALLY IN ANY AGENCY
PROCEEDING WHICH IS OTHERWISE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

(D) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL MEAN THAT THE UNIT MAY
HAVE AUTHORITY TO BRING ANY CIVIL ACTION SEEKING REVIEW OF A
STATE AGENCY DETERMINATION.

13-4A-03.

TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE SHALL
INCLUDE IN ITS ANNUAL BUDGET FUNDS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND
OPERATION OF THE UNIT.