PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 605

BY adding to

Article - Health - General

Section 19-710(r) 15-102.2 and 19-710.2

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1990 Replacement Volume and 1994 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, Numerous public opinion surveys on health care reform identify the
choice of one's own individual health care provider as the number one concern of the
public; and

WHEREAS, The only effective way to ensure provider accountability and the
continued high quality of care provided to patients is to promote the ability of patients to
freely select providers and for providers to maintain ongoing professional relationships
with their patients regardless of their network or panel affiliation; and

WHEREAS, Insurance networks with restricted panels of providers may create
artificial barriers for patients to receive quality health care from providers of their choice;
and

WHEREAS, Restrictive panels require patients to accept services from providers
and facilities located many miles distant from their residences, which causes a great
hardship to themselves and their families; now, therefore,

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

Article 48A—Insurance Code

361-I.

THE PROVISIONS OF § 490BB OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL APPLY TO ALL
NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLANS.

490BB.

(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS
INDICATED.

(2) "CARRIER" MEANS:

(I) AN INSURER;

(II) A NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN;

(III) A HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION;

(IV)   A DENTAL PLAN ORGANIZATION; OR

(V)    ANY PERSON ACTING AS A THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR.

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