Ch. 466                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(ii) Acquisition of a health care facility if, at least 30 days before
making the contractual arrangement to acquire the facility, written notice of the intent to
make the arrangement is filed with the Commission and the Commission does not find,
within 30 days after the Commission receives notice, that the health services or bed
capacity of the facility will be changed;

(iii) Acquisition of business or office equipment that is not directly
related to patient care;

(iv) Capital expenditures to the extent that they are directly related to
the acquisition and installation of major medical equipment;

(v) A capital expenditure made as part of a consolidation or merger of
2 or more health care facilities, or conversion of a health care facility or part of a facility
to a nonhealth-related use if:

1.       At least 45 days before an expenditure is made, written
notice of intent is filed with the Commission;

2.       Within 45 days of receiving notice, the Commission in its sole
discretion finds that the proposed consolidation, merger, or conversion:

A.      Is not inconsistent with the State health plan or the
institution-specific plan developed by the Commission as appropriate;

B.      Will result in the delivery of more efficient and effective
health care services; and

C.      Is in the public interest; and

3.       Within 45 days of receiving notice, the Commission shall
notify the health care facility of its finding;

(vi) A capital expenditure by a nursing home for equipment,
construction, or renovation that:

1.       Is not directly related to patient care; and

2.       Is not directly related to any change in patient charges or
other rates;

(vii) A capital expenditure by a hospital, as defined in § 19-301 of this
title, for equipment, construction, or renovation that:

1.       Is not directly related to patient care; and

2.       Does not increase patient charges or hospital rates;

(viii) A capital expenditure by a hospital as defined in § 19-301 of this
title, for a project in excess of $1,250,000 for construction or renovation that:

1. May be related to patient care;

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