HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3509

(III) I. THE OFFICE OF ONE OR MORE PRIVATE
PHYSICIANS, PODIATRISTS, OR DENTISTS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH
OFFICE IS ELIGIBLE OR RECEIVES REIMBURSEMENT FROM THIRD PARTY
PAYORS AS AN AMBULATORY SURGICAL FACILITY OR CENTER, IF THAT
OFFICE PROVIDES SERVICES ONLY WITHIN A SINGLE MEDICAL OR SURGICAL
SUBSPECIALTY AS DETERMINED BY THE HEALTH RESOURCES PLANNING
COMMISSION IN REGULATION, IF THE OFFICE IS USED ONLY FOR THE
PHYSICIAN'S PATIENTS OR PATIENTS OF THE GROUP, AND IF THE OFFICE
INCLUDES NOT MORE THAN 4 SURGICAL SUITES.

1. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH
SUBSPECIALTY INCLUDES OPHTHALMOLOGY.

(f)  "Health service area" means an area of this State that
the Governor designates as appropriate for planning and
developing of health services.

(g)  "Local health planning agency" means a body that the
Commission designates to perform health planning and development
functions for a health service area.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act may not
apply to any situation in which on or prior to February 12, 1986,
(i) a person is certified by Medicare to receive reimbursement at
as an ambulatory surgical facility or center; or (ii) an

uncontested a determination has been made pursuant to COMAR

10.24.01.11 that a certificate of need is not required and not
less than $100,000 of obligations have been incurred in reliance
on that determination. This section may not be construed so as
to preempt the disposition of any motion for reconsideration
filed with the Health Resources Planning Commission on or prior
to February 28, 1986.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Joint
Committee on Health Care Cost Containment shall study the effects
of this Act and shall report its findings and recommendations to
the General Assembly on or before January 1, 1988.

SECTION 2. 3. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the
intent of the General Assembly that this Act be construed

retroactively to January 1, 1986. However, the retroactive

application of the provisions of this Act does not in any way
create a liability under any other Acts of the General Assembly.

SECTION 3. 4. 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1986.

Approved May 27, 1986.