2800                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 734

INSTITUTION DEFINED IN § 19-301 OF THE HEALTH - GENERAL ARTICLE
ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE PROPER FILING OF
A CLAIM TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION.

(2)  (I) IF AN INSURER FAILS TO COMPLY WITH PARAGRAPH
(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE INSURER SHALL PAY INTEREST ON THAT
AMOUNT OF THE CLAIM THAT REMAINS UNPAID 30 DAYS AFTER THE FILING
OF THE CLAIM.

(II) THE INTEREST PAID UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH
SHALL BE AT THE RATE OF 1 1/2 PERCENT PER MONTH.

(3)  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBSECTION DO NOT APPLY TO
CLAIMS WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THERE IS A GOOD FAITH DISPUTE
REGARDING THE LEGITIMACY OF THE CLAIM OR THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT
OF REIMBURSEMENT.

[(b)] (C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)
of this section, unless the policy, contract, or certificate
expressly provides for reimbursement for any service which is
within the lawful scope of practice of a dietitian licensed under
the Health Occupations Article, the provisions of Title 4.5 of
the Health Occupations Article governing the licensing and
regulation of dietitians may not be construed to entitle the
insured or any other person covered by the policy, contract, or
certificate to reimbursement for any service which is within the
lawful scope of practice of a licensed dietitian.

[(c)] (D) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)
of this section, unless the policy, contract, or certificate
expressly provides for reimbursement for any service which is
within the lawful scope of practice of a certified professional
counselor under the Health Occupations Article, the provisions of
Title 15.5 of the Health Occupations Article governing the
certification and regulation of professional counselors may not
be construed to entitle the insured or any other person covered
by the policy, contract, or certificate to reimbursement for any
service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a
certified professional counselor.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1986.

Approved May 27, 1986.