910                                            LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 204

WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes that assuring
access to all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay,
involves both the reasonableness of costs as well as availability
of providers; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly is increasingly concerned that
there may exist a need for additional health care services for
the citizens of Worcester County; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes the unique role of
Worcester County as a resort area serving all citizens of the
State; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly believes that it is in the
best interest of all citizens of Maryland that sufficient and
adequate health services are available in Worcester County; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly believes it is feasible to
develop a system of care which addresses health care needs
without jeopardizing the access to care afforded by the Medicare
waiver; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows;

Article - Health - General

19-125.

The Secretary;

(1)  On the Secretary's initiative or on request of a
community or voluntary, nonprofit organization, may do a survey
to identify any area in this State that has a substantial
deficiency in general medical or health care facilities or
services;

(2)  In cooperation with appropriate county and State
groups, may provide the community or organization with counsel
and other help to establish medical or health care facilities and
to recruit medical or health care staff in that area; and

(3)  If the efforts under item (2) of this section are
unsuccessful, may provide the facilities or staff by contract
with one or more physicians, hospitals, or other medical groups
or personnel.

19-126.

(A) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POWERS OF THE SECRETARY UNDER §
19-125 OF THIS SUBTITLE, AND IN COOPERATION WITH THE COMMISSION,
THE SECRETARY SHALL MAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH CARE
DEFICIENCIES IN WORCESTER COUNTY.